MScPT Student Research and Publications

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/1807/17529

This TSpace collection showcases the research and publication accomplishments by students in the Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy (MScPT) program at the University of Toronto. In partial fulfillment of their degree requirements, students undertake research projects relevant to physical therapy that are proposed and supervised by faculty and clinicians in the University of Toronto community. This innovative research curriculum is successful as a result of the initiative, collaboration and leadership demonstrated by our faculty and our clinical community. Students develop a research protocol, submit the protocol for ethics approval, collect and analyze study data, prepare a manuscript and present a poster for Research Day. Many students present the findings of their research at provincial and national conferences and publish their final research papers in peer-reviewed journals as highlighted in this TSpace collection. The collection also showcases publications of other scholarly work completed by students as part of their MScPT studies.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 38

Continuing Education Needs in Electrophysical Agents Among Physiotherapists in Ontario
(2024) Bagnall, Evan; Crowe, Kyle; Ly, Fiona; Smith, Justin; Yarow, Iman; Nussbaum, Ethne L.
Purpose: To determine Ontario physiotherapists’ (PTs) self-identified electrophysical agent (EPA) learning needs, preferred modes of continuing education (CE), and barriers to accessing and integrating CE. Methods: A 17-21 question cross-sectional e-survey was distributed through the Ontario Physiotherapy Association and Ontario universities with physiotherapy programs. The sole inclusion criterion was registration with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. Data was collected with REDCap, and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to calculate frequencies and percentages. Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests were used for post hoc analyses. Results: The survey had 123 eligible responses. Respondents identified the most knowledge gaps with newer and specialized EPAs, and across all EPAs the most common knowledge gaps were evidence/efficacy (42%) and parameter selection (35%). Respondents identified cost and time of travel and programming as the largest CE barriers, and showed preferences for online learning. Conclusions: Interest in CE was reported for both newer EPAs (i.e. laser and shockwave) and established modalities (i.e. neuromuscular electrical stimulation and ultrasound). Ontario CE programs should prioritize parameter selection and evidence/efficacy, and be facilitated online. Ontario PTs’ area of practice should be considered as this sample found it influenced CE preferences, whereas graduation year had no influence.
Dyspnea induced by inspiratory loading limits dual-tasking in healthy young adults
(2022) Chauvin, Stephanie R.; Otoo-Appiah, Jessica; Zheng, Anna; Ibrahim, Chris H.; Ma, James E.; Rozenberg, Dmitry; Reid, W. Darlene
BACKGROUND: Dyspnea is a common and multidimensional experience of healthy adults and those with respiratory disorders. Due to its neural processing, it may limit or interfere with cognition, which may be examined with a dual-task paradigm. The aim of this study was to compare single-task performance of Stroop Colour and Word Test (SCWT) or inspiratory threshold loading (ITL) to their combined dual-task performance. Secondly, whether mood was related to dyspnea or cognitive performance was also evaluated. METHODS: A virtual pre-post design examined single (SCWT and ITL) and dual-task (SCWT+ITL) performance. For ITL, a Threshold Trainer™ was used to elicit a “somewhat severe” rating of dyspnea. The SCWT required participants to indicate whether a colour-word was congruent or incongruent with its semantic meaning. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was completed to assess mood. Breathing frequency, Borg dyspnea rating, and breathing endurance time were ascertained. RESULTS: Thirty young healthy adults (15F, 15M; median age=24, IQR [23-26] years) completed the study. SCWT+ITL had lower SCWT accuracy compared to SCWT alone (98.6%, [97.1-100.0] vs 99.5%, [98.6-100.0]; p=0.009). Endurance time was not different between ITL and SCWT+ITL (14.5 minutes, [6.9-15.0]) vs 13.7 minutes, [6.1-15.0]; p=0.586). DASS-21 scores positively correlated with dyspnea scores during ITL (rho=0.583, p<0.001) and SCWT+ITL (rho=0.592, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ITL significantly reduced dual-task performance in healthy young adults. Lower mood was associated with greater perceived dyspnea during single and dual-task ITL. Considering the prevalence of dyspnea in respiratory disorders, the findings of this dual task paradigm warrant further exploration to inform dyspnea management during daily activities.
