Media release | Physiotherapy New Zealand
19 July 2013
Latest New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy out today.
Following are selected summaries from some items appearing in the July 2013 edition of the New Zealand Journal of
Physiotherapy
The journal is open access and available on www.physiotherapy.org.nz/journal.
Invited editorial
Robin McKenzie: the influence of a giant
As we mourn the loss of a local physiotherapist who contributed immensely to establish physiotherapy as a respected and
valued profession in New Zealand, so too does the world mourn the loss of an 'influential giant' who changed the careers
of many health professionals and assisted thousands of patients to live painfree lives. But Robin was more than just a
physiotherapist...
Research reports
The effect of action and coping plans on exercise adherence in people with lower limb osteoarthritis: a feasibility
study.
Exercise therapy is known to improve function and quality of life in people with OA, leading to less reliance on health
services. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of these programmes is governed to some extent by people's adherence to them,
and if higher levels of adherence could be achieved then it could be expected that their effectiveness would improve.
A multimedia learning resource for musculoskeletal practical skills teaching
The aims of this study were to develop a multimedia DVD for musculoskeletal skills within a School of Physiotherapy, and
explore faculty staff and students' perceptions of its usefulness and effectiveness...the DVD was perceived to be useful
by students and academic staff as an adjunct to traditional laboratory teaching... the resource was of high to very high
video, audio, and graphical quality, and perceived to be well structured, demonstrated, and produced.
Invited clinical commentary
Management of complex regional pain syndrome
Traditionally, physiotherapy treatments have been directed at peripheral symptoms, often with limited efficacy. In light
of the growing scientific evidence promoting the major role of the central nervous system in the pathogenesis of Complex
Regional Pain Syndrome, there has been a shift towards interventions considered to modulate central processing... This
paper aims to elaborate on the scientific framework for these techniques and explore the current research regarding
treatment efficacy.
Clinically applicable papers
People seeking treatment for a new episode of neck pain typically have rapid improvement in symptoms: an observation
study
Lingering pain and disability are relatively uncommon, and a number of prognostic indicators can identify those patients
at risk of ongoing disability. This information can serve to guide clinicians and to reassure patients in a primary care
setting.
The Journal also contains a letter for the Editor about physiotherapy regulation over the past 100 years, book reviews,
and information about articles in other journals.
The official journal of Physiotherapy New Zealand may be viewed on www.physiotherapy.org.nz/journal
ENDS