New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy out today
Media release | Physiotherapy New Zealand
2 April, 2013
New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy out today
The following are summaries of items appearing in the March 2013 issue of the New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy. This
is a special centenary issue celebrating 100 years of physiotherapy in New Zealand. At the same time Physiotherapy New
Zealand has republished their first-ever journal from September 1938. Articles in the March 2013 issue mirror articles
in the first issue.
The journal is open access and available at www.physiotherapy.org.nz/journal
Editorial
Celebrating 100 years of Physiotherapy Education in New Zealand. Leigh Hale.
Invited reviews
100 years of education, research, and clinical practice: The University of Otago School of Physiotherapy in 2013. G
David Baxter.
This paper provides an overview of the University of Otago School of Physiotherapy, which celebrates its centenary in
2013.
History of the AUT Physiotherapy School. David Nicholls.
As well as celebrating the centenary of physiotherapy in New Zealand, 2013 also marks the 40th anniversary of
physiotherapy education at AUT University.
Regulation of New Zealand Physiotherapists over the past 100 years. Maree Grbin.
Over the 100 years of physiotherapy in New Zealand there have been three pieces of legislation that have regulated
physiotherapists. The first two acts, the Masseurs’ Registration Act 1920 and the Physiotherapy Act 1949 focussed
largely on registration requirements and supported self regulation in relation to the quality of clinical practice.
Reflections on the growth of musculoskeletal physiotherapy in New Zealand over the last 100 years and the contribution
of New Zealand physiotherapists on the world stage. Duncan A Reid.
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy has always been a strong part of physiotherapy practice in this country. This paper aims
firstly, to provide a brief history of the development of the musculoskeletal physiotherapy special interest group in
New Zealand and the influence the founding members have had on the development of physiotherapy locally and
internationally.
Maternity exercises 75 years on: what has changed and what does experimental evidence tell us? E Jean and C Hay-Smith.
Seventy-five years ago, in the first issue of the New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, Mrs DuFaur summarised Margaret
Morris’s ‘Maternity Exercises’ which included antenatal and postnatal exercises and relaxation. This paper looks briefly
through a contemporary ‘evidence-based’ lens at the effectiveness of exercise and relaxation for childbearing women and
considers priorities for present-day obstetric physiotherapy.
Commentary on J.Kennedy Elliott’s paper entitled: The cause of disability following limb injuries. Peter McNair
Over 70 years ago, J. Kennedy Elliott, an orthopaedic surgeon, wrote a paper for the Society journal that provided
important information for physiotherapists concerning the treatment of fractures and other similar injuries. Many of his
thoughts remain part of current orthopaedic practice, and continue to influence our rehabilitation of such injuries.
Although notable advancements have occurred in clinical practice, the major changes since Elliott’s time reflect
developments in knowledge in the basic sciences that are associated with orthopaedics and rehabilitation.
The influence of epidemics on the role of physiotherapists in rehabilitation. Margot A Skinner.
Physiotherapists developed a strong reputation in rehabilitation therapy after the Great War in the early part of the
20th century. These skills were transferred to the management of children and adults during the global poliomyelitis
epidemic which followed. Physiotherapists such as Miss M Manthel, a graduate from the Otago School of Massage, developed
innovative ways of managing huge workloads as well as providing best practice in their rehabilitation programmes which
she described in a letter to the Editor, New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, in 1938. Seventy five years on, the
primary health epidemics that face the world are no longer caused by viruses but by diseases of lifestyle.
Research reports
Walking to the shops: desired but how doable? Suzie Mudge and Gemma Monachino.
The average community walking distance is often cited to be 300 metres and increases if more than one task is performed.
On average, disabled older adults complete one task per trip whereas healthy older adults undertake two tasks per trip.
There is no published data for community distances in New Zealand. The purpose of this study was to describe community
walking distances in the greater Auckland region.
Sports injury profile of competitive Waka Ama (outrigger canoe) paddlers in New Zealand. Ricky Bell, Allan Carman and
Steve Tumilty.
Using a self-reported retrospective cohort analysis the purpose of this research was to describe the type, frequency,
severity, causative mechanisms, and exposure risk of injuries amongst competitive Waka Ama paddlers in New Zealand.
ML Roberts Prize Winner
The journey to recovery: experiences and perceptions of individuals following stroke. Shivani Sood Ahuja, Shaun clark,
Elizabeth Mary Morahan, Meari Ono, Hilda Mulligan, Leigh Hale.
Stroke is a common cause of long term disability in New Zealand and can have a large impact on an individual’s life.
This study aimed to identify and discuss the experiences, perceptions and challenges faced by those living with stroke,
to provide health professionals with an insight into the journey to recovery following stroke.
The official journal of Physiotherapy New Zealand can be viewed on www.physiotherapy.org.nz/journal.
ENDS.
About Physiotherapy New Zealand
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physiotherapists in New Zealand, www.physiotherapy.org.nz.