The impact of a community based chronic illness exercise program on health: Client perspectives
(2010) Abdel-Razek, Waleed ; Avey, Jennifer ; Foote, Stacy ; Hypes, Courtney ; Plested, Samantha ; Gruber, Rebecca ; Elman, Jan Goldstein ; Yoshida, Karen ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: This study examined client perspectives of chronic illness (CI) impact on health, the impact of a community based physical therapist (PT) led exercise program on health, as well as participants experiences with aspects of the program that facilitated or hindered expectations of participation in the program. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study using face-to-face semi-structured interviews was performed. Participants were nine individuals with CI who were former or current clients of a community based PT-led exercise program. Manual thematic analysis was used. Results: The impact of CI on health was cited in physical, psychological and social health changes. Participants expectations of the program primarily surrounded physical health improvement or maintenance. The skill of the PTs, exercise structure, as well as group atmosphere were seen as aspects that facilitated clients expectations of participation in the program. Common barriers included issues surrounding program design (ie: space/group size) as well as access (transportation/cost). Nevertheless, most participants indicated that the program had a meaningful positive impact on their overall health. Conclusion: PT-led programs in the community can achieve important client perceived improvements in multiple domains of health and this study proffers credible methods by which to formulate/modify similar programs in the future.
The impact of structured interprofessional education on students' perceptions of collaboration in a clinical setting
(2010) Pinto, Alison ; Lee, Sam ; Lombardo, Samantha ; Salama, Mariam ; Ellis, Sandi ; Faibish, Sharon ; Jackson, Lawrence ; Kay, Theresa ; Young, Laurel ; Davies, Robyn ; Landry, Michel ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: To examine how a structured interprofessional education (IPE) placement influences healthcare professional (HCP) students perceptions of interprofessional collaboration (IPC), as compared to students in a traditional (uniprofessional) clinical placement. Methods: This study employed a mixed methods design. The Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS) was administered in two Toronto hospitals to HCP students (n=36) before and after a structured 5-week IPE placement to examine changes in their perceptions of IPC. Students in a traditional placement (n=28) were used as a control. Focus groups were then conducted with seven students who took part in the structured IPE placement. A coding framework was devised a priori using the subscales of the IEPS; these results were used to complement the quantitative findings. Results: Within group analyses showed a greater positive trend in IEPS scores from baseline to follow-up for the intervention group. Qualitative data suggest students valued the knowledge and skills gained through the structured IPE program. Furthermore, students provided valuable insight to optimize the format of structured IPE placements. Conclusions: Structured IPE placements provide students with valuable collaborative learning opportunities, which may lead to enhanced understanding and respect for other professionals, and improved insight into the value of IPC in healthcare delivery.
The knowledge, attitudes and practices of Canadian Master of Physical Therapy students regarding peer mentorship
(2010) Quesnel, Martine ; King, Judy ; Evans, Cathy ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: To describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Canadian Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) students regarding peer mentorship. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey study was conducted. A web-based questionnaire was sent to 945 MPT students via electronic mail using a modified Dillman approach. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Canadian MPT students. Results: A total of 260 MPT students responded to the questionnaire resulting in a response rate of 27.5%. Most respondents (68.7%) did not have any experience in a peer mentorship relationship during their MPT program. Few respondents (5.4%) reported having received formal training about peer mentorship as part of their PT curriculum. Respondents generally held positive attitudes towards peer mentorship: 65.9% agreed that inclusion of peer mentorship is important, 89.5% agreed peer mentorship can assist with learning in clinical internship, and 84.1% agreed peer mentorship can help transition from student to professional. Most respondents did not participate (52.5%) in a peer mentorship relationship during a typical month. Conclusions: Peer mentorship is positively regarded yet there is limited knowledge and resources surrounding peer mentorship and a current lack of practices amongst MPT students. The findings highlight the importance of university program support to provide a nurturing environment and structure to overcome barriers, promote commitment, and lead to successful participation. The evidence from this study provides a rationale to support and guide peer mentorship programming for Canadian MPT students.
