A multivariate prognostic model for pain and activity limitation in people undergoing lumbar discectomy.

The purpose of this study was to identify a multivariate predictive model for 6-month outcomes on overall pain, leg pain and activity limitation in patients undergoing lumbar discectomy. Identification of predictors of outcome for lumbar discectomy has the potential to assist identifying treatment targets, clinical decision making and disease understanding. Prospective cohort design.

Building capacity in the rural physiotherapy workforce: a paediatric training partnership.

Context: Building capacity in the rural physiotherapy workforce: a paediatric training partnership' provided 6 months postgraduate paediatric clinical and academic training for two physiotherapists in rural Australia. It is described as a model for improving services and workforce retention. The need for 'an appropriate, skilled and well-supported health workforce' is the third goal in Australia's National Strategic Framework for Rural and Remote Health 2011.

Preliminary evidence for the features of non-reducible discogenic low back pain: survey of an international physiotherapy expert panel with the Delphi technique.

Objectives: The lumbar intervertebral disc is a known source of low back pain (LBP). Various clinical features of discogenic pain have been proposed, but none have been validated. Several subgroups of discogenic pain have been hypothesised, with non-reducible discogenic pain (NRDP) proposed as a relevant clinical subgroup.

Simulation can contribute a part of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy clinical education: two randomized trials.

Introduction: Simulated learning environments (SLEs) are used worldwide in health professional education, including physiotherapy, to train certain attributes and skills. To date, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) has evaluated whether education in SLEs can partly replace time in the clinical environment for physiotherapy cardiorespiratory practice.

Methods: Two independent single-blind multi-institutional RCTs were conducted in parallel using a noninferiority design.

The effectiveness of physiotherapy functional restoration for post-acute low back pain: a systematic review.

Background: The effectiveness of multidisciplinary treatment for post-acute (>6 weeks) low back pain (LBP) has been established. Physiotherapists have sufficient training to conduct less intensive functional restoration. The effectiveness of physiotherapy functional restoration (PFR) has not been evaluated using current systematic review methodology.

Can simulation replace part of clinical time? Two parallel randomised controlled trials.

Context: Education in simulated learning environments (SLEs) has grown rapidly across health care professions, yet no substantive randomised controlled trial (RCT) has investigated whether SLEs can, in part, substitute for traditional clinical education.

Methods: Participants were physiotherapy students (RCT 1, n = 192; RCT 2, n = 178) from six Australian universities undertaking clinical education in an ambulatory care setting with patients with musculoskeletal disorders. A simulated learning programme was developed as a replica for clinical education in musculoskeletal practice to replace 1 week of a 4-week clinical education placement.

Efficacy of directional preference management for low back pain: a systematic review.

Background: Providing specific treatment based on symptom response for people with low back pain (LBP) and a directional preference (DP) is a widely used treatment approach. The efficacy of treatment using the principles of directional preference management (DPM) for LBP is unclear.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of treatment using the principles of DPM for people with LBP and a DP.

The effect of dividing attention between walking and auxiliary tasks in people with Parkinson's disease.

This controlled study examined the effects of dividing attention between walking and the performance of a secondary cognitive task in people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr stages 2-3.5). Participants in the training group (n=6) received 30 min divided attention training in taking big steps while simultaneously performing serial three subtractions.

Outcomes and adverse events from physiotherapy functional restoration for lumbar disc herniation with associated radiculopathy.

Purpose: To report the outcomes and adverse events of people diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation with associated radiculopathy (LDHR) who were treated with a physiotherapy functional restoration programme.

Method: Data on functional outcome (Oswestry score), work status, global rating of change, and adverse events were extracted from the files of all people with LDHR treated by three physiotherapists using functional restoration principles from 2001 to 2009.

Results: Ninety-five participants were included.

The effects of verbal instructions on gait in people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review of randomized and non-randomized trials.

Objective: To collate and appraise empirical evidence relating to the effects of verbal instructions (verbal commands given by another person) on stride length, gait velocity and stride variability in people with Parkinson's disease.

Data Sources: Cinahl, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PEDro, PsycINFO and Web of Science.

Review Methods: Independent reviewers extracted data from eligible studies and assessed methodological quality.

Prioritizing gait in dual-task conditions in people with Parkinson's.

This controlled study examined the effects of a gait prioritization strategy on walking in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Participants in the training group (n=6) received 30-min therapy to prioritize their attention to take big steps while performing serial three subtractions. Participants in the control group (n=6) received no therapy.

Conservative management of lumbar disc herniation with associated radiculopathy: a systematic review.

Study Design: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: To determine the efficacy and adverse effects of conservative treatments for people who have lumbar disc herniation with associated radiculopathy (LDHR).

