Women who sit for more than 6 hours daily 40 per cent likelier to die young?

A new study has revealed that sitting for more than six hours daily could raise risk of early death and cannot be reversed by exercise.
The study said women who sit for more than six hours daily are around 40 per cent more likely to die than those sitting for less than three hours a day, reports the Daily Mail.

Link: http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report_women-who-sit-for-more-than-6-hours-daily-40-per-cent-likelier-to-die-young_1559308

Listening to music while jogging, biking makes you deaf to danger

Listening to music on iPods or mobile phones while walking, jogging, or biking has its own set of perils, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Link: http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report_listening-to-music-while-jogging-biking-makes-you-deaf-to-danger_1559372

New Classification Will Guide Assessment And Treatment Of Osteoporosis

A new study brings the experience of physical therapists to a developing "Core Set" of criteria to guide evaluation and treatment for patients with osteoporosis, reports the April/June issue of the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, official journal of the Section on Geriatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

Part of an international validation project, the study adds the unique perspective of physical therapists to a new classification system for assessing functional status and disability in patients with osteoporosis. The lead author of the study is Barbara Koehler, P.T., M.P.T.Sc., of Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland.
Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/230002.php

Exercise Prescribed For Cardiac Rehabilitation

A new study by researchers at the University of Alberta shows that for best results in stable patients after a heart attack, early exercise as well as prolonged exercise is the key to the best outcomes.

The study shows that, in fact, the heart will become better with exercise sooner and with continued exercise over a longer period of time.
read more on: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/222494.php

Use of stability balls with hyperactivity concerns

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy published research on the use of stability balls in the classroom. Eight children who were highly likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were observed 3x/week for 12 weeks while using stability balls in the classroom. When the data was analyzed it revealed that while using the stability balls the following was observed: "increased levels of attention, decreased levels of hyperactivity, and increased time on task and in seat or on ball". A questionnaire that the teachers completed indicated that the teachers preferred the stability ball.

Reference: Fedewa, A. L., & Erwin, H. E. (2011). Stability balls and students with attention and hyperactivity concerns: Implications for ontaskand in-seat behavior. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65, 393–399. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2011.000554

Source: www.yourtherapysource.com

Link to main article:

http://ajot.aotapress.net/content/65/4/393.full.pdf+html

Amazing site for OT forms and documents

Guidance Documents, Forms, and Practice Resources
PRE-REFERRAL CLASSROOM INTERVENTIONS
ADMINSTRATIVE & PROGRAM SUPPORTS 
EVALUATION SUPPORTS
Read more...
Source: http://www.med.unc.edu/ahs/ocsci/nc-school-based-ot-site/guidance-documents-forms-and-practice-resources

cognitive behavioural approaches for pain management

Cognitive behavioural approaches for pain management are not exactly the same as cognitive behavioural therapy for mental health problems.  While there are some underlying concepts that are the same, cognitive behavioural approaches for pain management include a wider range of strategies, and are far less readily defined than the very structured approach used in mental health.  In fact it has only been in the last few years that research into the process of change in pain management have been conducted. Read more...
Source: http://healthskills.wordpress.com/2011/06/08/a-brief-review-of-cognitive-behavioural-approaches-for-pain-management/

Simple Exercises Can Reduce The Incidence of Patellofemoral Pain by 75%

A recent study was conducted and published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine looking at the incidence of patellofemoral pain in over 1500 military recruits undergoing a standard 14-week initial training program.  This basic military training program consisted of 3-4 hours of training daily.  Past reports have identified that up to 15% of new military recruits will develop patellofemoral pain during the initiation of basic training.  This totally makes sense as their workload likely shoots up dramatically and can be used as a great model for the observation of overuse injuries.  Just another reason to be thankful for all our troops!
The recruits were divided into two groups, the exercise group and a control group.  The exercise group began a very simple exercise program of 4 stretches and 4 strengthening exercises designed to minimize the development patellofemoral pain.Read more...
Source:
http://www.mikereinold.com/2011/05/simple-exercises-can-reduce-the-incidence-of-patellofemoral-pain-by-75.html

Can People With Parkinson's Disease Dance Their Way To Better Health?

A study that will look at the types of dance that may alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease will be carried out by University of Hertfordshire researchers next month (June) and needs volunteers.

