SEPTEMBER 1974 F I S I O T E R  A P I E 15

ABSTRACTS

Aust. J. Physiother, XVTV (3), 85-90 (Sept. 1973): “Some 
Elementary Guides for 'Performing Research into the 
Effects of Physiotherapy Treatments” , by R. L. Sweet 
and S. B. M oir.

In this artide the authors stress the necessity for con­
tinual critical reappraisal in any profession to ensure 
its survival. This leads to research into its methods, 
which if not carried out, lays that profession open to 
challenge from  allied professions which do encourage 
research and progress. This, the authors rightly state, 
is already occurring in physiotherapy. This article is 
therefore an attempt by experienced researchers to give 
some insight into research methods and a few of the 
Tssociated problems a physiotherapist interested in con­
flicting research may encounter.

J.M .

Physiotherapy Canada, 25 (4), 219-224 (Oct. 1973): “So
You W ant To C onduct A  C linical Study” , by Heather
H. McLaren.

The author’s purpose is to: “ provide physiotherapists 
with guidelines which will serve to direct them in in­
vestigating problems which are to be found in their 
daily work and to encourage them to engage in re­
search which will benefit the profession, and, therefore, 
the people with whom  they have come in contact.” The 
paper discusses the importance o f finding and stating 
the problem to be studied; the work-saving potential 
of a literature search; the necessity of experimental and 
statistical control; the need to practice and perfect 
techniques; how to collect and record data; why data 
must be grouped and analysed; and the investigator’s 
duty to communicate findings by publication in a pro­
fessional jo u rn a l

Author’s Summary.

Aust. J. Physiother., X V IV  (3), 91-99 (Sept. 1973):
“Biomechanical Problems Affecting The Spine” by
Beryl Kennedy.

Study of the biomechanical problems is necessary if 
the total problem of the patients with spinal problems 
is to be treated adequately. Search for scientific bases 
for treatment procedures, as well as for an understand­

ing o f the biom echanical problems, will aid the " 
physiotherapist in achieving more successful results.

Some o f the known mechanical factors are related 
to treatment procedures. Treatment of the ilio-psoas 
muscle and the levator scapula muscle are discussed.

It is suggested that more can be achieved in the field 
of prevention and total management with more than 
just transient effects. The patient can learn to manage 
his problem  and prevent recurrences.

A u th o r’s Summary.

Physiotherapy, 60 (1) (Jan. 1974): “Spinal Problems”.

This jo urn al includes some very interesting articles 
on spinal problems.

The paper on “Infections of the Spine” by H. B. S.
K em p and Joan W orland (pp. 2-6) is a discussion of 
tuberculous disease of the spine particularly: its clinical 
picture, pathology and radiology, the surgical manage­
ment of these lesions, as well as the use of radioactive 
isotopes and chemotherapy. The article is concluded 
with a brief description o f the physiotherapy pro­
gramme in such cases.

In Geoffrey Osborne’s discussion of “Spinal Stenosis” 
(pp. 7-9), mention is made of changes in the treatment 
o f “ painful disorders of the lum bar spine” , with the 
recognition of “spinal stenosis” as opposed to “discs” . 
A  clear classification of spinal stenosis is given, and the 
conservative and surgical treatment is briefly discussed.

A  concise yet comprehensive article on “ Scoliosis” is 
given by C. W . M anning  (pp. 9-13). It includes a clear 
explanation of the various types o f scoliosis, their inci­
dence, causes where known and understood, and, of 
value to the physiotherapist in this field, an interesting 
discussion of treatment of all the types of scoliosis 
mentioned.

Follow ing this is a short paper on “Spondylolisthesis” 
by P. H. New m an (pp. 14-16), in which the five types 
of spondylolisthesis are described, com m on causes of 
each type given and treatment suggested.

The final article in this journal is on “ Treatment of 
‘Disc Lesions’ ” by M . C. T. M orrison (pp. 17-21). This 
most comprehensive paper includes a description of 
other terms com m only used for “disc lesions” , a guide 
to m aking a diagnosis and a clear explanation of ex­
am ination of such cases. The author then describes, in 
some detail, some o f the accepted methods of treatment 
of “ disc lesions” , including medical management and a 
brief note on some physiotherapeutic modalities.

J.M .

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