bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermooxidation effects on the structuring of molten polypropylene–clay nanocomposites
Authors: Xu Yibin , Yang Jianmao , Xu Yuanze
Published: March 2006

The storage modulus G′ plateau at low frequency, the solid‐like state in molten nanocomposites, has been verified by comparative studies in air or nitrogen for polypropylene (PP)–organoclay with compatibilizer (PPCH). It was found that the thermal oxidation does not only degrade the polymer chain but also enhances the structuring in PPCH. Well‐designed rheology testing was able to distinguish the surface effect from the bulk responses. The inhomogeneity of clay distribution in samples was also studied using X‐ray element analysis. We found that the apparent G′ plateau was mainly caused by diffusive oxidation starting from sample‐free surface in oxidative environment and, finally, a charring layer at the free surface was gradually developed, which is responsible for the solid state or very high apparent G′ plateau. This structuring scheme agrees with the dehydrogenation mechanism of oxidation leading to crosslinking and volatilization of PP composites, while the participation of organoclay is essential. A silane coupling agent may retard this process by interacting with silicates. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Photoinduced alignment of azobenzene side‐chain polymers with short spacer: Biaxial orientation and fast response
Authors: Sun Kai , Liu Jian , Gao Jiangang , Su Wei , Zhang Douguo , Wang Pei , Zhang Qijin
Published: March 2006

Side‐chain azobenzene‐containing liquid crystalline polymer (ALCP) of Poly(6‐[4‐(4‐cyanophenylazo)phenoxy] x‐methylene methacrylate)(Px, x is 2 or 6) was synthesized and used to study its photoinduced alignment behavior irradiated by a linearly polarized laser at room temperature. The relationships between transmittance and irradiation time as well as transmittance and various incident angles were studied in detail. The oversaturation phenomenon of P2 film was found to be higher than 1 mW/cm2 under irradiation energy density. A model of the biaxial orientation was introduced to explain the phenomenon: it is the rigid short spacer that makes it possible for mesogen to coexist in a way of out‐of‐plane and in‐plane orientation (biaxial orientation), in which the type of photoinduced motions is a single mesogen motion in the film of P2, whereas in the film of P6 with longer spacer, the motion is a microdomain motion. The whole domain motion restricted the out‐of‐plane orientation, which shows a slow orientation rate and all mesogens aligned within the film plane. A novel dynamic fitting was also presented to describe the orientation of P2, which was discussed in terms of the fitting parameters. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1378–1384, 2006
Thermal and spectroscopy studies on ternary miscibility and phase behavior in blends comprising poly(4‐vinyl phenol) and two aryl polyesters
Authors: Lee Li‐Ting , Woo Eamor M.
Published: March 2006

Thermal analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterizations were performed on three ternary blend systems that comprise poly(4‐vinyl phenol) (PVPh) and any two of the three homologous aryl polyesters [poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)]. Although PVPh is miscible with any one of the polyesters in forming a binary blend system, miscibility in ternary systems by introducing one more polymer of different structures to the blend system is not always expected. However, this study concludes that miscibility does exist in all these three ternary blends of all compositions investigated. Reasons and factors for such behavior were probed. Quantitative interactions in the ternary blend system were also estimated. The overall interaction energy density (B) by analysis of melting point depression for the PBT/PVPh/PET ternary blend system led to a negative value (B = −5.74 cal/cm3). Similarly, Tg‐composition analyses were performed on two other ternary blend systems, PET/PVPh/PTT and PTT/PVPh/PBT. Comparison of the qualitative results showed that the interaction energy densities in the other two ternary blend systems are similarly negative and comparable to the PBT/PVPh/PET ternary blend system. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results also support the qualitative findings among these three ternary blend systems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1339–1350, 2006
Effect of ammonia on the temperature‐dependent conductivity and thermopower of polypyrrole
Authors: Kemp N. T. , Kaiser A. B. , Trodahl H. J. , Chapman B. , Buckley R. G. , Partridge A. C. , Foot P. J. S.
Published: March 2006

We report the first measurements of the effect of ammonia gas on the temperature dependence of the conductivity and thermoelectric power of polypyrrole films. Our data are for samples of very different conductivities, extending down to a temperature of 200 K for low‐conductivity polypyrrole gas sensors, and down to 4.2 K for more highly‐conducting PPy(PF6) samples. We demonstrate that (except for the most metallic case) our polypyrrole samples show greater sensitivity to ammonia as the temperature is lowered (i.e. the fractional reduction in conductivity is greater at lower temperatures). Remanent decreases in conductivity are present after the removal of ammonia for higher pressure exposures, and remanent increases in the metal‐like thermoelectric power for the PPy(PF6) for samples grown at higher temperatures. Our results indicate that the mechanism of this conductivity decrease in PPy(PF6) is that ammonia causes a reduction in the size of metallic regions as disordered barrier regions are thickened. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1331–1338, 2006
Neurological rehabilitation: a science struggling to come of age
Authors: Pomeroy Valerie , Tallis Raymond
Published: March 2006

