Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Utilising Co-Design To Improve Outpatient Neurological Care In A Rural Setting, Andrew J. Butler, Sarah J. Prior, Sajina Mathew, David Carter, Brad F. Ellem

Patient Experience Journal

It has been identified that the physiotherapy needs of patients with central neurological conditions are specific and that this cohort are generally under-serviced in rural and remote areas in Australia. A quality improvement project was undertaken to improve patient experience in outpatient physiotherapy services in Tasmania, facilitating increased self-efficacy and quality of life, in patients with central chronic neurological conditions.. An experience-based co-design approach was utilised, involving past and current patients as well as physiotherapy staff in the project design, data collection, analysis and evaluation phases. The results suggest that timely access to care and goal achievement are common areas …

The Effects Of Lumbar Traction In Lumbar Discal Hernia. A Single Case Study, Altin Erindi, Sead Bushati, Elton Spahiu

UBT International Conference

People have always had back pain. Back pain was described in the distant past in old texts from 1500 BC. The word sciatica has been used since Ancient Greek times and Hippocrates (460-370 BC) described “sciatic” pain as mainly affecting men aged 40-60 years (Allan and Waddell, 1989). This is a single case study about whereas the mechanical effects of lumbar traction are well substantiated. We have used the intermittent variable of the traction. We used a Platinum 3D traction table. MRI of the lumbar spine of the patient were recorded before and after. Pain intensity was rated on VAS, …

Effectiveness Of Physical Therapy Interventions In The Treatment Of Urinary Incontinence In Older Women: A Systematic Review, Ariana Gagliardi, Lauren Paretti, Kayla Stephani, Stephanie Oliverio

Student Research Poster Presentations 2020

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent condition among older adults. While age and gender are risk factors, UI is not a natural part of female aging. By not seeking proper care, these individuals may be hindering their independence, opportunities to receive effective treatment, and their overall quality of life. Research shows a wide variety of physical therapy (PT) treatment options are available for UI.

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of various conservative PT interventions in treating stress, urge, and mixed UI in older women.

Methods: Two searches of the literature were performed …

Referral Patterns To Continence Physiotherapy Services For Patients With Chronic Respiratory Conditions, Hannah Brien, Cath Bunting, Shane Patman

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Chronic respiratory conditions are a widely recognised risk factor for urinary incontinence and current chronic respiratory condition management guidelines state that patients should be screened for urinary incontinence and referred to continence physiotherapists for treatment. This study aimed to firstly confirm anecdotal sentiment that referrals of these patients to continence physiotherapists are low; and, secondly, to investigate barriers to the referral of these patients. Two online de novo surveys were disseminated across the metropolitan area of Perth, Western Australia: one to continence physiotherapists (Survey A) to investigate referral rates, and the other to respiratory physiotherapists, respiratory physicians and general practitioner …

The Association Of Working Alliance, Outcome Expectation, Adherence And Self-Efficacy With Clinical Outcomes For Achilles Tendinopathy: A Feasibility Cohort Study (The Map Study), Adrian Mallows, Jo Jackson, Chris Littlewood, James Debenham

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Introduction: This study evaluated the feasibility of a large longitudinal cohort study utilizing an online platform to investigate the association and predictive relationship of working alliance, outcome expectations, adherence and self-efficacy with outcome in Achilles tendinopathy. The objectives were: (1) to determine the recruitment and retention rate and (2) to carry out preliminary data analysis of the selected variables and clinical outcomes.

Methods: A multi-centred, longitudinal feasibility cohort study was used. Eligible participants were directed to a bespoke online platform hosting study information and the outcome measures in the form of an online questionnaire. Responses from the online questionnaire were …

Clinical Validation Of Expert Consensus Statements For Respiratory Physiotherapy Management Of Invasively Ventilated Adults With Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Qualitative Study, Lisa Van Der Lee, Anne-Marie Hill, Shane Patman

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Objectives: To conduct multidisciplinary peer-review of expert consensus statements for respiratory physiotherapy for invasively ventilated adults with community-acquired pneumonia, to determine clinical acceptability for development into a clinical practice guideline.

Research methodology: A qualitative study was undertaken using focus groups (n = 3) conducted with clinician representatives from five Australian states. Participants were senior intensive care physiotherapists, nurses and consultants. Thematic analysis was used, with a deductive approach to confirm clinical validity, and inductive analysis to identify new themes relevant to the application of the 38 statements into practice.

