Research Articles (Physiotherapy)

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Browsing by Subject "Activity limitation"

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    The effect of occupational-related low back pain on the functional activities among manual workers in construction companies
    (University of the Western Cape, 2010) Himalowa, S.; Frantz, Jose M.
    INTRODUCTION: Low back pain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition and one of the most common causes of disability in the world. The disability resulting from low back pain continues to plague the construction industry leading to absenteeism and early retirement among construction manual workers. PURPOSE: The aim of the review was to explore global literature concerning the effect of occupational-related low back pain on the functional activities among manual workers in construction companies. METHOD: A retrospective search of articles published from January 2000 to April 2010. The following electronic data bases, Google Scholar, Academic search premier, CINAHL, ERIC, Health source-consumer Edition, Health source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Master FILE Premier, MEDLINE, MLA Directory of Periodicals, Science direct, MLA International Bibliography, Pre-CiNAHL and PubMed were individually searched using specifically developed search strategies. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool and was done by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: The search yielded eleven articles of sound quality. There is evidence that a high percentage of construction workers suffer permanent disability and fail to return to work forcing them to go into early retirement due to occupational related low back pain. The cohort studies have shown that poor performance, reduction in productivity, restrictions on usual activity and participation and incurring high medical costs all pose a challenge to construction manual workers and their employers as a result of occupational related low back. CONCLUSION: The findings support that occupational related low back pain is a challenge among construction manual workers causing serious disability. Further well designed research in Africa into the most effective strategies to prevent and manage occupational related low back pain among construction manual workers is needed.
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    Outcome measures used to assess disability post stroke within the framework of the ICF: a literature review
    (University of the Western Cape, 2011) Joseph, Conran; Rhoda, Anthea
    BACKGROUND: The use of outcome measures has been associated with good practice among clinicians and as a research instrument. These measures can be utilized to assess- and manage patients, observe progress, determine the effects of certain intervention and for research purposes. This scholarly paper investigates the most commonly used outcome measures along the continuum of care, and further provides additional information that will assist researchers and clinicians to decide on the most appropriate outcome measure in a South African Healthcare. METHODS: Literature of the past 10 years dealing with outcome measures was reviewed for this study. The types of papers in this review were systematic reviews, narrative reviews, scholarly papers, longitudinal and cross sectional. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Included in this review are four impairment, five activity/disability, two participation restriction and four quality of life outcome measures. Although a number of these measures have been used in the South African setting, it is not clear whether they have been validated for the local context. Few translated versions relevant to South Africa are available and not all measures are freely available, which could limit the use thereof. CONCLUSION: This paper successfully describes the commonly used outcome measures and aspects that should be taken into account when deciding on the appropriate measure.