Nikki Coghill

Contextual Determinants of Alcohol Consumption Changes and Preventive Alcohol Policies: A 12-Country European Study in Progress

Beginning with France in the 1950s, alcohol consumption has decreased in Southern European countries with few or no preventive alcohol policy measures being implemented, while alcohol consumption has been increasing in Northern European countries where historically more restrictive alcohol control policies were in place, even though more recently they were loosened. At the same time, Central and Eastern Europe have shown an intermediate behavior. We propose that country-specific changes in alcohol consumption between 1960 and are explained by a combination of a number of factors: (1) preventive alcohol policies and (2) social, cultural, economic, and demographic determinants. This article describes the methodology of a research study designed to understand the complex interactions that have occurred throughout Europe over the past five decades. These include changes in alcohol consumption, drinking patterns and alcohol-related harm, and the actual determinants of such changes.

Motivators and de-motivators for adherence to a program of sustained walking

OBJECTIVE To investigate motivators, de-motivators and adherence to regular physical activity during and at six months after participation in a 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) of walking. DESIGN Purposive sampling in a group of men who participated in a RCT of supported, home-based walking in Bristol, England, between December 2002 and June 2005. METHOD 38 sedentary, hypercholesterolemic men (54.8 (5.0) years) who participated in a 12-week RCT of walking with regular professional support, were interviewed by telephone six months after the RCT. RESULTS Health or fitness were the main motivational themes for adherence to walking during the RCT. Six-months after the RCT, 27 participants were still doing some walking and 18 were more physically active than before the RCT. In those who were still physically active, health benefits were motivators for adherence. In those who were less active, lack of time was a de-motivator with external support identified as a motivator for becoming more active. CONCLUSION Health was the main motivating factor for adherence to physical activity during and after the supported RCT. Lack of external support was a de-motivator for sustaining physical activity.

The effect of a home-based walking program on risk factors for coronary heart disease in hypercholesterolaemic men.: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Hypercholesterolaemia and physical inactivity significantly contribute towards risk of coronary heart disease. Increased physical activity may be an effective way to improve lipid profiles in hypercholesterolaemic individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a home-based physical activity program meeting current guidelines improved the lipid profile of hypercholesterolaemic men. METHODS Sixty-seven hypercholesterolaemic men (55.1 (4.9) years), from Bristol England, recruited between 2002-2004, were randomized to either 12 weeks of brisk walking sufficient to expend at least 300 kcal each walk or control condition. Fasting lipids including total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), glucose, insulin, blood pressure and anthropometric characteristics were measured at baseline and follow-up. Compliance was monitored using accelerometers and activity logs. RESULTS After controlling for baseline differences, TC/HDL-C was significantly lower in the intervention group at follow-up (-0.28, 95% CI: -0.52, -0.03, p=0.03). An increase in HDL-C (0.07 mmol/l: -0.01, 0.12, p=0.07) and reduction in TG (-0.30 mmol/l: -0.64, 0.03, p=0.07) in intervention participants were of borderline statistical significance. Weight significantly decreased in intervention participants (-1.40 kg: -2.43, -0.38, p<0.01). No other significant between group effects were found. Compliance to the walking program was 97.6%. CONCLUSIONS Twelve weeks of moderate intensity walking was sufficient to improve TC/HDL-C in hypercholesterolaemic men, primarily through improvement in HDL-C.

The prevalence of latent myofascial trigger points and diagnostic criteria of the triceps surae and upper trapezius:a cross sectional study

OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), specific diagnostic criteria and the association between gender and MTrP prevalence in the triceps surae and upper trapezius. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING University, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred and twenty healthy volunteers (132 females and 88 males; mean age 29.7 (SD 11.0). INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence of latent MTrPs in the triceps surae and comparative upper trapezius; specific diagnostic criteria and pressure pain threshold (PPT). RESULTS Latent MTrPs were prevalent in all triceps surae (range: 13 to 30%), left upper trapezius (23%) and right upper trapezius (20%). No MTrPs (0%) identified in the middle fibres of deltoid. For each specific diagnostic criterion, taut bands were most prevalent in the right gastrocnemius medial head (81%); tender spot in left gastrocnemius medial head (52%) and nodules in the right upper trapezius (35%). Local twitch response (0.5%), the least frequent diagnostic criterion was only found in the left gastocnemius medial head. A significant increase in latent MTrP prevalence for females compared to males in five of the six triceps surae MTrP sites, with no significant association for gender and latent MTrP prevalence in the left or right upper trapezius. CONCLUSIONS This study established the prevalence of latent MTrPs, specific diagnostic criteria and baseline normative data in the triceps surae. The middle fibres of deltoid were identified as a potential MTrP control site for future clinical research in the upper limb.

Myofascial trigger point therapy for triceps surae dysfunction: A case series

AIMS The main aim of the case series was to inform further experimental research to determine the effectiveness of myofascial trigger point (MTrP) therapy for the treatment of triceps surae dysfunction. PARTICIPANTS Ten participants with triceps surae dysfunction were recruited (4 females and 6 males); mean age±standard deviation=43±7.1 years. METHODS Participants were screened for inclusion/exclusion criteria and the following outcomes measures were assessed at baseline and discharge; lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), verbal numerical rating scale (NRS), MTrP prevalence, ankle dorsiflexion range of movement (ROM) and pressure pain threshold (PPT). Intervention involved trigger point (TrP) pressure release, self MTrP release and a home stretching programme. RESULTS There was a high prevalence of active/latent MTrPs and possible myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) for all 10 participants at baseline. Active MTrP prevalence decreased to 0%, while latent MTrPs were still present at discharge. There were positive changes in most outcome measures (LEFS, NRS, ROM and PPT) for all 10 participants. Short term to medium term treatment outcomes (6 week post discharge) showed an overall mean LEFS increase of 11 points from 61/80 at baseline to 72/80 at discharge. CONCLUSION This case series suggests that a brief course of multimodal MTrP therapy would be helpful for some patients with sub-acute or chronic calf pain. Important preliminary data was gathered, that will inform more rigorous research in this under investigated area.

Use of Morphometry to Quantify Osteolysis after Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background Progressive osteolysis threatens the longevity of hip arthroplasties and radiographic review is recommended. Measurement of osteolytic lesions in a clinical setting has not been achieved easily in the past. Other radiologic investigations provide accurate information but cost and risk to the patient prohibit their use in routine review. Questions/purposes We developed a simple, reliable tool to be used in hip arthroplasty review to quantify osteolytic changes seen on plain film radiographs. Methods A morphometric grid was developed and tested on simulated and actual osteolytic lesions. Four health professionals measured lesions on each of two occasions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were calculated and Bland-Altman plots were constructed for graphic analysis. Results The ICCs for interobserver reliability on the simulated and actual osteolytic lesions were in the range 0.90 to 0.96. The values for intraobserver (test-retest) reliability were 0.97 to 0.98. The Bland-Altman plots confirmed agreement and in each case, proximity of the mean to zero indicated no significant bias. Conclusions The data show a morphometric grid is reliable for measuring osteolytic changes after hip arthroplasty. Clinical Relevance This tool has potential to improve monitoring processes for hip arthroplasty and to be useful in future research studies. Additional work is needed to test for validity and clinical importance of the measurements obtained.BackgroundProgressive osteolysis threatens the longevity of hip arthroplasties and radiographic review is recommended. Measurement of osteolytic lesions in a clinical setting has not been achieved easily in the past. Other radiologic investigations provide accurate information but cost and risk to the patient prohibit their use in routine review.Questions/purposesWe developed a simple, reliable tool to be used in hip arthroplasty review to quantify osteolytic changes seen on plain film radiographs.MethodsA morphometric grid was developed and tested on simulated and actual osteolytic lesions. Four health professionals measured lesions on each of two occasions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were calculated and Bland-Altman plots were constructed for graphic analysis.ResultsThe ICCs for interobserver reliability on the simulated and actual osteolytic lesions were in the range 0.90 to 0.96. The values for intraobserver (test-retest) reliability were 0.97 to 0.98. The Bland-Altman plots confirmed agreement and in each case, proximity of the mean to zero indicated no significant bias.ConclusionsThe data show a morphometric grid is reliable for measuring osteolytic changes after hip arthroplasty.Clinical RelevanceThis tool has potential to improve monitoring processes for hip arthroplasty and to be useful in future research studies. Additional work is needed to test for validity and clinical importance of the measurements obtained.

