World Physiotherapists & Physicians Summit July 24-26, 2017 Melbourne, Australia

Biography:

Gunnel A L Berry is the Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in the United Kingdom and had completed her training at the Middlesex Hospital London in 1974. She has completed her MSc degree in Advanced Physiotherapy at the University College London in 1995 and a Post Graduate Certificate in Research Methodology at University of Brighton, UK in 2006. She has completed her Reflexology training at the Bayly School of Reflexology in 1989. She has published papers in various journals, worked with Nova publication and recently self-published a book about AdRx containing numerous case studies. Although retired from her clinical practice she remains the Research and Educational Officer for the Health Professionals in Reflex Therapy, UK.

 

gunnel.berry1@gmail.com

 

Abstract:

Adapted reflextherapy, AdRx, has been used by the author as a physiotherapy treatment in the National Health Service (UK) and Private Practice to relieve acute and persistent musculoskeletal pain for over 20 years. The therapy is applied with manual pressure and mobilizing techniques on the feet to assist physiological and anatomical changes in context of persistent global musculoskeletal pain. While AdRx facilitates pain relief it has also been found to improve spine mobility and improve quality of life. AdRx is founded on practice based evidence using clinical measures to assess changes pre and post intervention. Emphasis is made on the rationale of neuro-physiological plasticity within cautious and safe practice. This workshop demonstrates AdRx including clinical reasoning of the hypothesis underpinning the technique.

Biography:

Romina Ghassemi D C has received her Doctorate degree from the University of Applied Health and Sciences, USA in 1995. In 2000, she has obtained her Specialty in Biomechanics and Spinal Correction. During her practice she and her team have helped hundreds of clients achieve spinal correction leading to better posture and health. She is an active speaker on posture awareness and has created a line of home care products to help her patients achieve better posture.

 

romina009@gmail.com

 

Abstract:

In 2017 patient population’s common denominator is not the flu but technology. Prolonged texting, computer use, sitting and driving are causing a rise in loss of time from work, increased pain and an accelerating rate of degenerative spinal joint diseases. In this presentation, you can learn the clinical causes of an unhealthy posture and their relationship to the interruption of neural pathways. You can learn how to evaluate complaints of pain and stiffness using knowledge of biomechanical malfunction and its impact on muscular, skeletal and neural systems. This is a new approach to patient care as seen through the impact of biomechanics. You can learn the basic steps of patient consultation, biomechanical examination and the incorporation of a conservative treatment plan for reducing the underlying causes of spinal symptoms and long term degenerative changes. This workshop is designed to be informative and easy to understand.

Biography:

Venasio Ramabuke is pursuing his Master of Education from the University of the South Pacific. He is currently a Lecturer for the Physiotherapy program at the College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences-Fiji National University. He completed his basic Physiotherapy at the Fiji School of Medicine in 2001, before completing his Bachelor’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. He has been working as a Clinical Physiotherapist prior to taking up an academic role.

 

vnsramabuke@yahoo.com.au

 

Abstract:

Clinical reasoning is a key competency in any physiotherapy clinical education academic program. A clear and structured thought process informing practice is critical in the clinician’s ability to make good decisions. 41 undergraduate physiotherapy students, in their 3^rd and 4^th year from the Fiji National University were assessed on their ability to make decisions on ill-defined cues via clinical vignettes. The Script Concordance Test (SCT) with the pass mark standardized at one standard deviation from the class mean score was the assessment tool used to analyze diagnostic clinical reasoning in undergraduate physiotherapy students. Third year students demonstrated a mean score of 59.32%±8.03 while the fourth years scored a slightly higher mean score of 64.97%±10.17 in concordance to the reference norms set by the expert clinicians. There were no significant differences between the 3^th to 4^th year (p value=0.29) and the 3^rd year to the expert (p value=0.40) scores. There were also no significant differences in the 4^th year to the expert (p value=0.55) scores. Increasing exposure to clinical experience may have had some effect on increasing levels of clinical reasoning but was not significant. An exposure to an environment that allows for harnessing of thinking skills may be more important in leveraging clinical making abilities. Interventions that help students make good decisions is crucial in training them to be good clinicians. The SCT is a valid assessment tool for psychometric analysis of clinical reasoning amongst physiotherapy students.

