Masters Degrees (Physiotherapy)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Physiotherapy) by browse.metadata.advisor "Crous, L. C."

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    Low back pain and associated factors among users of community health centres in South Africa : a prevalence study
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-12) Major-Helsloot, Mel; Louw, Q. A.; Crous, L. C.; Grimmer-Somers, K.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Physiotherapy.
    Background: Low back pain (LBP) has a high prevalence worldwide. LBP is significantly associated with a range of poor socio-demographic circumstances which should be addressed in preventive programs. Despite this there is a dearth of information about the prevalence and associated factors among low-income communities in South Africa. It is speculated that the burden of LBP may be most significant in these underprivileged communities. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of LBP among the lowincome communities in the Cape Town Metropole and to establish associated factors in order to make recommendations for management. Study design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the visitors of eight community health centres (CHCs) in the Cape Town Metropole. Methodology: A new measurement tool was developed based on existing validated outcome measures and initial testing of the psychometric properties of the questionnaire was conducted. The questionnaire was administered to 489 eligible subjects. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the sample and logistic regression analytical techniques were applied to determine associated factors. Main findings: Lifetime prevalence for LBP was 76.49% (n=358). About 37% (n=133) suffered from chronic LBP. LBP was significantly associated with belonging to the black ethnic group, any co-morbidity, poor perceived general health, and any type of pain medication. Lifting weights > 20 kg and kneeling and squatting were physical factors significantly associated with LBP. Severe psychological distress was significantly associated with acute and chronic LBP. Having a better or same perceived general health compared to a year ago, was protective for LBP. Conclusion: LBP has a high prevalence among the low income communities, visiting the CHCs, in the Cape Town Metropole. Multiple factors were associated with LBP, which imply that a tailormade multidisciplinary program addressing lifestyle issues, self management strategies, medication use, chronic diseases and psychosocial factors may be required for this population to combat LBP.
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    Preoperative education for patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery for radiculopathy
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006-12) Louw, Adriaan; Louw, Q.; Crous, L. C.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Physiotherapy.
    Postoperative rehabilitation programs have shown little efficacy in decreasing pain and disability in short and long term outcomes for lumbar discectomy. Preoperative education in other disciplines of medicine and physiotherapy has shown to decrease pain and disability postoperatively. No studies to date have been published on preoperative education for spinal lumbar surgery patients with radiculopathy. Objective: The objective of this study was to contribute towards further understanding of the preoperative educational requirements of patients undergoing lumbar surgery for lumbar radiculopthy. Method Two surveys were conducted. A new questionnaire was developed for patients to determine their preoperative educational needs regarding spinal surgery due to radiculopathy. These questionnaires were administered at 4-weeks postoperatively to patients from four spinal surgeons in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area of the US. A second physiotherapist survey was developed and distributed to physiotherapists registered with the Kansas and Missouri State Boards who were actively involved in treating spinal surgery patients in Kansas and Missouri. The data collected from completed questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests....