Masters of Science - Msc (Physiotherapy)

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Incidence and common causes of major lower limb amputation at a hospital in a sub-district of the City Cape Town municipality.
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Kaylor, Timothy; Ennion, Liezel
Background: Major lower limb amputation (LLA) is a life-changing event described as the loss of a limb at or proximal to the ankle upwards. The amputation itself is a change in body structure but has a significant influence on many activities, participation in activities and quality of life. Optimal functional outcomes for persons with a major LLA require intensive long-term rehabilitation and costly assistive devices such as prostheses. Due to the high costs associated with it, the increasing number of persons with major LLA places a burden on the resource-limited public health system. In order for the provincial department of health to plan to provide sufficient human and financial resources and procure enough assistive devices such as prostheses, the need for these devices and the incidence of major LLAs should be established. The study aims to determine the incidence and common causes of major LLAs in adults and children who underwent major lower limb amputations at Tygerberg Hospital over one year from 19 December 2019 to 20 December 2020.
Medical doctors physical activity patterns and their advice about chronic diseases of lifestyle risk reduction in Tanzania
(2010) Wallace, K; Phillips, J
Chronic diseases of lifestyle (COL) are on a raising trend in the world regardless of age, economic class or geographical location of a population. The mortality rate associated with COL is alarmingly among the highest globally. Tanzania is not exempted from this development. Literature indicates that physical activity is a health practice that can prevent COL. It is recommended that medical practitioners should hold the responsibility of counselling patients on physical activity. Some studies outside Africa found an association between doctors' physical activity patterns and their counselling practices on the same. This study therefore sought to establish whether physical inactivity among medical doctors in Tanzania significantly influenced their counselling practices on physical activity. A cross sectional quantitative survey at the Muhimbili National Hospital and Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute was conducted to derive the required information. A self administered structured questionnaire was voluntarily answered by 144 medical doctors.
Lumbo-pelvic neuromuscular control for the prevention of recurrent hamstring injuries in sprinting
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Kerspuy, Wade; Ennion, Liezel
Introduction: Hamstring injuries are the most prevalent injuries that occur in sport that require sprinting and acceleration (Small et al., 2009). A bigger concern is the high rate of recurrent hamstring strains (Comfort, 2009). The concern is that conventional hamstring rehabilitation may be inadequate, to reduce the prevalence of a recurrent hamstring injury. This study will explore if lumbo-pelvic neuromuscular rehabilitation is currently included in the rehabilitation programmes aimed at the prevention of recurring hamstring injuries in athletes involved in sprinting sports, and secondly, if consensus can be reached amongst experts on the inclusion of lumbo-pelvic control in the prevention of recurrent hamstring injuries. Methods: The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase a Scoping review was used to determine if lumbopelvic neuromuscular rehabilitation was used in the rehabilitation of hamstring injuries to prevent recurrent injury in sports that involve sprinting, and which types of exercises are commonly used. The second phase consisted of a Delphi study, which was conducted in three rounds of online surveys. Experts were asked if they thought lumbo-pelvic neuromuscular control was important in the rehabilitation of hamstring strains to prevent recurrent injuries, as well their views on specific lumbo-pelvic neuromuscular exercises.
