A dissertation presented in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005. / The paucity of clinical research into the cause of canine hip dysplasia, efficacy and effects of the different treatment protocols available for the management of symptoms, as well as the differing presentations, has led to a continued variation in standardized care for this condition. The aim of this study was to contribute further information on the use of instrument manipulation as an alternative or adjunctive means of managing the symptoms of canine hip dysplasia. Both manual and instrument manipulation have effectively been used in the short-term management of human musculoskeletal pconditions, it was hypothesized that the use of instrument manipulation would benefit the canine patient. The use of human based studies was a guideline, as no previous chiropractic studies have been conducted on the canine subject. / M

A dissertation presented in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2007. / Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relative effectiveness of TENS, versus, needling, versus Electro-needling in the treatment of MTSS. First objective The first objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of TENS therapy on MTSS with respect to the patients subjective and objective responses to the treatment. Second Objective The second objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of needling therapy on MTSS, with respect to the patient’s subjective and objective responses to the treatment. Third Objective The third objective was to evaluate the effects of electro-needling on MTSS, with respect to the patients’ subjective and objective responses to the treatment. Fourth Objective The fourth objective was to integrate the subjective and objective data collected in order to determine the viability of each of the therapies in comparison to one another as treatment options of MTSS. / M

A dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban Institute Of Technology, 2006. xviii, 134, 7 leaves. / Shoulder injuries, which account for 8% to 20% of volleyball injuries, are usually rotator cuff and / or biceps tendinosis caused by overuse (Briner et al.1999); in addition 38-75% of competitive swimmers have had a history of shoulder pain, while 9 - 35% of these swimmers were currently experiencing pain (McMaster and Troup, 1993). Rotator cuff tendinosis is also found in laborers involved in repeated overhead activities (i.e. among shipyard welders and steel plate workers), with a prevalence of 18, 3% and 16, 2% respectively (Herberts et al. 1984). Fricker and Hoy (1995), suggest that the principal cause of tendinosis of the rotator cuff muscles is repetitive microtrauma, due to overfatigued muscles and / or weakening of the rotator cuff and scapulothoracic muscles. The etiology of impingement syndrome is therefore multifactorial and is commonly associated with other clinical entities such as weak or dysfunctional scapular musculature, posterior glenohumeral capsule tightness, inflammation of tendons (viz. supraspinatus and long head of biceps), bursal inflammation and glenohumeral instability (Michener et al., 2003). Shoulder syndromes are often related to the development and perpetuation of myofascial trigger points (TrPs) as found by Hains (2002), who suggested that these TrPs become activated during mechanical stress and overload of the involved shoulder musculature. Hammer (1991), suggests that the most valuable modality to treat chronic overuse soft tissue syndromes (irrespective of muscular or tendinous in origin) is friction massage to both regions. Cyriax (1984) and Prentice (1994) state the effect of frictions to include the breakdown of adhesions (scar tissue), as well as preventing the formation of further adhesions. / M

This dissertation is submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, 2003. / Knee joint pathologies, in general, are associated with a loss of knee-extensor muscle strength. This weakness has been attributed to arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). Manipulation of the sacroiliac (SI) has been shown to significantly reduce AMI and increase the strength in the quadriceps muscle group. Although both the knee and SI joints have been linked to AMI of the quadriceps muscle group, no studies have been conducted showing that manipulating the tibio-femoral (knee) joint has any effect on quadriceps muscle strength or AMI. The purpose of this study was therefore to verify whether manipulation of the knee (tibio-femoral) joint is as effective as SI joint manipulation in increasing quadriceps muscle strength in PFPS patients. This study also investigated the effect of combining manipulative therapy of the tibio-femoral and SI joints on quadriceps muscle strength in PFPS patients. / M

A dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Technikon Natal, 2001. / The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Genesen Acutouch pointers in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. This was a prospective, randomized clinical trial consisting of sixty patients who volunteered from the general population of Durban. The patients, diagnosed as having osteoarthritis of the knee, were randomly divided into two different treatment groups. Each group consisted of thirty patients between the ages of eighteen and eighty five years. One group received active Genesen Acutouch Therapy, while the second group received placebo Genesen Acutouch Therapy. Data capturing took place for both groups on the first, fifth and ninth consultations. Subjective data was collected using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale-l Ol, the Visual Analogue Scale and the Patient Specific Functional Scale. Objective data was gathered from goniometer and algometer readings. For statistical analysis, only parametric tests were used in all hypothesis tests due to the large sample size. All readings were considered to be continuous variables. The twosample (unpaired) two-tailed t-test was used to compare two independent samples. The two-sample paired t-test was used to compare results from related samples. All tests were conducted at a = 0.05 level of significance / M

M.Tech. / This research study was conducted as an unblinded controlled pilot study. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of spinal manipulation in conjunction with proprioceptive rehabilitation on proprioceptive ability with regards to balance in patients with mechanical low back pain. Candidates for the research were recruited through advertisements in the local newspapers, posters put up at the Technikon Witwatersrand Doornfontein Campus as well as at the Technikon Witwatersrand Day Clinic. Candidates that fitted the selection criteria were selected to participate and were randomly divided into three groups. Each group consisted of 10 patients. Group A received chiropractic manipulation of the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints ...

M.Tech.

M.Tech.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005. / Objectives: To determine if serum cortisol levels are increased following Spinal Manipulation Therapy (SMT) to the low back region and to determine the effect of a short rest interval on the cortisol levels. Project Design: The research project was in the form of a randomised, clinical trial using human subjects. Setting: Patients presenting with low back pain to the Chiropractic Day Clinic at the Durban Institute of Technology and the Community Health and Indigent Programme Services clinic. Subjects: Adult, male patients, aged between 18 and 35 years of age, diagnosed with mechanical low back pain. Outcome measure: Daytime, serum cortisol levels. Results: A decrease in serum cortisol levels following SMT. Serum cortisol levels decreased significantly following a short rest interval. Conclusions: The results of this study support the previous finding that a neuroendocrine effect can be stimulated by SMT, albeit, a decrease in serum cortisol levels. A short-term rest period also influenced the serum cortisol levels. However, the mechanism of these effects is not established and requires further investigation as this was not within the scope of the present study. / M

M.Tech.