Ergonomics
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The number of exercise referral schemes expanded rapidly across the UK during the 1990s. Health professionals are thought to be one of the most credible sources of health advice for patients and, hence, are thought to have a pivotal role to play in exercise referral schemes. The aim of the study was to investigate the exercise referral process from the health professional's perspective, specifically examining perceived barriers to referral, priority given to an exercise referral scheme in day-to-day consultations, perceived importance of their role in the process and referring practices. ⋯ Health professionals refer individuals to an exercise referral scheme on an unsystematic basis and express mixed opinions regarding their perceived role in patient physical activity behaviour change. This study calls for closer partnership working, involving training for promoting physical activity in general practice. Also, greater feedback with regard to patient benefits is needed, in order to overcome some of the practical and perceived barriers for health professionals when referring patients to an exercise referral scheme.
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Comparative Study
Repeatability of stature measurements in individuals with and without chronic low-back pain.
Measurements of reduction in stature have been used to compare spinal loading in chronic low-back pain (CLBP) and asymptomatic populations. Whether there are any differences in the repeatability of stature measurements, between those with and without CLBP, is not known. This investigation aimed to determine the repeatability of stature measurements in those with (n = 12) and without (n = 12) CLBP, and to establish if the ability to produce repeatable measurements is retained after a specific timeframe. ⋯ Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) demonstrated good levels of repeatability for all stature measurements obtained from the participants and the values for Standard error of the measurement (SEM) improved as the mean SD decreased with each measurement set. Investigators should have confidence in the ability of those with and without CLBP to produce equally repeatable stature measurements with appropriate prior practice. The second session of testing demonstrated that both groups had retained the ability to achieve the desired level of repeatability (SD < or = 0.5 mm) 2 weeks later without further practice.