Ang Therapist

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• Reports of World Physical Therapy Day activities around the world

Philippines



The Department of Physical Therapy at the College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines, celebrated national and World PT Day by organising poster presentations on critically appraised topics.

This activity was the first of its kind in Philippine physical therapy schools and aimed to promote evidence-based practice in the country. Members of the department mentored students on the scientific process of answering clinical questions from real patient cases.

The activity also enabled educators to share the department’s experience in teaching evidence- based practice at the undergraduate level.

The event was open to physical therapists and physical therapy students from various therapy and educational centres. More than 250 individuals attended.

Other Highlights in the Publication:

• Putting the ICF into practice
• WCPT’s European Region congress on lifelong learning
• Member organisation reports

Click here to download WCPT News October 2008.

A new study led by researchers at the University of Michigan Health System shows that an occupational therapist-led approach – called activity strategy training – could provide patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis the opportunity to lead more active lives (even the best diet pills can’t help) and even improve their overall health.

Physical activity is the cornerstone of any healthy lifestyle – and especially for people with osteoarthritis as exercise helps maintain good joint health, manage their symptoms, and prevent functional decline. Osteoarthritis, however, often makes physical activity, such as exercise, and even performing daily activities, a challenge.

In the pilot study, the researchers found that patients who engaged in activity strategy training along with regular exercise increased their physical activity, more so than those patients who only took part in exercise and health education sessions. Study results are now online and are set to appear in the October issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.

“Occupational therapy is really the missing link in promoting wellness of people with hip and knee osteoarthritis,” says study lead author Susan L. Murphy, Sc.D., OTR, assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the U-M Medical School and Research Health Science Specialist at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

Read more »

 
Source:  Science Daily

Being independent in all aspects means a lot to a disabled or handicapped person. So apart from being to drive around alone (and making sure car insurance is bought as well), it is good to know that people with disabilities have access also to the malls, which is certainly a big thing in the Philippines.

PWD accessibility in full swing

The accessibility for PWD in this latest SM supermall went into full swing.

Facilities like comfort rooms, wider parking lane, wider elevator, elevated pathways, accessible movie houses, priority lanes were all very accessible with facilities designated to be used only by PWD’s so that they can be well attended by SM employees.

The comfort room is designated and reserved only for PWD. It is always closed and if a PWD needs to use it, there’s a doorbell near the door that will signal a janitor to come and open it.

The cubicles and wash basins have railings to make it easier to use and the comfort room is being kept clean all the times.

Inside the movie houses, there are is a special place for wheelchair user with a ramp within it. It is located near the cinema’s entrance so as not to make the wheelchair user go far. The walkway leading to the cinema is also wide and has ramps.

In the ticket booth, there’s a special priority lane for PWD.

The parking area of the mall has reserved area for PWD’s. It has plastic barricades to ensure that the area is reserved only for PWD’s.

Ramps can also be found in the parking and around the mall.

The elevators of the mall are also wide and can hold 2 wheelchair users. And of course, priority will be given to PWD in using the elevators.

Please click here to read the full article from Withnews.org.

It takes extra effort to bring forth news-worthy articles to the forefront for our readers to enjoy. Today, we did a bit more research. We surfed the net and apart constantly encountering offers on online auto insurance quote, we finally found something. This one takes the cake for today’s news.

Ever heard of the ReWalk™? Well, it was invented and is continually being developed by Israeli high-tech company Argo Medical Technologies. They describe their latest invention as…

… a wearable, motorized quasi robotic suit. It gives users the day-long ability to walk, stand from sitting position, climb stairs, ascend and descend slopes – and drive.

Exercising even paralyzed limbs in the course of movement, ReWalk™ alleviates many of the health-related problems associated with long-term wheelchair use. These include urinary, respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive problems, as well as osteoporosis and pressure sores.

A backpack, leg braces and remote-control wristband comprise the invention. Users initiate movements from the wrist control. Leaning forwards activates body sensors that set the robotic legs in motion.

Read the full article here.