Within the framework of occupational prestige assessment, this survey was carried out amongst future physiotherapists in Australia to determine their perceived standing of physiotherapy relative to a range of occupations including several within the medical field. A questionnaire was administered to 258 undergraduate physiotherapy students. Twelve occupations were rated on six dimensions, ie levels of income, education, social standing, responsibility and usefulness, and the proportion of women. The results indicate that amongst future physiotherapists in Australia, their profession possesses relatively high status, together with solicitor, doctor and judge, and is differentiated from the proximate professions of nurse and chiropractor. These results are similar to those obtained from the Australian public, and are in distinct contrast to the perceptions of the profession that emerged amongst physiotherapy students in England. Physiotherapy in Australia is held in high esteem - it has a clear identity and professional status, and is likely to be seen as a desirable future occupation for both genders.
Physiotherapy emerged as a profession only a century ago and has a fragile, but evolving research evidence base. Physiotherapy has been subject to decades of criticism for its lack of research utilisation, and is often perceived as a profession whose treatment techniques lack scienti c support. Numerous editorials and scholarly addresses have urged physiotherapists to become research consumers. The 1990s saw evidence-based practice emerge as a new paradigm within health care and health education, and also the emergence of initiatives like the Cochrane Collaboration, and the UK Department of Health Research and Development initiative, which aim to promote evidence use within the health professions. To determine the extent to which physiotherapy has responded to these criticisms and initiatives this paper presents studies that have explored the fundamental questions of whether physiotherapists read journal literature, implement research ndings into practice, and employ scienti c documentation and measures. The results of the various studies consistently indicate that despite the numerous initiatives to promote evidence use, many physiotherapy clinicians remain unaware of the extent and nature of published research evidence. The assimilation and utilisation of research literature among physiotherapy clinicians is limited, with the exception of those with higher-degree experience. Journal provision and access to journal clubs within physiotherapy hospital departments is poor. The major factors in uencing practice were education, prior experience, and peer opinion, rather than research and evidence. De ciencies in quality and type of documentation also emerged in addition to an apparent unwillingness to employ evidence-based outcome measures. Methods for maximising the positive ndings and addressing the de ciencies that emerged are proposed.
Osteoporosis ( OP) is a preventable metabolic bone disease, yet its incidence is increasing out of proportion to the aging population. Of concern is the increase in OP among males and in younger women. Recent advances in bone densitometry have enabled earlier diagnosis and treatment of established osteopenia. Considerable research has focused on identifying risk factors and developing both effective forms of treatment and methods of prevention to decrease fracture risk.Treatment of OP consists mainly of antiresorbtive therapies like hormone replacement therapy, the related selective oestrogen receptor modulators, or the bisphosphonates. Established OP is dif cult to treat, and primary prevention is of paramount importance. In this context promoting lifestyle modi cations to maximize peak bone mass in adolescence and prevent excess bone loss in later life is considered essential. The relationship between bone health and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is well known, the results of smoking cessation have been rmly established, and impact activities are essential to maximize bone density. These three factors can help ensure an architecture that is able to withstand various loads.The promotion of health and prevention of disease should be the responsibility of all health professionals, and current osteoporosis guidelines have focused on the promotion of bone health. Exercise and activity clearly contribute to bone strength as well as to levels of tness and coordination. Physiotherapists are well quali ed to devise exercise training regimens, assist in their delivery to different age groups, and provide advice and education with regard to bone health, thereby contributing to both osteoporosis prevention and reduction in fracture risk.
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