A descriptive of the factors influencing the implementation of rugby injury prevention strategies in Nairobi, Kenya
(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Lamech, Francis Bogonko; Phillips, Julie; Pharaoh, Hamilton
Background: Rugby is one of the most popular sports in the world second to football. Many researchers have recommended different rugby injury prevention strategies that can drastically reduce injury incidences in rugby if practiced regularly. However rugby injuries still exist and there is minimal intervention being done in Africa and specifically in Kenya to implement these injury prevention strategies. Aim: To identify factors influencing the implementation of rugby injury prevention strategies in Kenya. Objectives: (i) To determine prevalence of rugby injuries in the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU) league 2011-2012 season. (ii) To identify and describe various injury prevention strategies and sports safety practices in place among rugby clubs in Kenya. (iii) To determine the factors hindering the implementation of rugby injury prevention strategies in Kenya. Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study design was used. Research Setting: The study was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants: Seven male rugby teams participated in KRFU League 20lll20l2 season; 210 rugby players, 7 team coaches, 7 team managers and 7 team medical practitioners. Instruments: Four self-administered questionnaires for rugby players, team coaches, team managers and team medical practitioners were used to collect data. A two week test-retest reliability pilot study was conducted to ensure validity and reliability for team coaches and rugby players' questionnaires. Team medical practitioners and managers' instruments were adapted from previously validated Sports Safety Analysis Tool (SSAT). To ensure the content and face validity of the adapted instruments it was reviewed by experienced sports safety experts, experienced coaches, referees and sports development officers working as technical advisors in KRFU, in conjunction with qualified and experienced sports Physiotherapists, and the Researcher. Ethical clearance: was granted by the University of the Western Cape and from the relevant authorities in Kenya. Participation was voluntary and participants had the right to withdraw from the study at any time. Written informed consent was sought from all participants and they were assured of anonymity and confidentiality of their information, and that it was intended for research purposes only. Data analysis: Data was analysed using the SPSS version (20.0). Descriptive statistics was conducted to obtain a profile of the study sample and prevalence of rugby injuries, injury prevention strategies, sports safety practices and factors influencing the implementation of injury prevention strategies. These were presented in terms of frequencies and percentages in tables and figures Results: 162 (77%) rugby players, 7 (100%) coaches, 7 (100%) managers and 6 (85 .7%) team medical practitioners participated in this study. A sum of 520 injuries was reported giving a prevalence rate of 94.4%. Out of these injuries the sprains accounted for 17.5%o and strains (15%) and with more than half (52.5%) were mild. Fifty-five percent (55.4%) of the injuries were sustained during matches with the majority (55.6%\ of players sustaining an injury during the second half of play. The lower extremity recorded high prevalence of 48.7%o while tackling and being tackled were the common cause of injury. Majority of rugby players never used headgear, mouth guard and ankle protection at both training and matches. There were deficiencies in conducting cool down, stretching, flexibility and strength training. Lack of time, lack of proper equipments, advice, fatigue, financial constraints, poor facilities and lack of qualified personnel were given as the main reasons for coaches and players not implementing the injury prevention strategies. Moreover safety practices were followed more during competitions than at training. Conclusion: the lower limb injuries are of great concern and training specifically targeted on injury prevention should be encouraged among coaches as it can reduce the injury incidences. Moreover a sports safety committee should be elected among rugby clubs to develop and ensure that sports safety practices and policies are implemented regularly at both training and matches. Finally the coaches and medical personnel should educate players on the importance of injury preventative measures and always encourage them to participate in warmup, cool-down, stretching and, strength and conditioning.
Cumulative incidence of musculoskeletal injuries among student dancers at Tshwane University of Technology
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Magida; Phillips, Julie
Dance movements requires explosive power, sustained effort and both local and general endurance. Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) are the most frequent medical problems among dancers in ballet, which is partly owing to inadequate training and dancers not being properly prepared for the dernands of the dance performance. The study involved a prospective, cohort design. A population of 49 student dancers at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) were studied over 16 weeks academic year in 2007.The purpose of the present study was to determine the cumulative incidence of musculoskeletal injuries amongst student dancers at TUT. The student dancers filled on a questionnaire about previous injuries, their study schedules and factors they believed increased the risk of injuries. Of the 49 student dancers, 4l (83 o/o) consent to participate. There were 10 cumulative injuries incurred by 41 student dancers over 16 weeks period i.e.7.l yo,0.06 injuries incurred per student month at risk. The main limitations to this study were small sample size and misclassification, recall, and reporting biases. Further research should aim to standardize injury definitions and classifications.
