No abstract

No abstract

A controlled study of 39 consecutively-admitted patients with ankylosing spondylitis was conducted to assess the effects of daily passive stretching of the hip joints during a 3-week in-patient physiotherapy course. Measurements were performed by an independent assessor on admission, at discharge and six months after discharge. Results showed that passive stretching resulted in a significant increase in the range of all movements of the hip joints except flexion during the physiotherapy course. Follow-up at 6 months in seven patients suggested that this increase in range of movement could be maintained by patients who had been performing the stretching exercises regularly. We suggest that the inclusion of passive stretching of the hip joint in the treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis will increase the range of movement and thus improve function and influence posture.

This article summarises the findings of a study which aimed to evaluate a selection of commercially available portable ramps in the United Kingdom. The ramps were tested by wheelchair users and ambulant disabled people, in order to assess ease of use, safety and user acceptance. Some points which should be taken into consideration when recommending or selecting a portable ramp are highlighted. Table I. Portable ramps included for evaluation METHODOLOGY AIM commercially available portable ramps.