Setting: Adult intensive care.

Findings: Senior intensive care clinicians from physiotherapy …

Physiotherapy Is Associated With Improvements In Gait And Balance In Individuals With Cognitive Impairment: A Retrospective Analysis, Steven Jackson, Elbert Chen, Jason Phan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that individuals with cognitive impairment (CI) exhibit significant motor impairments; however, these motor impairments receive little treatment attention compared to more prominent CI. Moreover, there is a lack of evidence about physiotherapy (PT) in individuals with CI. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if PT was effective at improving gait and balance in individuals with Alzheimer disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: Retrospective data of 173 individuals with CI conditions and an initial evaluation for PT were extracted from electronic records from January 2016 …

Effects Of An 8-Week Pelvic Core Stability And Nutrition Community Programme On Maternal Health Outcomes, Gretchen Elizabeth Krivak, Lori Maria Walton, Veena Raigangar, Mini Sara Abraham, Cherisse Buddy, Magaly Hernandez, Rose Caceras

Faculty Publications

Introduction

Women, during the antenatal and post‐partum period, report pelvic, low back pain, stress and urge urinary incontinence, colorectal dysfunction, and other co‐morbidities that negatively affect health‐related quality of life. Exercise and nutrition are important considerations for improving maternal health in this period.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a community‐driven nutrition and exercise programme focused on pelvic floor and core stability, healthy nutrition, and breastfeeding counselling over an 8‐week period on pelvic floor and urinary distress (UDI), prolapse and colorectal distress for antenatal and post‐partum women with limited access to health care, and …

The Facilitators And Barriers For Active Seniors Attending Physiotherapy, Derek Wood

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who can be utilized by the senior population to maintain or improve their health (CPA, 2012). This research examined the experiences of physically active, injured seniors receiving treatment from a physiotherapist in order to understand the barriers and facilitators to treatment and recovery. The study also examined this population’s experiences with physiotherapy (PT) as well as their physical activity (PA) levels and the effect PA had on them.

The study employed a qualitative design which used background questionnaires and semi-structured interviews for data collection. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to analyze the …

A Comparison Of The Effects Of Mirror Therapy And Phantom Exercises On Phantom Limb Pain, Bahar Külünkoğlu, Fati̇h Erbahçeci̇, Afra Alkan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Although mirror therapy (MT) and phantom exercises (PE) have been shown to reduce pain, the efficacy of these methods in terms of pain, quality of life (QoL), and psychological status (PS) has not been investigated and compared to date. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any difference between MT and PE in the treatment of phantom limb pain (PLP).Materials and methods: Forty unilateral transtibial amputees (aged 18-45 years) participated in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into `MT group' and `PE group'. QoL was assessed using Short-Form 36 (SF-36), psychological status using the Beck …

Feasibility Of Conducting Research In A Student Physiotherapy Clinic In Australia: A Pilot Study, Scott Buckerfield, Felicity Braithwaite, Julie Walters, Maureen P. Mcevoy

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Allied health student clinics are growing in number and scope, providing a potential untapped avenue for clinical research. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a longitudinal research study over four sessions in a student physiotherapy clinic under the supervision of registered physiotherapists as clinical educators.

Method: This feasibility study gathered data on recruitment in a designated time period, attendance rates and adherence of participants to the treatment, with evaluation also of the acceptability of the entire protocol to participants (patients, students, clinical educators) and to the research team.

Results: Data were collected …

Inside Outsourcing: Experiences Of Outsourced Physical Therapy Services In Dutch Hospitals, Rudi A. Steenbruggen Pt, Mba, Hannah Boven Msc

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Over the past years, it has become more common in Dutch hospitals to outsource allied healthcare services to the private sector. This development has affected hospital-based physical therapy significantly. And as a result, there is an increasing need for guidance in this new situation. In response to this, the Dutch Association of Physical Therapy in Hospitals (NVZF) conducted a comprehensive study into the process of outsourcing with the objective to inform and advise physical therapy services in hospitals about outsourcing developments. Eight Dutch hospitals where physical therapy services had been outsourced or where this option was explored, were interviewed. The …

Students' Perception Of The Educational Environment In An Indian Physiotherapy College, Prachita Walankar, Vrushali Panhale, Sayli Situt

