To Be or Not to Be a Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapist: Factors That Influence Career Choice in a Sample of Canadian Physiotherapists.

Purpose: This study explored the factors that influence choosing or not choosing a career in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy (CRP) from the perspective of a group of currently practising, experienced physiotherapists in Canada. Methods: A modified Dillman approach was used to distribute a cross-sectional, self-administered, online questionnaire to all eligible members of the cardiorespiratory and orthopaedic divisions of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. A total of 438 participants-21 CRP and 417 non-CRP therapists-completed the survey. The survey response rate was 9.4%. Results: A narrow scope of practice (61.9%) and a lack of interest in CRP subject matter (50.1%) were the most influential factors deterring the respondents from making CRP their career choice. Interest in CRP (81.0%), mentorship (76.2%), access to physical resources (76.2%), and inter-professional practice (71.4%) were the most influential factors in pursuing a career in CRP. Conclusion: Increasing the awareness of the scope of practice for CRP, exposure to positive mentors, and rich practice settings are key factors in promoting physiotherapists' specialisation in CRP.

Objectif : explorer les facteurs qui influent sur le choix ou le rejet d'une carrière en physiothérapie cardiorespiratoire (PCR) d'après le point de vue d'un groupe de physiothérapeutes expérimentés qui exercent déjà au Canada. Méthodologie : les chercheurs ont utilisé la méthode Dillman modifiée pour distribuer un questionnaire virtuel autoadministré transversal à tous les membres admissibles de la division cardiorespiratoire et de la division orthopédique de l'Association canadienne de physiothérapie. Au total, 438 participants, soit 21 PCR et 417 non-PCR, ont participé au sondage. Le taux de réponse s'élevait à 9,4 %. Résultats : un champ de pratique étroit (61,9 %) et le manque d'intérêt pour la PCR (50,1 %) étaient les facteurs qui dissuadaient le plus les répondants à opter pour une carrière en PCR. L'intérêt pour la PCR (81 %), le mentorat (76,2 %), l'accès aux ressources physiques (76,2 %) et la pratique interprofessionnelle (71,4 %) étaient les facteurs qui favorisaient le plus la poursuite d'une carrière en PCR. Conclusion : une plus grande sensibilisation au champ de pratique de la PCR, l'exposition à des mentors positifs et des milieux de pratique enrichissants sont des facteurs clés pour inciter les physiothérapeutes à se spécialiser en PCR.

Ottawa Panel evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on therapeutic massage for neck pain.

OBJECTIVE: To update evidence-based clinical practice guideline (EBCPG) on the use of massage compared to a control or other treatments for adults (>18 years) suffering from sub-acute and chronic neck pain. METHODS: A literature search was performed from January 1, 1948 to December 31, 2010 for relevant articles. The Ottawa Panel created inclusion criteria focusing on high methodological quality and grading methods. Recommendations were assigned a grade (A, B, C, C+, D, D+, D-) based on strength of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 45 recommendations from ten articles were developed including 8 positive recommendations (6 grade A and 2 grade C+) and 23 neutral recommendations (12 grade C and 11 grade D). DISCUSSION: Therapeutic massage can decrease pain, tenderness, and improve range of motion for sub-acute and chronic neck pain. CONCLUSION: The Ottawa Panel was able to demonstrate that the massage interventions are effective for relieving immediate post-treatment neck pain symptoms, but data is insufficient for long-term effects.

Ottawa Panel evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on therapeutic massage for low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: To update evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (EBCPG) on massage therapy compared to control or other treatment for adults (>18 years) suffering from acute, sub-acute and chronic low back pain (LBP). METHODS: A literature search was performed for relevant articles between January 1, 1948 and December 31, 2010. Eligibility criteria were then applied focussing on participants, interventions, controls, and outcomes, as well as methodological quality. Recommendations based on this evidence were then assigned a grade (A, B, C, C+, D, D+, D-) based on their strength. RESULTS: A total of 100 recommendations were formulated from 11 eligible articles, including 37 positive recommendations (25 grade A and 12 grade C+) and 63 neutral recommendations (49 grade C, 12 grade D, and 2 grade D+). DISCUSSION: These guidelines indicate that massage therapy is effective at providing pain relief and improving functional status. CONCLUSION: The Ottawa Panel was able to demonstrate that massage interventions are effective to provide short term improvement of sub-acute and chronic LBP symptoms and decreasing disability at immediate post treatment and short term relief when massage therapy is combined with therapeutic exercise and education.