Objective: To determine the force/time characteristics of prone rib 1 High Velocity, Low Amplitude (HVLA) manipulations. Conclusions: Preload and peak thrust force closely related to each other and the production of a joint cavitation. No significant differences between the force/time characteristics of thrusts to dominant and non-dominant sides, other than post-thrust dip. The practical relevance of this parameter however, is questionable. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

There is substantial evidence of deficits in ankle range of motion and proprioception in peolple with recurrent ankle sprains. However, there is only limited information on exactly how much range of motion and proprioception is lost, when the ankle is sprained. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

The Omron M4 (AS) is an upper arm automatic sphygmomanometer that has not been conclusively validated in clinical trials. The aim of this research was to determine whether the Omron M4 was accurate enough for clinical use. Sixty-two young, apparently healthy participants were recruited. Participants had their blood pressure (BP) taken once with the AS and once with a mercury sphygmomanometer (MS) in random order. Results were compared against the British Hypertension Society (BHS), and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) protocols for evaluation of automatic sphygmomanometers. We concluded that the Omron M4 is questionable rating according to previously stated guidelines. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Migraine affects 10 percent of the Australian population and may be severe in nature. To understand the subjective experience of migraine, five migraneurs were interviewed and asked to discuss the emotions associated with migraine. The negative emotional aspects associated with migraine, feeling socially supported and the belief of an external locus of control were the major themes that influenced the management and coping strategies of the participants. All experiences of migraine were negative. I suggest a greater emphasis on the emotional elements of migraine is required when educating students and practitioners about migraines, as there are strong emotional affects associated with this condition. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Falling is a common cause of injury in the older population. This has serious implications to individual and community health care and expense. Poor or impaired balance is one of the most common risk factors for falling. Exercise has been shown to increase balance in older adults. Few studies have investigated the role of Swiss balls for improving balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Swiss ball training on balance in people over 65 years of age. Results were analysed using independent samples, t-tests, Cohen's d and Bonferroni's adjustment. Improvements were noted in all the tests however none were significant. Medium to high effect size in some tests suggest larger sample size may reveal more significant results. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) has been reported to produce an immediate increase in the range of motion (ROM) of the spine. There is limited research in the application of MET to the thoracic spine and no evidence of the duration of any ROM change. The effect of Muscle Energy Technique was not significantly different from the sham treatment in increasing thoracic range of motion into a restricted direction within an asymptomatic sample population, either directly after MET application or at approximately thirty minutes post-MET. Range of motion was significantly different when comparing the restricted side to the non-restricted side, but not between the sham treatment and treatment groups. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Peripheral joint manipulation is an intervention used by manual therapists for a wide array of musculoskeletal problems. There is conflicting evidence on the effect of manipulations on passive ankle dorisflexion range of motion (DFR). A treatment regimen of manipulation of the proximal tibiofibular joints and talocrural joints and traction of the talocrural joint in asymptomatic patients was not effective in increasing ankle dorisflexion range of motion. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

To compare the frequency and duration of low back pain (LBP) in the past 2 years in female hockey players , with two other groups of women with varying levels of physical activity. In all cases, sedentary participants experienced the greatest total amount of LBP; the hockey group experiencing the least. Hockey participants reported a higher intensity level of their worst and average episodes of LBP, with some evidence of longer duration of episodes. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Asthma is a prevalent disease amongst Australian children, and can be a physical, social and financial burden on the individual, their family and society. The aim of this case study was to investigate if an osteopathic treatment approach would improve lung function and functional capacity in children with asthma when compared to a sham control treatment. This case study suggests that osteopathic treatment may improve lung function in the children with asthma when compared to a sham control treatment. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Mobilization techniques are commonly employed by manual therapists to treat spinal pain or spinal dysfunction. Many authors postulate different mechanisms by which mobilization techniques can produce positive outcomes involving the sympathetic nervous system, however supporting evidence remains scarce. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.