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Educational environment has a significant impact on students' behavior, academic progress and quality of learning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the students’ perception of their learning environment in an Indian physiotherapy college and compare their perceptions in terms of demographic attributes and academic level. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 undergraduate physiotherapy students. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM), a 50-item, self-administered inventory was employed to assess the student’s perception of learning environment. It comprises of five domains: students’ perceptions of learning; students’ perceptions of teachers; students’ academic self-perceptions; students’ perceptions of atmosphere …

Critical Success Factors For Adopting Telemedicine Applications, Arjen Maris, Anas Yousfi, Stefan V. Ramshorst, Pascal Ravesteyn

Communications of the IIMA

The use of IT within healthcare is increasing, but at a slow rate. In complex projects like the implementation of a telemedicine application within the context of physiotherapy processes where both practitioners and patients use the application, it is still unclear what factors should be taken into consideration for a successful adoption. Therefore, the research question for this study is: ‘what are the critical success factors for adopting a telemedicine application for primary physiotherapists and their patients within the Netherlands?’ A literature study is performed followed by a thematic analysis to determine the factors that are relevant for adoption of …

Health Professional Students' Understanding Of Oral Health In Traumatic Brain Injury, Samira Omar

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Oral health is a significant consideration in recovery following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) as it is associated with overall health. Health-care providers play an essential role in rehabilitation following TBI. Thus, using qualitative descriptive research and focus groups, this thesis examined the experiences and perceptions of eight final-year health-professional students in nursing, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology with respect to oral health in TBI. Results suggest that health-professional students lack a deep understanding of i) what constitutes oral health, ii) common oral health challenges that may be faced by persons with TBI, and iii) optimal oral care in persons …

Lived Experience And Process Of Engagement In Physical Exercise For Older Adults With Chronic Back Pain, Melissa E. Hay

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

For older adults, physical exercise is especially important in maintaining functional independence, extending quality of life, and optimizing personal health resources. For patients with chronic pain conditions, exercise participation can significantly improve patient-reported symptoms. Older adults are the most sedentary age group with the majority not meeting the recommended duration and intensity of weekly exercise. Although nonadherence with exercise guidelines may result for a variety of reasons, adverse health conditions including chronic pain are likely of particular concern for older adults. The aim of this research, consisting of two studies employing interpretive phenomenology and constructivist grounded theory, was to understand …

Patient Experiences Of A Physiotherapy-Led Multidisciplinary Rehabilitative Intervention After Successful Treatment For Oesophago-Gastric Cancer, Annemarie Bennett, L. O'Neill, D. Connolly, E. M. Guinan, L. Boland, Suzanne Doyle, J. O'Sullivan, J. V. Reynolds, J. Hussey

Articles

Purpose To qualitatively explore the perceived impact of a 12-week rehabilitative intervention for oesophago-gastric cancer survivors on their physical, mental and social wellbeing. Methods Of the 21 participants who completed the intervention, 19 took part in a semi-structured focus group interview. Four audio-taped focus groups were held, ranging in size from two to eight participants. Focus groups were transcribed and analysed using a descriptive qualitative approach. Results At recruitment, participants were 23.5 ± 15.2 months post-surgery and all had suboptimal fitness levels. Participants reported improvements in their physical capacity and ability to carry out activities of daily living during the …

Correlation Between The Spirit Bike Maximal Power Output And Other Lower Extremity Power Output Tests, Tyler Adams, Joseph Brown, Gunnar Mendiola, Ryan Sullivan, Cody Williams

Physical Therapy Capstone Projects

The assessment of a patient’s lower extremity function is important for physical therapists to make clinical judgements about the subject’s mobility and physical capabilities. For physical therapists to accurately assess a patient’s lower extremity function, clinicians must utilize the most appropriate tests, evaluation techniques, and/or tools. It is not clear that single leg hop tests will provide the most accurate assessment of lower extremity function for patients with hip, knee, ankle, and or foot biomechanical dysfunctions, as in some severe cases, these tests may even be contraindicated.