Over the last few decades, there have been considerable improvements in the outcome of stroke patients both as regards mortality and disability. At least some of these improvements can be attributed to better organization of services and improved rehabilitation. Many patients, however, remain severely disabled and we will need to develop new strategies in which the focus will be on reversing impairments rather than simply helping patients to adapt to unaltered impairments. For this to happen, neurological rehabilitation research will have to develop therapies that have a clearly defined rationale and are rooted in neurosciences, are clinically described, are addressed to a well‐characterized target population and are evaluated using appropriate outcome measures. Few studies at present meet all these criteria. The recent revolution in our understanding of the nervous system as being soft‐wired, of the potential for recovery through reorganization and of the central role of afferent information associated with normal activity is ground for optimism and indicates the direction in which future therapies should be sought. The paper considers some approaches to providing appropriate afferent information, including inputs such as that from electrotherapy, novel approaches to assisted activity and constraint‐induced therapy. We are on the verge of a revolution in neurological rehabilitation. If we exploit the new understanding of the nervous system arising from basic neurosciences in developing and evaluating therapies we should be able to build on the achievements of the last few decades so that fewer of our patients have to carry the burden of severe disability. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Vertebral artery atherosclerosis: a risk factor in the use of manipulative therapy?
Authors: Mitchell Jeanette
Published: March 2006

Background and Purpose

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency, a direct result of compromised blood flow in the vertebrobasilar circulation, may be caused by stretching and/or compression of the vertebral arteries, particularly if superimposed on underlying atherosclerosis of the vessels. This is an important consideration when using manipulative therapy techniques. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of atherosclerosis and to calculate the relative associated decrease in blood flow in the third and fourth parts of the vertebral artery, in a sample of the adult population.

Method

A laboratory‐based experimental investigation was used to study 362 vertebral arteries from embalmed adult cadavers that were routinely processed for light microscopic study. The incidence of each grade of atherosclerosis in the vessels was recorded. Atherosclerosis was classified as grades 0–5, where Grade 0 represented no atherosclerosis and Grade 5 a fully developed plaque occluding more than 75% of the vessel lumen. From mean measurements of 188 of these arteries, the estimated decrease in luminal cross‐sectional area and the relative decrease in blood flow in the atherosclerotic vessels were calculated.

Results

The highest incidence of atherosclerosis found was Grade 3 (third part of the vertebral artery (VA3): 42.0%; fourth part of the vertebral artery (VA4): 35.2%). An estimated decrease in artery luminal cross‐sectional area to 6.2% of normal in Grade 5 atherosclerosis was found. Because blood flow is proportional to the fourth power of the vessel radius, relative decreases in blood flow in grades 1–5 atherosclerosis from 100% to 0% (with critical closing pressure in vessels), respectively, are likely to occur.

Conclusions

These data suggest that, as significant numbers of the sample showed marked (Grade 3+) atherosclerosis, concomitant with decreased blood flow in the vertebral arteries, this population is at risk for developing vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Because other Western populations may be similarly at risk, particular care should be taken when considering the use of rotational manipulative therapy techniques in treatments of the cervical spine. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Outcomes after trans‐tibial amputation: the relationship between quiet stance ability, strength of hip abductor muscles and gait
Authors: Nadollek Heidi , Brauer Sandra , Isles Rosemary
Published: March 2006

Background and Purpose

Previous research regarding the symmetry of trans‐tibial amputees has examined weight distribution and various gait parameters between prosthetic and sound limbs. However, to date, no known research has determined if asymmetry is present in the strength of the hip abductor muscles or if correlations exist between these categories of symmetry. The purpose of the present study was, therefore, to document asymmetry present in stance, strength and gait measures, and to determine the relationship between these variables.

Method

Twenty‐three elderly, unilateral trans‐tibial amputees stood on two adjacent forceplates whilst the weight distribution and standard deviation (SD) of the anterior‐posterior and the medio‐lateral centre of pressure excursion (COPE) under each limb was recorded during four 40 s trials: quiet stance (QS), with eyes open and eyes closed; and even stance (ES), with eyes open and eyes closed. Gait measures (velocity, cadence, step and stride lengths, stance:swing ratio and period of double support) over 10 m of fast, yet safe walking and measures of the strength of hip abductor muscles were also obtained by use of a stride analyser and a dynamometer, respectively.

