Dr Sarah Blyton
Casual Lecturer
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Career Summary
Biography
Sarah is a physiotherapist and casual academic / research assistant at The University of Newcastle. Sarah has a keen interest in movement science research and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
Sarah completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at The University of Newcastle (UON). During her undergraduate degree, Sarah undertook undertook an honours project: neck kinematics in people with chronic idiopathic neck pain, that first sparked her interest in movement science research. Since completed her undergraduate degree in 2016, she has gained clinical experience in neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, working in private practice, aged care and sport. Sarah has also completed a PhD (Exercise and Sport Science) at UON.
Sarah's PhD focused on understanding how elite and sub-elite athletes move differently following a hamstring injury, using motion-capture technology to quantify running biomechanics and motor control, supervised by Dr Suzi Edwards (UON/University of Sydney), Professor Suzanne Snodgrass (UON) and Associate Professor Tania Pizzari (La Trobe). In addition to her post-graduate research, Sarah completed courses in biostatistics that allowed her to complete more advanced statistics techniques in her PhD.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Biomechanics
- Injury Prevention
- Motor Control
Languages
- English (Mother)
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
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420703 | Motor control | 50 |
420604 | Injury prevention | 25 |
420701 | Biomechanics | 25 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
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Casual Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy Australia |
Awards
Prize
Year | Award |
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2018 |
Best presentation – clinician category Australian Physiotherapy Association |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Journal article (5 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
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2023 |
Blyton SJ, Snodgrass SJ, Pizzari T, Birse SM, Likens AD, Edwards S, 'The impact of previous musculoskeletal injury on running gait variability: A systematic review.', Gait Posture, 101 124-133 (2023) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2023 |
McNally T, Edwards S, Halaki M, O'Dwyer N, Pizzari T, Blyton S, 'Quantifying demands on the hamstrings during high-speed running: A systematic review and meta-analysis.', Scand J Med Sci Sports, 33 2423-2443 (2023) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2022 |
Akhundov R, Saxby DJ, Diamond LE, Edwards S, Clausen P, Dooley K, et al., 'Is subject-specific musculoskeletal modelling worth the extra effort or is generic modelling worth the shortcut?', PLoS ONE, 17 (2022) [C1] The majority of musculoskeletal modelling studies investigating healthy populations use generic models linearly scaled to roughly match an individual¿s anthropometry. Generic mode... [more] The majority of musculoskeletal modelling studies investigating healthy populations use generic models linearly scaled to roughly match an individual¿s anthropometry. Generic models disregard the considerable variation in musculoskeletal geometry and tissue properties between individuals. This study investigated the physiological implications of personalizing musculoskeletal model geometry (body segment mass, inertia, joint center, and maximum isometric muscle force). Nine healthy athletes performed ten repetitions of 15 meter sprints at 75¿95% of their maximum sprinting speed and ten repetitions of unanticipated sidestep cut trials with a 4.5¿5.5 m/s approach running speed. Structural magnetic resonance imaging was collected on the lower extremities, from which subject-specific musculoskeletal models were developed. A one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping paired t-test was used to compare generic and subject-specific musculoskeletal models for: lower-limb kinematics, kinetics, torque matching, as well as hamstrings, adductors, and quadriceps muscle activations and fiber dynamics. Percentage change of geometric parameters between generic and subject-specific models were determined. Compared to generic models, subject-specific models showed significantly lower ankle dorsi/plantar flexion angle during sprinting and several significantly different net joint moments during sprint and cut tasks. Additionally, subject-specific models demonstrated better torque matching, more physiologically plausible fiber lengths, higher fiber velocities, lower muscle forces, and lower simulated activations in a subset of investigated muscles and motor tasks. Furthermore, subject-specific models identified between-limb differences that were not identified with generic models. Use of subject-specific modeling, even in healthy populations, may result in more physiologically plausible muscle fiber mechanics. Implementing subject-specific models may be especially beneficial when investigating populations with substantial geometric between-limb differences, or unilateral musculoskeletal pathologies, as these are not captured by a generic model.
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Nova | |||||||||
2021 |
Dooley K, Drew MK, Snodgrass SJ, Schultz A, McGann T, Blyton S, et al., 'Male basketball players who report hip and groin pain perceive its negative impact both on- and off-court: A cross-sectional study', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 24 660-664 (2021) [C1] Objectives: To identify if basketball players aged <20 years (U20) self-report hip and/or groin pain and if they perceive this as a problem. To determine potential differences ... [more] Objectives: To identify if basketball players aged <20 years (U20) self-report hip and/or groin pain and if they perceive this as a problem. To determine potential differences in self-reported playing (training and match play) loads and Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) between those with and without hip/groin pain. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: Fifty-one pre-elite (state/national representative level) male U20 basketball players (Australian n = 38; Italian n = 13) self-reported current/historical hip/groin ¿discomfort/pain¿ and ¿problems¿, and playing loads. A two-factor regression model was fitted including main effects for hip/groin pain and Cohort and their interaction, with outcome variables playing loads and HAGOS subscale scores and dependent variable hip/groin pain. Results: Twenty-one players (41%) self-reported hip/groin ¿discomfort/pain¿, of which nine perceived no ¿problems¿. Two of these nine players reported training/playing time loss due to pain. Those self-reporting hip/groin discomfort/pain scored lower than those without in HAGOS subscales Symptoms (mean difference in score 8.94; 95%CI -25.24, -5.97), Pain (5.00; -16.42, -2.81), Function in daily living (0.00; -26.72 to -5.59), Function in sport and recreation (6.25; -21.24, -5.33), and hip and/or groin Quality of Life (5.00; -28.63, -8.10), indicating worse hip/groin problems. Participation subscale scores were different only for Italian players (36.25; -51.25, -20.00), with players self-reporting hip/groin discomfort/pain scoring lower. Conclusion: Most players who perceive both hip/groin ¿discomfort/pain¿ and ¿problems¿ also report training/playing time loss, suggesting players¿ perceptions of problematic symptoms and time-loss are associated. Adolescent basketball players perceive hip/groin pain to negatively impact their daily lives and sporting function.
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Nova | |||||||||
2020 |
Blyton SJ, Edwards S, Moghaddas D, de Zoete RMJ, Palazzi K, Oldmeadow C, et al., 'A Pilot Longitudinal Study of 3-Dimensional Head and Neck Kinematics During Functional Tasks in Individuals With Chronic Idiopathic Neck Pain Either Wait-Listed for or Receiving Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Exercise', Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 43 490-505 (2020) [C1] Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between pain and movement kinematics during functional tasks, evaluated over time, in individuals ... [more] Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between pain and movement kinematics during functional tasks, evaluated over time, in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain. Methods: Ten participants with chronic idiopathic neck pain performed 2 functional tasks (overhead reach to the right and putting on a seatbelt) while evaluated using 8 Oqus 300+ cameras. Kinematic variables included joint angles and range of motion (ROM) (°), head segment relative to neck segment (head-neck [HN]); and head/neck segment relative to upper thoracic segment (head/neck-trunk), velocity (m/s), and time (% of movement phase). Pain was quantified using a 100-mm visual analog scale. Linear mixed effects regression models were used to analyze associations between pain and kinematic variables adjusting for treatment group. Results: For overhead reach, higher pain was associated with less HN peak rotation at baseline (ß = ¿0.33; 95% CI -0.52 to ¿0.14, P = .003) and less HN total rotation ROM at 6 months (ß = ¿0.19; 95% CI ¿0.38 to ¿0.003, P = .048). For the seatbelt task, higher pain was associated with less HN peak rotation (ß = ¿0.52; 95% CI -0.74 to ¿0.30 to ¿0.74, P < .001) and less HN total rotation ROM at baseline (ß = ¿0.32; 95% CI ¿0.53 to ¿0.10, P = .006). No other movement variables demonstrated meaningful relationships with pain for the reach or seatbelt tasks. Conclusion: Higher pain is associated with less HN peak and total rotation during functional reaching tasks requiring head rotation. Recognizing altered functional kinematics in individuals with chronic neck pain may assist patient management.
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Nova | |||||||||
Show 2 more journal articles |
Conference (8 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2022 |
Blyton S, Snodgrass S, Pizzari T, Birse S, Dooley K, Donnan L, Edwards S, 'Overground running biomechanics and movement variability in sub-elite male athletes with and without a history of hamstring injury', Brisbane (2022)
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2022 |
Blyton S, Snodgrass S, Pizzari T, Birse S, Edwards S, 'Movement variability in runners with a current or recent musculoskeletal injury: a systematic review', Gold Coast (2022)
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2022 |
Blyton S, Snodgrass S, Pizzari T, Likens A, Birse S, Dooley K, Edwards S, 'Nonlinear running dynamics differ in male sub-elite athletes with a history of hamstring injury', Brisbane (2022)
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Show 5 more conferences |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 4 |
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Total funding | $42,802 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20231 grants / $5,000
Neural mechanisms underpinning the effects of cognitive load on postural stability with ageing$5,000
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
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Project Team | Doctor Jodie Marquez, Professor Suzanne Snodgrass, Doctor Sarah Blyton, Doctor Ishanka Rajapaksha Mudiyanselage, Doctor Sarah Valkenborghs |
Scheme | Pilot Funding Scheme |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | G2300459 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20223 grants / $37,802
Neural Mechanisms underpinning the effects of Cognitive Load on Postural Stability with Ageing: The Balance and Brain Study$18,229
Funding body: UoN Cross College Research Support scheme
Funding body | UoN Cross College Research Support scheme |
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Project Team | Marquez J, Snodgrass SJ, Karayanidis F, Smith M, Mickle K, Stanwell S, Edwards S, Blyton S, Weerasekara I |
Scheme | Cross College Research Support Scheme |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | External |
Category | EXTE |
UON | N |
Neural mechanisms underpinning the effects of cognitive load on postural stability with ageing$9,953
Funding body: School of Health Sciences - University of Newcastle
Funding body | School of Health Sciences - University of Newcastle |
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Project Team | Professor Suzanne Snodgrass, Dr Jodie Marquez, Professor Frini Karayanidis, Professor Sarah Johnson, Dr Sarah Blyton, Dr Ishanka Weerasekara, Dr Sarah Valkenborghs, Dr Suzi Edwards |
Scheme | 2022 SHS Research Support Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Rehabilitation technology in clinical practice: providing opportunity and evaluating implementation$9,620
Funding body: College Health, Medicine and Wellbeing - The University of Newcastle (Australia)
Funding body | College Health, Medicine and Wellbeing - The University of Newcastle (Australia) |
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Scheme | 2022 Linkage Pilot Research Grant Scheme |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | PhD | Investigation of Measurable Assessment Tool of Total Body Instability as a Singular Predictor Versus Multiple Standardised Tests for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain | PhD (Physiotherapy), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2023 | Honours | Pilot study investigating the neural mechanisms underpinning the effects of cognitive load on balance | Physiotherapy, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing - The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
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2022 | Honours | Change of Direction Technique in Male Sub-Elite Athletes with a History of Hamstring Injury | Physiotherapy, College Health, Medicine and Wellbeing - The University of Newcastle (Australia) | Co-Supervisor |
Dr Sarah Blyton
Position
Casual Lecturer
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Contact Details
sarah.blyton@newcastle.edu.au |
Office
Location | Ourimbah 10 Chittaway Road Ourimbah, NSW 2258 Australia |
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