A dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Technikon Natal, 2000. / The purpose of this prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study was to determine the efficacy of strain counterstrain mobilization in patients suffering with painful Hallux Abducto Valgus Bunions (HAVB). The mobilization group received strain counterstrain mobilization while the placebo group received placebo laser. The study involved sixty patients; thirty in each group, which were selected from the general population. Each patient was treated five times within a three week period. / M

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic) -Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. 1 v. (various pagings) / The purpose of this study was to compare two forms of mobilization in the treatment of symptomatic Hallux abductovalgus (bunions).

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. / The purpose of this study was to compare two forms of mobilization in the treatment of symptomatic Hallux abductovalgus (bunions). The study was a prospective, randomized clinical trial involving sixty subjects, thirty in each group, which were selected by means of convenience sampling from the general population within the greater Durban area. Group A received a Strain counter-strain mobilization (SCSM) of the first metatarso- phalangeal joint, used in conjunction with cryotherapy. Group B received Brantingham's mobilization (BM) of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint, used in conjunction with cryotherapy. Each group received five treatments over a two-week period and were required to attend a one-week follow up consultation for data collection. Subjective assessment was carried out by means of the Numerical Rating Scale-101 (NRS-101) and the Foot Function Index (FFI). Objective assessment included measuring the pain pressure threshold using a digital algometer, the hallux valgus angle and passive dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the first metatasal phalangeal joint were also measured using a goniometer. The Hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal Scale (HAL) included assessment of both subjective and objective measurements. Subjective and objective assessments were performed and data collected on the first, third, fifth and one week follow up consultations. Statistical analysis was completed at a 95% confidence interval. Inter-group analysis was done, using the Mann-Whitney U-test for subjective data and the unpaired t-test for objective data. Intra-group analysis was carried out using Friedman’s test and Dunn’s procedure. In terms of subjective findings, both groups revealed a statistically significant improvement in terms of pain perception (NRS-101) over the treatment period. Both groups experienced a significant improvement in the Foot Function Index (FFI) in terms of pain and disability. Despite both groups improving, it seemed that Group B (Brantingham’s Mobilization) improved considerably more that Group A ( Strain counter-strain mobilization) when comparing the percentage improvement over the treatment period. / M

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Technikon Natal, 2002. / The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a conservative chiropractic management approach in the treatment of symptomatic hallux abductovalgus (bunions). The study was a prospective, randomised clinical trial involving sixty subjects, thirty in each group, which were selected from the general population. Group A received a conservative chiropractic management approach, encompassing progressive mobilization of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, used in conjunction with cryotherapy and adjustment of all other fixations found in the foot and ankle. Group B received a placebo treatment by means of de-tuned Action Potential Therapy administered to the involved foot. Each group received six treatments over a two-week period and attended a one-week follow up consultation for data collection. Objective assessment was performed by measuring the pressure pain threshold using a digital algometer. Subjective assessment was by means of the Numerical Rating Scale-101 (NRS-101) and the Foot Function Index (FFI). The Hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal Scale (HAL) incorporated assessment of both objective and subjective measurements. Assessments were taken at the first, third, sixth and one week follow-up consultations, for all the subjective and objective data. Statistical analysis was completed under the supervision of Mr K. Thomas at . the Technikon Natal, at a 95% confidence interval. The parametric two-sampled paired t-test, the Friedman's test and the Dunn's post test were used to analyse the data within each group (intra-group analysis), whilst the parametric two-sampled unpaired t-test and the non-parametric Mann Whitney unpaired U-test were used to analyse the data between the two groups (inter-group analysis). / M

Title: Effect of mechanical correction and active exercise in the treatment of deformity of the fifth toe - Tailor's bunion Objectives: The aim of this thesis is to identify the effect of mechanical correction and active physiotherapeutic intervention in the treatment of deformity Tailor's bunion. Methods: This is a quantitative-qualitative experimental study involving 10 probands aged 19 to 25 with flexible Tailor's bunion deformity, 6 out of 10 probands had bilateral deformity and the remaining probands unilateral deformity. In this thesis, passive intervention in the form of mechanical axial correction of V. MTP joint by strapping tape was used and active intervention in the form of selected active exercise aimed at evaluating (identifying) the effect on selected foot parameters. The participants were randomly divided into two groups of five. Group 1 was subjected to active therapeutic intervention and Group 2 was subjected to passive therapeutic intervention for 4 weeks. Before and after the therapeutic intervention, the probands were examined clinically, followed by a postural stability test in static standing on the tensometric plate RS Footscan ® Balance and pressure distribution testing of individual foot segments while walking on a Footscan Gait plate. At the end of the examination we did...