Log in
The impact of this research has been evident in a change of practice regarding the consideration of fatigue in musculoskeletal profiling, and as an aetiological risk factor for injury. This change in practice is evidenced across a range of user groups, influencing evidence-based practice in both the clinical and sporting context. The body of research has generated a shift in the consideration of fatigue with regards sporting injury incidence. Postgraduate teaching has evolved to consider injury prevention strategies in relation to fatigue, and Governing Body injury audits have cited this research in working toward injury prevention policies.
Recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have exposed military personnel to improvised explosive devices and anti-vehicle mines. These cause complex lower limb injuries that frequently lead to long-term disability. From 2008, the Centre for Blast Injury Studies and its forebear, the Imperial Blast Research Group, both led by Bioengineering, have conducted multidisciplinary studies into the effects of blast on physiological systems. The research has led to changes in the posture and placement of personnel in Army vehicles, with significant impact on casualties. It informed the policy of Dstl concerning floor mat design and the policy of a NATO Task Group concerning standards for accepting battlefield vehicles in 2013. Mitigating effects of different boots have been characterised on behalf of Army procurement. Research into treatment has, since 2012, altered assessment criteria for, and timing of, amputations following heel injury, with consequent reduction in pain and futile surgery. It has also changed clinical practice for pelvic injuries in Afghanistan and major trauma centres; the new procedures are taught on military trauma courses. Finally, the research is currently being used in the US$80M commercial development of military crash test dummies
In the UK prison system, new management and assessment procedures and training programmes have been developed as a direct response to a research programme, led by Huw Williams, into the high incidence of head injury in young offenders, and its association with repeat offending. To convert research findings into impact, the team was instrumental in setting up the Criminal Justice and Acquired Brain Injury Interest Group and has contributed data and recommendations to a number of networks, including Parliamentary Policy Groups. Research is continuing to influence policy and legislation (e.g. the Children and Family Bill) as a result of the Ministry for Justice and others becoming aware of brain injury as an important factor for repeat offending.