Factors associated with physical activity levels among older adults in selected institutions in Southern Province of Rwanda
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Kanyoni, Maurice; Phillips, Julie
The size of the elderly population both in numbers and proportions of the whole world is increasing rapidly. The increase in the number of elderly people in the world will exert a big impact on health and social services. Population aging is also likely to cause serious societal challenges due to its associated increase in the number of individuals at risk for chronic diseases and injury. Participation in regular physical activity elicits a number of favorable responses that contribute to healthy aging, it is therefore established that physical activity is one way of limiting age related disabilities. Several studies have investigated factors that may be associated with physical activity participation and levels of physical activity in Rwanda among different age groups. However little has been done to investigate physical activity levels among older adults in Rwanda. This study aims to asses the levels of physical activity and the factors associated with it among older adults in Rwanda. A cross-sectional and descriptive study with a quantitative design was conducted. Sixty-three (63) participants from two institutions for the elderly located in the Southern Province of Rwanda were purposively selected. An interview questionnaire with closed-ended questions was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential data were analysed statistically with SPSS version 15.0. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for demographic data. Mean score values and standard deviations for each variable were calculated. Chi-square test was used to test the relationship between selected variables and physical activity participation. The mean age of the participants was 7l years (SD = 9.82; range : 55-l0l years) and more than half (58,7%) of the participants were females. Furthermore the majority of participants were widowed (58'7 %) andreported alcohol consumption (60.3 %). Females were significantly more likely to be physically active than males. Younger participants were more likely to be physically active than the older participants, although not statistically significant. No statistically significant association was found for physical activity participation, marital status, location of residence and education level. Fear of falling and alcohol consumption were significantly related to physical activity participation. Conclusively the study recommends that there is need to promote physical activity among older adults so that this part of the population do not loose on the benefits of physical activity.
Implementation of health education programme relating to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle among high school learners in the Amajuba district, Kwa-Zulu Natal
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Chutergon, Serena; Frantz, Jose
Currently, chronic diseases are a growing cause of death and disability in South Africa. This study was an experimental study using a pretest-posttest control group design. The study population was made up of two conveniently selected high schools located in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal. The total population for the intervention school was 1050 learners and for the control school were 945 learners. Chronic diseases of lifestyle are a group of diseases that share similar risk factors as a result of exposure, over many decades, to unhealthy diets, smoking, lack of exercise and stress. The major risk factors include high blood pressure, tobacco addiction, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a health care education programme on the knowledge of high school learners as it relates to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal, through the implementation of a health education programme in the intervention school and a 45 min talk on chronic diseases of lifestyle in the control school. ln addition, the study also determined the prevalence of risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyles among high school learners in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal. The survey tool used in this study was two self-administered questionnaires. The first being the Youth risk behavioural survey which assessed the learners' diet information, tobacco use, alcohol use and physical activity of which was used to collect information on the health risk behaviours of the learners. This was a validated and reliable questionnaire (chronbachs alpha of 0,897). The second, a knowledge questionnaire for risk factors which assessed the knowledge of learners, regarding chronic diseases of lifestyle. Demographic data and data regarding diabetes, hypertension, stroke, diet information, tobacco use information, alcohol use information and physical activity were initially coded and entered into the Excel program, where upon the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 13 was used to analyse the data. The pre-test scores collected from the knowledge questionnaire showed that the mean for the intervention school was 12.8 (SD=4.3) and for the control school was 14.2 (SD=4.5). The post-test score for the intervention school (24.65) was significantly higher (p<0.005) than the post-test score for control group (18.40)' Thus, the implementation of the health education programme at the intervention school made much more significant difference to the knowledge of the pupils regarding chronic diseases of lifestyle than the 45-minute talk at the control school. Based on the Youth risk behavioural survey, it was found that 60% of the total number of participants smoked,67 % drank alcohol, 33% were physically inactive. In addition, 35% were classified as overweight and 60% hypertensive. The outcome of this study thus suggests that the high prevalence of risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal should be of great concern as it places learners at a high risk for developing chronic diseases of lifestyle, as they grow older. Therefore preventive, promotive strategies and programs like the health education programme must be put in place and implemented in the communities within the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal.
