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Background: With hydrotherapy rising in the United Kingdom, before understanding the effect of hydrotherapy in animals with pathologies, kinematics data for healthy animals is required. Objectives: To assess how different water levels on an underwater treadmill (UWTM) can affect joint kinematics. Methods: Zinc oxide markers were placed on bony landmarks on the limbs of 10 healthy dogs, randomly split into five groups. An UWTM was used with water levels to the digits, tarsus, stifle and hip. The maximum flexion, extension and ROM were determined and a repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman's was used to determine significant differences. Results: We have detected various changes in kinematics following exercise at different water levels, in comparison with a dry treadmill, including consistent increases in flexion of the elbow, stifle and tarsal joints, which were observed for all water levels. The carpal joint had increases in flexion all water levels apart from digit level. An increase in shoulder flexion was seen only with water on or above stifle level, while hip kinematics had the fewest changes with only ROM increasing at high water level (hip level). Extension of the limbs joints was not markedly affected, with only a few data being significant. The carpal joint had an overall decrease in extension with water at all levels, and the stifle joint had a decreased extension when water was at stifle height. Conclusions: Water level can significantly affect joint kinematics, and knowledge of how each water level affects the joints is relevant to design tailored hydrotherapy protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a health risk as it can lead to life‐threatening infections. There has been a rise in resistant urinary tract infections (UTIs) which is the most common infection in pregnancy. This can be challenging in pregnancy due to the additional need to safeguard foetal development. The study's aim was to explore views about AMR in women who experienced UTIs in pregnancy. Design: Fifteen semi‐structured interviews were conducted in the UK and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Results highlighted two themes: conceptualization of AMR and pregnancy as a deviation from the norm, with an overarching theme of 'self‐efficacy'. Results show that participants were concerned about AMR but uncertain about the effect on society compared to individual's taking antibiotics and about completing antibiotic courses. Participants reported an unsparing use of antibiotics was justified in pregnancy, and behaviours like drinking adequate water were ineffective at preventing UTIs. In summary, women had low self‐efficacy regards tackling AMR and managing their health. Conclusion: Misconceptions about how AMR affects society vs the individual translated into viewing it as a future problem to be tackled by the health‐care sector. Consequently, AMR requires reconceptualization as a current problem requiring collective action. This research also indicates women endorse a biomedical model of UTIs in pregnancy which attributes resolving illness to interventions such as medicines, implying an automatic reliance on antibiotics. Subsequently, there is a need for self‐efficacy by focusing on a behavioural model which emphasizes behaviours for infection prevention, thus reducing the need for antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose Syringomyelia is a rare or 'orphan' condition with the potential to cause significant disability and detrimental effects to quality of life. Syringomyelia shares similar symptoms to those common in other long-term neurological conditions, including spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. In these more prevalent conditions, physiotherapy is utilized widely and is effective in optimizing physical, psychological and social parameters. Therefore, we theorized that physiotherapy might be transferable to, and beneficial to syringomyelia patients. As a paucity of literature exists in this area, we aimed to evaluate the existing uptake and perceived efficacy of physiotherapy. Methods An exploratory, mixed methodology was selected to derive sufficient qualitative data for analysis. Specifically designed questionnaires and semi-structured interviews yielded data on uptake and perceived physiotherapy efficacy. One hundred patients from a National Health Service tertiary syringomyelia service were invited to participate. Results The questionnaire and interviews were completed by 49 and 20 patients, respectively. Of the small number of patients receiving physiotherapy, the majority reported beneficial effects on pain modulation and quality of life. Stretching and hydrotherapy were deemed effective for relief of pain and stiffness. Additionally, physiotherapy was reported to provide similar benefits to surgical intervention. Discussion Syringomyelia patients report physiotherapy to provide benefits for symptom management and quality of life. Such findings suggest that established rehabilitation techniques in more common conditions may be transferable to those less prevalent. Uptake of physiotherapy was limited, seemingly because of inadequate information, knowledge and resources. To address these deficiencies, further studies should be planned investigating the effectiveness of physiotherapy modalities, such as hydrotherapy, in parallel or in conjunction with surgery and/or pharmacology. Additionally, syringomyelia could be represented alongside similar pathologies in research trials to initiate further research questions and drivers for funding. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 519-527 Aquatic Leisure satisfaction and engagement in Neuropalliative Disability Management This article describes a single-case design study and uses an occupational science focus to explore the effects of 'Aquability' as perceived by participants with neuropalliative conditions. Data collection tools include the Individual Child Engagement Record and the adapted Leisure Satisfaction Scale - short form by 14 participants (who had Barthel scores averaging 7/100). The time-sampled observations of engagement showed a significant difference between the scores for the control condition and the 'Aquability' sessions. The participants reported being in control, learning about themselves or others and feeling healthier after a session. They reported experiencing a sense of achievement and novelty, which was interesting and enjoyable. 'Aquability' appears to be a satisfying use of free time for participants with neuropalliative conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish the current status of canine hydrotherapy in the UK and to ascertain information regarding the current use of hydrotherapy, a questionnaire was sent to 152 hydrotherapy centres throughout the UK, from which 89 responded. Hydrotherapy was found to be a rapidly growing business. Stand-alone centres were in existence; however, many centres were connected to other businesses, including boarding kennels and general practice veterinary surgeries. The dogs using the facility were mainly pedigree breeds, particularly labrador retrievers (30 per cent), and the most commonly encountered conditions were rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (25 per cent), hip dysplasia (24 per cent) and osteoarthritis (18 per cent). The proportion of qualified versus unqualified staff varied between centres, highlighting a need for improved regulation of this aspect of the industry. However, all the dogs treated by the hydrotherapy centres surveyed were direct veterinary referrals, suggesting a good degree of professionalism in the field and a high regard for the benefits of hydrotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores domestic practices of hydropathy in Britain, suggesting that these formed a major contribution to the popularity of the system in the mid-nineteenth century. Domestic hydropathy was encouraged by hydropathic practitioners in their manuals and in the training they provided at their establishments. We argue that hydropathy can be seen as belonging to two interacting spheres, the hydro and the home, and was associated with a mission to encourage self-healing practices as well as commercial interests. Home treatments were advocated as a follow-up to attendance at hydros and encouraged as a low-cost option for those unable to afford such visits. Domestic hydropathy emphasized the high profile of the patient and was depicted as being especially appropriate for women, though in many households it appears to have been a common concern between husbands and wives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This paper explores the processes of collaboration between a librarian and two academic physiotherapists working on a systematic review jointly funded by the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, and the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD), Bath, UK. The aim of this paper is to describe and evaluate some of the processes of collaboration between the three authors in their work in progress on a funded systematic literature review on the topic of hydrotherapy and pain. Methods: The vehicle for describing and analysing these processes is a joint (National Health Service Trust and University) funded systematic literature review currently in progress on the topic of hydrotherapy and pain. Results: Systematic review methodology is becoming increasingly complex and is rapidly developing its own research base. Librarian input is a key element in a successful systematic review. Conclusions: Systematic reviews play a critical role in informing healthcare delivery and research in the UK. The individual nature and inherent complexity of each review demands close collaboration between librarians, academics and clinicians. In addition to enhancing the reviews themselves, there are many other personal and institutional benefits of collaborative working. Consideration may need to be given to library staff structures and roles if these benefits are to be maximized and sustained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the community maternity unit (CMU) in Great Britain. Adoption of birth center principles; Objectives and standards of the unit; Promotion of water birth and hydrotherapy; Rate for women transferred to the central delivery suite for epidural; Accessibility of CMU; Low-risk audit performed by the unit.

Simple Summary: Water treadmill exercise has become popular in recent years for the training and rehabilitation of equine athletes. Water treadmill exercise sessions can be tailored to the individual horse and the training/rehabilitation goals by altering the frequency, duration of exercise, water depth and belt speed. Recent work suggests that there are large variations in current modes of use between users, despite shared training or rehabilitation goals. In 2019, a group of researchers and experienced water treadmill users met in the UK to establish what was commonly considered to be best practice in the use of the modality. The result of these discussions was the production of 'Water treadmill guidelines—a guide for users', released in 2020 via various equestrian websites. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of these guidelines and propose them as a starting point for further collaboration between researchers and practitioners in the pursuit of 'best practice' in water treadmill exercise for horses. Water treadmill exercise has become popular in recent years for the training and rehabilitation of equine athletes. In 2019, an equine hydrotherapy working group was formed to establish what was commonly considered to be best practice in the use of the modality. This article describes the process by which general guidelines for the application of water treadmill exercise in training and rehabilitation programmes were produced by the working group. The guidelines describe the consensus reached to date on (1) the potential benefits of water treadmill exercise, (2) general good practice in water treadmill exercise, (3) introduction of horses to the exercise, (4) factors influencing selection of belt speed, water depth and duration of exercise, and (5) monitoring movement on the water treadmill. The long-term goal is to reach a consensus on the optimal use of the modality within a training or rehabilitation programme. Collaboration between clinicians, researchers and experienced users is needed to develop research programmes and further guidelines regarding the most appropriate application of the modality for specific veterinary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ascertain the current practice of commercial colonic hydrotherapy in the UK and to collect data on the profiles of both the practitioners and their clients. In addition to understand how colonic hydrotherapy is perceived by those who use it and how much economic benefit it generates for the practitioners. Information as to training and complications was sought. A questionnaire was sent to all 80 practitioners registered with the Association of Colonic Hydrotherapists (ACH) of the UK. The practitioners who responded were sent 10 questionnaires to be given to a group of consecutive clients. This client questionnaire included an SF-36 self-administered scoring system and a satisfaction survey. To understand the methodology and ritual of the hydrotherapy procedure a field trip was arranged and two of the authors (NJT and PJM) underwent one colonic hydrotherapy session with an experience practitioner. Thirty-eight (48%) of practitioners responded to our practitioner survey and 242 client questionnaires were returned. One third of practitioners reported a previous clinical background and 32 (83%) were single-handed practitioners. The average time in practice was six years and with an average age of the hydrotherapists being 50 years (22–78 years). Estimated number of sessions conducted were 3200 (range 140–10 000). Average annual income before expenses per practitioner was estimated at £45 675. The clients' ages ranged was 18 and 82 years of age (mean 44 years) and had undergone an average of 35 hydrotherapy treatments (range 1–2500). Clients had lower SF-36 scores than the UK norm. Colonic hydrotherapy is practised widely in the UK with an estimated 5600 procedures carried out by ACH practitioners monthly. It is not known how much activity is carried out by non-ACH members. ACH practitioners appear to be well trained and a proportion have medical backgrounds. Clients, who are often unhappy with orthodox medicine seem satisfied enough with the experience of colonic hydrotherapy to undergo regular purgings. No serious side-effects have been reported to us. Economic factors could be a driving force for the continuation of the practice as the monies earnt are not inconsiderable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarah Kahn, Editor of the British Journal of Nursing, discusses some highlights of the recent Hartmann LINK for Wound Healing Congress, which was organised in collaboration with the Journal of Wound Care [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports a study which was conducted to assess the outcomes of aquatic therapy treatment sessions for various musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and pathologies. Data were collected using the aquatic therapy-validated outcome measure of ‘Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile’ (MYMOP). The results revealed that MYMOP score improved significantly in 23 patients following a course of aquatic physiotherapy. This indicates that aquatic therapy improves outcomes.

The author reflects on the latest developments in canine hydrotherapy in Great Britain as of April 2011. She defines canine hydrotherapy as the water-based veterinary physiotherapy (WBVP) for small animals. She cites the study conducted by M. Waining and colleagues on the use of canine hydrotherapy in the country to assess the growth of the hydrotherapy industry, as well as the distribution of hydrotherapy equipment and speciality centres, among others.

The article discusses a 2 day foundation course developed by the Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP) to familiarize students of physiotherapy with aquatic physiotherapy that has all but disappeared from undergraduate courses due to unavailability of hydropools. The article describes the author's experience of watching well-known hydrotherapist Alison Skinner teach 2 candidates set to appear for the examination at the hydropool facility at Basildon Hospital.

The article presents a request from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) regarding access to hydrotherapy provision and hydrotherapy. It suggests that commissioners, consultants and a physiotherapist within the field of adult neuromuscular conditions should create a database of hydropools. Also, CSP research priority work might help commissioners in lobbying for funding opportunities in Great Britain.

This article presents information on various article that are published in the July 2004 issue of the journal "Colorectal Disease." The review of Acute Compartment Syndrome strikes a chord with both those readers who have a substantial medico-legal practice as well as a smaller group of persons who have come across the catastrophic complication. One of the paper in this issue reports on audit of current practice to the Association of Colonic Hydrotherapists of the Great Britain including a field trip experienced by two authors. It was reassuring to note that all Association members are trained for a year with a registered Hydrotherapist with written and practical examination.

Focuses on the intervention of Halliwick Method swimming program for individuals with Down's syndrome in Great Britain. Use of individualized educational setting approach; Factors influencing the performance of each individual; Inclusion of medical examination for the pre-intervention phase.