Results

No significant differences were found between QS and ES measures. However, significantly more weight was taken on the sound limb than on the amputated limb. Notably, more anterior‐posterior movement occurred under the sound limb than the amputated limb, with this becoming more apparent with the eyes closed. Movement in the medio‐lateral direction was found to be the same between sides. No differences in muscle strength or gait measures between limbs were demonstrated. However. strong hip abductor muscles were correlated with increased weight‐bearing on the amputated limb, improved gait parameters and reduced medio‐lateral COPE under the amputated limb.

Conclusions

This research confirms the asymmetrical nature of amputee stance and demonstrates symmetry of strength and gait measures between limbs. The correlations between hip abductor muscle strength, weight distribution and gait measures illustrates the importance of pre‐ and postoperative training of these muscles. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A study of the facilitation of respiration in myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Nitz Jennifer , Burke Brandon
Published: March 2006

Background and Purpose

Dystrophia myotonica or myotonic dystrophy is a progressive neuromuscular disorder in which patients demonstrate an irregular respiratory pattern and are particularly subject to cardiopulmonary compromise. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of both proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and staged basal expansion (SBE) breathing exercises in subjects with myotonic dystrophy in two different positions: high support sitting and left side‐lying.

Method

A randomized, double‐blind study design was used. Seven non‐congenital myotonic dystrophy subjects took part in the study. Six ‘treatment’ levels were applied to each subject: resting in high support sitting; resting in left side‐lying; PNF of deep breathing in high support sitting; PNF of deep breathing in left side‐lying; SBE in high support sitting and SBE in left side‐lying. The outcome measures employed were arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate, as measured by oximetry and thoraco‐abdominal motion (TAM), and respiratory rate, as measured by a pneumograph.

Results

The PNF technique was found to be the main contributor to improvement in SpO2 for subjects with myotonic dystrophy, where a 2.2% increase was found in the high support sitting position and a 2.6% increase was found in the left side‐lying position. There was an increase of between 377% and 556% in TAM during application of both treatment techniques, in either the high support sitting or left side‐lying positions. Respiratory rate declined between 15% and 30% immediately after treatment application and heart rate dropped slightly by between 0.2% and 4.1%.

Conclusion

The present study provides objective evidence that application of these respiratory physiotherapy interventions elicits an improvement in respiratory function in subjects with myotonic dystrophy. Further research into the physiological effects of these techniques could explore the mechanisms responsible for improvement in respiratory indices. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Examination of passive ROM and capsular patterns in the hip
Authors: Klässbo Maria , Harms‐Ringdahl Karin , Larsson Gerry
Published: March 2006

Background and Purpose

The present study was conducted to examine passive hip range of motion (PROM) for patients with hip dysfunction, including pain, with or without hip osteoarthritis, to arrange and describe PROM patterns and to count the number of hips presenting Cyriax's and Kaltenborn's capsular patterns.

Method

The study is theory‐testing, observational, cross‐sectional and descriptive. One hundred and sixty‐eight patients (mean age 61.7 years, range 36–90 years), 50 with no hip osteoarthritis, 77 with unilateral hip osteoarthritis and 41 with bilateral osteoarthritis, based on radiological reports, were consecutively recruited by physicians in primary health care and orthopaedic settings. One examiner tested PROM bilaterally, by use of a goniometer and a standardized protocol. PROM limitations were calculated by comparing norms from the symptom‐free hips (n = 100) in the study, from Kaltenborn and, in patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis (n = 77), from the non‐osteoarthritis hip. The limitations were arranged by size in PROM patterns. The patterns and the numbers of hips with patterns corresponding to Cyriax's and Kaltenborn's capsular patterns were counted.

Results

Between 68 and 138 PROM patterns were identified by use of different PROM norms for defining limitations. Few osteoarthritis hips showed Cyriax's capsular pattern and none Kaltenborn's capsular pattern.

Conclusions

The concept of capsular pattern for the hip should be re‐examined. No support was found in the present study for its existence. It is impossible to anticipate radiological evidence of hip osteoarthritis from the multitude of PROM patterns. Every patient should be regarded as unique. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Examination of movement in patients with long‐lasting musculoskeletal pain: reliability and validity
Authors: Kvåle Alice , Ljunggren Anne Elisabeth , Johnsen Tom Backer
Published: March 2006

Background and Purpose

An examination method based on psychosomatic physiotherapy, with 24 standardized tests related to general aspects of mobility, flexibility and the ability to relax, is used in some pain and rehabilitation clinics in Scandinavia in order to document where — and to what degree — patients have aberrations within the domain ‘movement’. The measurement properties of the movement tests have, however, not been investigated in patients with long‐lasting musculoskeletal pain. The aims of the present study were, therefore, to investigate inter‐tester reliability and validity (construct, discriminative and concurrent validity) related to movement.