The utilization of chest physiotherapy services at the University teaching hospital of Butare in Rwanda
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Sylvain, Gasaraba Rudakenga; Marais, M
Worldwide respiratory problems are one of the common causes of acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory system that result in activity limitation and participation restriction. It hypothesized that more patients suffering from respiratory problems could benefit from chest physiotherapy (CPT) at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare in Rwanda than during the past situation. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the utilization of, and the need for chest physiotherapy at the UTH of Butare, in Rwanda. The objectives were: (i) To determine the prevalence of respiratory problems from a selected sample of patients at UTH of Butare in 2006; (ii) To determine the monthly referral rate of patients with respiratory problems for chest physiotherapy during 2006; (iii) To determine the trends in patient referrals for CPT by physicians at UTH; and (iv) To determine factors associated with patient referral to, and utilization of CPT. A retrospective study design, using a quantitative and descriptive research method was chosen. Medical files of patients and the register of patients treated in the physiotherapy department during 2006 were analysed. Systematic random sampling was used to select 716 files. A self -administered questionnaire (with closed-ended questions) was used to determine patient referral trends for chest physiotherapy among physicians at the UTH. Most of the physicians (75%) referred between I and 5 patients per week and most (95%) of physicians indicated their need to know more about CPT. Ethical issues relating to confidentiality of information were respected by the researcher. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the nominal data collected from a sample of 700 patients which found that44.6Yo (n:312) had positive respiratory signs with only 8.3% (n= 58) being referred for CPT during 2006. Only 56 patients had received CPT during 2006.The results could lead to more patients with respiratory problems being referred for chest physiotherapy by the medical staff. It could also motivate physiotherapists to market this area of service among the different health professions at the UTH of Butare.
Persoonlikheids eienskappe en skoolprestasie as voorspellers van uitkoms in die kursus b.sc. in fisioterapie aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch
(University of the Western Cape, 1992) Bester, Maria M; Steyn, D. M; Versfeld, P. A
Keuring van fisioterapie studente vind wereldwyd hoofsaaklik op grond van skolastiese prestasie plaas. Sommige opleidingsinstansies sluit biografiese veranderlikes en sommige persoonlikheidsveranderlikes wat deur middel van onderhoude indentifiseer word, in" Hierdie studie poog daarin om'n korrelasie te vind tussen skolastiese prestasie enpsigomotoriese veranderlikes aan die een kant en akademiese-, praktiese- en kliniese veranderlikes aan die ander kant. Vanuit die resultate van die studie word voorstelle gemaak vir die samestelling van 'n keuringsprosedure of battery vir fisioterapie studente. Die steekproef bestaan uit 'n groep van7l(x studente wat met die B.Sc. kursus in Fisioterapie begin het vanaf L979 tot 1985. Die resultate van die psigometriese toetse deur die studente in hul eerstejaar afgel6, word in die studie gebruik. Hierdie toetse word met die oog op beroepsvoorligting gedoen. Die studie slaag daarin om die tekortkominge iq beide die huidige metodes van keuring sowel as die psigometriese toetse in hierdie studie gebruik, te identifiseer. Skolastiese prestasie toon steeds die hoogste beduidende korrelasie tydens die prekliniese studiejare. Nie-kognitiewe veranderlikes skp egter van belang te wees by die voorspetling van kliniese prestasie. Verskeie belowende alternatiewe om as keuringskriteria of -prosedures te dien, word identifiseer en hoort in toekornstige ondersoeke in hierdie rigting'n rol te speel.
The effect of occupational related low back pain on functional activities among male manual workers in a construction company in cape town, South Africa.
