Authors: Pinsault N, Fleury A, Virone G, Bouvier B, Vaillant J, Vuillerme N
Considering the important role of the cervical joint position sense on control of human posture and locomotion, accurate and reliable evaluation of neck proprioceptive abilities appears of great importance. Although the cervicocephalic relocation test (CRT) to the neutral head position (NHP) usually is used for both research and clinical purposes, its test-retest reliability has not been clearly established yet. The purpose of the present experiment was to 1) evaluate the test-retest reliability of the CRT to NHP and 2) to determine the number of trial recordings required to ensure reliable measurements. To this aim, 40 young healthy adults performed the CRT to NHP on two separate occasions. Ten trials were per…

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In conclusion, the MMAS has very good interrater reliability for the assessment of wrist flexor muscle spasticity.
PMID: 18821443 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice)

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Authors: Faria CD, Teixeira-Salmela LF, de Paula Goulart FR, Gomes PF
The aim of this study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity levels of the serratus anterior, upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles between elevation and lowering of the arms with 10 healthy subjects. The EMGs of each muscle was quantified and normalized for the complete movement, as well as for the six different phases of each movement. Repeated measure ANOVAs were used to investigate main and interaction effects between movements/sides and sides/phases (alpha<0.05). Significant differences were found between the elevation and the lowering of the arms for all muscles (p</=0.001). However, there were no significant differences between sides (0.24<p<0.97), nor interactions between movemen…

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Educational and professional issues in physical therapy-An international study.
Physiother Theory Pract. 2008 Sep-Oct;24(5):344-59
Authors: Cahalin LP, Matsuo Y, Collins SM, Matsuya A, Caro F
Very little information exists regarding physical therapy educational and professional issues in various regions of the world. A better understanding may facilitate physical therapy (PT) practice, education, and research around the globe. The purpose of this study was to gain a worldwide perspective of physical therapy educational and professional issues in 40 separate countries. Forty countries known to provide PT were chosen from a World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) list of affiliates based on language, geography, and presumed PT practice. An English survey consisting of 22 …

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Delisting publicly funded community-based physical therapy services in Ontario, Canada: A 12-month follow-up study of the perceptions of clients and providers.
Physiother Theory Pract. 2008 Sep-Oct;24(5):329-43
Authors: Paul J, Park L, Ryter E, Miller W, Ahmed S, Cott CA, Landry MD
Publicly funded community-based physical therapy (PT) services in Canada’s most populous province of Ontario were partially delisted, or deinsured, in April 2005. Two previous studies examined the short-term effects from the client and provider perspectives; and in this study, we follow up with participants from these preceding studies to assess long-term consequences of this policy. Sixteen of 18 providers (89%) and 64 of 98 clients (65%) agreed to participate in a follow-up telephone interview. Our…

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The role of the cerebellum in procedural learning-Are there implications for physiotherapists’ clinical practice?
Physiother Theory Pract. 2008 Sep-Oct;24(5):321-8
Authors: Saywell N, Taylor D
Motor learning is the means by which we acquire skilled movements and consign them to permanent memory. Multiple brain areas are involved, and patients with neurological damage often experience difficulty when attempting to relearn previously learned skills. For these patients, the location of the lesion may be critical in influencing their motor skill relearning. The cerebellum has been described as an “on-line” comparator and corrector of movement, but recent research suggests that the cerebellum may also have a role in the later stages of motor learning, including the automation of mov…

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This study investigated the effects of 5-Form, Yang Style Tai Chi (TC) on balance confidence, balance performance, functional strength, mobility, and incidence of falls among individuals with or at risk for developing osteoporosis. This was a pilot outcomes study in which participants served as their own controls. Thirty-one independent, community-dwelling women (mean age of 67.3 years) attended TC sessions twice a week for 12 weeks and practiced at least 1 day a week on their own. A specific TC instruction video was used to facilitate home practice. Baseline, immediate postintervention, and 6 and 12 months postintervention data were recorded. Outcome measures included the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, One-Legged Stance Test (OLST) for both legs, Repeated Chair Stands…

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Authors: Cahalin LP, Matsuo Y, Collins SM, Matsuya A, Caro F
Very little information exists regarding physical therapy educational and professional issues in various regions of the world. A better understanding may facilitate physical therapy (PT) practice, education, and research around the globe. The purpose of this study was to gain a worldwide perspective of physical therapy educational and professional issues in 40 separate countries. Forty countries known to provide PT were chosen from a World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) list of affiliates based on language, geography, and presumed PT practice. An English survey consisting of 22 items and four primary areas (accreditation of PT educational programs, licensure, specialization, and earning potential) was translated in…

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Authors: Saywell N, Taylor D
Motor learning is the means by which we acquire skilled movements and consign them to permanent memory. Multiple brain areas are involved, and patients with neurological damage often experience difficulty when attempting to relearn previously learned skills. For these patients, the location of the lesion may be critical in influencing their motor skill relearning. The cerebellum has been described as an “on-line” comparator and corrector of movement, but recent research suggests that the cerebellum may also have a role in the later stages of motor learning, including the automation of movement patterns, although conflicting research in this area means that there is as yet no consensus. This knowledge may have implications for the way physiotherapists treat …

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This course is designed for physiotherapists working or developing towards an Advanced Practice/Extended Scope role. The module aims to develop an understanding of• blood investigations in advanced musculoskeletal practice• the consequences of such investigations• how blood investigations might influence patient… (Source: Physiospot - Musculoskeletal)

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