The 4th Corner Youth Café – an exploration of young people’s experiences of participating in an open access youth café

The study explores the experiences of young people participating in the 4th Corner Youth Café, Moyross, Limerick. Youth cafés are a model of universal youth work provision which seek to facilitate an open access safe space for young people to hang out. There is limited Irish research available regarding the perspectives of young people on youth work services. This study examines relevant literature and data from semi-structured qualitative interviews with seven young people participating in the 4th Corner Youth Café. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify important themes emerging from the young people’s experiences. The findings suggest that young people have many positive experiences within the café in relation to participation, relationships and the open access nature of the café. The findings also demonstrate that participation has had positive impacts on the young people’s lives

Effects of Ankle Taping on Postural Stability

Ankle taping is a common practice used to support the ankle joint after injury when engaging in activities. Balance is a crucial component of athletic performance that relies on input from the vestibular, somatosensory, and visual systems. Proprioception plays a role in the somatosensory portion of balance and postural control. Ankle taping, which is used to improve performance, may alter a person\u27s proprioception, balance, and postural control. The purpose of this study is to determine if ankle taping has an effect on postural control in an individual free of chronic or acute ankle dysfunction. Thirty-two subjects were tested on a balance assessment device in two different tests; the step quick-tum and the single leg stance. These tests were completed with the ankle taped and also without any tape, with the untaped ankle acting as a control. This study showed a significant increase in postural sway with ankle taping during unilateral stance with eyes closed. This study did reveal that there is less postural sway without ankle tape; however, further research is warranted to determine the full negative effects of ankle taping on postural sway with eyes closed. Based on the results, the physical therapist can address the potential for decreased postural control while using ankle taping following an ankle sprain or instability problem

Broad Street Business Inventory

Over previous year, SWAP had compiled an impressive inventory of existing businesses on Broad Street. In addition, partner organizations such as the City and Community Works had other sets of information. The first step in an update was to have a team of RWU students update and expand the inventory. As they did this, they also undertake community research, identification of key issues on the street under the direction of SWAP’s professional staff. This more complete inventory can be the basis to identify key segments of the business community (restaurants, communication, clubs, retail, auto repair, etc.)

The effects of the Interactive Metronome® as an intervention tool on decreasing levels of aggression and improving life satisfaction with mild traumatic brain injury and post- traumatic stress disorder clients: a pilot study of protocols

The purpose of this study was to validate the protocols created for the Interactive Metronome® (IM®) and TRX® Suspension Training (TRX®) system for use with clients diagnosed with mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Protocols were established matching IM® routines in conjunction with TRX® exercise routines. These were then validated on two healthy male and two healthy female participants. The data collected was collected using the IM® Long Form and Short Form Assessments, the Nine Hole Peg Test, the Canadian Occupational Performance Model and a version of the Overt Aggression Scale. Percentages of change were then compared between instruments and individuals for positive efforts gained, along with additional statistical analyses conducted. Data analysis indicated the use of the IM® in conjunction with the physical challenge of the TRX® provide a positive change maintaining or lowering aggression levels and increasing life satisfaction. The IM® protocols created, paired with the TRX®, were effective instruments used for creating a change in healthy participants. Occupational therapists will be able to benefit from the information collected and use it towards bettering the lives of those with mild TBI and PTSD. Future research with this intervention should anticipate favorable outcomes with mild TBI and PTSD cases.  M.S

Progression and adherence to an individually prescribed and supervised resistance training intervention in older adults recovering in hospital from lower limb fragility fracture

This study evaluated adherence and progression with a 12-week resistance training program amongst a sample of older adults recovering in hospital from lower limb fragility fracture. Forty-nine participants (mean age 84 years) commenced the resistance training program seven days after the injury. The exercise prescription involved training of the hip and knee extensors, hip abductors, and ankle plantar- and dorsi flexors using resistive bands. Exercise sessions were completed tri-weekly for six weeks under supervision by a physiotherapist and tri-weekly for an additional six weeks independently. Adherence was assessed as the proportion of exercise sessions completed of those prescribed and any progression in resistance was documented. Level of adherence was not found to be influenced by age, gender, cognition or strength but was greater amongst those admitted from the community setting and for the first six weeks when supervision was present. Participants were able to obtain similar levels of resistance for the injured side compared to the noninjured side for all exercises excluding hip abduction and those admitted from the community setting achieved higher levels of resistance compared to those admitted from the residential care setting. These findings suggest that an early resistance training program is feasible and well tolerated amongst older adults recovering from lower limb fragility fracture. Further work is necessary to determine how this level of resistance training translates into functional improvements and how to improve adherence levels in clinical rehabilitation settings

Benchmarking typically developing children’s prosodic performance on the Irish version of the Profiling Elements of Prosody in Speech-Communication (PEPS-C)

Objective: To identify the normal prosodic performance for typically developing children aged 5-11 years on the Irish version of the Profiling Elements of Prosody in Speech Communication (PEPS-C) assessment and identify significant age related changes between different age groups. Method: Thirty typically developing children between the ages of 5;9 and 11;1 years completed the PEPS-C assessment which involved both receptive and expressive tasks. Results: Significant differences were found between the youngest group’s prosodic performance and the two older groups. The 5/6 year old age group performed less well than the 10/11 year age group (p<0.05). The 10/11 year age group performed above chance level on all prosodic tasks. Conclusion: While 5/6 year old children have acquired some functional prosodic skills, there are further developments between the ages of 5;9 and 9;5, with some aspects of prosody continuing to develop up to 11 years