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Himalowa, S; Frantz, J
Construction manual workers are at a high risk of suffering from occupational related low back pain because of high-risk activities involved and the nomadic nature of the workforce. Low back pain and its associated disability continue to plague the construction industry. The prevalence of occupational related low back pain among manual workers in construction companies is believed to be due to high exposure to awkward postures for long hours, heavy manual work and exposure to whole-body vibration in the work environment. As a result of these risky exposures, low back pain has consistently been the leading cause of both occupational disability and absenteeism in the construction industry. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of occupational- related low back pain on the functional activities of the manual workers in a construction company in Cape Town. The prevalence and the predisposing factors of low back pain among construction manual workers were established as well as the effect of occupational-related low back pain on the functional activities of the manual workers was also determined. A cross- sectional descriptive study using quantitative method was utilized. A convenient sampling method was employed and all the 212 avarlable participants at two construction settings were recruited for the study. The population was categorised into four main occupational groups; masons, handymen, labourers and foremen. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire as a closed ended interview guide. The questionnaire comprised of four parts. Part one was used to determine the demographic data while parts two, three and four utilised three standardized close-ended validated questionnaires. These are; the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire, the Profile Fitness Mapping questionnaire and the Pain and Disability Questionnaire. Data was captured and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 spreadsheet for statistical analysis. The study was conducted under the adherence of the ethical considerations. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses describe the association between the investigated independent variables with the occulrence of occupational related low back pain in the study. Results are presented using tables, charts and graphs. The results revealed a 25Yo prevalence of low back pain while the one month and one week prevalence rates were 69Yo and 54Yo respectively. Masons recorded the highest low back pain prevalence rate (58%). Initial onset of low back pain was mainly attributed to bending (48%) and load lifting (28%). The chi-square test at p< 0.05 was done. The results revealed a lack of association between low back pain and the socio-demographic characteristics. Participants confirmed suffering physical, emotional, financial and functional problems with 415% reporting sickness absence and a mean of 4 days being lost during the past year. Further chi-square test for proportion revealed an association between low back pain and participants' ability to; lift (p:0.006), bend back forwards (p:0.001) and ability to bend back backwards (p=0.014). To prevent impairment, activity limitation and participation restriction among construction manual workers, a number of factors must be addressed at epidemiological level as highlighted in the recommendations of this study.
Factors affecting length of hospital stay for people with Spinal cord injuries at kanombe military hospital, rwanda
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Bwanjugu, P.B; Rhoda, A.
Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition, and its consequences impact on many facets of an individual's life. Activities of daily living such as personal care and housework might be difficult to perform post injury. The majority of spinal cord injury patients receive hospital-based rehabilitation to address these consequences. The normal length of hospital stay among spinal cord injury patients ranges from three to twelve months, and an increased length of stay are caused by development of secondary complications such as pressure sores, urinary tract infection and respiratory infection. The pu{pose of this study was to determine factors affecting length of hospital stay for individuals with spinal cord injuries at Kanombe Military Hospital in Rwanda. To achieve this, a retrospective sfudy, utilising a quantitative approach was used. The records of individuals with spinal cord injuries discharged from the hospital between l't Januaryl996 and 3l't December 2007 were reviewed to collect data. A data gathering instrument was developed by the researcher and there after used to capture the relevant information from the patients' folders. Information collected included demographic data, information relating to the injury, occulrence of medical complications and length of hospital stay. One hundred and twenty four medical folders of patients discharged from I't January I 996 to 3 l't December 2OO7 at Kanombe Military Hospital were reviewed for data extraction. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 for windows was used to analyse the data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were determined in SPSS. Associations were made between demographic factors and occlurence of secondary medical complications with length of hospital stay. These were computed by means of chi-square tests. One level of significance, alpha set at 502 was used throughout. The linear regression analysis was used to determine factors affecting the length of stay.
High school girls' perceptions of environmental and social support for physical activity
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Liliane, Kirenga Bamurange; Phillips, Julie; Steyl, Tania
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity or sedentary life is one of the leading causes of the major non-communicable diseases, which contributes to the global burden of diseases, death and disability. Regular physical activity has significant benefits for health, and everyone should engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Girls are reported to be less active than boys. The amount of physical activity declines with the increasing age and this decline is greater in girls than boys. The aim of study was to determine Rwandese high school girls' perceptions regarding environmental and social support for physical activity. A descriptive study using a cross sectional survey was used. Six high schools in Kigali, Rwanda, registered for the academic year 2008-2009, were selected. Three hundred and fifty (350) high school female leamers were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. The participants were selected by class or grade. A self-administered questionnaire, including questions from the Physical Education Program Improvement and Self-study as well as the Modifiable Adolescent Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Chi square and student t-tests were used to determine the association between perceived support and socio demographic characteristics. Alpha level was set at 0.05. The mean age was 16.06 years (SD=1.4). The majority of leamers in both categories reported not to meet the average of days required for moderate days of physical activity (66%) as well as for vigorous days of physical activity (709%). Almost one third (34%) of the participants were classified as physically inactive while 66%o were as physically active when WHO's guidelines for classification of physical activity was used. The overall study sample responded positively when asked about support for physical activity in the school environment. Furthermore, the overall study sample responded positively to friends' support but negatively when asked about the family support. Significant differences were observed between support from family, social support and moderate physical activity. The findings of the present study highlight the need for the planning and implementation of a physical activity intervention program for high school girls in Rwanda.
