| Dr Bridget Munro (far left) with other BRL team members including BRL... Dr Bridget Munro (far left) with other BRL team members including BRL Director, Professor Julie Steele (second left). The two winning trophies are proudly displayed. Photo courtesy NSW Sporting Injuries Committee |
Biomechanics Research Laboratory steals the limelight at state awards
26 Nov 2007 | Bernie Goldie
UOW’s Biomechanics Research Laboratory (BRL) featured prominently at the recent 10th anniversary of the NSW Sport Safety Awards held at a gala dinner at Sydney’s Telstra Stadium.
Dr Bridget Munro was awarded the FE Johnson Memorial Fellowship for “Outstanding Achievement by an Established Researcher in the Field of Science and Medicine in Sport” at the awards ceremony.
The highly-competitive award of $25,000 will enable the recipient to continue research in a specified field of sport science research overseas.
Dr Munro’s research has focused on investigating rapid deceleration movements and unanticipated side-stepping techniques using innovative mechanical data collection and analysis techniques.
In 2006 in collaboration with Dr Grant Trewartha from the University of Bath, Dr Munro investigated whether a split-step could be a possible alternative to the traditional side-step movement in sports such as rugby to reduce injury potential.
Dr Munro intends to pursue collaborative research at the University of Southern California and the University of Bath.
The BRL capped off the night as the recipient of a $5,000 gold award for “Outstanding Achievement in Applied Research in Sports Medicine by a Research Team”.
This award was for the team’s research on educating female athletes on the benefits of wearing better bras.
Their project aimed to develop and evaluate a practical resource booklet to educate adolescent female athletes on the components of a well-fitted, well-designed and supportive bra so that all young athletes, irrespective of breast size, can comfortably participate in sport without discomfort or pain.
Meanwhile, at the same awards ceremony UOW’s Underwater Hockey Club was awarded a silver award for “Outstanding Implementation or Adoption of Safe Sports Practices at Club Level”.
The club introduced “player protection practices” in 2007 to safeguard their players, particularly newcomers to this unusual sport.
Dr Andy Davis accepted the award on behalf of the club.
The awards are presented annually by the NSW Sporting Injuries Committee.
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