Presents an evaluation pf a training model that introduces graduate students from the professions of clinical psychology, education, physical therapy, and social work to interdisciplinary practice. Results indicate that, when compared with a control group, students who participated in the training model exhibited significant differences in…

Occupational and physical therapy students (n=78) were assigned to pairs based on learning style (both abstract-experimentation, both reflective-observation, or mixed). On a collaborative exercise, mixed pairs did not perform significantly better than homogenous ones. Pairs' average grades correlated strongly with performance, suggesting that…

A survey assessed the financial, family, educational, and psychosocial needs of 196 nontraditional students in physical- and occupational-therapy programs. Results indicate that 65% agreed that those needs were being met. Local clinical placements and stipends were more beneficial than part-time, night, or weekend opportunities. (JOW)

Describes how reflective practice is conceptualized and interpreted by practicing physiotherapists and undergraduate physiotherapy students. Analysis of qualitative interviews and workshops highlights both contextual and practical differences in modes of reflection by practitioners. Discussion notes the context of the task-oriented culture of the…

Physical therapy students (n=28) completed the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) and California Critical Thinking Skills Test before and after the academic year and after clinical placements. Greatest critical thinking improvements occurred in truth-seeking, critical thinking self-confidence, and deduction. Student review…

The authors of this article describe how infant massage can promote attachment and greater attunement between very young children and their parents. Infant massage instructors teach parents how to understand babies' states of arousal so they can read and respond appropriately to their cues. The authors detail the process of teaching infant…

Children with multiple handicaps, including cerebral palsy (CP), often lose or regress in their functional ability through adolescence and young adulthood. The purpose of this study was to examine functional and psychosocial changes in children, adolescents, and young adults with CP. A retrospective chart review and a prospective telephone…

Learning to move and moving to learn are vital aspects of every child's growth and development. Physical therapists and educators have consistently advocated the importance of being involved in a range of movement activities and games. Movement can provide an avenue for learning and interaction with others and can be linked to language and…

A survey was conducted of completers of the rehabilitation aide programs at Hawkeye Institute of Technology and Indian Hills Community College (Iowa). Of 95 mailed surveys, 35 were completed and returned. Respondents reported working in residential facilities, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. They indicated which competencies they…

This publication contains a number of materials related to the Blackhawk Technical College (Wisconsin) Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. Contents include a schedule and curriculum outline for the PTA I course; a brochure on the associate degree program; curriculum outline for the associate degree program; and admission procedures and…

The problem of malposture in the blind and its affect on orientation and travel skills was explored. A group of 45 students were enrolled in a standard 3-month mobility training program. Each student suffered a postural problem, some compounded by severe orthopedic and/or neurological deficit. All subjects were given complete orthopedic and…

The study confirmed previous research indicating that workshop training by itself is an ineffective method of increasing direct care staff compliance to treatment prescriptions, and that providing direct staff supervisors with a training and management tool (prescriptive checklists) may be an effective alternative for serving multihandicapped…

Describes a competency-based, computer-managed instruction model that was developed and used in revising and managing the curricula of dietetic internship and physical therapy certificate programs. Results indicate that this approach to curriculum development is desirable and practical and has the potential for effectively serving future…