Physiotherapy theory and practice
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Physiother Theory Pract · May 2008
ReviewBest practice: E-Model--prescribing physical activity and exercise for individuals with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a serious and debilitating condition, encompassing a wide range of symptoms. Physical therapists often advocate the incorporation of leisure time physical activity (exercise training or recreational physical activity) as an important management strategy for individuals with FM. Decisions about physical activity prescription in clinical practice are informed by a variety of sources. ⋯ We examine findings from randomized trials, published experts, and qualitative studies through the lens of the model's five Es: 1) evidence, 2) expectations, 3) environment, 4) ethics, and 5) experience. This approach provides a robust foundation from which to make best practice decisions. Application of this model also facilitates the identification of gaps and discrepancies in the literature, future opportunities for knowledge exchange and translation, and future research.
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Physiother Theory Pract · May 2008
Clinical TrialInfluence of patellofemoral bracing on pain, knee extensor torque, and gait function in females with patellofemoral pain.
Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of a patellofemoral brace on pain response, knee extensor torque production, and gait function in females with patellofemoral pain (PFP). Sixteen females between the ages of 14 and 46 with diagnosis of PFP participated. Knee extensor torque was measured by using a LIDO isokinetic dynamometer. ⋯ When averaged across all conditions, a small but statistically significant increase in knee flexion was found during the braced trials. Although the current study did not find significant improvements in the clinical measures evaluated, 8 of the 16 subjects did experience a decrease in knee pain. This finding suggests that certain patients with PFP may respond favorably to bracing, and criteria must be established to determine which patients would best benefit from such an intervention.
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Physiother Theory Pract · Nov 2007
Clinical TrialAre elderly pedestrians allowed enough time at pedestrian crossings in Cape Town, South Africa?
A descriptive, cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to determine whether the recommended walking speed of 1.2 ms(-1) would allow elderly pedestrians to safely clear pedestrian crossings in Cape Town, South Africa. Male and female volunteers (n = 47), aged 65-93 years and resident in four homes for older persons, were recruited. Pedestrian clearance intervals at 40 traffic lights within 5-km radius of the selected homes were measured. ⋯ Over 30% of the participants walked slower than the recommended walking speed of 1.2 ms(-1). Participants felt that traffic lights did not allow for sufficient time to cross roads (51.1%) and reported emotions of apprehension (44.7%), anxiety (17.0%), and fear (10.6%) when crossing. A review of traffic planning and public policy is recommended to ensure older pedestrians safely clear pedestrian crossings.
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Physiother Theory Pract · May 2007
ReviewOutcomes research in the ICU: an aid in defining the role of physiotherapy.
The economic reality of consumers, funders, and regulatory agencies demanding evidence regarding the quality of care patients are receiving in the intensive care unit (ICU) will have an effect on many of the routinely used practices in ICU, including physiotherapy. Outcomes research is a method that has been used to obtain evidence for the medical and respiratory management of patients in ICU. An overview of the literature was conducted to answer the following questions: 1. ⋯ Most physiotherapy research reports still include physiologic measurements as the primary outcome of an intervention. Outcomes research provides researchers with the tools to define the role of the physiotherapist in the critical care environment. The outcomes measured must be relevant to patients, families, and funders.
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Physiother Theory Pract · Jan 2007
Satisfaction with outpatient physiotherapy: focus groups to explore the views of patients with acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Patient satisfaction is generally regarded as an important component in quality health care. However, there has been little satisfaction research in physiotherapy compared with that in other clinical fields with few qualitative studies that have explored patients' perceptions and attitudes toward physiotherapy. We report on the use of focus groups, as part of a multimethod approach of qualitative data collection into patients' satisfaction with their outpatient physiotherapy within the NHS system of care in the United Kingdom. ⋯ Establishing patients' needs, particularly the extent to which these might be psychosocial rather than physical, could point the way to a more patient-focussed and productive physiotherapy experience. Although rich in-depth information was obtained from this study, caution should be applied in generalizing the findings because of the small sample sizes and the setting of the study within the NHS system of care. Therefore, further work to identify the full spectrum of issues relating to patients' satisfaction with their outpatient care is indicated.