 

Biography:

Abulkhair M Beatti is the Director of Armed Forces Centre for Health Rehabilitation and Consultant Physiotherapy, Taif, Saudi Arabia. He is also a Collaborate Lecturer at Dammam University, Saudi Arabia. He has completed his BSc and MSc at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia and a PhD in Physiotherapy at University of Queensland, Australia. His research focuses on the study of various aspects of interferential therapy in the management of pain. His current investigations also relate to elucidating the effect of interferential therapy on pain while using different arrangement of electrodes in relation to the pain spot.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Interferential therapy (IFT) has been applied in a quadripolar way so that the two currents intersect in the painful area. Clinically, no clear reduction effect of pain has been confirmed with this application method of IFT. Experimentally, the highest voltage of IFT is being induced outside the intersection area of the two used currents. Thus, it is probably true that placing the painful area outside the intersection spot of the two currents would reveal a significant pain reduction which was investigated in this study.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical investigation on 168 subjects with sub-acute low back pain subjects was carried out. Participants were randomly assigned to: (1) External IFT (painful spot was at 2 cm outside of the outer borders of the electrodes), (2) Placebo external IFT, (3) Traditional IFT (painful spot was at the crossing area of the two currents), and (4) Placebo traditional IFT. Groups 1 and 3 received 20 min of IFT at 100 Hz and comfortable stimulation intensity. Groups 2 and 4 received sham IFT for 20 min. Before and immediately after IFT session, pain severity, pressure threshold (PPT) and distribution were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS), algometer and distance from pain source, respectively. Distance from the tip of middle finger to the ground during forward trunk flexion determined range of motion (ROM).

Findings: VAS and ROM improved with all groups, PË‚0.001 and P=0.04 respectively. No statistical differences appeared between groups, for VAS P=0.15-0.95 and for ROM P=0.10-0.83. True IFTs improved VAS and ROM to same extent. There was a trend of better VAS reduction with true IFTs compared to placebos. Oppositely, PPT and pain distribution did not significantly change with any of the groups, P=0.11 and P=0.48 respectively. Significant statistical difference between groups was in favor of placebo groups; for PPT (P=0.01) and for pain distribution (P=0.04). True IFTs changed PPT and pain distribution closely.

Conclusion & Significance: This study failed to show neither real pain reduction effect of IFT nor difference between traditional and external applications. None of the pain outcome measures assessed here, nor the ROM were affected by IFT. That is because, both true and placebo applications reduced pain and improved the ROM to same extent. However, there was a trend of superiority of true applications to both placebos for reducing pain severity

Recent Publications

Beatti A, Tucker K, Chipchase L (2012) A double-blind placebo-controlled investigation into the effects of interferential therapy on experimentally induced pain. Int. Musculoskelet Med.; 34: 115-122.

 

2. Beatti A, Rayner A, Souvlis T, Chipchase L (2010) A systematic review of the analgesic effect of interferential therapy on clinical and experimentally induced pain. Phys. Ther. Rev.; 15: 243-52.Beatti A, Rayner A, Chipchase L, Souvlis T (2011) Penetration and spread of interferential current in cutaneous, subcutaneous and muscle tissues. Physiotherapy; 97: 319-26.

Biography:

Deborah Hilton has qualifications of BPhty and an MPH. Her dissertation was an analysis of the Australian Diabetes Screening Study, and this was published in the Medical Journal of Australia.

 

deborah.hilton@gmail.com

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Physiotherapists utilize evidence-based physiotherapy/medicine principles routinely and hence need to interpret literature and research evidence being outcomes reported in systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials quickly and efficiently. Subsequent decision-making involves using this evidence in conjunction with their professional expertise and experience as it relates to individual patients. Various statistics and summary measures are reported in the literature and outcomes may be continuous or dichotomous in nature and hence reported statistics vary. Commonly calculated statistics include the relative risk, relative risk reduction and absolute risk reduction. The number needed to treat [NNT] statistic is another option that may aide interpretation and this describes the number who need to be treated with the intervention for one to improve whom would not have improved otherwise with control treatment. While reported to varying degrees in the scientific literature more recently it can be efficiently and reliably calculated using one of many downloadable spreadsheets.

