Philosophiae Doctor - PhD (Physiotherapy)
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Browsing by Author "Dept. of Physiotherapy"
Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Blended learning in physiotherapy education: designing and evaluating a technology-integrated approach(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Rowe, Michael; Frantz, Jose; Bozalek, Vivienne; Dept. of PhysiotherapyBackground: Practice knowledge exists as a complex relationship between questions and answers in a context of meaning that is often intuitive and hidden from the novice practitioner. Physiotherapy education, which aims to develop patterns of thinking, reflection and reasoning as part of practice knowledge, is often based on didactic teaching methods that emphasise the learning of facts without highlighting the relationships between them. In order to improve health outcomes for patients, clinical educators must consider redesigning the curriculum to take into account the changing and complex nature of physiotherapy education. There is some evidence that a blended approach to teaching and learning may facilitate the development of graduates who are more capable of reflection, reasoning and critical thinking, and who can adapt and respond to the complex clinical environment. The purpose of this study was to develop principles that could be used to guide the design of blended learning environments that aim to develop capability in undergraduate physiotherapy students. Method: The study took place in a university physiotherapy department in the Western Cape in South Africa, among undergraduate students. Design research was used as a framework to guide the study, and included a range of research methods as part of that process. The problem was identified using a systematic review of the literature and a survey of students. The design of the blended intervention that aimed to address the problem was informed by a narrative review of theoretical frameworks, two pilot studies that evaluated different aspects of blended learning, and a Delphi study. This process led to the development of a set of design principles which were used to inform the blended intervention, which was implemented and evaluated during 2012. Results: The final results showed that students had undergone a transformation in how they thought about the process and practice of learning as part of physiotherapy education, demonstrating critical approaches towards knowledge, the profession and authority. These changes were brought about by changing teaching and learning practices that were informed by the design principles in the preliminary phases of the project. These principles emphasised the use of technology to interact, articulate understanding, build relationships, embrace complexity, encourage creativity, stimulate reflection, acknowledge emotion, enhance flexibility and immerse students in the learning space. Discussion: While clinical education is a complex undertaking with many challenges, evidence presented in this study demonstrates that the development of clinical reasoning, critical thinking and reflection can be enhanced through the intentional use of technology as part of a blended approach to teaching and learning. The design principles offer clinical educators a framework upon which to construct learning environments where the affordances of technology can be mapped to the principles, which are based on a sound pedagogical foundation. In this way, the use of technology in the learning environment is constructed around principles that are informed by theory. However, clinical educators who are considering the integration of innovative strategies in the curriculum should be aware that students may initially be reluctant to engage in self-directed learning activities, and that resistance from colleagues may obstruct the process. Conclusion: The development of clinical reasoning, critical thinking and reflection in undergraduate physiotherapy students may be enhanced through the intentional use of appropriate technology that aims to fundamentally change teaching and learning practices. Design research offers a practical approach to conducting research in clinical education, leading to the development of principles of learning that are based on theory.Item Impact of a lifestyle physical activity intervention on school going children's physical activity participation(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Figaji, Tamara Ann; Phillips, Julie; Dept. of Physiotherapy; Faculty of ScienceAssociated with physical inactivity and obesity are numerous other health risks which have become a major health concern. A steady decrease in the levels of physical activity during childhood and adolescents have been noted in various parts of the world. The picture of low physical activity levels in developed countries is no different in developing countries. Children spend the majority of their day at school therefore a school setting is ideal to conduct physical activity intervention studies The primary aim of this study was to measure the effect of an intervention programme on the physical activity participation levels among school going children and adolescents. The study was carried out at an urban independent Catholic school. The sample, which was conveniently selected, which included 100 learners from grade 5 to 7 with parental consent. A quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental design was used in this study. Baseline data included levels of physical activity participation, Body Mass Index (BMI), hip-waist ratio, and socio-demographic variables. Physical activity was assessed with the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. The Promoting Lifestyle activity for Youth (PLAY) programme was implemented at the school. This process-oriented programme shifts the focus from fitness toward regular participation in daily physical activity, and it is not intended to replace a comprehensive physical education programme.Item The need for physiotherapy support for teachers in inclusive education for the inclusion of learners with physical disabilities in selected schools in Zambia(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Kashimba, Sally