published_or_final_version / abstract / Orthopaedics and Traumatology / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Psychology / Master / Master of Philosophy

As a result of medical advancement and cultural patterns of Western society, traumatic head injury is increasingly a problem for the injured, their families, medical and social services professionals, and the community at large. Head trauma is remarkable because of the complex nature of the residual disabilities which include long lasting cognitive and emotional problems, social isolation, and family disruption. The purpose of this study was to re-examine the phenomenon of recovery after mild to moderate head injury using an ethnographic research approach. The data were based on the experiences of 21 disabled and their families in the community setting. The disabled represented a range of stages of recovery and severity of disability. The data was collected using three field work strategies: extensive semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and non-academic document review. After collection the data was subjected to thematic and content analysis, that resulted in the selection of themes that characterized the experiences for the head injured and their families. The themes for the head injured informants were: dead days, loneliness, and forgetting. The family members' experiences were represented in the themes: responsibility, vulnerability, tough love, gender differences, and reactions to the experience. Next the data were interpreted using five theoretical concepts from cultural anthropology: liminality, personhood, social labelling, sick role and double bind. In addition, the reflexive influence of the investigator on the research process was addressed. The trustworthiness of the ethnography was assessed in terms of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Several variables were found to be important to the long term outcome of head injury. These variables were: family directed therapy, double bind communication patterns, and lifelong recovery. Two other factors were found to be critical for the recovery of the head injured. These were economic disincentives to the return to employment and the importance of the social and family environment. In the final section the research and policy implications of the study were discussed in relation to management and service provisions.

This dissertation experimentally explores digital optical computing and optical interconnects with theoretical supports, from the physics of materials and the optimization of devices to system realization. The trend of optical computing is highlighted with the emphasis on the current development of its basic constituent elements, and a couple of algorithms selected to pave the way for utilizing bistable devices for their optical implementations. Optical bistable devices function as "optical transistors" in optical computing. The physics of dispersive optical bistability is briefly described. Bistable ZnS interference filters are discussed in detail regarding their linear and nonlienar characteristics. The optimization of switching characteristics for a bistable ZnS interference filter is discussed, and experimental results are shown. Symbolic substitution which fully takes advantage of regular optical interconnects constitutes two steps: pattern recognition and symbol scription. Two experiments on two digital pattern recognitions and one on a simple but complete symbolic substitution have been demonstrated. The extension of these experiments is an implementation of a binary adder. A one-bit full adder which is a basic block for a computer has been explored experimentally and demonstrated in an all-optical way. The utilization of a bistable device as a nonlinear decision-making element is further demonstrated in an associative memory experiment by incorporating a Vander Lugt matched filter to discriminate two partial fingerprints. The thresholding function of a bistable device enhances the S/N ratio and helps discrimination in associative memory. As the clocking speed of a computer goes higher, e.g. greater than several GHz, the clock signal distribution and packaging become serious problems in VLSI technology. The use of optical interconnects introduces a possible solution. A unique element for holographic optical interconnects, which combines advantages of computer generated hologram and DCG recording material, is discussed. Pattern design of a specific computer generated hologram and a proposed fabrication process are described. Experimental results suggest that this unique element has the capability of being tailored to perform multiple fan-out with resulting uniform tightly-focussed spots, and coupling between devices, e.g. source-to-fiber and fiber-to-waveguides, etc.

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Human Systems Integration Report / Low back pain (LBP) and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) can lead to employee absenteeism, sick leave, and permanent disability. Over the years, much work has been done in examining physical exposure to ergonomic risks. The current research presents a new approach for assessing WMSD risk during lifting related tasks that combines traditional observational methods with video recording methods. One particular application area, the Future Combat System Medical Evacuation Vehicle (FCS MV-E) mockup, was chosen to illustrate the use of a twodimensional motion capture system. Combat medics (MOS 91W) who perform casualty evacuation under stressful battlefield conditions may be at risk for musculoskeletal injuries, which would reduce their ability to perform their job. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the use of video motion technology for posture analysis of team lifting and loading tasks. The results contribute to a determination of whether combat medics are at risk for WMSD due to awkward postures involved in the evacuation of litter casualties. Based on lessons learned from the current study, recommendations are offered to guide further research in motion analysis of manual material handling tasks.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / Purpose: Chronic ankle instability (CAl) is characterised by ankle pain, weakness, edema, crepitus, adhesions, restrictions and ligamentous laxity. Various treatment options target a variety of aspects of this condition. However, there is a paucity of literature with regards to combined treatment choices. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative effectiveness of combining manipulation with rehabilitation, compared to rehabilitation only, in participants with CAl. Methods: The study was a single blinded, randomised and comparative clinical trial at a chiropractic day clinic. Thirty participants with grade I and II CAl were recruited and randomly allocated into one of two treatment groups. Fifteen participants received a combination of manipulation and rehabilitation (coupled peroneal muscle strengthening and proprioception) and fifteen received the rehabilitation only programme. All six treatments in each group were conducted over five weeks. Results: A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The intra-group outcomes in the Manipulation and Rehabilitation Group indicate that statistically significant improvements were achieved for all six parameters in this study (VAS p<0.001; FAOI p<0.001; Algometer p<0.001; motion palpation p<0.001; WBO p=0.001 and BBS p<0.001). This is in comparison to the three outcomes where statistical significance was achieved (VAS p<0.001; FAOI p<0.001 and BBS p<0.001) in the Rehabilitation only Group. Inter-group analysis revealed statistically significant improvement in favour of the Manipulation and Rehabilitation Group for VAS (p<0.001); algometer readings (p=0.002) and Motion palpation findings (p<0.001). Conclusions: The findings of this study show that manipulation in combination with rehabilitation is relatively more effective than rehabilitation only for most outcome measures. III Key indexing terms: Ankle; Combination Therapy; Joint Instability; Manipulation; Rehabilitation / M