Methodology: The Australian Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) was searched in order to locate a selection of physiotherapy research articles that reported various dichotomous outcomes that could be converted to the NNT statistic for the purpose of this analysis.

Findings: The NNT statistic for nine studies with a PEDro score³6 was calculated using the Internet-based downloadable spreadsheet on the PEDro website. For six studies, the NNT point estimates ranged from 2 to 4 (95% confidence interval 1-10). One study had a NNT of 8, while two other studies produced number needed to harm values.

Conclusion & Significance: The NNT can be calculated quickly and efficiently using Internet-based calculators and/or other decision-making tools, and may be an alternative that provides readily interpretable information to assist in conveying the likely benefits (and/or risks) of treatment to patients.

Recent Publications

1. Hilton D J (2016) The global children’s challenge program; pedometer step count in an Australian school. International Journal of Social, Behavioral, Educational, Economic, Business and Industrial Engineering; 10: 588-591.

2. Hilton D J (2014) Computational methods in official statistics with an example on calculating and predicting diabetes mellitus [DM] prevalence in different age groups within australia in future years, in light of the aging population. International Journal of Mathematical, Computational, Physical and Quantum Engineering 8: 1208-1212.

3. Kabra S K, Lodha R, Hilton D J (2008) Antibiotics for preventing complications in children with measles. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD001477.pub3.

4. Hilton D, Reid C, Paratz J (2006) An under-used yet easily understood statistic: The number needed to treat. Physiotherapy; 92: 239-245.
5. Rosenfeldt F, Hilton D, Pepe S, Krum H (2003) Systematic review of effect of coenzyme Q10 in physical exercise, hypertension and heart failure. Biofactors; 18: 91-100.

 

 

Biography:

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Abstract:

Objectives: The objectives of this descriptive study were to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of physical therapists regarding research, the intention to engage in research and the barriers to participating in research amongst physical therapists in the State of Kuwait.

Subjects & Methods: A previously validated questionnaire was distributed to 200 non-randomly selected physical therapists. The questionnaire gathered demographic data as well as information regarding research-related activities. Descriptive statistics, frequency and χ(2) analyses were used in this study.

Results: Of the 200 questionnaires distributed to physical therapists, 122 (61%) were completed and returned. The physical therapists had a positive attitude towards reading these findings in order to update their knowledge. However, only 16 (17%) of the physical therapists participated in clinical research. The common reasons given were: minimal role and reduced ability, intention and level of engagement in initiating research, probably due to work overload, time constraints and limited access to resources.

Conclusions: Physical therapists in Kuwait had a positive attitude towards the application of research findings to their practice. However, they were not confident in initiating research due to work overload and lack of time as well as limited access to library resources. Therefore, we recommend stimulation to engage in research activities to be a requirement and to develop a system to improve the skills and knowledge of doing research.

 

Biography:

S. Makesh Babu has completed Bachelor of Physiotherapy from The Tamil Nadu Dr.M.G.R.Medical University, Chennai and completed Mater of Physiotherapy with Specialization - Orthopaedics & Traumatology from Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India. Currently he is pursuing PhD. He has been in clinical and teaching Physiotherapy for the past 15 years. Presently he is working as Professor in Adhiparasakthi College of Physiotherapy, Tamil Nadu, India. He has received “Award of Professional Excellence” in 5^th National Physiotherapy Conference (2017) Organized by School of Physiotherapy, VELS UNIVERSITY, Chennai, India and had received Dr. M.G. Mokashi “Best Physiotherapist Best Teacher Award” in the National Level Physiotherapy Conference - PHYSIO-CON 2016, Srinagar, India. He is a peer reviewer for the African Journal of Health Sciences since 2008 and has been co-author of research papers for National and International academics. His areas of research interests are Physical Activity, Women’s Health, Orthopaedic and Geriatric Rehabilitation.                           

Email: makeshpt@yahoo.co.in

Abstract:

Abstract

Statement of the Problem/Background: Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that require energy expenditure. World Health Organization (2002) reports that about 60% of the global population do not do the daily minimum recommendation of 30 min of moderate intensity physical activity. In all developing countries, the levels of inactivity have been becoming virtually high and a great problem even in rapidly growing large cities of the world. According to the world Health Survey reports 9.4% Indian men are physically inactive which is the highest of physical inactivity in the Southeast Asian Region (countries include – India, Srilanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar) and Physical inactivity level of Indian women were reported as 15.6% which is the second place next to Bangladesh (27.0%). The studies performed by the various researchers from various countries among college students have been found to have moderate to poor physical activity levels/habits.

Objectives of the study: The primary objective of the study was to find out the level of Physical Activity among Physiotherapy students in a South Indian college setting. Secondary objective of the study was to find out the association between physical activity with selected variables.

Methodology: The study design was a cross sectional survey. A total of 60 participants comprising of 30 male and 30 female students were selected for the study by means of convenience sampling. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to identify the physical activity level of the students. IPAQ assesses physical activity undertaken across a comprehensive set of domains including: (a) leisure time physical activity (b) domestic and gardening (yard) activities (c) work-related physical activity (d) transport-related physical activity. Physical Activity levels were correlated with the selected variables. Conclusion: The data concluded that physical activity levels of male students are high compared to female students.

 References

J. Baran et al. (2016) Physical activity of physiotherapy students of the University of Rzeszów and its impact on the subjects’ body composition. The 4th European Congress of the ER-WCPT / Physiotherapy 102S (2016) eS67–eS282.

 

Humeda S. Ahmed, Mohammed E. M. Khalid, Osama M. Osman, Mansour A. Ballal,¹ and Fahaid H. Al-Hashem (2016) The association between physical activity and overweight and obesity in a population of children at high and low altitudes in Southwestern Saudi Arabia. J Family Community Med. 2016 May-Aug; 23(2): 82–87.

Roshini Rajappan, Karthikeyan Selvaganapathy, Lola Liew (2015) Physical Activity Level Among University Students: A Cross Sectional Survey. International Journal of Physiotherapy and Research, Vol 3(6):1336-43. ISSN 2321-1822.

A. Mihailova, I. Kaminska, and A. Bernane (2014) Physical activity in physiotherapy and physical education high school students. SHS Web of Conferences 10, 00025.

Regina Guthold, MPH, Tomoko Ono, MPH, Kathleen L. Strong, PhD, Somnath Chatterji, MD, Alfredo Morabia, MD, PhD (2008) Worldwide Variability in Physical Inactivity A 51-Country Survey. Am J Prev Med 34(6):486-94.

Biography:

Muhammad Usama Khalid Student, Second year (Doctor of Physical Therapy) Participant Pakistan Society For Rehabilitation Of Disabled from Pakistan

Abstract:

Pakistan is a developing country with 29.5 per cent of the people living below poverty line. Habits of the people are largely diversified; there is no availability of footwear for 15 per cent of the people due to financial constraints and cultural habits. Medical practitioners in Pakistan hardly have digital records, but keep written records. I found it very difficult to interview 10 renowned practitioners in Lahore, but when I did I was satisfied that 20 patients had been treated by theses practitioners. The research concludes that one out of 13 patients visiting physiotherapist or orthopaedics complained about pain in the heel, stiffness and restricted range of motion (ROM), medically called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a most common complaint by people with chronic pain under their heels. This was most common in 50 percent of patients owing to shoes with hard soles, high heels for women, uneven roads, trauma, activities involving weights or in athletes. Plantar fascia is a thick connective tissue (aponeurosis) that supports the arch on the bottom of the foot. It runs from calcaneal tuberosity forward to the head of metatarsal. Due to overuse, plantar fascia can get inflamed. The most common way is to suggest heel pad cushion, slight stretching ultrasonic, cold pack and rest. If not cured, a patient is suggested to use anti-inflammatory drugs. The disease in Lahore is most common among labourers, athletes, diabetics and osteoporotic patients. The disease is most common in women with 1:10.