Salome; Struthers, P.; Dept. of Physiotherapy; Faculty of Economics and Management SciencesThe purpose of the study was to explore the need for physiotherapy support for teachers in selected inclusive schools in Zambia. The study aimed to determine teachers skills and teachers attitudes as they included learners with physical disabilities in their classrooms.Item Perceived constraints to physical activity among paramedical institution students in Uganda(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Nizeyimana, Eugene; Phillips, Julie; Dept. of Physiotherapy; Faculty of Community and Health SciencesResearch has clearly shown that all individuals will benefit from regular physical activity. Unfortunately, young adults including college and university students are not physically active on a regular basis worldwide. In the developing world particularly in Sub- Saharan Africa, physical inactivity along with tobacco use, poor diet and nutrition are increasingly parts of today’s lifestyle. Physical activity declines with age and the most important decline appear to be during the transition period from high school to university and during university years. The aim of this study was to assess the level of physical activity, to investigate the perceived constraints to physical activity and to determine whether socio-demographic characteristic have an influence on participation in physical activity and perceived constraints to physical activity among paramedical institutions students in Uganda. A cross-sectional study with descriptive quantitative design was conducted. Four hundred (400) paramedical institution students were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire adopted from the literature was used to collect the data. A response rate of 90% was obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistics using the statistical package for social sciences were used to analyze the data. The relationships and associations between different variables were determined by carrying out significant tests using chi-square tests. Alpha level was set at 0.05. The mean age of the sample was 22.44 years (SD = 2.03). Males constituted 73.9% and females constituted 26.1% of the sample. Students from eight (8) health professional courses participated in the study. Over half (59%) of participants were classified as physically active and 41% were classified as inactive or sedentary. For male participants, lack of the right equipment to exercise and wanting to do other things in their free time were perceived as the major constraints to physical activity. For female participants, lack of motivation and tiredness after exercise were perceived as the major constraints to physical activity. The findings of this study demonstrate that there is an influence of socio-demographic characteristics such as gender, year of the study and different departments/schools on participation in physical activity and perceived constraints to physical activity. They also indicate the need of health promotion intervention aiming at promoting physical activity among paramedical institution students in Uganda.Item Physical inactivity among high school learners in Belhar - a public health concern(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Frantz, José Merle; Amosun, S.L.; Travill, Andre; Dept. of Physiotherapy; Faculty of Community and Health SciencesFor many decades, the World Health Organisation had highlighted the growing importance of chronic non-communicable diseases in developed and developing countries, with an increase in lifestyle-related diseases. Physical inactivity has been identified as one of the risk factors, in addition to other leading risk factors like diet, and the use of tobacco and alcohol, contributing to the occurrence of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cancers, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Based on the researcher's observations while living in Belhar community for more then ten years, it was hypothesized that the level of physical inactivity among adolescents could become a public health problem in the future if not addressed immediately.Item The physical needs of the elderly with regard to physiotherapy services in the Livingstone District, Zambia(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Malambo, Pasmore; Marais, M.R; Dept. of Physiotherapy; Faculty of Community and Health SciencesThe purpose of this study was to identify the physical needs of the elderly with regard to physiotherapy services in the Livingstone district in Zambia. The objectives were to determine the knowledge of the elderly on the role of physiotherapy in the care of the elderly; the barriers to utilization of the services; the prevalence of physical problems and it also examined associations between education, knowledge and utilization of physiotherapy services in the district.Item The rehabilitation of stroke patients at community health centres in the Western Cape(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Rhoda, Anthea; Mpofu, R.M.; DeWeerdt, W.; Dept. of Physiotherapy; Faculty of Community and Health SciencesThe rehabilitation of stroke patients can occur at different settings. These include in-patient settings, such as stroke units or general rehabilitation wards and out-patient settings, such as out-patient departments attached to hospitals, day hospital departments and the patients’ home. In South-Africa, day hospitals have been upgraded and are now referred to as Community Health Centres which provide comprehensive health services to the population. In the Western Cape these centres are faced with the rehabilitation of stroke patients who have been discharged early from hospital during the acute stage or who have never been admitted to hospitals. To date there is a lack of best practice guidelines and formal evaluations in terms of efficacy and effectiveness of rehabilitation at these centres. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate the rehabilitation of stroke patients at Community Health Centres in the Metropole Region of the Western Cape. The structure, process and outcomes (SPO) model was used as a conceptual framework in this study.