The study examined role conflict in chairpersons of departments of occupational therapy and physical therapy. The literature disagrees on the existence of such role conflict. However, results indicate that role conflict does exist, but not to a great degree. Suggestions are offered for future research and the reduction of role conflict. (Author/CH)

The study explored the frequency with which authors were cited in the most recent edition of "Therapeutic Exercise," an internationally recognized text in physical therapy. Citation trends across three editions were also used as an index of long-term professional influence. Implications for the physical therapy profession are discussed.…

Compared the effectiveness of behavioral (BT) or physical therapy (PT) for treating chronic low back pain (CLBP), for 13 BT patients and 12 PT patients. Treatments were conducted in a group outpatient setting. Posttreatment results showed general improvement for patients in both groups, but few treatment-specific differences in outcome measures.…

Several interrelated issues pertaining to the measurement of spinal curvature are discussed, including the inherent limitations of the kyphotic index, the most widely used indicator in the evaluation of kyphosis. The paper suggests use of the Flexicurve to quantify spinal posture, suggests modifications to the Flexicurve, and presents results on…

Distance delivery in a bachelor's to master's degree program enabled 26 physical therapy students to receive degrees while working full time. According to 18 respondents, the program met goals of marketability and affordability. A few experienced technical difficulties with Internet delivery. (Contains 23 references.) (SK)

Evaluations of the academic performance of 799 University of Sydney students revealed little difference between students who had completed secondary school and those who had not (1) in the time taken to complete the program; (2) in the academic performance in 26 of 31 subjects; and (3) between male and female students. (JOW)

Examines, within a situated-cognition framework, the teaching and learning of a concept in biomechanics, the manual techniques and tactile discrimination skills that accompany it, and the diagnostic frame of mind that informs concept, technique, and skill. Draws on observations of a class of physical-therapy students. (Author/SLD)

Since attitudes of medical professionals may influence the health care delivered to elderly people and there is an increasing proportion of older people in society, it would seem appropriate to assess the attitudes toward older adults held by health care providers. This study examined attitudes toward older adults held by physical therapy…

A series of interviews and situational analyses were conducted to examine the integration of rehabilitation movement activities for physically handicapped as practiced by professionals in medical services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech training, and movement education. Four general goals of rehabilitation regarding movement are…

Forty-five children with various handicaps, aged 3-15, were screened for motor delays and assigned to therapy with occupational or physical therapists. Results were that developmental therapy affected gross motor gains in preschool children with moderate delays, and that one treatment per week was effective. (Authors)

Describes the instructional redesign of a physical therapy course through the stages of planning, implementation, and evaluation following a model developed by the Instructional Development Institute. (RAO)

Twelve individuals recovering from stroke were given a three-week period of rehabilitative training with or without auditory feedback. The purpose was to investigate weight distribution on the pattern of vertical force through the affected leg during standing up. Results indicated the training improved subjects' strength and muscle control, though…

Multiple surveys of 48 physical therapy students measured the effects of participation in mock trials on skills for evaluating and using research. Participation resulted in increased confidence in their ability to interpret research and positive attitudes about it. (Contains 25 references.) (SK)

Effects of massage on preschoolers' cognitive performance were assessed. Preschoolers were given Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Revised subtests before and after receiving 15-minute massage or spending 15 minutes reading stories with the experimenter. Children's performance on Block Design improved following massage, and…

The main objective of this pilot research project was to determine whether the use of an internet broadband link to stream physiotherapy clinical education workshop proceedings in "real-time" is of equivalent educational value to the traditional face-to-face experience. This project looked at the benefits of using the above technology as…