PIHC Research

- Bra Research 2005 -

Women’s Health at PIHC gained national prominence in 2005 and featured on Channel Seven’s Today Tonight Program through groundbreaking clinical research investigating women with upper back & neck conditions with improper fitting bras as a possible factor in their symptoms.

Results indicated 80% of the female participants were identified with postural imbalances, 94% requiring spinal muscular intervention and 80% with incorrectly fitted bras.

The research suggests a correlation between incorrect bra fitting and the incidence of upper quadrant spinal muscular conditions amongst women. The bra and underlying neuromuscular issues can be one factor in resolving the following symptoms:

Mid back pain / discomfort
Neck pain / discomfort
Shoulder pain / discomfort
Difficulty breathing
Chest pain / discomfort

Increased breast movement with high impact activity (e.g. sports) resulting in above conditions

The above spinal muscular conditions as well as underlying neck and mid back disorders affect long term human potential which directs also affects productivity, well being and at a escalating cost to society. Many of these conditions when detected early can have non-invasive therapeutic interventions restoring potential and wellness.

The Bra Health Program is conducted by a female Occupational Therapist and includes a thorough assessment of the women’s neuromuscular muscular system and the fit of the bra. For more information contact Lucy Liongue on 92261239 or email lucy@pihc.com.au.

Please call 92261 239 to book an appointment.

- School Screening Research -

Perth Integrated Health Clinic is dedicated to the promotion of spinal muscular excellence and the resolution of ongoing problems. The advent of reduced funding has seen many crucial programs such as screening programs to identify and appropriately intervene with postural changes (e.g. scoliosis) in school-aged children - diminish over time. Spinal muscular conditions, in the long term can significantly impact on the health of the child, and can be expensive to treat. It is therefore preferable that spinal muscular conditions and postural imbalances be detected early before becoming detrimental to a child’s health.

During October 2004 – March 2005 PIHC Occupational Therapists and final year Occupational Therapy students conducted a research project to assess the spinal muscular status of primary school aged children. The project researchers, with the informed consent of parents/guardians, conducted spinal muscular assessments assessing for scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis, and postural imbalances for school children in years 3-7.

Results

Summary of Spinal Muscular Assessments

A total of 530 students in years 3-7 were screened from six primary schools in the Perth metropolitan area. 19% of the students screened were identified as possibly having scoliosis, 14% with lordosis, 10% with kyphosis, and 70% with postural imbalances.

For further Information, please contact :

Lucy Liongue (MOT, B Sc)
Consultant Occupational Therapist
lucy@pihc.com.au

or

Anh Nguyen (BSc, BBA)
Associate Occupational Therapist
Program Co-ordinator for Schools Based Spinal Muscular Program
anh@pihc.com.au

- Boots Research 2006 -

In 2006, the Huber was used by PIHC OT’s and Podiatrist as an assessment tool for inclusion of participants in a study to assess the effectiveness of a new brand of steel capped work boots. This study involved written feedback about the boots by the participants on a weekly basis for a duration of 4 weeks.

Preliminary Trends Boots research - Laced up boots

- Ongoing Research and Development -

Huber and Key Module Research

PIHC is acutely aware of the need for professional practitioners to remain up to date with their knowledge and also contribute to health in terms of research and development, so that advances can always be made in regard to health. PIHC has kept stringent statistics on conditions treated with the Huber and Key Module, as well the frequency of such conditions presented. This vital anecdotal evidence has set PIHC in good stead for being the lead practitioners in the southern hemisphere for Huber treatment as well as pioneering clinical applications for the Key Module.

With new staff on board, PIHC is looking to take their clinical evidence one step further in 2007 with these two rehabilitation systems. PIHC is aiming to look at the effectiveness of the Huber in treating neurological deficits such as strokes, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis – modelling similar clinical trials conducted in Europe where the Huber is well known and used widely by many health professionals. Similarly, obtaining objective data in the efficacy of the Key Module in treating conditions such as lymphoedema, fluid retention, scarring and prevention of peripheral neuropathies are also research targets for PIHC.