Continuing education for advanced manual and manipulative physiotherapists in Canada: A survey of perceived needs
(2010) Chau, Joyce ; Chadbourn, Pamela ; Mok, Sherman ; Robles, Bradley ; Stehouwer, Rebecca ; Yeung, Euson ; Chan, Lianne ; Cott, Cheryl ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: Our purpose was to determine Advanced Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapists (AMPTs) current use and awareness of continuing education (CE) opportunities; to establish their perceived CE needs by identifying facilitators and barriers to participation; and to explore the association of demographics to CE needs. Methods: A questionnaire was emailed to 456 registered members of the Canadian Academy of Manual Physical Therapy (CAMPT). Data analysis, using frequencies and percentages of total responses, and t-tests for group comparison were performed. Results: 133 participants responded (29.2%). Most lived in an urban region and predominantly worked in direct patient care. More respondents reported engaging in informal CE than formal CE. Hands-on/practical workshops were the preferred CE format. Common barriers to CE include professional commitments and cost and time of travel, whereas facilitators include interest in the topic and increasing knowledge and competency. AMPTs with less PT experience found cost to be a greater barrier, and were more interested in mentorship programs and means to obtain credentials. Conclusions: AMPTs preferred CE formats are inconsistent with the CE opportunities they participate in. CE initiatives for AMPTs should include hands-on training, and account for time and cost to make CE opportunities more readily available to them.
Exploring the educational needs of individuals following total knee replacement: A qualitative study
(2010) Persaud, Deoanand ; Reid, Darryl ; Chan, Ray ; Johnson, Emily ; Yoshida, Karen ; O'Callaghan, Lynda ; McConnell, Sarah ; Physical Therapy
This study examined the perspectives of people recently undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with respect to their perioperative (preoperative and postoperative) educational experiences. In depth interview data was collected from five participants following their discharge home after TKA. A grounded theory method approach was used to analyze the data. The findings showed that although there were mixed impressions of the structure of the preoperative session, participants felt the content and timing was appropriate. Postoperatively there existed an educational gap as participants felt they lacked knowledge essential for their transition home. Some areas lacking transitional knowledge included pain management, sleeping and driving. Furthermore, participants also expressed how their expectations and experiences throughout the entire surgical process were further shaped by lay knowledge (information acquired from family and friends regarding TKA). The findings showed that: 1) there exists a gap in transitional knowledge particularly from hospital to home; 2) the preoperative session of mixed education and assessment may not be ideal; and 3) lay knowledge needs acknowledgement to ensure accurate and comprehensive education. On the basis of the above analysis, recommendations are made for improving the current education delivered to people receiving TKA.
A hidden issue: Exploring the lived experiences of women with HIV-associated neurocognitive challenges using a disability framework
(2010) Gallagher, Shannon ; Biro, Sarah ; Creamer, Eryn ; Rossa, Elyse Della ; Collins, Evan ; Nixon, Stephanie ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: The purpose of this article is to present the results of an exploratory study which used the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (WHO-ICF) framework to explore the experiences of women living with HIV-associated neurocognitive challenges. Methods: An interpretive, qualitative research study was completed. Key informant interviews were conducted with eight (8) women with HIV-associated neurocognitive challenges. The data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. Data were analyzed using an inclusive approach. Results: Impairments and participation restrictions were perceived as having a much larger impact on the day to day activities of individuals living with HIV-associated neurocognitive challenges than activity limitations. Environment and personal factors such as stigma, motherhood, attitude, acted as important barriers and facilitators to disability and functioning. Conclusion: Neurocognitive challenges play a significant role in the day-to-day lives of women living with HIV and therefore need to be addressed by rehabilitation professionals. The WHO-ICF provides a comprehensive lens through which rehabilitation professionals can develop interventions and treatment plans for this population and may help to monitor the efficacy of intervention strategies.