Summary Of Background Data: Although conservative management is commonly used for people who have LDHR, the efficacy and adverse effects of conservative treatments for this condition are unclear.

The effect of local anaesthetic on age-related capsaicin-induced mechanical hyperalgesia--a randomised, controlled study.

Adults over 65 years exhibit a prolonged punctate hyperalgesia induced by topical application of capsaicin. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of peripheral afferent input in the slowed resolution of punctate hyperalgesia in older people. Twenty young (25.

A targeted home- and center-based exercise program for people after total hip replacement: a randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To examine the physical function, gait, and quality of life of patients after total hip replacement (THR) randomly assigned to either a targeted home- or center-based exercise program.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Rehabilitation research center in Australia.

The test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the Subjective Complaints Questionnaire for low back pain.

Physiotherapists commonly record detailed patient information regarding subjective complaints for low back pain (LBP), particularly to assist in the process of classifying patients into specific subgroups. A self-administered Subjective Complaints Questionnaire for LBP (SCQ-LBP) measuring such information was developed for the purposes of future clinical research, particularly in the area of LBP classification. The development comprised literature review, feedback from experienced physiotherapists and pilot questionnaire testing in a patient population.

A clinical education and practice placements in the allied health professions: an international perspective.

This report describes the outcomes of extensive discussions surrounding clinical education and practice placement issues undertaken by an international group of allied health educators (in audiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech pathology) who have met since 2001 as part of Universitas 21 Health Sciences annual meetings. The report outlines key issues associated with clinical education and practice placements from an international perspective and across these four allied health professions. The allied health practice context is described in terms of the range of allied health educational programs in Universitas 21 and recent changes in health and tertiary education sectors in represented countries.

Australian physiotherapy student intake is increasing and attrition remains lower than the university average: a demographic study.

Questions: Have student numbers (ie, intake and attrition) changed since the introduction of graduate entry-level physiotherapy courses in Australian universities? What is the impact of any changes in student numbers on university funding? What is the impact of any changes in student numbers on the workforce? Have student characteristics (ie, gender, country of origin, background) changed?

Design: Demographic study of 2003 graduates, 2004 student intake, and estimated 2007 student intake.

Participants: Eleven Schools of Physiotherapy in Australia.

Results: In 2003, 836 new physiotherapists graduated, and in 2004, 1108 students commenced with the percentage of graduate-entry Masters and international students increasing.

Physiotherapy in rural and regional Australia.

Objective: To inform rural physiotherapy recruitment and retention strategies by describing physiotherapists in the Shepparton region: reasons for career choice, education and physiotherapy professional issues.

Design: Survey.

Setting: Health service providers.

Indicators of lumbar zygapophyseal joint pain: survey of an expert panel with the Delphi technique.

Background And Purpose: The lumbar zygapophyseal joints (LZJs) are thought to be a source of low back pain (LBP); however, no valid or reliable indicators exist. The purpose of this study was to obtain a consensus from an expert panel on the indicators of LZJ pain.

Subjects: A multidisciplinary panel of 20 experts in the field of LBP participated in this study.

Exploring the contribution of patient-reported and clinician based variables for the prediction of low back work status.

Background: Successful management of workers on sick leave due to low back pain by the general physician and physiotherapist depends on reliable prognostic information on the course of low back pain and work resumption.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study in 194 patients who were compensated because of chronic low back pain and who were treated by a physiotherapy functional restoration program. Patient-reported and clinician based prognostic indicators were assessed at baseline before patients entered the functional restoration program.

A systematic review of prevalence and risk factors associated with playing-related musculoskeletal disorders in pianists.

Background: Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are a recognized problem amongst instrumental musicians. Although pianists are prominent in data regarding prevalence of PRMDs, there is poor understanding of piano-specific risk factors associated with PRMDs.

Aim: To synthesize published literature on the prevalence of and risk factors associated with PRMDs in pianists.

The relationship between EMG and change in thickness of transversus abdominis.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between changes in thickness and EMG activity in the transversus abdominis muscle of healthy subjects and the reliability of ultrasound measurements using different modes and transducers.

Design: Convenience sampling.

Background: Chronic low back pain is associated with transversus abdominis dysfunction but EMG studies of this muscle are restricted to invasive techniques.

Increased movement pain in osteoarthritis of the hands is associated with A beta-mediated cutaneous mechanical sensitivity.

The relationship between joint pain and hyperalgesia has been explored in animal models of articular inflammation, but is yet to be shown in the most common rheumatologic condition: osteoarthritis. In this study, cutaneous thermal and mechanical pain thresholds were measured over the thumb of patients with osteoarthritis of the hands. In symptomatic patients, pain was manipulated through resisted active movement of the thumb.