An Analysis Of Postural Changes Over Time And Their Relationship To Musculoskeletal Pain, Anna Barnes, Anna Dadamio, Suzanne Maggioni, Rebekah Stammer, Sarah Simpson

Physical Therapy Capstone Projects

Posture is defined as the relative disposition of the body at any one moment. It is a composite of all body joints during that time and, in its ideal state, minimizes gravitational stresses in an upright position. Spinal curves help to distribute weight and compressive loads and add strength and stability to the vertebral column.1 Ideal static posture has been described as a straight vertical line that passes through the earlobe, just anterior to the lateral malleolus, and falls to the concave side of each spinal curve

“…Like You’Re Pushing The Snowball Back Up Hill”—The Experiences Of Australian Physiotherapists Promoting Non-Treatment Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study, Breanne E. Kunstler, Paul D. O'Halloran, Jill L. Cook, Joanne L. Kemp, Caroline Finch

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Participating in physical activity is important for maintaining general health. When physiotherapists promote physical activity for the purposes of maintaining or improving a patient‟s general health, they are promoting non-treatment physical activity. Physiotherapists have a responsibility to promote non-treatment physical activity to their patients while also providing the patient with treatment for their presenting complaint. This qualitative study explored the experiences of Australian physiotherapists promoting non-treatment physical activity to patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Ten Australian physiotherapists treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions in private practice and outpatient settings were recruited using a social media campaign and snowballing. All interviewees received one …

Determining The Impact Of A New Physiotherapist-Led Primary Care Model For Back Pain: Protocol For A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial, Jordan Miller, David Barber, Catherine Donnelly, Simon French, Michael Green, Jonathan Hill, Joy Macdermid, Jacquelyn Marsh, Kathleen Norman, Julie Richardson, Monica Taljaard, Timothy Wideman, Lynn Cooper, Colleen Mcphee

Bone and Joint Institute

© 2017 The Author(s). Background: Back pain is a leading contributor to disability, healthcare costs, and lost work. Family physicians are the most common first point of contact in the healthcare system for people with back pain, but physiotherapists (PTs) may be able to support the primary care team through evidence-based primary care. A cluster randomized trial is needed to determine the clinical, health system, and societal impact of a primary care model that integrates physiotherapists at the first visit for people with back pain. Prior to conducting a future fully powered cluster randomized trial, we need to demonstrate feasibility …

Characteristics Of Therapeutic Alliance In Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy And Occupational Therapy Practice: A Scoping Review Of The Literature, Folarin Babatunde, Joy Macdermid, Norma Macintyre

Bone and Joint Institute

© 2017 The Author(s). Background: Most conventional treatment for musculoskeletal conditions continue to show moderate effects, prompting calls for ways to increase effectiveness, including drawing from strategies used across other health conditions. Therapeutic alliance refers to the relational processes at play in treatment which can act in combination or independently of specific interventions. Current evidence guiding the use of therapeutic alliance in health care arises largely from psychotherapy and medicine literature. The objective of this review was to map out the available literature on therapeutic alliance conceptual frameworks, themes, measures and determinants in musculoskeletal rehabilitation across physiotherapy and occupational therapy …

Is A Students’ Ability To Critically Self-Reflect, Related To Their Performance On Physiotherapy Clinical Placements?, Sarah Brooks, Nikki Milne, Rob Marc Orr, Rebecca Terry

Rob Marc Orr

Background. The relationship between students’ reflective ability and performance on physiotherapy clinical placement is currently unclear.

Objectives. To investigate: i) if a relationship exists between students’ critical reflective ability and performance on physiotherapy clinical placement; and whether these relationships differ by ii) Critical reflective task (CRT) rank grade or, iii) by gender.

Design. An observational cohort study design.

Methods. Critical Reflection Task (CRT) marks and clinical placement (APP) scores from 196 (F=94; M=102) post-graduate, entry-level physiotherapy students were analyzed.

Results. A significant moderate predictive relationship was found between CRT marks and APP scores (r=.411, p2=.169, SEE=12.79). There was a weak …

Is A Students’ Ability To Critically Self-Reflect, Related To Their Performance On Physiotherapy Clinical Placements?, Sarah Brooks, Nikki Milne, Rob Marc Orr, Rebecca Terry

Dr Nikki Milne

Background. The relationship between students’ reflective ability and performance on physiotherapy clinical placement is currently unclear.

Objectives. To investigate: i) if a relationship exists between students’ critical reflective ability and performance on physiotherapy clinical placement; and whether these relationships differ by ii) Critical reflective task (CRT) rank grade or, iii) by gender.

Design. An observational cohort study design.

Methods. Critical Reflection Task (CRT) marks and clinical placement (APP) scores from 196 (F=94; M=102) post-graduate, entry-level physiotherapy students were analyzed.