The study led by Dr Peter Lovatt (more commonly known as Dr Dance) at the University's School of Psychology, is the first UK study to look at the effects on both physical and psychological responses to dance for people with Parkinson's.
Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/224860.php

Using Olive Oil In Your Diet May Prevent A Stroke

A new study suggests that consuming olive oil may help prevent a stroke in older people. The research is published in the June 15, 2011, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/228660.php

No Pain. Big Gain, Tx Ch. LBP Can Reverse Abnormal Brain Activity And Function

It likely comes as no surprise that low back pain is the most common form of chronic pain among adults. Lesser known is the fact that those with chronic pain also experience cognitive impairments and reduced gray matter in parts of the brain associated with pain processing and the emotional components of pain, like depression and anxiety.

In a longitudinal study published this week in the Journal of Neuroscience, a group of pain researchers from McGill University and the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) posed a fundamental question: If you can alleviate chronic low back pain, can you reverse these changes in the brain?

Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/225625.php

How To Prevent Back Pain When Gardening And Playing Sports

With the weather getting warmer, millions of people will be playing sports or getting out in the garden. However, some may find their efforts thwarted by back pain, which can develop if they jump into things and exert themselves too quickly. The good news is that whether you are gardening or engaging in sports, there are ways you can minimize the chances of getting back pain, and ways to manage back pain if it does develop.
Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/225545.php

Sensory Gardens and Sensory Rooms

The Allen Cognitive Level Battery
Sensory Rooms in Mental Health
The Sensory Modulation Program for Adolescents & Adults
Visit link below for OT practice resuorces:
http://www.ot-innovations.com/content/view/49/46/
http://www.ot-innovations.com/content/view/38/46/

How We Recognize Our Bodies As Our Own

How We Recognize Our Bodies As Our Own
By taking advantage of a "body swap" illusion, researchers have captured the brain regions involved in one of the most fundamental aspects of self-awareness: how we recognize our bodies as our own, distinct from others and from the outside world. That self-perception is traced to specialized multisensory neurons in various parts of the brain that integrate different sensory inputs across all body parts into a unified view of the body. Read more...
Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/228881.php

Discovery Could Result In More Effective Cognitive Therapy, Smarter Brain Games

In the 1983 movie "A Man with Two Brains," Steve Martin kept his second brain in a jar. In reality, he had two brains inside his own skull - as we all do, one on the left and one on the right hemisphere. When it comes to seeing the world around us, each of our two brains works independently and each has its own bottleneck for working memory. Read more...
Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/229096.php

Game for stroke rehabilitation

The grueling therapy required to recover from a stroke has never been considered fun and games, but a Tempe company has decided maybe it should be.

Kinetic Muscle has paired video games and a robotic arm to help patients regain their physical abilities in a way that’s more engaging than traditional therapy.
The idea came when the young company developed a prototype that had patients move a light up and down on a screen as part of their therapy to regain movement, said chief operating officer Ed Koeneman.
Read more...
Source:
http://tempeinmotion.com/2011/06/tempe-company-game-for-stroke-rehabilitation/

High Blood Pressure in Kids from TV and Computer Use

TV and computer screen time has been linked to high blood pressure in youngsters. Recent evidence shows that children who watch television for 1.5hrs to 5.5hours of televsion a day shows that even if a children is trim and active, they will still have higher blood pressure. A study of 111 children from age 3 to age 8 showed that the increased blood pressure wasn’t associated with the sedentary behavior overall, but specifically linked to increased TV viewing. Two possible reasons are because children tend to snack unhealthy foods while watching TV, or because they watch material that is stressful or represent overactivity for their minds and reduce the ability to keep an increased metabolism. One other possibility is because it cuts into sleep time, which is needed for a host of healthy body processes. Surprisingly, the Amercian Academy of Pediatrics recommend children watch no more than 2 hours of 'high quality' television a day. Source: http://nyanp.blogspot.com/2009/08/high-blood-pressure-in-kids-from-tv-and.html

Exam databases- centre for evidence based PT

Exam databases

1. Center for Evidence Based Medicine's Clinical Measurement Instruments:
Provides downloadable forms as pdf documents.
Search is done alphabetically

2. The Medical Algorithms Project:
Provides downloadable forms as Excel spread sheets, that contain scoring formulas.

Search is done by category. Not alphabetized within categories.Free registration required.