Weekend physiotherapy practice in community hospitals in Canada
(2010) Ottensmeyer, Carolyn ; Chattha, Sanmeet ; Jayawardena, Andrea ; McBoyle, Kelly ; Wrong, Christine ; Ellerton, Cindy ; Mathur, Sunita ; Brooks, Dina ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: The objectives of this study were: 1) to describe the provision of weekend physiotherapy services in acute care community hospitals across Canada, and 2) to describe regional availability of these services. Method: Questionnaires were mailed to acute care community hospitals (institutions with > 100 inpatient beds, excluding psychiatric, mental health, paediatric, rehabilitation, tertiary and long term care facilities) across Canada from January to April, 2010. Results: Of 146 hospitals deemed eligible, 71% responded. Weekend physiotherapy service was offered at 69% of community hospitals overall, but this rate varied: =75% in all regions except Quebec (30%). Services differed in availability between Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, both in number of physiotherapists and hours served (K-W, p < 0.02, for each) and were largely compensated via time in lieu. Conclusions: Regional variation exists in access to weekend physiotherapy service in Canada. Further research is required to address the efficacy of weekend physiotherapy services for different patient groups to inform what constitutes appropriate frequency of weekend physiotherapy care in the community setting.
Domain specific cognitive strategies employed in gait training: A descriptive secondary analysis based on three case studies
(2010) Harrison, Rosemarie ; Fernandes, Samantha ; Huangfu, Man ; McGrath, Ashley ; Procter, Steve ; Polatajko, Helene ; Nixon, Stephanie ; McEwen, Sara ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP) is a novel cognitive-based treatment approach in which client s trial various domain specific strategies (DSS) to learn a motor skill. The effectiveness of CO-OP in the stroke population has been documented. However, a more detailed investigation of the specific DSS employed in gait-related goals is warranted. The objectives of the present analysis were to: 1) Develop an inventory of DSS; 2) Conduct frequency counts; and 3) Compare and contrast the DSS use. Method: Observational secondary analysis of three single case studies was conducted using transcriptions of training sessions. Two coders used previously defined DSS categories to guide the identification of strategies independently. A consensus process was adopted to finalize the categories, definitions, and occurrences of each DSS. Trends identified amongst participants were cross-referenced with participant characteristics and the motor learning literature. Results: Nine categories of DSS were identified. Body position, task specification and task modification were the dominant strategies. Several trends were consistent with the current literature on external and internal focus of attention, and re-investment concept. Conclusion: The study provides a foundation for future investigations of specific strategies, allowing clinicians to more effectively assist clients in achieving their motor goals.
Exploring the availability, characteristics and barriers of rehabilitation programs in organ transplant populations across Canada
(2010) Trojetto, Tania ; Elliott, Rebecca ; Rashid, Sakina ; Wong, Scarlette ; Dlugosz, Kamil ; Brooks, Dina ; Wickerson, Lisa ; Helm, Denise ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: This survey is the first in Canada to describe the availability, characteristics and barriers of rehabilitation programs for individuals pre- and post- heart, lung, kidney and liver transplantation. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive survey was administered to all known transplant programs across Canada. Results: Of the 58 programs surveyed, 35 agreed to participate and six refused, for a response rate of 71%. Heart (n=6) and lung (n=5) pre- and post-transplant rehabilitation programs were identified. All rehabilitation programs included aerobic exercises, strength training and education, and involved a multidisciplinary team. The 6 Minute Walk Test and the Short Form-36 were the most reported outcome measures used, 50% and 33%, respectively. In kidney (n=13) and liver (n=6) transplant programs, no rehabilitation was identified. Over 50% of respondents cited lack of funding, shortage of healthcare personnel and a low volume of patients as barriers to providing rehabilitation programs. Conclusion: Across Canada, the majority of heart and lung transplant programs provided rehabilitation, while kidney and liver transplant programs did not. Rehabilitation plays an increasingly important role in improving physical function, independence, and quality of life pre- and post-transplantation and should be considered necessary in all transplant programs across Canada.
Development of the screen for limitations in mobility (SLIM): A self-report tool for surgical oncology patients
(2010) Spencer, Robyn ; Fee, Tom ; Hall, Elizabeth ; Rogers, Ashley ; Sluzar, Maia ; Law, Deirdre ; Weitzner, Eleanor ; Wheeler, Vanessa ; Salbach, Nancy ; Cooper, Nicole ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: Health care professionals do not always identify the limitations in functional mobility experienced by patients living with cancer and its treatment. Therefore, appropriate referral to rehabilitation does not always occur. The purpose of this study was to develop a self-report screening tool to identify surgical oncology patients requiring a referral to physical therapy to address functional mobility limitations. The face validity, content validity and comprehensibility of the tool were evaluated. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted using a step-wise process involving initial development of the tool, evaluation of its face and content validity by physical therapists (PTs) with experience in surgical oncology, and evaluation of its comprehensibility by former surgical oncology patients. Results: The tool was judged to have both face and content validity based on feedback from 10 PT-participants and a review by the research team. Comprehensibility of the items and instructions of the tool was confirmed by 7 patient-participants. The tool, named the Screen for Limitations In Mobility (SLIM), includes 13 items with 2 possible response options for each. Conclusions: The SLIM may assist in facilitating the referral process by identifying surgical oncology patients who would benefit from referral to physical therapy.
What matters to patients?
(2010) Modde, Staci ; Yang, Helen ; Ukposidolo, Joanne ; Sharma, Vijay ; Joaquim, Amanda ; Evans, Cathy ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore patient satisfaction by addressing both patients expectations and experiences during an inpatient stay, including physical therapy services, at a Canadian community-based hospital. Methods: A purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants who had been inpatients in a community-based hospital. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted by one investigator. Collaboratively, a coding framework was developed and applied to all transcripts. Results: Of the 30 inpatients who were approached, ten (33.3%) agreed to participate in the telephone interview. Participants expressed overall satisfaction with their hospital experience which was related in part to their expectations from media and previous hospital stays. Satisfaction was congruent with dimensions of patient-centered care including physical comfort, education and patient preferences. Conclusions: Our study supports the view that patient satisfaction scores may not reflect how patients view health care delivery, including physical therapy services. There is a need to focus on patients expectations as well as experiences when attempting to understand patient satisfaction. Enhancing patients understanding and knowledge of physical therapists roles may aid in the development of expectations. Findings from this study can guide future research as well as health care practitioners in providing patient-centered care.
Patient demographics and processes of physiotherapy care in a specialized outpatient spinal cord rehabilitation program
(2010) Argent, Sarah ; Switalsky, Tanya ; Nightingale, Daniel ; Nestor, Sarah ; Ho, Karen ; Morris, Helen ; Verrier, Molly ; Williams, Josh ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to characterize the outpatient spinal cord injury (SCI) population seeking physiotherapy care, and the program currently in place for that care at a Toronto-based specialized SCI rehabilitation centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Lyndhurst Centre (Lyndhurst Centre). Methods: This retrospective longitudinal study reviewed health records of patients who accessed outpatient physiotherapy services from the Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Program at Lyndhurst Centre over an 11-month period. Data were abstracted to describe patient demographics for those with traumatic (TSCI) and non -traumatic (NTSCI) SCI, as well as program characteristics. Results: The majority of patients were English-speaking males over the age of 65 from the Metropolitan Toronto area who had sustained NTSCIs, tended to have social support and relied on government funding for health services. Patients with NTSCIs had more variable and statistically significant longer wait times for admission into outpatient physiotherapy than those who those with TSCI. The number of physiotherapy treatment sessions was significantly greater for patients with TSCIs. Conclusion: The results of this study can be used to understand the characteristics of patients requiring outpatient physiotherapy services, and guide future decisions regarding program development at Lyndhurst Centre and other large urban specialized spinal cord injury (SCI) centres in Ontario.
Academic dishonesty among physical therapy students: A pilot study
(2010) Montuno, Eli; Davidson, Alex; Iwasaki, Karen; Jones, Susan; Martin, Jay; Brooks, Dina; Gibson, Barbara; Mori, Brenda; Physical Therapy
Purpose: To examine academically dishonest behaviours based on Physical Therapy (PT) students current practices and educators prior behaviours as PT students. Method: A web-based questionnaire was sent to 174 students and 250 educators from the PT program at the University of Toronto. The questionnaire gathered data on demographics, as well as the prevalence, seriousness and contributing factors regarding academic dishonesty (AD). Results: In all, 52.4% of educators and 44.3% of students responded to the questionnaire over a six-week data collection period. Scenarios rated the most serious were the least frequently performed by educators and students. The impact of generation on attitudes and prevalence of AD were not significant. The most commonly reported contributing factors of AD were school-related pressure, disagreement with evaluation methods and the perception that everyone else does it. Conclusion: This study parallels the findings of similar research conducted on other healthcare programs. It suggests that AD is widespread throughout the curriculum with greater incidence in situations associated with helping peers rather than personal gain. The consistency in behaviours across generations reflects a culture of cheating in the program that is accepted as the social norm and may be a function of the environment.
