Feasibility of a randomized controlled trial of functional strength training for people between six months and five years after stroke: FeSTivaLS trial.

Background: Functional Strength Training (FST) could enhance recovery late after stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a subsequent fully powered, randomized controlled trial.

Methods: The study was designed as a randomized, observer-blind trial.

The FeSTivaLS trial protocol: a randomized evaluation of the efficacy of functional strength training on enhancing walking and upper limb function later post stroke.

Rationale: Functional Strength Training may enhance motor function of people who are more than six months post stroke.

Aims: to evaluate the clinical efficacy of enhancing upper and lower limb motor function with FST to explore participants' views (expectations and experiences) of FST, and to determine what cost-effectiveness data to collect in a subsequent Phase III trial.

Design: Randomized, observer-blind trial with embedded qualitative investigation of participants' views of FST (n = 6, purposive sampling).

Qi Gong's relationship to educational kinesiology: A qualitative approach.

This paper qualitatively reviews two complementary therapies; Qi Gong and educational kinesiology (EK). It is being suggested that Qi Gong and EK may be united through a qualitative convergence and a shared underlying concept. The authors hypothesize that a coherent rationale can be formed through this conceptual synthesis and propose that to some extent Qi Gong movements and EK can be considered to work in unison with each other.

An evaluation of the clinical tests and outcome measures used to assess patellar instability.

A literature review was undertaken to determine which clinical tests and outcome measures have been described to diagnose and evaluate patellar instability, and to assess the literature examining the sensitivity and specificity of these diagnostic tests, or the reliability, validity and responsiveness of the outcome measures identified. An electronic search was undertaken using standard databases as well as a hand search of specialist journals, reference lists and local medical libraries. All English language publications describing and/or evaluating diagnostic tests and outcome measures for patellar instability patients were included.