Bond launches first global study into stand-up paddleboard injuries
Bond University is partnering with international governing body Stand Up Paddle Athletes Association (SUPAA) to launch the first worldwide study into stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) practices and injuries.
Dr James Furness, Assistant Professor of Physiotherapy at Bond University, said he was keen to recruit as many stand-up paddlers as possible—of all ages and abilities—to participate in the groundbreaking research study, which can be completed online in just 5–10 minutes.
“Less than 10 years ago, virtually no one had heard of stand-up paddleboarding, but the growth of SUP as a recreational activity and a sport worldwide—and particularly here in Australia—has been nothing short of phenomenal,” Assistant Professor Furness said.
“SUP is now widely described as the fastest growing aquatic sport in the world, but because it is still a relatively new sport, it is considerably under-researched.
“There is no published data specific to injuries associated with the sport, and most of what we do know is anecdotal.
“At this point in time, we’re not sure if there are any areas of the body that are more prone to injury through SUP, or even whether injuries are being incurred in or out of the water, for example when people are transporting their paddles from the car to the water.
“The aim of this research is not just to investigate the type, nature and location of SUP injuries, but also learn more about how people participate in the sport.
“For example where and when people paddle; whether they paddle solo, with a buddy or in groups; what type of board they use; and whether they receive any instruction on how to paddle first.
“Our ultimate aim for the research findings is to build a foundation for injury prevention strategies, which will benefit the hundreds of thousands of men, women and children worldwide who love and participate in SUP.
“To ensure we retain a true representation of the SUP population, we invite all stand-up paddle boarders, with or without a current or past injury from SUP, to participate in our study.”
The online study takes 5–10 minutes to complete and can be found here: https://bond.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0IKqTEGI9SW4Vz7
All information provided will remain anonymous.
This latest research from Bond University’s Water Based Research Unit, follows on from research undertaken by Assistant Professor Ben Schram in 2014 into the benefits of stand-up paddle boarding for fitness, core strength, balance and back pain.
Bond University Doctor of Physiotherapy Program
The Doctor of Physiotherapy program offers an innovative problem based learning model of physiotherapy education to prepare entry level physiotherapists for their roles and responsibilities as first contact practitioners. The physical therapy program at Bond embraces a holistic approach, with a strong emphasis on communication skills, ethics and preventative management. Extensive clinical training ensures graduates will be able to effectively relate to and treat patients and clients on every level.
Program: Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT)
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
Semester intake: May 2017
Duration: 2 years
Application deadline: TBC by the faculty. For the May 2016 intake, the application deadline was August 14, 2015.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible to apply, you must have
– successfully completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science or Bachelor of Sport Science or equivalent from a recognized institution;
– have achieved a GPA of at least 5.00 on a 7-point scale in your university studies; and
– completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy minimum prerequisite subjects as follows:
- Two semesters of Human Anatomy
- Two semesters of Human Physiology
- One semester of Research/Statistics
- One semester of Physiology of Exercise
- One semester of Biomechanics
- One semester of Exercise Prescription
- Successful performance at a selection interview
Ask A Question
Ask us about your program of interest, or if you have a question about our services.
CONTACT US TODAY