Results. A significant moderate predictive relationship was found between CRT marks and APP scores (r=.411, p2=.169, SEE=12.79). There was a weak …

Provider Referral Of Patients With Acute Low Back Pain To Physical Therapy: Implications For Outcomes And Costs, Corinne Griggs

DNP Scholarly Projects

Because most patients with an acute episode of low back pain (LBP) enter the health care system through primary care, it is important primary care providers consider the effects of their decisions on patient outcomes and costs. Although guidelines for primary care management of acute LBP do not place emphasis on physical therapy, they have not been updated since 2007, and more recent evidence supports the use of timely physical therapy in acute LBP patients without “red flags.” Additionally, many studies indicate specialist or surgical consultation is over-utilized, inflating costs and delaying physical therapy. The aim of this project was …

Anatomical Knowledge Retention In Physiotherapy Students: A Preliminary Assessment, M Dayal, J Owens, W Gibson, G Strkalj

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Introduction: Anatomical knowledge and understanding are key components of physiotherapy education and practice. Traditionally, anatomy has been taught as a foundation stream within the first year(s) of physiotherapy education. This curricular model is based on the assumption that further learning in subsequent years builds upon the knowledge gained in the early stages of the program. However, the retention rate in all basic sciences has often been called into question. In anatomy, several studies suggest that anatomy knowledge endures considerable attrition, highlighting the need for the evaluation of retention rates. This paper aimed at making a preliminary assessment of the knowledge …

Physiotherapy In Upper Abdominal Surgery - What Is Current Practice In Australia?, S Patman, A Bartley, A Ferraz, C Bunting

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Background: Upper abdominal surgery (UAS) has the potential to cause post-operative pulmonary complications (PPCs). In the absence of high-quality research regarding post-operative physiotherapy management, consensus-based best practice guidelines formulated by Hanekom et al. (2012) are available to clinicians providing recommendations for post-UAS treatment. Such best practice guidelines have recommended that physiotherapists should be using early mobilisation and respiratory intervention to minimise risk of PPCs. However, recent evidence supports the implementation of mobilisation as a standalone treatment in PPC prevention, though the diversity in literature poses questions regarding ideal current practice. This project aimed to document and report the assessment measures …

Developing Minimum Clinical Standards For Physiotherapy In South African Icus: A Qualitative Study, H Van Aswegen, S Patman, N Plani, S Hanekom

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Rationale, aims, and objectives: Physiotherapists are integral members of the intensive care unit (ICU) team. Clinicians working in ICU are dependent on their own experience when making decisions regarding individual patient management thus resulting in variation in clinical practice. No formalized clinical practice guidelines or standards exist for the educational profile or scope of practice requirements for ICU physiotherapy. This study explored perceptions of physiotherapists on minimum clinical standards that ICU physiotherapists should adhere to for delivering safe, effective physiotherapy services to critically ill patients.

Method: Experienced physiotherapists offering a service to South African ICUs were purposively sampled. Three focus …

Developing Student Skills To Actively Engage In Feedback Conversations: A Pilot Study, Neil Tuttle, Andrea Bialocerkowski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Students often have passive or counterproductive responses to feedback. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate a feedback training module containing online learning and live simulation. It was hypothesized that 1) student confidence in feedback skills would increase following the module, and 2) compared with a control group who undertook the module after their clinical placement, the feedback group who undertook the module before their placement would perform better on clinical placement on the sections of the Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice related to communication, but those related to clinical skills would not be affected. Methods: …

Does Patient Self-Efficacy At Intake Predict The Therapeutic Outcome?, Molly J. Geiger, Stephanie Juhnke, Ellen Maloney, Danny Mcmillian

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Title: Does Patient Self-Efficacy at Intake Predict the Therapeutic Outcome?

Authors: Molly Geiger SPT¹, Stephanie Juhnke SPT¹, Ellen Maloney SPT¹, Danny McMillian DSc.¹

Affiliation: 1. School of Physical Therapy, University of Puget Sound

Purpose: Several studies have linked psychosocial factors, such as depression, self-efficacy, and fear-avoidance to poor outcomes, increased disability, and the development of chronic pain. In a primary care setting, Foster has shown self-efficacy to be the most important for determining outcomes. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between self-efficacy (SE) levels and physical therapy (PT) outcomes. …