bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of standardized mobilization on the posteroanterior stiffness of the lumbar spine in asymptomatic subjects
Authors: Allison Garry , Edmonston Stephen , Kiviniemi Kari , Lanigan Helen , Simonsen Anine Vibe , Walcher Susanne 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeSpinal mobilization is commonly used to relieve pain and assist recovery of mobility in individuals with low back pain. Fundamental to this concept is the belief that spinal mobilization will influence the mechanical properties of the symptomatic motion segment. The objective of the present study was to examine the segmental effects of a standardized mobilization procedure on the posteroanterior (PA) stiffness of the lumbar spine.MethodAudio and visual feedback was used to train a physiotherapist to perform PA mobilization at a consistent load and frequency. After training, twenty‐four subjects without low back pain were recruited for the intervention phase of the study. The spinal posteroanterior mobilization (SPAM) apparatus was used to measure the PA stiffness of the lumbar spine at three measurement sites (L1, L3 and L5). The trained physiotherapist then applied the standardized PA mobilization technique via the L3 spinous process for two minutes. Following mobilization, PA stiffness was measured three times at the three locations.ResultsThe physiotherapist was able to apply a standardized mobilization with a mean force of 146 N (standard deviation (SD) 8 N) at a frequency of 1.5 Hz. The first trial on each assessment demonstrated a pre‐condition effect. Two minutes' PA mobilization resulted in no significant change in the PA stiffness of the lumbar spine at the level to which the mobilization was applied, or at the L1 and L5 segments. The 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the difference in PA stiffness before and after testing included zero at each measurement site.ConclusionsClinicians should pre‐condition the spine when assessing PA stiffness both before and after interventions. A standardized mobilization of 150 N at 1.5 Hz for two minutes had no segmental effect on spinal PA stiffness. Subsequent studies need to consider other mechanisms that may contribute to the changes that occur after PA spinal mobilization. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Journal provision and the prevalence of journal clubs: a survey of physiotherapy departments in England and Australia
Authors: Turner Patricia , Mjolne Ingvild 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeEvidence‐based journal clubs can promote evidence‐based practice and continuing professional development (CPD). Although studies have evaluated the impact of journal clubs in medical and nursing departments, there is little information concerning journal clubs or journal provision in physiotherapy departments. The present survey was conducted to address this deficit.MethodA postal questionnaire, designed to ascertain the type and extent of journal provision, and prevalence and attributes of journal clubs in physiotherapy departments, was distributed to physiotherapy managers in 150 facilities in England and in south‐east Australia. Sixty‐two per cent of facilities approached in England and 55% of those approached in Australia responded to the survey.ResultsThe provision of journals in physiotherapy departments was limited, and alternative access to physiotherapy journals was generally poor. Certain facilities were innovative in providing additional journal literature for physiotherapy staff. Physiotherapy journal clubs existed in 42% of responding facilities in England and 18% of those surveyed in Australia. Several facilities provided alternative forms of journal review as part of in‐service training. Relatively few journal clubs utilized a ‘problem‐based’ format, which fosters the teaching of critical appraisal skills. Evidence of enthusiasm emerged in some facilities, but in contrast, barriers and a degree of apathy were also revealed in others.ConclusionsPhysiotherapy managers, hospital administrators and academic institutions should jointly agree a strategy to both promote evidence‐based journal clubs and to facilitate journal provision within physiotherapy departments. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Sagittal plane head stabilization during level walking and ambulation on stairs
Authors: Cromwell Ronita , Wellmon Robert 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeHead stabilization in space provides a stable reference frame for visual and vestibular systems during locomotor tasks. The purpose of the present study was to examine upper body movement patterns used to maintain head stability in response to the increased challenge of stair ambulation.MethodA repeated‐measures study design was used and the order of conditions was randomized for each subject. Eight healthy, non‐disabled, young adults walked 10 metres on a level surface, ascended and descended four steps. Head, neck and trunk angular positions in space were obtained for three trials of each condition. Significant differences in mean head, neck and trunk angular orientation in space and segment excursions were determined. Cross‐correlation analyses between head and neck, neck and trunk, and head and trunk determined movement patterns used for maintaining head stability. The chi‐square test examined the homogeneity of movement pattern distributions for each segment pair across conditions.ResultsHead in space flexion orientation and angular excursions were greater during stair ascent and greater still during stair descent as compared to level walking. This indicates a progressively significant increase in the challenge to head stability. Neck flexion orientation in space and angular excursion were greater during stair descent as compared to level walking. Movement patterns between segment pairs demonstrated phase leads and lags between segments when threats to head stability were minimal. With increased challenge to head stability, segments moved synchronously in opposite directions to maintain balance. With further challenges to head stability, segments moved synchronously in the same direction to maintain body segment alignment.ConclusionsHead stabilization was significantly challenged when ascending stairs and is further challenged while descending stairs. Movement patterns reflected changes associated with challenges to head stability. Increased head excursion during stair ambulation may reflect the need to orient vision for foot placement. Results suggest that individuals with visual or vestibular deficits may be at risk for falls during stair ambulation. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Balance assessment in patients with peripheral arthritis: applicability and reliability of some clinical assessments
Authors: Norén Anne Marie , Bogren Ulrika , Bolin Jenny , Stenström Christina 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeMany individuals with peripheral arthritis blame decreased balance as a reason for limiting their physical activity. It is therefore important to assess and improve their balance. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the applicability and the reliability of some clinical balance assessment methods for people with arthritis and various degrees of disability.MethodTo examine the applicability and reliability of balance tests, 65, 19 and 22 patients, respectively, with peripheral arthritis participated in sub‐studies investigating the applicability, inter‐rater reliability and test–retest stability of the following methods: walking on a soft surface, walking backwards, walking in a figure‐of‐eight, the balance sub‐scale of the Index of Muscle Function (IMF), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the Berg balance scale.ResultsFor patients with moderate disability walking in a figure‐of‐eight was found to be the most discriminative test, whereas ceiling effects were found for the Berg balance scale. Patients with severe disability were generally able to perform the TUG test and the Berg Balance Scale without ceiling effects. Inter‐rater reliability was moderate to high and test–retest stability was satisfactory for all methods assessed.ConclusionsApplicable and reliable assessment methods of clinical balance were identified for individuals with moderate and severe disability, whereas more discriminative tests need to be developed for those with limited disability. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
A randomized controlled trial comparing periodic mask CPAP with physiotherapy after abdominal surgery
Authors: Denehy Linda , Carroll Sara , Ntoumenopoulos George , Jenkins Susan 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposePhysiotherapists use a variety of techniques aimed at improving lung volumes and secretion clearance in patients after surgery. Periodic continuous positive airway pressure (PCPAP) is used to treat patients following elective upper abdominal surgery. However, the optimal method of application has not been identified, more specifically, the dosage of application of PCPAP. The present randomized controlled trial compared the effects of two dosages of PCPAP application and ‘traditional’ physiotherapy upon functional residual capacity (FRC), vital capacity (VC), oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SpO2), incidence of post‐operative pulmonary complications and length of stay with a control group receiving ‘traditional’ physiotherapy only.MethodFifty‐seven subjects were randomly allocated to one of three groups. All groups received ‘traditional’ physiotherapy twice daily for a minimum of three post‐operative days. In addition, two groups received PCPAP for 15 or 30 minutes, four times per day, for three days.ResultsFifty subjects (39 male; 11 female) completed the study. There were no significant differences in any variables between the three groups. The overall incidence of post‐operative pulmonary complications was 22% in the control group, 11% and 6% in the PCPAP 15‐minute and PCPAP 30‐minute groups, respectively. Length of hospital stay was not significantly different between the groups but for subjects who developed post‐operative pulmonary complications, the length of stay was significantly greater (Z = −2.32; p = 0.021).ConclusionsThe addition of PCPAP to a traditional physiotherapy post‐operative treatment regimen after upper abdominal surgery did not significantly affect physiological or clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Relationship between change in balance and self‐reported handicap after vestibular rehabilitation therapy
Authors: Murray Kate , Carroll Sara , Hill Keith 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeDizziness and balance problems are two commonly reported symptoms of vestibular system disease, with subsequent alterations in lifestyle and reports of physical, functional and emotional handicap. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) was developed to improve the functional status of patients with vestibular dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between change in balance performance and change in self‐rated handicap after a four‐week home exercise programme in 16 subjects with chronic vestibular disease.MethodBefore and after the treatment intervention, balance was tested by use of a Smart Balance Master (SBM) system (Neurocom® International, Clackamas, OR, USA) and self‐rated handicap was measured by use of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI).ResultsSignificant improvement was observed in both the SBM (p<0.001) and DHI (p = 0.003) scores over the testing period. A moderately strong negative correlation existed between change in SBM and DHI scores (Spearman's r = −0.6). Further analysis using the DHI subscales indicated, however, that the emotional component showed no significant change over time, and a poor correlation with change in balance scores (Spearman's r = −0.39).ConclusionsThese results indicate that a home‐based exercise programme can significantly improve balance abilities in people with chronic vestibular dysfunction, but that outcomes may be enhanced by addressing the emotional issues associated with their disability. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Reliability of lower extremity girth measurements after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Soderberg Gary L. , Ballantyne Byron T. , Kestel Lisabeth L. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of lower extremity girth measurements in patients recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery. Nine subjects, within several months of their surgery, volunteered. Circumferential measurements were taken of the involved and uninvolved legs at the following locations: 15 cm inferior to the joint line; 5, 10 and 15 cm superior to the joint line; at the joint line; and at mid‐thigh. All subjects were supine with the knee in extension whilst a specially designed device, formulated to make circumferential measurements at locations around the knee, was applied to the extremity. Three physical therapists each repeated all measurements on two occasions, in random order, during the same test session. Intra‐tester intraclass correlation (ICCs) calculated showed high coefficients (0.82–1.0) for both the involved and uninvolved sides for all locations of the measurement. Inter‐tester ICCs ranged from 0.72 to 0.97. The measurements established sufficiently high reliability to justify their use both within and between examiners for subjects recovering from surgery of the ACL. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Disability and health: perceptions of a sample of elderly people
Authors: Partridge Cecily , Johnston Marie , Morris Lorna 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe background to this work was the expected increase in the proportion of elderly people in the population, giving rise to a greater demand for services at a time of scarcity of healthcare resources. The aims of the study were to investigate disability and health in a sample of elderly people living at home in the community. We wished to obtain detailed information about physical disability and health then to explore individual perceptions of health and disability and, finally, to examine relationships between the objective assessments and individual, subjective perceptions. The results reported here represent only part of the work of a larger study which also investigated the use of health and social services in this sample of elderly people. In‐depth interviews were undertaken with a random stratified population sample of 200 elderly people living at home. Analysis of interview data showed that, by use of a multidimensional scale of disability, just over one‐third of the sample could be classified as ‘disabled’. The mobility status of the sample was, in general, good with only small numbers spending most of their time in a wheelchair. The total sample scored highly on activities of daily living, though those classified as disabled were significantly less independent. The mean number of reported health conditions was less than might have been expected in an elderly population. One‐third of the subjects in the sample showed discrepancies between their own assessment of their disability and objective assessments. These discrepancies could partly be explained by a combination of individuals' assessment of their own abilities and their beliefs about factors influencing disability. Measures of disability, or activity associated with daily living, were related to perceptions of health, whereas the number of current health problems was not. The factors which determined perceptions of health or disability were: walking unaided and general levels of activity. Health was perceived in terms of what one could do rather than the presence of current diseases or conditions. The results suggested that when planning treatment for elderly people, physiotherapists and others should consider individual variability in perceptions of disability and health, as well as objective assessments. The importance of locomotion in the value systems of elderly people emphasises the high profile of physiotherapy in the care of elderly people. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Evaluation of the relationship between laboratory and clinical tests of transversus abdominis function
Authors: Hodges Paul , Richardson Carolyn , Jull Gwendolen 
Published: March 2006

AbstractA clinical test of the function of the deep abdominal muscles was compared to a laboratory electromyographic (EMG) investigation of the contribution of transversus abdo‐minis (TrA) to stability of the lumbar spine during limb movement. The two different functions of TrA were evaluated in 15 subjects. The subject group included six subjects with chronic low back pain and nine subjects with no history of low back pain so that the resultant recordings were spread over a wide range for each test. The clinical test involved quantification of the ability of the subjects to specifically displace the anterior abdominal wall in a way consistent with the function of the muscle. This was evaluated by use of a device designed to measure pressure reduction as the abdomen lifted off a transducer in the prone position. The laboratory test involved determination of the onset of contraction of TrA associated with rapid upper limb movement, measured using fine‐wire EMG electrodes. The parameter evaluated was the latency between the contraction of TrA and the prime mover of the limb. Data were analysed both as absolute values and as ordinal data of a three‐rating scale derived from criteria based on current knowledge of the response to both tests. No significant correlation was found between the absolute magnitudes of the pressure and timing data, however, comparison of the rating scale data indicated a significant relationship between the tests and associated high level of agreement between the two measures. The results of the study indicate that a reduction in the ability to draw in the abdominal wall is related to changes in the coordination of TrA, although the magnitude of the changes were not correlated. The degree of causality between these co‐varying but independent manifestations of the function of TrA is uncertain. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Evaluation of the reliability of reflective marker placements
Authors: Marks Ray , Karkouti Ellie 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis study determined the reliability of recording knee angle coordinates in the sagittal plane during erect stance by use of skin reflective markers. To this end, 32 healthy male and female subjects participated in three standardised test sessions of 1 hour duration spaced at 1‐ and 4‐week intervals. At each session, markers were placed on three bony landmarks of the leg and their coordinates were photographed with the leg in extension and semi‐flexion. The resultant knee angles, calculated from lines drawn on the photographs marking the coordinate sites, were subjected to separate repeated measures analysis of variance statistical procedures. The results showed that both sets of measurements could be carried out reliably when repeated within a single test session (R = 0.87). However, when repeated over time, neither measurement reached the criterion for acceptable reliability (set at R ≥ 0.80). The magnitude of the method error was also higher between test sessions for both angles than it was for tests repeated within the sessions. These data suggest that whereas knee coordinates recorded on a single day can be reproduced reliably, they may be less useful for evaluating knee angle changes over time. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Measurements of scapular position and rotation: a reliability study
Authors: T'Jonck Leen , Lysens Roeland , Grasse Gunther 
Published: March 2006

AbstractSmooth motion of the scapula and humerus with respect to the thorax is essential for shoulder function and abnormalities may indicate clinical entities. Recent studies have made an attempt to devise simple, practical means of quantifying scapular position. The aim of this study was to examine the intra‐tester and inter‐tester reliability of two methods and to determine if significant differences existed between the dominant versus non‐dominant extremity. Seventeen healthy volunteers (4 M; 13 F) were examined by two testers. The tape measurements consisted of the classic methods of Kibler and DiVeta in three sitting postures, expanded by the measurement of the linear distance from the medial border to the thoracic mid‐line, and the scapular size measure. The SAS software package was used for data analysis. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) intra‐tester reliability ranged between 0.96–0.8 for both methods without significant differences, whereas the ICC for inter‐tester reliability ranged between 0.42–0.9 with higher values (moderate and good) for the Kibler technique. In the additional tests high values were also obtained for ICC intra‐tester, except for the measurements of the linear distance of the medial border of the scapula to the thoracic mid‐line and the distance of the inferior process of the acromion to the third vertebra, both in 90° abduction and internal rotation. The ICC for inter‐tester was only acceptable for the DiVeta measurement on 45° abduction. Significant differences were noted between both testers on the following measures: Kibler in 45° abduction, DiVeta in 45° abduction and 90° abduction and the scapular size measure. The comparison of dominant versus non‐dominant extremity revealed larger but not significantly different means for the dominant extremity in the classic methods. Significant differences occurred for Tester 1 in the measurement of the distance of the medial border to the thoracic mid‐line and Tester 2 in DiVita in 45° abduction. The SEM values never exceeded 1 cm. We believe that the Kibler technique holds promise for further studies, has the advantage of measuring in three positions and with some familiarisation can be reliable. Further research is necessary in patients with pathological conditions. Copyright © 1996 Whurr Publishers Ltd.