Text neck syndrome in undergraduate health science students from a university in the Western Cape: A crosssectional study
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Irudayaraj, Jeeva Immaculate; Steyl, Tania
Cell phones are indispensable tools for the student population. Excessive exposure to these devices could lead to postural deformities that cause pain and decrease students’ quality of life. Secondary musculoskeletal pain due to text neck, a repeated stress injury sustained from excessive texting on handheld devices for long periods of time, could negatively impact the academic performance of university students. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of text neck syndrome and its relationship with pain and functional impairment, the degree of cellphone addiction as well as to explore the perceptions regarding the prevention and management of text neck syndrome in undergraduate health science students from a university in the Western Cape.
Perceptions of the physical activity and exercise promotion and prescription content of the undergraduate physiotherapy curriculum at a selected university in the Western Cape, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Paleker, Amierah; Phillips, Julie
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that non-communicable diseases are increasing at an alarming rate, leading to an increase in mortality and disability. A lack of physical activity is a global problem, but if more people changed their unhealthy habits and participated in physical activity, it would reduce the risk of premature deaths due to non-communicable diseases. The role of physiotherapists in promoting physical activity cannot be overstated. The role of this professional has been recognized by world professional bodies. It is unclear whether the entry-level physiotherapy curriculum produces graduates who can promote physical activity significantly in the lives of individuals. Thus, the overall goal of this study was to examine how undergraduate physiotherapy curriculums at the University of the Western Cape promote and prescribe physical activity and exercise
Tailoring a pre-prosthetic training course for community health workers in a rural setting within South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Pagel, Jarryd Erich; Ennion, Liezel
More than a third of South Africa's population resides in rural areas. The attraction and retention of suitably trained medical professionals is a problem faced almost universally by those living in rural areas. Access to qualified health professionals by people in rural areas is a pressing matter, especially when faced with mobility barriers imposed by lower-limb amputation. The World Health Organisation has strongly advocated for the implementation of a communitybased approach to rehabilitation in developing countries. A community-based approach to rehabilitation aims to improve access to health services by utilising local resources in resourcepoor settings and training community members to provide basic rehabilitation.
The epidemiology of traumatic brain injury and the evaluation of the impact of in-hospital physiotherapy on morbidity at a central hospital in Cape Town, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Fridie, Imaan; Karachi, Farhana
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) incidence is higher in sub-Saharan Africa compared to the global average. Evidence regarding TBI incidence, epidemiology, in-hospital physiotherapy management and functional outcomes of TBI cases in South Africa is minimal especially so in the Western Cape where violence and road traffic accidents are high. Aims: To determine and describe the epidemiology (incidence, aetiology, clinical outcomes, morbidity and mortality) of and the in-hospital physiotherapy management for TBI patients admitted to a central hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. To evaluate and describe the impact of the in-hospital physiotherapy management on the mortality and morbidity (documented functional outcomes at discharge) of the TBI patients. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective hospital-based study reviewing patient records was conducted.
The relationship between pain attitudes and beliefs, absenteeism and health-related quality of life of workers with musculoskeletal disorders: A mixed-methods study
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Petersen, Brent; Steyl, Tania
Absenteeism from work due to sick leave is a global phenomenon and has cost economies billions of dollars. In South Africa alone, the economy loses between 12-16 billion Rands annually because of productivity loss due to absenteeism. The national absenteeism rate on any given day can be as high as 15%, with 40% having no diagnosis. Pain is a common experience and results in impairments in meaningful life roles such as family, leisure and work. Workers are the essence of human capital, and reduced work participation due to painful conditions directly affects the economy. Pain is debilitating to any individual who does not understand it or how to control it.
The challenges experienced by persons with physical disabilities who live in Chifubu Township in Zambia.
