Current Issue: June 2012

In this issue -

The June 2012 issue contains a systematic review, two randomised trials, and three observational studies. These papers span a range of clinical areas of physiotherapy practice.

The systematic review examines studies identifying which communication factors correlate with constructs of therapeutic alliance during the patient-therapist encounter.

One of the randomised trials was conducted to determine whether Kinesio Taping reduces disability, pain, and kinesiophobia in people with chronic non-specific low back pain. The authors concluded that while the study found a positive result, the effects may be too small to be clinically worthwhile. The second trial investigated the effect of a balance training protocol with the Biodex Balance System in institutionalised older people with fear of falling. The authors found that the training program was feasible and effective in reducing fear of falling and improving dynamic balance and isometric strength.

One of the observational studies found that the low intensity, long duration structure of circuit class therapy can provide sufficient exercise dosage for a fitness training effect for 62% of people with traumatic brain injury.

The next study found that after total knee arthroplasty, 42% of people are not active enough to maintain their health and fitness. The authors recommend that physiotherapists encourage people with a total knee arthroplasty to undertake the recommended exercise regimens to maintain health and fitness, with particular attention to those people with characteristics known to be associated with poor adherence to the recommendations.

In the final observational study researchers found that aged care residents with mild mobility impairment are at increased risk of falls and are an appropriate target for falls prevention strategies. Although improving the mobility of residents with moderate to severe mobility impairment may enhance their independence and reduce their burden on staff, paradoxically this may also increase their risk of falls. When these residents improve enough to progress into a higher category of mobility, physiotherapists should be aware that this may increase the risk of falls and should consider instituting appropriate falls prevention strategies.

Mark Elkins
Editor