Experiences of patients and healthcare professionals of NHS cardiovascular health checks: a qualitative study.

Background NHS Health Checks are a national cardiovascular risk assessment and management programme in England and Wales. We examined the experiences of patients attending and healthcare professionals (HCPs) conducting NHS Health Checks. Methods Interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 28 patients and 16 HCPs recruited from eight general practices across a range of socio-economic localities. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, anonymized and analysed thematically. Results Patients were motivated to attend an NHS Health Check because of health beliefs, the perceived value of the programme, a family history of cardiovascular and other diseases and expectations of receiving a general health assessment. Some patients reported benefits including reassurance and reinforcement of healthy lifestyles. Others experienced confusion and frustration about how results and advice were communicated, some having a poor understanding of the implications of their results. HCPs raised concerns about the skill set of some staff to competently communicate risk and lifestyle information. Conclusions To improve the satisfaction of patients attending and improve facilitation of lifestyle change, HCPs conducting the NHS Health Checks require sufficient training to equip them with appropriate skills and knowledge to deliver the service effectively.

The provision of NHS health checks in a community setting: an ethnographic account

BackgroundThe UK National Health Service Health Checks programme aims to reduce avoidable cardiovascular deaths, disability and health inequalities in England. However, due to the reported lower uptake of screening in specific black and minority ethnic communities who are recognised as being more at risk of cardiovascular disease, there are concerns that NHS Health Checks may increase inequalities in health. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of community outreach NHS Health Checks targeted at the Afro-Caribbean community.MethodsThis paper reports findings from an ethnographic study including direct observation of four outreach events in four different community venues in inner-city Bristol, England and follow up semi-structured interviews with attendees (n = 16) and staff (n = 4). Interviews and field notes were transcribed, anonymized and analysed thematically using a process of constant comparison.ResultsAnalysis revealed the value of community assets (community engagement workers, churches, and community centres) to publicise the event and engage community members. People were motivated to attend for preventative reasons, often prompted by familial experience of cardiovascular disease. Attendees valued outreach NHS Health Checks, reinforcing or prompting some to make healthy lifestyle changes. The NHS Health Check provided an opportunity for attendees to raise other health concerns with health staff and to discuss their test results with peers. For some participants, the communication of test results, risk and lifestyle information was confusing and unwelcome. The findings additionally highlight the need to ensure community venues are fit for purpose in terms of assuring confidentiality.ConclusionsOutreach events provide evidence of how local health partnerships (family practice staff and health trainers) and community assets, including informal networks, can enhance the delivery of outreach NHS Health Checks and in promoting the health of targeted communities. To deliver NHS Health Checks effectively, the location and timing of events needs to be carefully considered and staff need to be provided with the appropriate training to ensure patients are supported and enabled to make lifestyle changes.

Development of morphometry to quantify radiological osteolysis following total hip replacement. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

