The article describes a training program which effectively taught a profoundly retarded and blind nine-year-old boy to use a walker. One year follow-up indicated maintenance of treatment gains. Ambulation training was correlated with a significant reduction in stereotypic behavior. (Author/DB)

Defines virtual reality and describes its application to psychomotor skills training. A description of a system that could be used to teach a college course in physical therapy, including the use of miniature computer workstation, sensory gloves, a programmable mannequin, and other existing technology, is provided. (Contains 10 references.) (KRN)

This study, with 10 adult patients with cystic fibrosis, found that the improvement in lung function and ergometry parameters obtained by a short in-patient training program could be maintained on an out-patient basis through a voluntary self-treatment program. (DB)

This study tested the interrater reliability of the Modified Ashworth Scale in measuring upper and lower limb spasticity in 34 hemiplegic adult patients examined by 2 physiotherapists and 2 doctors. Findings indicated satisfactory reliability for upper limb spasticity but less satisfactory results for lower limb spasticity. (DB)

Data were collected retrospectively from insurance information forms and histories of 111 patients (ages 14-84) referred to physical therapy for evaluation of back and/or neck pain. Analysis indicated that patients with compensable (work-related or motor vehicle accident) injuries infrequently acknowledged prior episodes of back or neck pain. (JDD)

Focus groups of six instructors and 21 physical-therapy students examined separately clinical and classroom experience. Results revealed (1) a mismatch between student and faculty expectations; (2) student preference for passive learning; (3) concern about teacher/student relationships; (4) student anxiety about career expectations; and (5)…

The purpose of this study was to identify the major characteristics of postpolio syndrome (PPS), investigate physical and psychological limitations, and comprehensively review current medical interventions through a single subject design. The study addresses the symptoms and characteristics, the effect on life style, and the current recommended…

Human nature is a very complex phenomenon. In physical therapy this complexity is enhanced by the need to understand the intersection between the art and science of human behavior and patient care. A paradigm is a set of basic beliefs that represent a worldview, defines the nature of the world and the individual's place in it, and helps to…

The use of a practical workshop to disseminate an innovative technical therapy which must be learned and practiced under supervision is described. A removable rigid dressing for below-the-knee amputees, developed at the Veterans Administration Lakeside Medical Center, is discussed. (MLW)

Offers advice on helping students to gather information about the title professions, seek health-related experience, and prepare academically competitive portfolios. Discusses admission procedures, including application timelines, standardized tests, interviews, and letters of evaluation. (EV)

The Dohsa method, a therapeutic method used for children with autism, was originally developed for children with cerebral palsy in Japan. This article introduces the theoretical background, therapeutic techniques, and effectiveness of this method. The necessity of combining this method with other therapeutic techniques is discussed. (Contains…

This paper introduces conductive education (CE) for rehabilitation of children with motor disabilities through development of ordered movement and coordinated function. It reviews the origin of CE, its development between 1945 and 1994, the CE method, and the new profession of CE practitioners. Recent extension of CE to education for children…

Discusses the advantages of getting graduate degrees in pharmaceutical sciences, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and respiratory therapy. Looks at the cost of education, degrees offered, research and clinical options, availability of programs, and career options. (JOW)

A survey of Israeli first-year college students enrolled in occupational therapy (55), special education (33), nursing (88), and physical therapy (44) found significant differences in the work values of those in therapy-oriented versus service-oriented fields. For occupational therapists, job-related aesthetics were most important, management…

Describes practices and issues related to providing services for preschoolers with disabilities in inclusive early childhood classrooms. Identifies findings from research on developmentally appropriate practices. Discusses ways to integrate specialized services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language therapy into…