This study compared the effects of the Chaitow Muscle Energy Technique (MET), with passive stretching for increasing hamstring muscle extensibility both immediately and after 30 minutes. Fifty nine asymptomatic participants were measured for hamstring length using active knee extension (AKE). AKE was recorded using digital photography, and values were calculated using computer software. After the initial measurement, participants were randomly allocated to either a passive stretch or MET intervention group. Immediately after the treatment, post-intervention measurements of AKE were recorded, and this was repeated 30 minutes later. There was a mean increase of 4.38 degrees recorded in the MET group, whereas passive stretching produced a mean increase of 2.24 degrees. Using a split-plot ANOVA, a significant change over time in the AKE values was found, however, there were no significant differences between groups. Although the measurement procedure was determined to be repeatable, modifications to the AKE methodology may have resulted in under-estimation of the error range, and raises major concerns about the validity of the measurement procedure. In view of this methodological flaw, no conclusions can be made regarding the effectiveness of the two manual techniques. Future studies are recommended using the accepted AKE methodology and measurement analysis. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Job satisfaction and occupational stress are important, but under investigated issues among osteopaths. In related professions, such as general medical practice, occupational stress is a key factor reducing job satisfaction, and potentially compromising patient care. This study explored the job satisfaction and sources of occupational stress among osteopaths with at least 5 years clinical practice experience. A concurrent study was conducted to explore the same issues among recent graduates. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Osteopaths use muscle energy techniques (MET) to reduce pain, to increase muscle length and to increase joint range of motion. Few investigations have focused on applications of MET and to date the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has been completely overlooked. This study aimed to determine the effect of a specific MET technique and therapeutic jaw exercises on pain of the temporomandibular region. This study investigated whether changes occurred immediately after application of the treatment protocol and if those changes were maintained over the following thirty minutes and one week later. Twenty one subjects with an inter-incisal range of mouth opening of less than or equal to 40mm were randomly assigned to either a TMJ exercise group, MET group or to a control group. Participants underwent either a specific isometric MET to the muscles of mandibular elevation, therapeutic jaw exercises or recieved no treatment at all. Visual Analogue Scales were used to measure perceived pain and were recorded before and after either intervention. Initially post treatment pain scores increased in those persons who participated in the TMJ exercises. All other pain scores decreased following treatment however these changes were not statistically significant. The results of this study indicated that further investigation into the effects of both MET and TMJ exercises on pain is required and to allow the full effectiveness of MET and TMJ exercises to be explored the need to conduct research on purely symptomatic patients is vital. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Sustained manual pressure has been advocated as effective treatment for myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). This study aimed to investigate the effect of manual pressure release (MPR) on the pressure sensitivity of MTrPs in the upper tapezius muscle using a novel pressure algometer. Asymptomatic subjects were screened for the presence of latent MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle (tender band that produced referred pain to neck and /or head on manual pressure). Subjects were randomly allocated into either the treatment (MPR) or control (sham myofascial release) groups. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) was recorded pre and post treatment intervention using a digital algometer, consisting of a capacitance sensor was attached to the tip of the palpating thumb. There was a significant increase in the mean PPT of MTrPs in the upper trapezius following MPR. There was no significant change in the PPT following the sham treatment in the control group. Perceived tenderness and tolerance to pressure significantly decreased during the application of MPR. The pressure sensitivity of MTrPs was immediately reduced following application of MPR, and the reduction in tenderness during application of MPR was due to a change in tissue sensitivity, rather than an unintentional reduction of pressure by the examiner. MPR appeared to be an effective therapy for MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

High Velocity Low Amplitude (HVLA) is a form of spinal manipulation commonly used by Osteopaths and other manual medicine practitioners. Despite its widespread use, there is little experimental evidence that supports the efficacy of HVLA in the thoracolumbar region or whether the direction of thrust is important in altering rotation range of motion (ROM). This study investigated whether a single application of thoracolumbar HVLA, either into or away from the restrictive rotation barrier, could significantly increase an asymptomatic volunteer's gross trunk rotation ROM. Thoracolumbar HVLA performed either into or away from the restrictive rotation barrier, had no significant effect on active, seated trunk rotation in asymptomatic volunteers with no fixed asymmetry. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and reported type of injury in senior level schoolgirl rowers over the 2004-2005 rowing season. Data was gathered via survey and it was found that 18% of rowers sustained injuries (n=34), of this group 18 were sweep rowers and 16 were scull rowers. There was a difference in injury pattern between sweep and scull rowing. Lumbar and shoulder injuries were more prevalent in sweep rowers. Previous research suggests lumbar spine injuries are the most common injury in rowing and this research supported this with 32% (n=12) of injuries to the lumbar spine. Shoulder injuries were the second most common injury (18%). Apart from illness, shoulder and low back injury caused the greatest amount of time off training. Research shows that whilst most injuries occur due to rowing itself, injuries can be sustained during cross training. Our research showed that rowing caused the most number of injuries 48%, followed by ergometer 21%, running 14% and then weights 12%. It can be suggested that lumbar and shoulder injury prevention and rehabilitation should be incorporated into rowing programs. Rowing technique, especially at times of fatigue, must be a focus for prevention of injury. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

The purpose of this semi-structured interview enquiry was to expand on the quantitative findings presented by Cameron, Anderson, and Speed (2004a, 2004b). They investigated the use of joint mobilization on individuals with either osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and reported that joint mobilization was perceived by most participants to afford improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Some participants withdrew from the joint mobilization intervention of Cameron et al.'s studies, citing worsening pain. A knowledge deficit existed because Cameron et al. were unable to identify why some people reported HRQOL declines with joint mobilization while most participants reported improvements. In interviews with three individuals of the original cohort, a key theme emerged: That improvements infunctional capacity are at least as important as changes in pain. This theme, although consistent among the participants of this study, is in contrast to much of the available literature on HRQOL in people with arthritis. We recommend that practitioners providing health care for people with arthritis take time to determine therapeutic goals with individual clients. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the chief complaints seen by osteopaths. The management and care that practitioners provide for CLBP patients as well as their attitudes towards then are crucial in the overall well-being of the patient. Little is known about osteopaths' management of CLBP and their attitudes towards such patients. Management of CLBP by osteopaths does not appropriately consider psychosocial aspects of pain. Osteopaths in this study did not believe that they had "negative feelings" towards their CLBP patients. There is insufficient evidence to conclude negative attitudes towards CLBP patients. However there is some indication a small number of osteopaths may have potentially undesirable attitudes towards CLBP patients. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

This study tested the relationship between change in NDI scores after 3 weeks of strengthening exercise and response to strengthening exercise at the final assessment. A change in the NDI of 7 points after 3 weeks correctly classified 93.2% of participants that would display a positive change at the final assessment. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

Golf is a game many believe to be relatively safe due to its benign nature. According to certain studies golfers have a career incidence of injury as high as 57%. The aim of this study was to explore the injury profile of golfers from an elite golfing program at the Victorian Institue of Sport (VIS) as well as golfers representing a group of golf courses from the 'Sandbelt' region of Melbourne, Victoria. In total 106 golfers completed a questionnaire that asked for information regarding their physical stature, golfing ability and injury occurrence in the golfing season from March 2004 to March 2005. Approximately one third (38%) of the golfers who participated in this study experienced an injury of some kind over the twelve-month period. The lower back was the most common location (31.6%), whilst muscular strains were the most common type of injury (51.0%). Of the golfers who reported injuries, 65.2% reported one injury, whilst 29.0% reported two. Of the golfers in jured, 79% indicated that they required treatment foer their injury, with a visit to the physiotherapist being the most common (73%) form of treatment. Half of those injured were unable to play due to their injury (50%). It is possible to conclude from this study, along with studies performed previously, that injuries in golf do occur and that serious musculoskeletal can occur. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.