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Sakala, Mary Seliya; Rhoda, Anthea
People with physical disability experience various challenges which include physical, social and attitudinal challenges. These challenges which limit the inclusion of persons with physical disabilities in society are a result of barriers and the physical impairment itself. These factors also cause activity limitations and participation restrictions. Despite the United Nations declaration of 1993 for equalization of opportunities for people with disabilities, not much has changed. It is with this background that the researcher aimed to explore the challenges experienced by people with physical disabilities living in a low cost location of Zambia. Qualitative research methods were employed using a henomenological approach to gain an in-depth insight of these challenges from participants' Iived experiences. Twenty participants were purposively selected for three focus group discussions, and eight of the twenty participants took part in the in depth interviews. The data was organised and analysed using the thematic method. Results of the study showed that participants in this study were challenged with architectural barriers due to designs, they lacked formal education, specialised skills, and most of them were unemployed and financially dependent on others. The negative attitudes of families, service providers, and the community in general resulted in discrimination and limited the participation and involvement of people with disabilities in the mainstream activities. The cultural beliefs of the participants in the research influence the manner in which society perceives persons with disability and treat them. Limited access to information about HIV/AIDS and the myths about the cure of the pandemic makes people with disabilities more venerable and at risk of being infected. The information regarding challenges experienced by people with disabilities gained in the study could be used by the policy makers for implementation of the UN declaration of equalisation of opportunities for people with disabilities.
Neck pain amongst high school learners in the Gauteng province
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Mafanya, Cikizwa; Rhode, Anthea
The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain is rising in adolescents and this may be due to new information technology leading to increased computer use, involving repetrive movements and static postures. Adolescent neck pain has not been identified as a widespread problem in South Africa due to limited local research, yet globally the prevalence is increasing at a rapid rate. The researcher has observed a number of school learners presenting with neck pain. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of and factors affecting neck pain at two conveniently selected high schools in the Gauteng Province, South Africa, A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 181 conveniently selected high school learners, A valid, reliable questionnaire which investigated the prevalence of neck pain as well as involvement in sports activities, recreational activities, and the use of computers was used to collect the data. . To determine neck flexor muscle endurance, the neck flexor muscle endurance test was used. SPSS version 16.0 was used to analyze the data. Contributing factors were assessed using Chi square and the Fishels exact tests.
Prevalence and pattern of injuries among players at the University of the Western Cape volleyball club
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Abdelnour, Hassan; Twetwa, Andiswa; Pharaoh, Hamilton
In addition to football and basketball, volleyball has become a very popular sport globally over the last 30 years. The international federation of volleyball represents about 150 million players in approximately 170 countries. While a large body of research has been conducted regarding the nature and prevalence of volleyball injuries internationally, very little has been done locally or on the African continent to assess the status of injuries incurred at professional or amateur Ievels. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of injuries sustained by professional volleyball players of a club in the WPVU in one season. An exploratory, descriptive, nonexperimental approach was used for this study on 42 volleyball players at the University of the Western Cape volleyball club. A self-administered questionnaire that was based on a questionnaire used in a Dutch national volleyball study was used in the present study. A response rate of 89.4% was obtained. The collected data were captured and analysed by means of the Statistical Package for Social Science version 14.0 (SPSS). The associations between variables were evaluated by means of the chi-square test and a 5o/o level of significance was used. The results were displayed using tables, bar chart, and pie chart. Most of the volleyball players sustained one or more injuries in the season, giving a prevalence rate of 88.1%. The incidence rate was 1.2 injuries per player. Injuries prevalence was higher among male players 54.1%othan female players 45.9%. Among the injured players, ankle and knee injuries showed the highest injury prevalence with 25.5% for each followed by 19.6% for shoulder injuries. The study revealed 69.2% injury prevalence with a higher significance (p=0.04) that players who are injured in the ankle were in contact. Half of the injuries (50%), which occurred gradually, were prevalent in the shoulder, followed by the knee (28.6%o), then the ankle and fingers (14.3%). Players in the left and right front row were significantly (p:0.008) more prone to be injured during spiking. Awareness programmes highlighting prevention strategies and physiotherapy intervention are required for coaches and players at the University of the Western Cape volleyball club to assist in the prevention of volleyball injuries.

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