Background Progressive osteolysis threatens the longevity of hip arthroplasties and radiographic review is recommended. Measurement of osteolytic lesions in a clinical setting has not been achieved easily in the past. Other radiologic investigations provide accurate information but cost and risk to the patient prohibit their use in routine review. Questions/purposes We developed a simple, reliable tool to be used in hip arthroplasty review to quantify osteolytic changes seen on plain film radiographs. Methods A morphometric grid was developed and tested on simulated and actual osteolytic lesions. Four health professionals measured lesions on each of two occasions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were calculated and Bland-Altman plots were constructed for graphic analysis. Results The ICCs for interobserver reliability on the simulated and actual osteolytic lesions were in the range 0.90 to 0.96. The values for intraobserver (test-retest) reliability were 0.97 to 0.98. The Bland-Altman plots confirmed agreement and in each case, proximity of the mean to zero indicated no significant bias. Conclusions The data show a morphometric grid is reliable for measuring osteolytic changes after hip arthroplasty. Clinical Relevance This tool has potential to improve monitoring processes for hip arthroplasty and to be useful in future research studies. Additional work is needed to test for validity and clinical importance of the measurements obtained.BackgroundProgressive osteolysis threatens the longevity of hip arthroplasties and radiographic review is recommended. Measurement of osteolytic lesions in a clinical setting has not been achieved easily in the past. Other radiologic investigations provide accurate information but cost and risk to the patient prohibit their use in routine review.Questions/purposesWe developed a simple, reliable tool to be used in hip arthroplasty review to quantify osteolytic changes seen on plain film radiographs.MethodsA morphometric grid was developed and tested on simulated and actual osteolytic lesions. Four health professionals measured lesions on each of two occasions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were calculated and Bland-Altman plots were constructed for graphic analysis.ResultsThe ICCs for interobserver reliability on the simulated and actual osteolytic lesions were in the range 0.90 to 0.96. The values for intraobserver (test-retest) reliability were 0.97 to 0.98. The Bland-Altman plots confirmed agreement and in each case, proximity of the mean to zero indicated no significant bias.ConclusionsThe data show a morphometric grid is reliable for measuring osteolytic changes after hip arthroplasty.Clinical RelevanceThis tool has potential to improve monitoring processes for hip arthroplasty and to be useful in future research studies. Additional work is needed to test for validity and clinical importance of the measurements obtained.

Development of morphometry to quantify radiological osteolysis following total hip replacement

Background Progressive osteolysis threatens the longevity of hip arthroplasties and radiographic review is recommended. Measurement of osteolytic lesions in a clinical setting has not been achieved easily in the past. Other radiologic investigations provide accurate information but cost and risk to the patient prohibit their use in routine review. Questions/purposes We developed a simple, reliable tool to be used in hip arthroplasty review to quantify osteolytic changes seen on plain film radiographs. Methods A morphometric grid was developed and tested on simulated and actual osteolytic lesions. Four health professionals measured lesions on each of two occasions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were calculated and Bland-Altman plots were constructed for graphic analysis. Results The ICCs for interobserver reliability on the simulated and actual osteolytic lesions were in the range 0.90 to 0.96. The values for intraobserver (test-retest) reliability were 0.97 to 0.98. The Bland-Altman plots confirmed agreement and in each case, proximity of the mean to zero indicated no significant bias. Conclusions The data show a morphometric grid is reliable for measuring osteolytic changes after hip arthroplasty. Clinical Relevance This tool has potential to improve monitoring processes for hip arthroplasty and to be useful in future research studies. Additional work is needed to test for validity and clinical importance of the measurements obtained.BackgroundProgressive osteolysis threatens the longevity of hip arthroplasties and radiographic review is recommended. Measurement of osteolytic lesions in a clinical setting has not been achieved easily in the past. Other radiologic investigations provide accurate information but cost and risk to the patient prohibit their use in routine review.Questions/purposesWe developed a simple, reliable tool to be used in hip arthroplasty review to quantify osteolytic changes seen on plain film radiographs.MethodsA morphometric grid was developed and tested on simulated and actual osteolytic lesions. Four health professionals measured lesions on each of two occasions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities were calculated and Bland-Altman plots were constructed for graphic analysis.ResultsThe ICCs for interobserver reliability on the simulated and actual osteolytic lesions were in the range 0.90 to 0.96. The values for intraobserver (test-retest) reliability were 0.97 to 0.98. The Bland-Altman plots confirmed agreement and in each case, proximity of the mean to zero indicated no significant bias.ConclusionsThe data show a morphometric grid is reliable for measuring osteolytic changes after hip arthroplasty.Clinical RelevanceThis tool has potential to improve monitoring processes for hip arthroplasty and to be useful in future research studies. Additional work is needed to test for validity and clinical importance of the measurements obtained.