Journal club 1

Artikel: Cott et al. The movement continuum theory of Physical Therapy. Physiotherapy Canada 1995;47(2):87-95

BME Start 2013-11-16 End 2013-11-26

The movement continuum theory of Physical Therapy was developed in the mid 1990`s by a group of Canadian physical therapists aiming to define what constitutes Physical Therapy (PT) and whats unique about PT in health care, but also to place PT in a theoretical concept to distinguish it from other professional areas. The theory is built on Hislops conceptual framework for PT, Model of Pathokinesiology, from 1975, but further developed and expanded by the authors. The theory aims to provide a broad conceptualization of PT that subsumes existing middle range theories and represents an overall conceptual framework. The theory is built on eight principles. Three of those are basic and common with other disciplines: 1. Movement is essential to human life. 2. Movement occurs on a continuum from the microscopic level to the level of the individual in the society. 3. Movement levels on the continuum are influenced by physical, psychological, social and environmental factors. The following five principles are based on the principles above, and are concepts for movements, specific for PT. They include for example the notions that movements on different levels are interdependent (Figure 1 in the article illustrates this) and that every movement level has a maximum achievable movement potential and every human a preferred and current movement capability. The impact of illness, injury or developmental factors can change this potential and capability, and create a difference between a persons preferred and current movement capability. The focus of PT is to minimize this difference. The article concludes by describing three levels of PT skills that aims to enhance the individuals concurrent movement capacity of different levels in the movement continuum, but also by discussing the therapeutic use of self as an important part of PT interventions. In 2007 there was an article published by Allen (1) in the American journal Physical Therapy, who proposed 6 dimensions of the Movement Continuum Theory as a means to subdivide movements. She suggested the following dimension: Flexibility, strength, accuracy, speed, adaptability and endurance. Along with this article there were also comments published, among them a comment by Cott and Finch (2), two of the original authors of the theory. They welcomed the dimensions, but they also had some opinions about them. They acknowledged that the professional field of PT has developed and for example factors as client centeredness and goal setting have become major determinants of successful PT. They conclude that the Movement Continuum Theory of PT is not actually a theory of movement; rather, it is a theory of how physical therapists conceptualize movement and approach problem solving and decision making with their clients. (2) When I first read this article, a couple of years ago, I was amazedthis was what Ive been lacking since I became a physiotherapist in 1977! Even tho the article was written some 30 years ago, I still find it up-to-date. I was surprised that I didnt find much literature about the theory, except for the articles I mentioned above. Have more valid grand theories been presented recently that I have missed or whats the deal about the poor interest from physiotherapeutic research about this issue?

Journal club 1

Artikel: Cott et al. The movement continuum theory of Physical Therapy. Physiotherapy Canada 1995;47(2):87-95

BME Start 2013-11-16 End 2013-11-26

Here are some questions from me; youre welcome to reply if you find the questions interesting: What do you think about the validity and usefulness of this theory today? Do you know of other grand theories concerning movement and physical therapy? This theory focuses on physical therapy interventions aiming to minimize the impact on impaired movement ability caused by illness, injury or developmental abnormalities. One big issue today for our profession is health promotion by improved habits of life. Can the theory be of use in this area?

You can find the article if you google; heres a link where you can find it: http://www.scribd.com/doc/107171934/The-Movement-Continuum-Theory-Cott-Finch-Et-Al

1. Allen DD. Proposing 6 dimensions within the construct of movement in the Movement continuum theory. Phys Ther 2007;87(7):888-898. 2. Cott C, Finch E. Invited commentary on the Movement continuum special series. Phys Ther 2007;87(7):925-926.