The pilot study suggests that further studies with greater numbers and a control group would have a useful contribution to make in this field.

The development and implementation of a dietetic-led prescriptive therapy protocol allows dietitians and clinicians to adopt an integrated approach for the diagnosis and timely management of these complicated conditions.

No abstract

Objectives: To determine the reliability and validity of the Saliba Postural Classification System (SPCS). Methods: Two physical therapists classified pictures of 100 volunteer participants standing in their habitual posture for inter and intra-tester reliability. For validity, 54 participants stood on a force plate in a habitual and a corrected posture, while a vertical force was applied through the shoulders until the clinician felt a postural give. Data were extracted at the time the give was felt and at a time in the corrected posture that matched the peak vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) in the habitual posture. Results: Inter-tester reliability demonstrated 75% agreement with a Kappa = 0.64 (95% CI = 0.524-0.756, SE = 0.059). Intra-tester reliability demonstrated 87% agreement with a Kappa = 0.8, (95% CI = 0.702-0.898, SE = 0.05) and 80% agreement with a Kappa = 0.706, (95% CI = 0.594-0818, SE = 0.057). The examiner applied a significantly higher (p < 0.001) peak vertical force in the corrected posture prior to a postural give when compared to the habitual posture. Within the corrected posture, the %VGRF was higher when the test was ongoing vs. when a postural give was felt (p < 0.001). The %VGRF was not different between the two postures when comparing the peaks (p = 0.214). Discussion: The SPCS has substantial agreement for inter-and intra-tester reliability and is largely a valid postural classification system as determined by the larger vertical forces in the corrected postures. Further studies on the correlation between the SPCS and diagnostic classifications are indicated.

Haemodialysis patients are subject to many restrictions and face a lifetime attempting to adhere to various regimes. This small study was designed to explore the relationship between fluid gain, compliance and staff reinforcement. This was achieved by measuring dietetic and nursing educational input using interdialytic weight gain as a barometer of patient compliance. This study suggests renal nurses, dietitians and other members of the multi-disciplinary team may have less influence than previously assumed.