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Introduction: Diagnostic lung ultrasound (LUS) is gaining popularity among respiratory physiotherapists as an imaging modality to aid pulmonary assessments, guide intervention selection, and monitor the efficacy of chosen interventions. The ability of respiratory physiotherapists to incorporate LUS into their clinical practice is influenced by multiple factors to adoption and implementation. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of senior respiratory physiotherapists who have attempted to adopt and implement LUS into their clinical practice in critical care. It is hoped these experiences will inform the development of educational and adoption strategies for the future implementation of LUS. Methods: Following a national call out, eight senior critical care respiratory physiotherapists were purposively selected to be interviewed using semi-structured questions exploring their varied experiences of LUS adoption into clinical practice in critical care. The transcribed data were thematically analysed. Results: Five main themes emerged from the participants' responses: (i) support for physiotherapists using LUS, (ii) knowledge and understanding of LUS evidence, (iii) governance, (iv) physiotherapists' motivation to use LUS, and (v) resources. Quotes for each of the five themes are given as exemplars. Conclusion: Participants reported a range of factors that influenced their ability to adopt and implement LUS into practice several were enabling, and others were barriers to progress. Online Appendix 1 contains recommendations from the authors to help guide managers and clinicians wishing to adopt LUS into respiratory physiotherapy services and patient pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Downhill running (DR) has been used extensively to investigate recovery from muscle-damaging exercise. There is no consensus on the optimal conditions (duration, severity, intensity) for a DR protocol. The purpose of this research was to determine the most effective DR conditions to induce muscle damage. Methods: The research was comprised a 3x3 within-between participant design. Recreationally active males' (n = 12) muscle damage was assessed using gold standard indirect markers (force loss and muscle soreness) at baseline, 24 and 48h post one of three DR conditions (a. 45min at -10% gradient b. 45min at -12% c. 30min at -15%). DR was completed on a motorised treadmill at 70% velocity of VO2peak achieved during an incremental exercise test to exhaustion. Results: Isometric force (p = .005, ηp² = 0.45) and muscle soreness (p = .002, ηp² = 0.49) were impaired 24h post-exercise; no difference (p > .05) was evident between conditions. At 48h the impairments in force loss and muscle soreness were no longer evident (p > .05) across all conditions. There was no difference (p = .82) in HR between the DR conditions. Findings: Independent of duration and gradient all conditions resulted in a similar response in force loss and muscle soreness, indicating muscle damage had occurred. Interestingly, the 30-min protocol produced the same response in less time, without requiring individuals to work at a greater intensity. Therefore, the 30-min condition is suggested as the most appropriate protocol for use in the scientific investigation of muscle damage from DR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Physiotherapists are learning to perform diagnostic thoracic ultrasound but it is currently unknown how they are learning, how they are using thoracic ultrasound in their practice, or any factors affecting the implementation of thoracic ultrasound into practice. The aim of this survey was to explore the use of thoracic ultrasound by physiotherapists. This information could be used to aid training and implementation strategies to assist physiotherapists to integrate thoracic ultrasound safely into their practice. Methods: A questionnaire comprising of open/closed questions was distributed to respiratory physiotherapist. Distribution was at three national study days and via a specialist newsletter containing a link to a SurveyMonkey™ questionnaire. Results: A total of 133 questionnaires were returned with 31 reported that they used thoracic ultrasound imaging and 101 reporting they did not. The most common roles of thoracic ultrasound in practice were to: enhance the ability to differentially diagnose respiratory pathologies, aid respiratory assessment and support clinical reasoning. Of the 133 respondents, 58 reported that they had undertaken training in thoracic ultrasound imaging and 75 had not. The most common factors identified regarding thoracic ultrasound implementation were team support, ultrasound machine availability/cost, time pressures and mentor availability. Discussion: This survey has provided an understanding of thoracic ultrasound practice amongst respiratory physiotherapists in the UK. The survey results demonstrated the barriers that inhibit current practice and highlighted the importance of mentor support. There was a good understanding by all respondents regarding the clinical application of thoracic ultrasound. These findings are being used to develop professional guidance and ensure safe practice of thoracic ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The period 1918-1930 was one of considerable political activity in Scotland, particularly in developing women's role and influence in relation to established political institutions and civil society. A study of the Edinburgh Women Citizens' Association at the time offers insight into the meaning of citizenship for women activists, and how the status, rights and responsibilities of citizenship articulated and shaped a distinctive women's politics, bridging political, civil and social rights.

Presents information on the book "The Biographical Dictionary of Scottish Women," edited by members of the Scottish Women's History Network Committee and published by Edinburgh University Press in Scotland in 2005. Reasons behind the exclusion of several women celebrities in the book; Comments from authors Eleanor Gordon and Esther Breitenbach on the social status of women; Details of the selection of known women featured in the book.