Passions, Pedagogies, and 21st Century Technologies

Once again, Gail Hawisher and Cynthia Selfe offer a volume that will set the agenda in the field of computers and composition scholarship for a decade. The technology changes that scholars of composition studies face as the next century opens couldn\u27t be more dramatic or deserving of passionate study. While we have always used technologies (e.g., the pencil) to communicate with each other, the electronic technologies we now use have changed the world in ways that we have yet to identify or appreciate fully. Likewise, the study of language and literate exchange, even our understanding of terms like literacy, text, and visual, has changed beyond recognition, challenging even our capacity to articulate them.https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/usupress_pubs/1118/thumbnail.jp

A questionnaire to identify patellofemoral pain in the community: an exploration of measurement properties

Background Community-based studies of patellofemoral pain (PFP) need a questionnaire tool that discriminates between those with and those without the condition. To overcome these issues, we have designed a self-report questionnaire which aims to identify people with PFP in the community. Methods Study designs: comparative study and cross-sectional study. Study population: comparative study: PFP patients, soft-tissue injury patients and adults without knee problems. Cross-sectional study: adults attending a science festival. Intervention: comparative study participants completed the questionnaire at baseline and two weeks later. Cross-sectional study participants completed the questionnaire once. The optimal scoring system and threshold was explored using receiver operating characteristic curves, test-retest reliability using Cohen’s kappa and measurement error using Bland-Altman plots and standard error of measurement. Known-group validity was explored by comparing PFP prevalence between genders and age groups. Results Eighty-four participants were recruited to the comparative study. The receiver operating characteristic curves suggested limiting the questionnaire to the clinical features and knee pain map sections (AUC 0.97 95 % CI 0.94 to 1.00). This combination had high sensitivity and specificity (over 90 %). Measurement error was less than the mean difference between the groups. Test–retest reliability estimates suggest good agreement (N = 51, k = 0.74, 95 % CI 0.52–0.91). The cross-sectional study (N = 110) showed expected differences between genders and age groups but these were not statistically significant. Conclusion A shortened version of the questionnaire, based on clinical features and a knee pain map, has good measurement properties. Further work is needed to validate the questionnaire in community samples

Creativity in savant artists with autism

Background: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often display impairments in creativity, yet savant artists with ASD can produce highly novel and original artistic outputs. To date, there have been no systematic attempts to explore creativity in savant artists with ASD. Methods: Nine savant artists with ASD were compared with nine talented artists, nine non-artistically talented individuals with ASD, and nine individuals with moderate learning difficulties (MLD), on tasks in and out of their domain of expertise. This was to ascertain whether the performance of the savant artists was related to their artistic ability, their diagnosis of ASD or their level of intellectual functioning. Results: On a drawing task (the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking; Torrance, 1974), the responses of the art students were more creative (scoring higher on measures of fluency, originality, elaboration and flexibility) than the savant, ASD and MLD groups. However, the savants did produce more elaborative responses than the ASD and MLD groups. On a non-drawing construction task (figural synthesis; Finke & Slayton, 1988), the savants produced more original outputs than the ASD and MLD groups (scoring similarly to the art students). No group differences were found regarding fluency on this task. Conclusions: On standardised creativity tasks, savant artists with ASD display high levels of elaboration (on drawing tasks) and originality (on non-drawing construction tasks), relative to groups with ASD or MLD. High elaboration and originality may result from a local processing bias, coupled with artistic talent, in this group

The Validity of the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test as a Predictor of Knee Extensor and Hip Abductor Strength

Objectives: To test the construct validity of the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in predicting the strength of knee extensors and hip abductors and to compare performance between dominant and non-dominant legs. Strength, as measured using hand held dynamometry, has been used as one of a variety of measures in order to subgroup patients with patellofemoral pain. This method is not well received in clinical practice due to time constraints and cost. In contrast, the SEBT is a quick and simple functional measure of dynamic stability. This study examined the validity of the SEBT as an alternate strength measure. Design: Within subject correlation. Each participant recorded maximum isometric contractions for hip abduction and knee extension using a HHD and performed the modified SEBT, on both legs, within one test period. Paired t tests were used to compare dominant and non-dominant legs and Pearson’s correlation analyses were used to explore for associations. Setting: Non-clinical environment, Participants: Eighteen healthy male amateur runner’s between 18 and 39 years old (mean age 36.1 years). Main outcome measures: Knee and hip moments normalised for leg length (Nm/m) for the HHD and percent of leg length reach score for each SEBT reach as well as a composite of all three. Results: There was no significant difference between dominant and non-dominant legs for all the tests (knee extension p = 0.72, hip abduction p = 0.90, SEBT composite p = 0.86) therefore data was combined into one set. There was no significant relationship between either hip abduction strength (r = 0.28, p = 0.11), or knee extension strength (r= 0.16, p = 0.17), with any combination of the SEBT. A moderate relationship (r = 0.52, p = 0.38) between hip abduction and SEBT posterolateral reach was seen, however, this was not statistically significant. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant association between either knee extension or hip abduction strength with the modified SEBT. This suggests that strength is unlikely to be a primary construct of the test and the SEBT is not a useful replacement for the HHD when testing strength

Assessment and management of cauda equina syndrome

Introduction: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare condition that affects the nerves in the spine supplying the bladder, bowel and sexual function. Identification and subsequent urgent action is required to avoid permanent damage to these essential organs. Delays in diagnosis can have devastating and life changing consequences for patients and result in high cost negligence claims. Purpose: The purpose of this masterclass is to examine the current evidence and provide an evidence-based, clinically reasoned approach in the safe management of patients presenting with CES. It will include a focus on the importance of communication, documentation and a practical approach to safety netting those at risk. Implications for practice: CES has significant implications for patients and clinicians alike. Timely, effective diagnosis and management of patients with CES results in a better outcome

Reliability and Criterion Validity of Knee Frontal Plane Projection Angles Measured Using the Technique Application

Context: Abnormal knee frontal plane projection angles (FPPA) during movement have been associated with patellofemoral pain (PFP). As such, clinicians are interested in valid and reliable instruments suitable for broad-based clinical use that allow them to objectively measure such variables. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to examine the criterion validity and reliability of knee FPPA measures obtained by clinicians using a free tablet application called Technique. Design: validity/reliability study Methods: To examine validity, the same raters measured ten, two-dimensional criterion reference angles at the first testing session. To examine reliability, the knee FPPA of sixteen subjects was measured by 6 raters (3 physical therapists and 3 student physical therapists) on two separate occasions while performing a single-limb stepdown task. Validity was investigated by calculating the 95% limits of agreement (LA), mean absolute differences, and Bland-Altman plots. Reliability was examined by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and the standard error of measure (SEM). Results: For validity, the mean absolute difference between rater and criterion reference angle measures ranged from 0.20 to 0.90 degrees. 95% of expected errors between rater and criterion reference angle measures were 2.04 degrees or less. For reliability, the ICC values for inter- and intrarater reliability were excellent ranging from 0.994 to 0.998 with SEM ranging from 0.44 to 0.84 degrees. Conclusions: These findings indicate that knee FPPA measures obtained during a single-limb stepdown task using the Technique tablet application are valid and reliable, and suitable for clinical use

The influence of portfolio aims and structure on student attitudes towards portfolios as a learning tool: A Scoping Review

Background: Portfolios are widely used in undergraduate health professional education, however the majority of literature suggests that these are poorly received by students, in terms of being an effective learning tool. Objectives: to evaluate whether the aims/purpose or structure/level of standardisation/content of student portfolios influences their attitudes to and perceptions of its use as a learning tool. Major Findings: Aims/purpose and structure/level of standardisation/content of portfolios were analysed in relation to student responses in order to determine any relationship between these. The level of information provided in the studies was variable, making analysis difficult, however there appeared to be no clear link between any of these factors and student responses. The interplay of level of support and guidance, the time required for completion of the portfolio, and the role of assessment appear to have the greatest influence on student views. Conclusions: Considering the wide use of portfolios in health professional education, student support for these is limited, and further research is required to determine if alternative approaches to portfolio learning can positively influence student attitudes and perceptions

The effects of stochastic resonance electrical stimulation and neoprene sleeve on knee proprioception

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A variety of knee injuries and pathologies may cause a deficit in knee proprioception which may increase the risk of reinjury or the progression of disease. Stochastic resonance stimulation is a new therapy which has potential benefits for improving proprioceptive function. The objective of this study was to determine if stochastic resonance (SR) stimulation applied with a neoprene sleeve could improve knee proprioception relative to a no-stimulation/no-sleeve condition (control) or a sleeve alone condition in the normal, healthy knee. We hypothesized that SR stimulation when applied with a sleeve would enhance proprioception relative to the control and sleeve alone conditions.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using a cross-over within subject design, twenty-four healthy subjects were tested under four combinations of conditions: electrical stimulation/sleeve, no stimulation/sleeve, no stimulation/no sleeve, and stimulation/no sleeve. Joint position sense (proprioception) was measured as the absolute mean difference between a target knee joint angle and the knee angle reproduced by the subject. Testing was conducted during both partial-weight bearing (PWB) and non-weight bearing (NWB) tasks. Differences in joint position sense between the conditions were evaluated by repeated-measures analysis of variance testing.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Joint position sense error during the stimulation/sleeve condition (2.48° ± 1.32°) was found to be more accurate (P < 0.05) relative to the control condition (3.35° ± 1.63°) in the PWB task. No difference in joint position sense error was found between stimulation/sleeve and sleeve alone conditions for the PWB task. Joint position sense error was not found to differ between any of the conditions for the NWB task.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These results suggest that SR electrical stimulation when combined with a neoprene sleeve is an effective modality for enhancement of joint proprioception in the PWB knee. We believe these results suggest the need for further study of the potential of SR stimulation to correct proprioceptive deficits in a clinical population with knee injury/pathology or in subjects at risk of injury because of a proprioceptive deficit.</p

Drawing firmer conclusions: autistic children show no evidence of a local processing bias in a controlled copying task

Drawing tasks are frequently used to test competing theories of visuospatial skills in autism. Yet, methodological differences between studies have led to inconsistent findings. To distinguish between accounts based on local bias or global deficit, we present a simple task that has previously revealed dissociable local/global impairments in neuropsychological patients. Autistic and typical children copied corner elements, arranged in a square configuration. Grouping cues were manipulated to test whether global properties affected the accuracy of reproduction. All children were similarly affected by these manipulations. There was no group difference in the reproduction of local elements, although global accuracy was negatively related to better local processing for autistic children. These data speak against influential theories of visuospatial differences in autism

Current management strategies for patellofemoral pain: an online survey of 99 practising UK physiotherapists

Background: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is considered one of the commonest forms of knee pain. This study aimed to identify how physiotherapists in the United Kingdom (UK) currently manage patellofemoral pain (PFP), particularly in relation to exercise prescription, and response to pain. Methods: An anonymous survey was designed with reference to previous surveys and recent systematic reviews. Practising UK physiotherapists who treat patients with PFP were invited to take part via an invitation email sent through professional networks, the ‘interactive Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (iCSP)’ message board, and social media (Twitter). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results: A total of 99 surveys were completed. Responders reported a wide range of management strategies, including a broad selection of type and dose of exercise prescription. The five most common management strategies chosen were: closed chain strengthening exercises (98%); education and advice (96%); open chain strengthening exercises (76%); taping (70%) and stretches (65%). Physiotherapists with a special interest in treating PFP were statistically more likely to manage patients with orthotics (P=0.02) and bracing (P=0.01) compared to physiotherapists without a special interest. Approximately 55% would not prescribe an exercise if it was painful. Thirty-one percent of physiotherapists would advise patients not to continue with leisure and/or sporting activity if they experienced any pain. Conclusion: Current UK practice in the management strategies of PFP is variable. Further high quality research on which to inform physiotherapy practice is warranted for this troublesome musculoskeletal condition