Improving motor development of toddlers with congenital heart defects using a home-based Intervention: A pilot study
(2010) Stieber, Nicole ; Gilmour, Stephanie ; Morra, Angela ; Rainbow, Jacqueline ; Robitaille, Stacy ; Longmuir, Patricia ; Gibson, Barbara ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: To examine the effectiveness and feasibility of a home-based rehabilitation program on neurodevelopment in toddlers with congenital heart defects. Methods: Twenty participants (5 female) participated in this pre- post-, quasi-experimental, pilot study. Participants were between 12-26 months of age and had undergone an arterial switch operation (ASO) or a Glenn shunt procedure to correct for a congenital heart defect. Neurodevelopment was measured using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale, Version 2. Participants underwent a 10-week, parent delivered program, completed for 20 minutes daily. Gross and fine motor quotients (GMQ and FMQ) and visual motor standard scores (VMSS) were reported. Program adherence and barriers to program delivery were measured using daily logbooks. Results: The ASO group scored average at baseline on the GMQ, FMQ and VMSS. The mean pre- post-differences on the GMQ, FMQ and VMSS were -0.38, -1.20, and -0.80, respectively. The Glenn shunt group scored poor and below average at baseline. The mean pre- post-differences in GMQ, FMQ and VMSS were 2.34, 1.20 and 0.00, respectively. These changes were not significantly different. Of thirteen logbooks returned, two indicated full dherence. Conclusions: All participants demonstrated a normal rate of development throughout the intervention. The Glenn shunt group was below average at baseline, indicating an improvement in rate of development. In the future, similar studies should use a control group, a longer intervention, and an easier method of tracking.
The educational needs of workers related to the use of protective gloves in the workplace
(2010) Rowley, Kyle ; Ajami, Daana ; Gervais, Denise ; Mooney, Lindsay ; Solheim, Amy ; Holness, Linn ; Switzer-McIntyre, Sharon ; Physical Therapy
Research suggests gloves are effective at protecting the skin from environmental exposures. Little evidence exists regarding glove-use education and its role in preventing occupational diseases, such as contact dermatitis of the hand (CD) and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). OBJECTIVE: To examine current glove-use educational practices and relationships between education and effective glove-use amongst workers at risk for developing CD/HAVS. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-seven (37) CD and 93 HAVS patients presenting to St. Michael s Hospital Occupational and Environmental Health Clinic (SMHOEHC). METHODS: A CD- and HAVS-specific cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to patients with suspected CD/HAVS attending SMHOEHC. Participants completed the questionnaire on the day of their clinic visit. RESULTS: The majority (CD: 57.6%, HAVS: 67.1%) reported compliant glove-use when exposed to workplace hazards. Eighty-seven percent (87%) of HAVS participants did not wear appropriate anti-vibration gloves. Most education occurred prior to work initiation (CD: 63.6%, HAVS: 59.5%). A statistically significant relationship (p=0.002) exists between compliant glove-use and workplace education in HAVS participants. CONCLUSION: Workplace glove education increases glove-use in the HAVS population; however, education is incomplete and workers are not using the most protective gloves. Mandatory glove training should be included in all settings where workers are at-risk for developing CD/HAVS.