Method

The study design was cross‐sectional. Reliability was examined by three physiotherapists examining 19 people. Construct validity was studied by means of structural equation modelling (SEM). Discriminative validity was examined by comparing movement data from 247 patients with long‐lasting musculoskeletal pain, and 104 healthy subjects. The patient sample was categorized according to localized or widespread pain, and movement scores compared between the groups. Most patients filled in a psychological screening questionnaire (MMPI‐2), plus information about pain intensity and function, and concurrent validity of the movement measures were examined by correlation.

Results

SEM results indicated a modified movement scale, consisting of 16 items in four subscales. Both the original and modified versions showed good reliability, and scores differed significantly between healthy subjects and patients, and between patients with localized versus widespread pain. A relationship was found between the movement tests and psychological characteristics, but mainly in patients with widespread pain. Significant relationships were found between the ability to relax and pain, and between all aspects of movement and function.

Conclusions

Movement may be reliably and validly assessed with composite scores from 4×4 items. The method may be useful as a global screening instrument in order to examine where, and to what extent, patients with long‐lasting pain problems have movement aberrations; findings to be addressed in treatment. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Effect of manual lymph drainage after hindfoot operations
Authors: Kessler Thomas , de Bruin Eling , Brunner Florian , Vienne Patrick , Kissling Rudolf
Published: March 2006

Background and Purpose

Manual lymph drainage therapy is often prescribed following hindfoot operations. However, the relative efficacy of this treatment component has not yet been determined.

Method

A two‐group pre‐test–post‐test study design was used in this preliminary randomized clinical trial of 23 subjects who underwent hindfoot surgery. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: an intervention group of 11 patients who received standard physiotherapy plus manual lymph drainage; and a control group of 12 patients who received standard physiotherapy but no lymph drainage. The main outcome measure was the percentage reduction in excess limb volume, measured by the water displacement method at the second post‐operative day (t1) and at the day of discharge (t2).

Results

Compared to the control group, a significant reduction in post‐operative swelling was measured in the intervention group only (p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Application of lymph drainage techniques after hindfoot operations, in combination with standard physiotherapy exercises, achieves greater limb volume reduction than exercise alone. The present study offers an insight into a treatment that may shorten rehabilitation and thereby control the cost of caring for post‐operative treatment complicated by post‐operative swelling. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Impact of an exercise and walking protocol on quality of life for elderly people with OA of the knee
Authors: Corrêa Dias Rosângela , Domingues Dias João Marcos , Ramos Luiz Roberto
Published: March 2006

Background and Purpose

The knee is the weight‐bearing joint most commonly affected by osteoarthritis (OA). The symptoms of pain, morning stiffness of short duration and physical dysfunction in the activities of daily living (ADL) can have an effect on many aspects of health, affecting quality of life. Regular and moderate physical activity adapted to individuals' life‐styles and education, and joint protection strategies have been advocated as conservative management. The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of an exercise and walking protocol on the quality of life of elderly people with knee OA.

Method

The study design was a randomized controlled clinical trial. The subjects comprised 50 elderly people, aged 65 or more, with knee OA who had been referred to the geriatric outpatient unit for rehabilitation. Changes in severity of pain and quality of life were compared between a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). Both groups participated in an educational session and the EG also received a 12‐week exercise and walking protocol. Both groups were assessed at baseline and after three and six months by an independent observer. The Lequesne Index of Knee OA Severity (LI), the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the Medical Outcomes Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) were used as measurement instruments.

Results

In the CG, the measures of quality of life (SF‐36), the HAQ and the LI between subjects did not yield statistically significant differences over the three measurement points. For the EG, there was a significant improvement in function, measured by HAQ, and decreasing OA symptom severity, measured by LI. For the SF‐36 there were significant improvements in physical function, functional role limitation and pain. Comparisons between the groups showed statistically significant differences after three and six months for all measures, except for the SF‐36 emotional domains.

Conclusion

The exercise protocol and walking programme had a positive effect on the quality of life of elderly individuals with knee OA. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Age‐ and gender‐related changes in the temporal‐spatial characteristics of forwards and backwards gaits
Authors: Laufer Yocheved
Published: March 2006

Background and Purpose

Backward walking is used increasingly as a rehabilitation technique for individuals with neurological and orthopaedic impairments. The purpose of the present study was to examine changes in the temporal‐spatial characteristics of gait resulting from walking backwards as opposed to forwards, and to determine age and gender effects on these changes.

Method

Thirty young and 40 aged, independently functioning, subjects were asked to walk forwards and backwards across a computer‐based walkway system, providing data on gait velocity, stride length, cadence, swing phase and double support phase. Subjects were divided into groups based on age (young and old) and gender, and each subject was tested under two walking conditions (forwards and backwards). Five temporal‐spatial gait parameters were evaluated separately as a function of the three independent variables, with the walking condition repeated for each subject.