Ph.D (Industrial Psychology) / Brain injuries often occur suddenly and without warning, and from that instant, a normal life can be changed. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) may result in significant impairment of an individual’s physical, cognitive and psychosocial functioning. Although there is a fair amount of research on the concept of brain damage and the consequent effects on the family and return to work (RTW) prospects, there is far less information available on the actual assessment of workplace capability or workplace potential following the head injury incident. This is important, since the concept of work or job value has been well documented. Employment is far more than just a job; it not only provides for basic sustenance needs and decent living conditions, but also allows someone to fit into the world, create relationships, use talents and skills, learn, grow and build, and develop a sense of identity and belonging. While the value of work is well-documented, the statistics regarding unemployment following a head injury are concerning. It is estimated that approximately 1.5 million Americans sustain head injuries each year, with the majority of these people being under the age of 35 and in their prime years of vocational productivity. A baseline figure of 2% of the American population is currently living with disabilities as a result of head injuries. In South Africa, the rate of occurrence seems to be even more alarming, with published rates of 89,000 cases for 2009. In 2001, this was a baseline figure of 5% of the population living with disabilities resulting from head injuries. Various sources put the occurrence of head injuries in South Africa at 1.5 to 3.5 times higher than the estimated global rate. The negative impact of this on the individual, the family, community and economy is clear.

M.Tech. / Purpose: In soccer the re-injury rate of Hamstring muscle strains is between 12 and 14 percent. A previous or recent Hamstring injury is the most recognised risk factor for future injury. On recurrence of the injury, it tends to be more severe and disabling than the initial injury. Given the high recurrence rates, Hamstring injuries provide a significant challenge to the treating clinician. Knowledge surrounding optimal treatment and preventative measures is therefore critical (Hoskins and Pollard 2005). The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of lower lumbar spine segment adjustment, namely the L4/5 spinal level, in the contractile strength of the Hamstring muscle group in professional soccer players that have a history of a Hamstring strain. Design: Forty professional soccer players between the ages of 15 and 34 years with a history of a grade one or grade two Hamstring strain were considered for this study. Participants in this research were obtained from the University of Johannesburg inter-residence players and from the University of Johannesburg first soccer team. Two groups of twenty players were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A received spinal adjustive therapy (SAT) to the L4/5 spinal segment with an ultrasound treatment to their Hamstring muscle group and Group B will receive only the ultrasound treatment to the hamstring muscle group. Each participant was treated five times over a period of three weeks. Measurements: Before any intervention was given to either of the groups, Hamstring muscle contractile strength was first recorded using a Cybex system 2000. Hamstring contractile muscle strength measurements were taken again after the fifth treatment for both groups and compared to ascertain if there had been any change in the contractile strength of the Hamstring muscles. Results and Conclusion: Even though the two groups did not start at the same contractile strength for the Hamstring muscle in knee flexion, as measured a CCybex system 2000 possibly due to the selection criteria used in the study in terms of age and body weight of the participants, results showed that spinal adjustive therapy was more effective in improving the muscle contractile strength of the Hamstring muscle in knee flexion since there was a favourable difference in both Group A and Group B following intervention, but more so in Group A (in the once injured leg) which received spinal adjustive therapy due to a greater increase in the overall muscle contraction in the Hamstring muscle group. For the Chiropractic profession this opens huge potential with regards to the Chiropractic benefits and improving the functioning of professional soccer players.