Clinical reasoning and practice patterns of Canadian physiotherapists during mobilization of patients with external ventricular drains
(2010) Hale, Chelsea ; Wong, Kyle ; Calvin, Amanda ; Rnic, Amanda ; Tobali, Ben ; Duncan, Catharine ; Hawke, Christopher ; Brown, Jean ; Heck, Carol ; Cott, Cheryl ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: To describe practice patterns and explore the relationship between clinical experience, clinical reasoning, and clinical practice of Canadian physiotherapists working with patients who have external ventricular drains (EVDs). Methods: Subjects: More experienced (n=7) and less experienced (n=5) registered physiotherapists currently working with patients who have EVDs in Neurosurgical Centres across Canada. Design: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study design using a web-based questionnaire. The questionnaire collected information on demographics, clinical practices, and practice rationale. Case studies were used to determine practice preferences and rationale for the physiotherapists course of action. Procedure: A modified Dillman protocol was used for survey distribution. Links to the questionnaire were sent to Professional Practice Leaders at Canadian Neurosurgical Centres who distributed questionnaires to participants. Results: Most respondents, regardless of experience, considered intracranial pressure when treating patients with EVDs. More experienced physiotherapists were prone to use more aggressive mobilization practices. These physiotherapists were more likely to consider the Glasgow Coma Scale (4/7 vs. 1/5), mean arterial pressure (4/7 vs. 0/5), and cerebral perfusion pressure (2/7 vs. 1/5) than less experienced respondents. Conclusions: More experienced physiotherapists have different clinical reasoning and were more aggressive than less experienced physiotherapists in their mobilization practices with patients who have EVDs.
Identifying the correlations of operative hip strength and range of motion with non-operative toe clearance post primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty: A pilot study
(2010) Burgess, Timothy ; Armstrong, Clare ; Fleming, Steve ; Foley, Kara ; Singh, Alexander ; Robarts, Susan ; Kennedy, Deborah ; Zabjek, Karl ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: To examine operative hip abductor strength, range of motion (ROM) and non-operative toe clearance and the associations between these variables in subjects three to fifteen months post total hip arthroplasty (THA). Secondarily, to provide a comprehensive perspective of the characteristics of this cohort. Methods: Our pilot study used cross-sectional, quantitative analysis to evaluate operative hip ROM, operative hip abductor and extensor strength, and toe clearance when walking in twelve subjects (n=12) three to fifteen months post- primary THA. Medical charts were reviewed retrospectively to help describe the physical characteristics of this population. Results: ROM and strength had a weak and non-significant correlation with toe clearance. With the removal of outliers that had clinically important pelvic obliquity, hip ROM continued to have a weak correlation to toe clearance of the non-operative side. However, peak hip abductor and extensor strength s correlation to toe clearance of the non-operative side was strengthened and displayed a trend towards a negative correlation. Conclusions: There is a trend towards a negative correlation between operative hip abductor and extensor strength and non-operative toe clearance post-THA. These results yield sufficient strength to warrant further investigation with a larger sample size and added complexity.
Evaluating the reliability of the physiotherapy intervention strategy rating form (PISRF) for children and youth with acquired brain injury
(2010) Kamath, Trishna ; Pfeifer, Megan ; Banerjee, Priyanka ; Hunter, Theresa ; Ito, Julia ; Salbach, Nancy ; Wright, Virginia ; Levac, Danielle ; Physical Therapy
Purpose: To evaluate the reliability of the newly-developed Physiotherapy Intervention Strategy Rating Form (PISRF) in children and youth with acquired brain injury (ABI). The form is used to quantify the extent to which motor learning strategies are used within physiotherapy (PT) interventions. Methods: Participants included children (aged 4-18 years) participating in rehabilitation sessions focusing on gross motor skills following an ABI. Five physiotherapists conducted the sessions. 18 PT sessions were videotaped and rated with the PISRF worksheet and scale. A measurement study design was used and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the total scores of the scale were the primary statistical measure. Results: The ICC for intra- and inter-rater reliability for the total score of the scale was 0.86 and 0.50, respectively. Overall, the intra-rater reliability was high indicating consistent interpretation of scale items within raters. The inter-rater reliability was moderate suggesting that there was variation in interpretation of scale item definitions between raters. Conclusions: Initial evaluation of the PISRF indicates high intra-rater reliability; however, further item revisions and testing with a larger, more varied sample population should occur before further use of the form is recommended.

Browse

Recent Submissions