OAR@UM Collection:

The impact of pregnancy on foot health

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The impact of pregnancy on foot health Authors: Cassar, Dorothy Abstract: Although pregnancy should be a joyous experience to all expectant mothers, it is also known to bring about a number of bodily changes which could impose lifestyle limitations throughout the nine months of pregnancy. In this study, the authors sought to evaluate the impact of pregnancy on foot health. A prospective non-experimental study was conducted. The authors interviewed 40 expectant Maltese mothers using the Bristol Foot Score (BFS). Results showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) in foot health in the recruited subjects from Time 0 (15 weeks pregnancy) to Time 1 (37 weeks pregnancy), implying that pregnancy imposes a negative impact on foot health. This finding is of key importance and needs to be taken into consideration by all health stakeholders if better health care is to be offered to all expectant mothers. Both locally and internationally, antenatal care aims to monitor pregnant women’s general health and foetal development. However, very little attention is given to foot health. The authors highlight the importance of providing all expectant mothers with footcare education and podiatry services in the Antenatal Clinic.

Institute of Health Care - Faculty of Health Sciences (1987-2013) : a celebration

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Institute of Health Care - Faculty of Health Sciences (1987-2013) : a celebration Authors: Rizzo Naudi, John Abstract: The Institute of Health Care embarked on its mission of training health care professionals at the University of Malta in 1987. A degree programme in Nursing Studies was the first course offered by the Institute of Health Care. By expanding steadily to provide training opportunities in a variety of allied health professions, the Institute of Health Care attracted increasing numbers of students over its 25 years of existence. This paper provides a brief historical account of the developments that led to the founding of the Institute of Health Care and to its subsequent upgrade to the Faculty of Health Sciences in August 2010. It also traces the advancement of the Institute of Health Care’s individual professional divisions as they grew into faculty departments and expanded their teaching and research portfolios. A key contributor to the Institute of Health Care’s success was the dedication and commitment of its teaching staff, a factor which continues to support the Faculty of Health Sciences in its ongoing mission.

Low back pain : a comparative study on the value of core training versus traditional strengthening exercises

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Low back pain : a comparative study on the value of core training versus traditional strengthening exercises Authors: Schembri, Laura; Fenech, Pauline; Sacco, Mark Abstract: This randomised controlled trial (RCT) employed a pre-test/post-test design to compare the effects of core training (Pilates method) and traditional back exercises on a population with low back pain (LBP). Therapeutic intervention related to the Pilates method has recently become popular, but there is little evidence to prove it works. In this study, 120 individuals with LBP were allocated to three different groups. Group A was the control group, Group B was given modified Pilates intervention and Group C received traditional back exercises. All three groups were given a posture re-education session and back-care advice. After the initial session, the control group had individual sessions on posture re-education. The other groups undertook a six-week course of either modified Pilates or general back exercise classes. The modified Pilates group was taught how to use the core muscles, incorporating stabilisation with increasing functional movements. The back exercise group did similar exercises without learning to specifically stabilise. The Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODQ) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used as measures for pain and functional disability. Post-test ODQ readings showed no significant difference for pain-related function whilst VAS readings revealed a significant improvement in pain levels in all three groups, with the control group showing the best scores. However, the six-month follow-up scores showed that only the modified Pilates group continued to improve. At this stage, the control group was beginning to regress and the back exercise group was almost back to baseline measures. It was therefore concluded that core stability exercises have better long-term effects than traditional back exercises

Psychophysiology of respiratory disease : clinical considerations for the advanced practice nurse

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Psychophysiology of respiratory disease : clinical considerations for the advanced practice nurse Authors: Miller, Sarah; Owens, Laura; Collins, Tracy; Silverman, Erin Abstract: The purpose of this article is to describe the psychophysiology of dyspnea in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), identify the unique impact of respiratory disease on the female patient, and discuss the relationship of anxiety and depression in disease manifestation. Current COPD assessment and treatment guidelines published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization as well as the National Institute for Health and Care Experience (NICE) will be presented along with implications for the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN). Practitioners treat COPD patients with advanced physiological complications along with psychological comorbidities that worsen the disease perception and progression. Therefore, a recommendation will be made to integrate assessment and evaluation of psychological comorbidities in COPD patients, with particular consideration given to the female patient. Utilizing a holistic, int egrated treatment plan will serve to enhance patient care, alleviate disease burden and impact overall quality of life in the patient with COPD.