Results

Backwards ambulation is characterized by a slower velocity, shorter stride length and an increased double support phase in both young and older adults. These changes were significantly greater in the older subjects, among whom the swing phase was also decreased. Cadence, however, was not affected by direction of ambulation in either group. The female subjects had a shorter stride length in both movement directions, associated with reduced speed only in backwards ambulation.

Conclusions

Older individuals are capable of walking backwards for short distances. However, changes in gait characteristics typical to the reversal of movement direction are accentuated with age. These effects must be considered when planning to use backwards ambulation as a rehabilitation technique for older individuals. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Concurrent validity of the Berg Balance Scale and the Dynamic Gait Index in people with vestibular dysfunction
Authors: Whitney Susan , Wrisley Diane , Furman Joseph
Published: March 2006

Background and Purpose

The Berg Balance Scale is a reliable and valid measure that is used to assess characteristics of balance. The Dynamic Gait Index is a relatively new measure that has been used to record dynamic gait tasks in people with vestibular dysfunction. The purpose of the present study was to determine the concurrent validity of the Dynamic Gait Index with the Berg Balance Scale in people with vestibular disorders.

Method

A retrospective review of the charts of people who met the criteria of having completed both the Berg Balance Scale and the Dynamic Gait Index during their first physiotherapy visit. Seventy patients (19 male, 51 female) were identified through the retrospective review of the charts of people referred for vestibular rehabilitation with varying diagnoses of vestibular and balance dysfunction. All were seen at a tertiary medical centre in an outpatient physiotherapy setting. Their age range was from 14 to 88 years (mean 65 years).

Results

Correlation between the scores on the Dynamic Gait Index and the Berg Balance Scale was moderate but significant by use of the Spearman rank order correlation (r= 0.71;p<01). No difference was found between scores on the Dynamic Gait Index or Berg Balance Scale based on gender or diagnosis. A significant difference was identified on the Berg Balance Scale between older and younger people with vestibular disorders. Using previously established criteria to determine increased risk of falling, the Berg Balance Scale and the Dynamic Gait Index agreed 63% of the time.

Conclusions

The moderate correlation between the Dynamic Gait Index and the Berg Balance Scale establishes the concurrent validity of the Dynamic Gait Index in people with vestibular dysfunction. Both these measures provide valuable information to clinicians about patients' functional balance capabilities. However, the lack of perfect correlation indicates that the tests measure different aspects of balance. The Dynamic Gait Index appears to be a more sensitive assessment tool in identifying people with vestibular disorders who are at increased risk for falling, based on currently published criteria. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Head stabilization strategies in the sagittal plane during locomotor tasks
Authors: Cromwell Ronita , Schurter Jane , Shelton Scott , Vora Sagira
Published: March 2006

Background and Purpose

Head stability is the dynamic process of maintaining an equilibrium position of the head‐in‐space. Individuals with vestibular deficits restrict head movements during dynamic activities in an effort to adapt to vestibular loss. However, this strategy does not provide them with a successful means for adaptation during dynamic tasks where head movements are required. Therefore, identification of successful head stabilization strategies is the first step towards improving the rehabilitation of these patients. The purpose of the present study was twofold: to characterize the sagittal plane head stabilization response during walking; and to identify successful head stabilization strategies during normal walking and during a walking task that challenged head stability.

Method

The study used a repeated‐measures design. Eight healthy volunteers walked normally (normal condition) and walked whilst swinging their arms at twice the natural frequency (frequency condition). Head and trunk angular velocities were measured to determine head velocity magnitudes, and head‐on‐trunk, with respect to trunk gains and phases across the frequency spectrum of walking.

Results

The frequency condition increased the challenge to head stabilization and produced phases indicative of increased head stability (p<0.05). Post hoc analyses revealed that the shift in phase occurred at higher frequencies (>8 Hz) (p<0.05). Increased head velocity magnitudes (p<0.05) accompanied by decreased variability (p<0.05) were also found at higher frequencies for the frequency condition.

Conclusions

The results were indicative of a tightly controlled movement strategy that ensured head stabilization under conditions where head stability was challenged. This strategy was characterized by head‐on‐trunk movement that was equal and opposite to trunk motion. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Movements of the pelvis and lumbar spine during walking in people with acute low back pain
Authors: Taylor Nicholas , Goldie Patricia , Evans Owen
Published: March 2006

Background and Purpose

Little is known about how acute low back pain affects pelvic and lumbar movements during walking. The aim of the present study was to determine if measurement of the amplitude of the angular movements of the pelvis and lumbar spine during walking is useful in the evaluation of people with acute low back pain.

Method

The study used a repeated‐measures and correlational design; 11 individuals with low back pain (tested in the acute phase and six weeks later when symptoms had resolved) and matched control subjects were tested during treadmill walking. A video‐analysis system was used to measure the amplitudes of movements of the pelvis and lumbar spine during walking. Pain level was measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results

During walking, movements of the pelvis (axial rotation) and lumbar spine (lateral flexion) were reduced in people with acute back pain compared with the resolved condition, but were not different from a group without a history of back pain. The amplitudes of the frontal plane movements of the pelvis and lumbar spine were negatively correlated with the intensity of pain (rs = −0.74).

Conclusions

Measurement of pelvic and lumbar movements during walking is unlikely to have useful clinical applications for individuals, or when discriminating between impaired and unimpaired people, but may be applied to groups for hypothesis testing in evaluating change in back pain over time. An hypothesized model to explain the observed movements has been proposed. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Making words count: the value of qualitative research
Authors: Johnson Ros , Waterfield Jackie
Published: March 2006

In the current climate of evidence‐based practice, physiotherapy is urged to prove its worth via rigorous scientific research. However, there are concerns that limited methodologies are used to explore complex therapeutic issues, and that the profession relies too heavily on quantitative research studies to provide its evidence base. Qualitative research methods are able to explore the complexity of human behaviour and generate deeper understanding of illness behaviours and therapeutic interactions. Nevertheless, there is still a sense of distrust of qualitative research, related to the challenge of evaluating both the quality and usefulness of findings derived through qualitative methods. This discussion paper explores these issues. It examines some of the most frequently used techniques aimed at ensuring quality and value in qualitative research, such as sampling, triangulation, multiple coding, respondent validation and the use of audit trails, as well as addressing reflexivity. Because of the pluralistic and interactive nature of qualitative inquiry, the criteria used to judge quality need to be appropriate to each piece of research and should provide evidence to help readers to evaluate the calibre of the study and its relevance to their own area of work. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Measurement of headache frequency, intensity and duration: comparison of patient report by questionnaire and headache diary
Authors: Niere Kennneth , Jerak Ana
Published: March 2006

Background and Purpose

The efficacy of interventions for headache is often based on patient estimates of the headache parameters of frequency, intensity and duration, which can be ascertained from interview, by questionnaire or from a headache diary. The aim of the present study was to test the accuracy of retrospective patient reports of headache frequency, intensity and duration, with respect to measures derived from a daily headache diary.

Method

Forty participants suffering from least one headache per month completed a daily headache diary for four weeks. At the end of the four‐week period participants completed a questionnaire requiring them to estimate the frequency, usual duration and usual intensity of their headaches. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between diary and questionnaire data.

Results

Correlation coefficients (Spearman's rho) for questionnaire and diary data for headache frequency and duration were 0.80 and 0.72, respectively, whereas that for intensity was 0.51.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that when compared with the use of a headache diary, patient estimations of headache frequency and duration by questionnaire are reasonably accurate. Headache intensity appears to be more difficult to remember and report, possibly because of the multidimensional nature of pain, as opposed to the temporal characteristics of frequency and duration. It is recommended that frequency and duration be preferred over intensity as outcome measures if questionnaires or retrospective reports are used. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Physiotherapy management of patients with HIV‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma
Authors: Harris‐Love Michael O , Shrader Joseph A
Published: March 2006

Background

Kaposi's sarcoma is the most common form of cancer in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Although Kaposi's sarcoma lesions may contribute to significant physical impairments, there is a lack of scientific literature detailing the role of physiotherapy in the treatment of HIV‐associated Kaposi' sarcoma. The present Case Report includes two males, aged 36 and 39 years, seropositive for HIV, with invasive Kaposi's sarcoma.

Method and Results

Patient A was evaluated for bilateral foot pain caused by plantar surface Kaposi's sarcoma lesions that rendered him unable to walk. He progressed to walking 400 feet after a treatment regimen of gait training with the use of custom plastazote sandals. Patient B was evaluated for right lower extremity lymphoedema secondary to invasive Kaposi's sarcoma. He experienced an 18% reduction in limb volume, a 38% reduction in pain and a 20°increase in terminal knee flexion after therapeutic exercise and the use of compressive bandaging and garments.

Conclusions

This Case Report suggests that physiotherapy interventions may be valuable in the conservative management of patients with HIV‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Negative longitudinal magneto‐resistance of layered crystals taking into account the spin splitting
Authors: Figarova S. R.
Published: March 2006

The influence of the spin splitting on the longitudinal magnetoresistance of a quasi‐two‐dimensional electron gas in layered crystals is theoretically investigated. At acoustic‐phonon scattering, a general expression for the longitudinal magnetoresistance has been found. A negative longitudinal magnetoresistance due to the spin splitting has been revealed. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Density functional theory study of metabolic derivatives of the oxidation of paracetamol
Authors: Alves C. N. , Borges R. S. , Da Silva A. B. F.
Published: March 2006

The hypothetical oxidation mechanism of paracetamol (PAR) has been investigated using quantum chemical calculations at the density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP theory level with the 6‐31G* basis set. The calculations using Cpd I for the cytochrome P‐450 model showed that, for PAR oxidation, an initial hydrogen atom abstraction from the phenolic hydroxyl group is thermodynamically more favored by 12.04 kcal mol−1 than from the acetylamine nitrogen atom. Spin density calculations were performed for the radical formed by the hydrogen abstraction from the phenolic hydroxyl group and showed that the unpaired electron remains predominantly localized on the O7 phenolic oxygen (39%), C3 and C5 carbon atoms at ortho positions (27% and 26%, respectively) and C1 at para position (33%). The results also show that the formations of dimer and trimer radicals are energetically more favored than the formation of NAPSQI, which is in agreement with observed experimental results. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Turnover of stable carbon isotopes in the muscle, liver, and breath CO2 of alpacas (Lama pacos)
Authors: Sponheimer M. , Robinson T. F. , Cerling T. E. , Tegland L. , Roeder B. L. , Ayliffe L. , Dearing M. D. , Ehleringer J. R.
Published: March 2006

Stable carbon isotope analysis of animal liver and muscle has become a widespread tool for investigating dietary ecology. Nonetheless, stable carbon isotope turnover of these tissues has not been studied in large mammals except with isotopically labelled tracer methodologies, which do not produce carbon half‐lives analogous to those derived from naturalistic diet‐switch experiments. To address this gap, we studied turnover of carbon isotopes in the liver, muscle, and breath CO2 of alpacas (Lama pacos) by switching them from a C3 grass diet to an isonitrogenous C4 grass diet. Breath samples as well as liver and muscle biopsies were collected and analyzed for up to 72 days to monitor the incorporation of the C4‐derived carbon. The data suggest half‐lives of 2.8, 37.3, and 178.7 days for alpaca breath CO2, liver, and muscle, respectively. Alpaca liver and muscle carbon half‐lives are about 6 times longer than those of gerbils, which is about what would be expected given their size. In contrast, breath CO2 turnover does not scale readily with body mass. We also note that the breath CO2 and liver data are better described using a multiple‐pool exponential decay model than a single‐pool model. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the self‐healing potential of therapeutic touch
Authors: Penson Jenny
Published: March 2006

To counter the dissatisfaction and alienation that many nurses experience, many have begun to broaden their horizons and, in what has been referred to as “an effort to return to the human”2, have turned to complementary therapies to enrich and deepen their contact with patients. Although Therapeutic Touch (TT) is often described as a complementary therapy, it is an approach to care which is based on a profound shift in consciousness in the practitioner. It is a core quality relevant to all healing and healthcare practices, rather than a complementary therapy3. It is more intricate and complex than cause and effect and goes beyond being simply a skill for nurses to learn. The ability to become an effective TT Practitioner appears to be dependent on the spiritual development of the individual. Therefore TT is more than another therapy. This paper explores some of these issues and draws a link between the healing, health and wellbeing of the practioner and the practice of TT, based on a small scale study of a group of TT advanced practice students.Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
What do we mean by Christian healing?
Authors: Grange John M
Published: March 2006

Healing was central to the ministry of Jesus Christ, yet so often it is of very peripheral concern to the established churches. This appears to be the result of a bizarre combination of fear, faithlessness, misunderstanding and overemphasis on ecclesiastical legalism. Nevertheless, change is in the air and the Church of England has attempted to stimulate debate and interest through a publication entitled A Time to Heal. It is, however, very important to realise that Christian healing goes far beyond mere physical cure and it challenges Christians to set out on a “most audacious adventure of reconciliation”. Beginning in silent prayer and meditation, this adventure should inspire Christians with passion to work for justice, to restore wholeness to mother earth and to work for the unification of a divided humanity. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Can we all help distant healing to work?
Authors: Harris Phil
Published: March 2006

Modern patterns of disease are powerfully related to lifestyle: to social / emotional environments, diet and exercise. Compassion and appreciation have physiological correlates and, at reasonably close range, these are communicated one person to another directly by electro‐magnetic signal. In this sense, all of us are ‘healers’, or not, as the case may be. A recent review of Distant Healing concludes that 57% (13/23) of the random placebo‐controlled trials showed a positive treatment effect [only 1/23 was negative], and that further study is warranted.

Already, ‘centres for healing’ attract healing ‘sent’ by individuals or groups and pass this on to their list of healers to reinforce efficacy. Anonymous photos evidently provide an adequate address for intended healing. It is suggested sincere participants send to other healers, and to one or more ‘distant centres’, and thus address a very large number of identified needs, including the need for further well‐designed research. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A Conversation with Grace Adamson
Authors: Adamson (Gawler) Grace
Published: March 2006

Grace's skills as a workshop leader span 27 years. She has presented workshops and lectures on supportive care for cancer patients and their families all over the world. Australian by birth, Grace's experience as a carer of her partner diagnosed with bone cancer in 1974 was the inspiration for her work. 1976 saw her partner with extensive secondary cancer and given a two‐week prognosis. Following his remission in 1978, she trained and qualified as a health professional specialising in natural therapies, counselling, supportive care and many other modalities.

She co‐founded Australia's first Cancer Support Group movement in the early eighties. Grace has now worked with more than 10,000 people as they have searched for life meaning, quality of life, and to use their illness as a positive turning point in their lives.

Grace's work imparts the wisdom of life and professional experience thus helping people to live well with cancer. Her work with women with breast cancer resulted in the best selling book “Women of Silence: The Emotional Healing of Breast Cancer” (1994).

After dealing with separation and divorce in 1997, Grace began her own experience with an acquired, and at times life threatening, condition which resulted from routine surgery. Having experienced this life altering condition, which included ileostomies and colostomies, Grace teaches from a base of deep personal experience in how to effectively harness H.O.P.E ‐finding hope, seeking options, being practical and being empowered. She has four children between the ages of nineteen and twenty‐four and has recently been happily remarried.

Ruth Benor, a member of the editorial board, recorded this conversation in January 2003. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Faith communities and their response to disaster
Authors: Olson Melodie , Ball Julia , Hollerbach Ann D.
Published: March 2006

The interrelationship of faith and health is reflected in this qualitative study of the responses of churches in the Southeastern United States following the destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Actions taken by this sample of Christian but interdenominational congregations included instrumental functions of congregations and discussions of belief related to health. Discussions in the congregations centred on three areas: where God was; how a person “should” feel; and, how a person “should” act. Within these areas, topics known to be related to health such as hope, forgiveness, empowerment, personal and community transformation, were identified. Partnerships between public health organizations and communities of faith offer opportunity to extend the health‐related functions of both groups for the good of the community. A presentation (by two of the authors, Olson and Ball) based on this paper was given at the International Spirituality and Health Conference, Cumbria, in April 2003. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Why so many remarkable people are burning out ‐ and what's joyful about that?
Authors: Glouberman Dina
Published: March 2006

This paper is based on a presentation made at the Spirituality and Health Conference in Cumbria in April 2003. Based on the author's best‐selling work The Joy of Burnout (see book reviews this issue), it explores the nature of the burnout experience, and perhaps more importantly, how it can be healing and transformative. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Healing in the christian tradition
Authors: Leathard Helen L
Published: March 2006

This paper is based on the a concurrent session workshop at the Fifth International Conference on Spirituality & Health, Rydal Hall, Cumbria, 9–11th April, 2003. The New Testament of the Christian Bible contains many references to the healing ministry of Jesus of Nazareth that provided signs of his divine authority. The ability to heal the sick was a gift that he conferred upon his disciples to support their proclamation of the Gospel, and it was widely manifest in the apostolic era. Since the introduction of a biomedically‐based National Health Service the healing ministry of the Church has commonly been reduced to prayers of intercession. More recently, however, there has been some resurgence of interest in healing ministry within mainstream Christianity, evidenced by the publication of ‘A Time to Heal’1. Furthermore, personal experience within and beyond my diocese has revealed considerable potential for further expansion in the application of Christian Spirituality to health and healing, although this is constrained in many areas by lack of familiarity with what constitutes good practice. Consequently, I have been exploring the Biblical basis and practical utility of various aspects of Christian approaches to healing: confession and absolution, meditation, contemplation, attention, companionship and stress relief (relaxation), laying‐on‐of hands, anointing and Holy Communion. In the present paper I shall provide brief expositions of a selection of pertinent texts2 to introduce various authentic approaches. These will be integrated within a biopsychospiritual model of healing and the concept of healing into death. It is important to emphasise from the outset that the word healing is not being used to refer to miracle cures, although this sometimes happens3, but to processes involved in achieving a healthier state of being. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Does contemporary evidence support resurgence in the role and importance of spirituality in healthcare in the United Kingdom
Authors: Finch Andrew
Published: March 2006

This article is an overview of a more substantial study, which sought to analyse the contemporary evidence for spiritual awareness and tangible practice within healthcare in the United Kingdom. Whilst acknowledging the multi‐cultural nature of society, it is written from a nursing and mainly Christian perspective in respect of religious references. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd.