No description available.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Western Australia, 2006.

No description available.

No description available.

Holstein calves were photographed and measured over a period of 84 days to determine the feasibility of Image Analysis as a measurement tool. It was determined that the disparity between actual measurements and image analysis measurements decreased as the bone length increased, and that image analysis could be used to monitor growth successfully in large ungulates, using the length of certain bone. Image analysis was then used to evaluate growth in Holstein calves on two weaning programs (weaned early at six weeks of age and weaned later at eight weeks of age). Calves were weighed and photographed over a period of 224 days to determine the effects of weaning on skeletal symmetry. Weaning time did have an affect on the skeletal symmetry of the calves, with calves weaned earlier found to be more asymmetrical. The extent to which skeletal symmetry is affected by a stress is determined by the nature and duration of the stress. The growth and development of Thoroughbred foals was recorded and photographed for a period of 300 days and the relative asymmetry for bilateral traits was assessed. Thoroughbred foal growth correlated to statistics reported over the last twenty eight years. Asymmetry can be detected in growing foals using image analysis. Weaning stress produced some asymmetry that the foals were able to recover from. One can use highly correlated body weight and height measurements to produce a tool stud managers can used to monitor growth. In young training Thoroughbreds (between 18 and 24 months of age), no significant asymmetry was found in the forelimbs but the hind legs displayed asymmetry, which has interesting implications for training and for performance criteria in the racehorse. Tools can be produced to monitor the growth and development of Thoroughbred foals destined to race, which can improve their management and the duration of their racing careers. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.

Whilst literature exists describing prevalence and theories about mechanisms of development of deformity, there is a distinct lack of research that examines how deformity can be measured despite it being an area of identified need. This study established the inter- and intra-rater reliability of the Goldsmith Index of Body Symmetry and examined the relevance of the information it provides within the context of a comprehensive postural assessment for individuals with cerebral palsy in conjunction with a commonly used clinical assessment ... Results demonstrated that high index levels were not exclusively associated with people with windswept deformity. Postural patterns of windsweeping, frog leg (abducting) and scissor (adducting) postures and hip extension were found to occur in all categories, suggesting that asymmetry is not confined to one particular postural pattern. Clinically observable changes were identified through comparison of the supine evaluation and index scores. The flexibility of postural components (or the ability to correct asymmetry) in a supine position for the SD categories demonstrated wide variation. However, subjects in the 3+SD groupings had fixed scoliosis and the majority (83%) also had fixed pelvic obliquity and rotation. All other subjects up to the 3SD category had flexible pelvic obliquity and rotation. No definitive differences in postural components between groups were identified in sitting positions, which was attributed to the influence of gravity on the body in an upright posture. Examination of sitting ability and index level did not demonstrate any relationship, suggesting that greater independence in sitting is not necessarily associated with a lower Goldsmith Index. The study highlighted that assessment of posture is complex, and that no single tool provides the answers required to manage a person’s posture. It demonstrates the need for clinicians to be aware that subjective clinical assessment may not be sufficient to adequately assess and detect changes in posture, and that the Goldsmith Index of Body Symmetry provides objective data that can be used as a powerful adjunct in interpreting clinical assessment and supporting the evaluation of clinical interventions.