Biography:

Dedicated PT with over 9 years of acute care experience with history of exemplary ratings on performance reviews.Solid credentials that include licensure of PTA for New York(USA),BLS & lifesaving services certifications and masters degree in neurology(PT).Currently pursuing PhD from Amity University.Has worked with Manipal hospital,Bangalore,Holy family hospital,Delhi and many more.She taught in RPIIT,karnal and is now working in SGT University as assistant professor in faculty of physiotherapy.This year submitted two researches in leading journals,their result is awaited. Background includes work with pediatric,adolescent,adults and geriatric population.Well versed in broad range of PT programs ,treatments,& modalities,restoring function and mitigating disability in diseased and injured patients.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and proficiency in patient assessment, time management and therapy program design and execution.Enthusiastic team player deeply committed to delivering quality care and achieving superior patient outcomes as a member of multidisciplinary case management team.     
 

Abstract:

Researchers have been exploring the brain structures involved in motor imagery for over two decades.Understanding brain plasticity after stroke is important in developing rehab strategies.MI is a cognitive process in which a subject imagines that he/she performs a movement without actually performing the movement and without ever tensing the muscles.MI involves activation of neural system while a person imagines performing a task or body. A plethora of neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that the cortical and subcortical regions activated during MI tasks substantially overlap with those involved in movement execution.Generally portions of cerebral cortex considered to be involved with motor control include the primary motor cortex(M1),supplementary motor area(SMA),and pee motor cortex(PMC).MI induced brain activity typically involves premofor , SMAs & PMCs. Objective:To evaluate effect of MI on gait & balance in stroke patients.Design:RCT.Subjects:A total of 30 patients with gait & balance dysfunction after first ever stroke were randomly allocated to a motor imagery training group and a conventional group.Methods:MI group relieved 5 days each in 3 weeks mental practice followed by conventional therapy & control group relieved 5 days each in 3weeks only conventional therapy/exercises.MI group was shown a video showing normal movements before each session.Each week had a separate video comprising normal movements.Patients viewed and imagined the same.Videos were shown and repeated to help patients imagine the right and specific movements inflencing their gait & balance.Motor imagery was evaluated based on questionnaire KVIQ and gait & balance were assessed based on tinneti performance oriented mobility assessment scale.Result:MI was found significantly useful improving gait & balance in post stroke hemiparetic population.

Biography:

Ibrahim M. Zoheiry has completed his PhD from faculty of physical therapy, Cairo University in 2009. Master in physical therapy for burn and plastic surgery, currently he is associate Professor, faculty of physical therapy, October 6 University, Chairman of Basic Science department for physical therapy. He published several papers in reputed journals in addition to various books.

 

 

 

Abstract:

Background: Hand repetitive occupational motions have been linked with raised incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) which is characterized by deterioration of median nerve function. A change in wrist & fingers position has been associated with disruption in median nerve function. 

Purpose of study: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of wrist and fingers position on median nerve distal latency responses in healthy subjects. 

Subjects: Sixty healthy participants aging between 30 to 50 years from both sexes were randomly assigned into 1 study group.

Methods: Measurements of median nerve motor distal latency using nerve conduction study from neutral wrist, 60º wrist extension and 60º wrist flexion positions, measurements of median nerve sensory distal latency from fingers extension and fingers flexion positions. 

Results: Wrist extension was displayed as the most convenient position as it showed significant difference when compared with other wrist positions. Fingers extension position was displayed as the most convenient position as it showed significant difference when compared with fingers flexion position. 

Conclusion: Wrist and fingers extension position was the most convenient position for assessment of median nerve. Both sensory and motor distal latencies were optimized in extension position when compared with other wrist & fingers position. Also preventing repeated and prolonged wrist and fingers flexion may reduce risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.