The aim of this article is to assess the practical clinical value of measures used to examine physiological (cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular) and biomechanical (spatio-temporal and baropodometric) responses to effort in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Cardiorespiratory data included a 6 minute walking test and cycle ergometric determinations of peak respiratory gas exchange V( O2peak,VE,) by Cosmed K4b2 gas analyzer. Peak isometric strength and fatigue for the quadriceps muscle were tested on the Cybex (Norm II) isokinetic apparatus, noting the time required for effort to decrease to 50% of the maximal voluntary isometric force (MVIF). Qualitative analysis of the associated electromyographic signal examined the root mean square voltage and median frequency. Biomechanical data included gait cycle characteristics (speed, step length, step frequency, impulse, time of contact, step duration, time of double support) and plantar pressure peaks measured at a total of 8 sites. Values for all of these variables met or exceeded conventional standards of reliability and validity, but a substantial intra-individual test-retest variation limited the potential to interpret changes in an individual’s physical condition. The authors emphasize that whether looking at aerobic function, muscular fatigue or gait, it is necessary to gauge the effectiveness of training programmes in terms of grouped rather than individual responses.

Background: Stroke affects 15 million people worldwide every year and leaves two-thirds of survivors with significant mobility deficits including reduced walking speed, increased unevenness of step length and asymmetry. Haptic cues, which utilise sensory stimulation and so are unaffected by visual or auditory interference could discreetly improve the gait of people after stroke. Therefore, the objective of this single mixed methods case study was to evaluate the use of a novel haptic device in a single participant after stroke.

Pharmacology is an integral component in a physical therapist professional education as physical therapists play an important role in improving medication safety by being cognizant of the medications a patient is taking and monitoring for medication effects with an emphasis on physical functioning and determining if medications are adversely affecting physical functioning. Physical therapists (PT) encounter many adults that take five or more medications and knowing of the medications and their effects – both intended and undesired allow PT’s the opportunity to improve patient safety, reduce the risk of adverse drug events and improve therapist practice. Many medications that appear to be safe are potentially inappropriate for the geriatric population and use of the Beers Criteria including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories that increase the risk of gastro-intestinal bleeding and worsen heart failure. Other medications increase the risk of myopathy and tendinopathy which must be taken into account when designing safe and effective care plans.

Background: Urinary incontinence is a common symptom observed in modern times, which may affect 7–37% of women aged 20–39 and 9–39% after the age of 60. Pregnancy and natural delivery are important risk factors increasing the likelihood of incontinence.

Background: Is a ‘science knows best’ approach the best option for hearing care, or do patients want more control; and if so, how much control do they want? The aim of this study is to assess what the thoughts and opinions of hearing aid users are towards a hearing aid they can programme themselves and investigate what control they require.