Rehab-related categories:Performance Measures & Quality of Life, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Immunology & Rheumatology, Physical & Sports Medicine, Occupational Medicine & Disability Assessment, Pediatrics

Source: https://www.cebp.nl/?NODE=77 http://web.missouri.edu/~proste/tool/

Geriatric Examination Tool Kit for PTs and OTs

Hi All

I've included list of assessment/examination tools for PTs and OTs. Its free to download.

Activities-specific Balance Confidence - ABC
Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 - AIMS2
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Examination Tool Kit ...
Driving and Vision,Functional Reach
Functional Gait Assessment -
Functional Outcomes / ADLs ...
Kyphosis: Flexicurve spinal measurement
Osteoporosis, Parkinson's Disease:
Posture assessment: REEDCO
Semmes Weinstein monofilaments

 and many more visit: http://web.missouri.edu/~proste/tool/

WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool

The FRAX^® tool has been developed by WHO to evaluate fracture risk of patients. It is based on individual patient models that integrate the risks associated with clinical risk factors as well as bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck.
The FRAX^® algorithms give the 10-year probability of fracture. The output is a 10-year probability of hip fracture and the 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture (clinical spine, forearm, hip or shoulder fracture).
Source and free to download
http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/

“Should we include yoga and Tai chi in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy practice?”

1.“Are Yoga and Tai Chi Good Candidates For Physical Therapy?”
http://blogs.forbes.com/alexknapp/2011/06/09/are-yoga-and-tai-chi-good-candidates-for-physical-therapy/

2. A Yoga-Based Exercise Program for People With Chronic Poststroke Hemiparesis
Research Report
http://www.arabmedmag.com/issue-31-07-2004/miscellaneous/main01.htm

3. Yoga based treatment approach in Occupational Therapy
http://www2.ups.edu/ot/evidence/2003/Zahnow.htm

4. Yoga helped older stroke victims improve balance, endurance.
http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/18772.html#4

5. Tai Chi Could be Key to Overcoming Cognitive Effects of Chemotherapy, MU Researcher Finds
http://munews.missouri.edu/news-releases/2011/0606-tai-chi-could-be-key-to-overcoming-cognitive-effects-of-chemotherapy-mu-researcher-finds/

6. Yoga: Popular Therapeutic Trend or Evidenced- Based Therapeutic Modality?
http://www.llangley.com/yoga/news/20050924_yoga_and_ot.htm

“Best & Worst food for Mind, Heart and Joints”

I. Best and worst food for Brain Health

For Short-Term Memory
• Drink coffee (one cup of coffee, limited amount),
• Avoid Energy drinks/too much coffee

For Long term Memory
• Eat blueberries
• Avoid the unripe and unready berries

To Think Faster
• Eat Salmon or Mackerel
• Avoid Full fat ice-cream

To Energize
• Eat high protein salad with vinaigrette
• Avoid Pancakes or Bagels

To Calm Down
• Eat Low fat yogurt or mixed nuts
• Avoid Soda drinks

To Concentrate
• Drink Peppermint tea
• Avoid Candy

For Good Moods and Grins
• Eat Arugula or Spinach Salad
• Avoid White Chocolate

For Sharper Senses
• Eat 1 Tbsp of ground flaxseed daily
• Avoid Alcohol

II. Best and worst food for Heart

Best Food for Heart
Oatmeal, salmon, extra virgin olive oil, nuts (Almonds, walnuts), Berries,, Spinach, soy, Legumes(chickpeas, lentils, black, and kidney beans), Avocados, flaxseed

Worst Food for heart
Soda pop, French fries, potato chips, bacon, pasta salads, fast food burgers, granola bars, most chocolate cereal, doughnuts, and cheese

III. Best and worst food for Joints

Best food for Joints
Shrimp, Salmon, Almonds, Pineapples, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, bell Peppers, Banana, Avocado, Turmeric, Ginger.

Worst food for joint
Red meat, Dairy (in some cases), Saturated fat, Caffeine, Trans Fats

Ref: www.hobpages.com , http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/best-and-worst-brain-foods/
www.losethattyre.co.uk/the-20-best-and-worst-foods-for-joint-health/

Hips Take Walking In Stride; Ankles Put Best Foot Forward In Run

In a first-of-its-kind study comparing human walking and running motions - and whether the hips, knees or ankles are the most important power sources for these motions - researchers at North Carolina State University show that the hips generate more of the power when people walk, but the ankles generate more of the power when humans run. Knees provide approximately one-fifth or less of walking or running .

Read more:http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/226430.php
Subscribe this blog by e-mail for regular updates.

World Congress in India (Prosthetics and Orthotics)

ISPO’s (International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics) 14th World Congress will take place in Hyderabad, India, from 4 to 7 February 2013. The interdisciplinary programme of advanced training sessions will offer a unique platform for professional development, discussion and an exchange of ideas and experiences to an international delegation of teachers, clinicians, researchers, technicians, manufacturers, doctors and therapists.

• The deadline for submission of proposals for an Instructional Course or Symposium is Friday, July 1st 2011.

• Registration will open January 1st 2012

Source: http://www.ispoint.org
http://www.ispoindia.org
http://www.ispo2013.org/index.php/hosts

50 Full-time PhD Studentships at Kingston University, UK

Kingston University offers PhD Studentships for Home and EU students in the field of Art, Design and Architecture, Arts and Social Sciences, Business and Law, Health & social Care Sciences, Science, Engineering and Computing in UK-2011.

Study Subject(s): Art, Design and Architecture,Arts and Social Sciences,Business and Law,Health and Social Care Sciences,Science, Engineering and Computing

How to Apply: Online or by Post

Scholarship Application Deadline: 20 June, 201

Source: info

Link: http://www.kingston.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/funding/phd-studentships/

News Capsule:

Dementia Patients Get Relief From Occupational Therapy

Could Occupational Therapy be the long-awaited answer? In a 2006 study conducted by the British Medical Journal, 135 dementia patients were studied twice a week over a five week period on their cognitive abilities including motor and processing skills ...

PRLog.Org (press release)

http://www.society-csa.com/DementiaRelief.aspx

Physical Therapists use light therapy to help treat injuries and ailments

Some may think it's like something out of Star Wars. A swipe of a laser light helping heal an injury or ailment inside the body….

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/article/159458/126/Prescription-Arkansas-Laser-therapy-treats-pain-inflammation-and-speeds-healing

Garden therapy benefits patients

Now, just in time for spring and summer, the Outpatient Rehabilitation facility at St. Joseph Hospital's General Hospital campus has a new therapy garden that is making occupational therapy a little bit more fun for its patients. ...

http://www.times-standard.com/lifestyle/ci_18189863

Pharmacist develops natural method to control nosebleeds

“It seemed like a waste that I couldn't do anything more as a pharmacist and being a health care professional,” Dockter said. “It got me thinking, because I had a lot of nosebleeds as a kid and I was always really annoyed by it. ...

http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=238263

Healthcare Online Job Postings Taper in May

The drop was led by declines in advertised vacancies for speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. Healthcare support positions grew by 4100 new listings to 133200 in April, even though there were declines in ...

http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/page-2/TEC-266852/Healthcare-Online-Job-Postings-Taper-in-May

Motor skills with memory and attention in preschoolers

A research published in the BMC Pediatrics analysed relationship of aerobic fitness and motor skills with memory and attention in preschoolers over 9 months period. The results indicated the following:

• Aerobic fitness was associated with better attention.
• A shorter time in the agility test was independently associated with a better performance both in working memory (r=-0.17, p=0.01) and in attention (r=-0.20, p=0.01).
• Aerobic fitness was independently related to improvements in attention (r=0.16, p=0.03).
• Dynamic balance was associated with improvements in working memory (r=0.15, p=0.04).

Conclusions
In young children, higher baseline aerobic fitness and motor skills were related to a better spatial working memory and/or attention at baseline, and to some extent also to their future improvements over the following 9 months.

Reference: Iris Niederer et al. Relationship of aerobic fitness and motor skills with memory and attention in preschoolers (Ballabeina): A cross-sectional and longitudinal study. BMC Pediatrics 2011, 11:34 doi:10.1186/1471-2431-11-34

Read the complete study http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2431-11-34.pdf