Augmentative and alternative communication in the Philippines: a survey of speech-language pathologist competence, training, and practice.

A cross-sectional survey study was undertaken to describe the perceived competence, pre- and post-professional training, and practice of Filipino speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Printed and electronic questionnaires were distributed to all SLPs in the Philippines with at least 1 year of practice experience. A total of 152 (47%) questionnaires were returned.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation to improve motor outcomes in older adults with chronic stroke.

This case series described changes in motor outcomes across 4 cases of older adults (mean age - 64.75) with chronic stroke (more than 6 months) after implementation of a 6-week proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation-based program. Findings of this study were compared with a previously reported case.

Hold-relax and contract-relax stretching for hamstrings flexibility: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Objective: To synthesize evidence on the effects of hold-relax and contract-relax stretching (HR and CR) on hamstrings flexibility compared with no intervention and other stretching techniques.

Design: Electronic databases (PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, LILACS) were searched from inception until March 31, 2014 and updated until May 31, 2017. Randomized controlled trials involving HR and CR to improve hamstrings flexibility in adults (aged ≥18 years old) with or without a pathological condition were included.

Measurement properties of the upright motor control test in adults with subacute stroke.

Background: Previous studies have distilled the Upright Motor Control Test Knee Extension and Knee Flexion subscales (UMCT-KE and UMCT-KF, respectively) from the original 6-item instrument and examined these as stand-alone rapid tests of voluntary movement control in the standing position. Systematic review evidence suggests that the UMCT-KE and UMCT-KF may have value in predicting walking ability after stroke.

Objective: To examine the interrater and intrarater reliability, and concurrent validity of the UMCT-KE and UMCT-KF, and associations with walking ability in adults with subacute stroke.

Caregiver-Provided Physical Therapy Home Programs for Children with Motor Delay: A Scoping Review.

Background: Caregiver-provided physical therapy home programs (PTHP) play an important role in enhancing motor outcomes in pediatric patient populations.

Purpose: This scoping review systematically mapped clinical trials of caregiver-provided PTHP that were aimed at enhancing motor outcomes in children who have or who are at risk for motor delay, with the purpose of (1) describing trial characteristics; (2) assessing methodologic quality; and (3) examining the reporting of caregiver-related components.

Data Sources: Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest Central, CINAHL, LILACS, and OTseeker were searched up to July 31, 2017.

Clinimetrics of the Upright Motor Control Test in chronic stroke.

Introduction: Insufficient literature exists regarding the clinimetric properties of the Upright Motor Control Test Knee Extension and Flexion subtests (UMCT-KE and UMCT-KF, respectively). This study examined the interrater and test-retest reliability of these subtests, and determined the relationship between the UMCT-KE and a clinical measure of muscle function in a sample of adults with chronic stroke.

Methods: Three raters independently administered the UMCT-KE and UMCT-KF on adults with chronic stroke with spasticity/abnormal movement patterns.

Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on balance, strength, and mobility of an older adult with chronic stroke: A case report.

This study described the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) program on balance, strength, and mobility in an older adult with chronic stroke. The patient was male, aged 69 years, with right hemiplegia for 17 years, and had diminished balance, balance confidence, lower extremity (LE) strength, and gait velocity. He received 1 h of PNF-based therapy thrice a week for six weeks.

Measurement properties of the upright motor control test for adults with stroke: a systematic review.

Background: The Upright Motor Control Test (UMCT) has been used in clinical practice and research to assess functional strength of the hemiparetic lower limb in adults with stroke. It is unclear if evidence is sufficient to warrant its use. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize available evidence on the measurement properties of the UMCT for stroke rehabilitation.

Reliability and validity of the Four Square Step Test in children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.

Little is known about the measurement properties of clinical tests of stepping in different directions for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and Down syndrome (DS). The ability to step in various directions is an important balance skill for daily life. Standardized testing of this skill can yield important information for therapy planning.

Clinimetric properties of sitting balance measures for children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review.

Assessment of sitting balance in children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP) is critical in order to design appropriate interventions to enhance activities and participation. This systematic review synthesized research evidence on the reliability, validity, responsiveness to change, and clinical utility of sitting balance measures for children and youth with CP. A two-tiered search in August 2012 using nine peer-reviewed electronic databases yielded nine articles with relevant information on seven clinical measures.

Teaching evidence based practice in physical therapy in a developing country: a national survey of Philippine schools.

Background: Early education on the foundations of evidence based practice (EBP) is advocated as a potent intervention toward enhancing EBP uptake among physical therapists. Little is known about the extent to which EBP is integrated in educational curricula in developing countries where the benefits of EBP are more acutely needed. This study sought to describe EBP education in Philippine physical therapy schools, including the challenges encountered by educators in teaching EBP.

Research evidence uptake in a developing country: a survey of attitudes, education and self-efficacy, engagement, and barriers among physical therapists in the Philippines.

Rationale And Objective: Use of evidence from systematic research is critical in evidence-based physical therapy, yet this has not been described well in developing countries where its purported benefits are most needed. This study explored research evidence uptake among physical therapists in the Philippines.

Method: A probability survey of practitioners in tertiary hospitals in the Philippines' National Capital Region was conducted.