BackgroundDisability post stroke remains a global problem, with upper limb involvement playing a key role. Shoulder strapping is one of the techniques used clinically to address this.ObjectivesTo compare the effect of two shoulder strapping techniques in patients with stroke.MethodA longitudinal randomised controlled trial included baseline, weeks one, two and six assessments of 56 participants with upper limb hemiplegia. The participants were assessed for shoulder subluxation, shoulder pain, upper limb motor function and muscle tone. They were randomised into control, longitudinal strapping or circumferential strapping groups.ResultsLongitudinal strapping had a non-significant decrease in shoulder subluxation and pain (p > 0.05). Circumferential strapping had no significant effect on any outcomes; however, it prevented the shoulder pain from worsening as much as in the control group (p > 0.05). General improvement in upper limb motor function was observed for all three groups.ConclusionTrends in improvement showed that longitudinal strapping could be recommended because it positively influenced shoulder subluxation and pain. Even without significant changes, strapping creates awareness of the limb in patients and caregivers and could be of clinical benefit.Clinical implicationLongitudinal strapping of the shoulder in patients with stroke seems to positively influence shoulder subluxation and pain.
Background/Aims Despite outcome measures being found to be useful in stroke rehabilitation, surveys have indicated that therapists do not use them regularly. The aim of this study was to identify outcome measures commonly used in the rehabilitation of patients with stroke in South Africa and the barriers and facilitators to their use. Methods A mixed-methods study was used. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire to establish the outcome measures used by physiotherapists was undertaken first, and then qualitative interviews of physiotherapists were carried out to establish the barriers and facilitators to the use of outcome measures used in stroke rehabilitation. Results The most commonly used impairment level outcome measure was the Modified Ashworth Scale (84%), while for activity limitation and participation restriction the Berg Balance Scale (96%) and the Stroke Impact Scale (32%) were used. The factors found to have an influence on the choice of outcome measure included time taken to complete the outcome measure, ability to integrate the outcome measure into daily practice, funds to buy the outcome measure, and the physiotherapist's knowledge of the outcome measure. Conclusions The most commonly used outcome measures are the Modified Ashworth Scale, the Berg Balance Scale and the Stroke Impact Scale. Physiotherapists mainly use outcome measures that are freely available, easy to understand, not time consuming, require less space to administer and are meaningful to patients.
BackgroundParticipating in postgraduate study is daunting and as yet there is a dearth of literature on what students’ experiences are when obtaining their Master’s degree in Physiotherapy.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to gain insight into the perceived barriers and facilitators in completing a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy.MethodSemi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 physiotherapists who had completed a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy from a university in South Africa, representative of coursework and dissertation Master’s degrees, completed within the stipulated time period as well as taking longer to complete the degree. The topics covered a range of speciality areas. The interviews were transcribed, sent for member checking and analysed thematically.ResultsWithin 10 interviews data saturation was reached. Two themes were identified: research environment and support, both of which were seen as either a facilitator or a barrier, depending on the participant. The theme of research environment was divided into categories of workplace and data collection. The second theme, support, was also seen as either a barrier or a facilitator. This theme encapsulated the categories of supervisor support, workplace support and a personal support network.ConclusionThe research environment and support are two major factors that can influence the experience of obtaining a master’s degree in physiotherapy, both positively and negatively.Clinical implicationsWith increasing numbers of physiotherapists obtaining postgraduate degrees, universities need to facilitate the process of obtaining the degree, which will ensure more physiotherapists with postgraduate degrees, thereby strengthening the profession.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.