Abstract. OBJECTIVE: To review the strength of research evidence on the effects of exercise and rest breaks on musculoskeletal discomfort during computer tasks and compare the evidence with clinical guidelines. SIGNIFICANCE: The review of research evidence and its comparison with current clinical guidelines provide clinicians with knowledge to make clinically sound decisions in the care and management of individuals with musculoskeletal discomfort during computer tasks. METHODS: Articles from Pubmed, Ovid and references of relevant articles were reviewed for research design and internal validity. Grades of evidence were assigned based on the aggregate strength of articles for each intervention. RESULTS: Fifteen articles (one on exercise, seven on rest breaks, five examining both) met the inclusion criteria. Exercise and rest breaks were each assigned a grade of C. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence supports the use of exercise and rest breaks in reducing musculoskeletal discomfort in computer tasks. The research evidence suggests no additional benefits of exercise over rest breaks alone. Research evidence concurs with the clinical guidelines recommended by OSHA and the Official Disability Guidelines.

To evaluate the strength of research evidence for selected interventions in the management of plantar fasciitis and compare the evidence with current clinical guidelines. A literature search of PubMed and CINAHL from 1995 to 2005 was conducted using articles that involve interventions that physical therapists would administer directly, are English-only, peer reviewed, prospective and retrospective studies, and whose interventions are supported at least two randomized controlled trials. Grouped by treatment category, these articles were evaluated using the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Development Medicine classification system. Each category was assessed using the Modified Canadian Task Force grading format, and compared with current clinical guidelines. Twenty-seven articles were reviewed: 6 for night splints, 9 for orthotics/inserts, 9 for extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and 3 for stretching. Night splints and stretching received a C; orthotics/inserts received a B, and ESWY received an A. Comparisons between the results and the Brigham and Women's Clinical Guideline for Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders revealed similar recommendations, except for ESWT. Evidence exists for night splints, orthoses, extracorporeal shock wave, and stretching as interventions for plantar fasciitis. ESWT received the highest grade, although existing guidelines have not mentioned this as an intervention.

Reflective practice and evidence-based practice are essential to clinical practice. The former provides a retrospective look at current practice and questions the reason for doing so. The latter provides the means by which best evidence can be used to make foundationally sound and clinically relevant decisions. This article demonstrates the utility of and the dynamics between reflective practice and evidence-based practice in the clinical setting using the first-hand experience of a physical therapist in home health care who worked with an elderly patient diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The outcomes of the clinical case serve as the basis for critical reflection by the clinician, and the springboard for the clinician’s retrospective search for evidence. The employment of the principles of reflective practice and evidence-based practice has led the clinician to an awareness of habituated practices, the need for a more proactive approach to providing effective interventions, and the use of current best evidence to advocate for patient welfare. In order to maintain the first-hand clinician perspective and the integrity of the reflective process, the clinical case and the subsequent critical reflection were written in first-person language.

The consumption of energy drinks has recently become a popular practice among athletes and college students. Research has shown the inappropriate use of energy drinks can increase the risk for cardiovascular complications. The objective of this study was to explore on the knowledge, attitudes and practices on the use of energy drinks among 137 Division I athletes. A cross sectional study design was utilized with an online survey questionnaire. In terms of attitudes, 77% of the participants did not use energy drinks with alcohol and did not mix with other substances and 19% consumed energy drinks to enhance sports performance. In terms of practices, more than 80% of the participants did not use energy drinks during sports activity and rarely consumed it monthly. Based on the results, the participants appear knowledgeable on the appropriate use of energy drinks.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

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