Human Kinetics - Master's Major Papers
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Item Comparative analysis of physiotherapy practices : navigating credentialing for Mexican physiotherapists in Ontario(2024-03-28) Benitez, VictorThis paper examines the multifaceted factors influencing the migration decisions of Mexican physiotherapists considering relocation to Ontario, Canada. With a focus on addressing critical workforce shortages amidst Ontario's growing population, this study draws upon existing literature and empirical data to identify pivotal elements shaping migration choices. Analysis reveals the significance of linguistic and cultural affinities, challenges inherent in qualification recognition processes, and barriers to professional integration. Through a comprehensive examination of these factors, the paper underscores the complexities of international migration within the physiotherapy sector and advocates for targeted policy interventions. Recommendations include streamlining credentialing procedures and bolstering cultural and linguistic support mechanisms to effectively address workforce deficiencies in Ontario's physiotherapy domain. This research contributes significant insights into the dynamics of international migration and its implications for healthcare workforce planning.Item The impact of two robotic-assisted devices on the functional hand recovery in post-stroke adult rehabilitation: a review(2023-03-24) Vakili, LeilaHand movement impairment is a common complication after a stroke that impedes patients from performing Activities of Daily Living [ADLs] independently and returning to the workplace. It diminishes their quality of life and imposes a substantial socioeconomic burden. Therefore, regaining hand movement after a stroke has meaningful quality-of-life and quality-of-work-life outcomes for patients. Treatments aimed at full hand function are leading strategies for stroke recovery programs. The effects of implementing robotic devices as a form of rehabilitation alone or in combination with other rehabilitation strategies, such as conventional treatment, have been investigated in several articles. This review explains the role of rehabilitation robots and summarizes recent advances in stroke survivors’ hand rehabilitation when using Gloreha or Tyrosolution robots. We conclude that robotic devices improve post-stroke hand recovery, especially in terms of motor function and activities of daily living.Item Paired comparison study to determine the impact of rotated neck/trunk posture combined with vibration exposure on seated comfort(2021-05-05) Bélanger, JoséeLiterature shows that whole-body vibration (WBV) has been linked to low-back pain (LBP), but also that exposure to WBV while in non-neutral postures can further increase the risk of LBP (Bovenzi et al., 2002; T. Eger et al., 2008). Operating cranes, agricultural tractors, underground mining vehicles and some construction equipment can expose a worker to WBV and non-neutral postures (T. Eger et al., 2008; Kittusamy & Buchholz, 2004; Newell & Mansfield, 2008; Wikström, 1993). This study aims to determine if discomfort is greater due to WBV alone, axial rotation alone or WBV and axial rotation combined. It also aims to determine if the degree or type of rotation (neck vs trunk) causes more discomfort when WBV is present. Ten participants (5 male and 5 female, 21.1±0.57 years, 169.2±9.5 cm and 74.9±11.8 kg) participated in a single elimination tournament of 16 postures with varying axial rotations of the neck and trunk both with and without WBV, to identify the most uncomfortable condition. They also rated the discomfort of each condition on a scale of 1-9. Results of the head-to-head tournament indicated, six participants selected the max neck and max trunk rotation posture as most uncomfortable (4 with WBV and 2 without). While two participants selected the 15° neck and max trunk rotation without WBV, and two participants selected the max neck 0° trunk with WBV. Similarly, the average discomfort scores were highest for the max neck and max trunk rotations with WBV and slightly lower without WBV. These results indicate a trend of increased discomfort when axial rotation and WBV are both present. They also seem to indicate that discomfort continuously increases as the angle of rotation increases and that any maximum rotation leads to more discomfort than a combination of neck and trunk rotations. Future, machine designs should focus on eliminating both factors.Item Preliminary findings of assessing NOSM's social accountability toward Northern & rural Francophone communities(2021-04-27) Bonin, JacobThe Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) was founded in 2003 with a specific mandate to improve the health of the people and communities of Northern Ontario. The objective of this project was to determine whether NOSM was remaining socially accountable to the healthcare needs of Francophones in Northern Ontario by: (i) graduating physicians capable of offering French language services, and (ii) identifying whether these physicians are locating their practice in areas of greatest need for such services. Specifically, if NOSM learners’ who reported having French as a language of competence at entry to, and exit from, medical school located their practices in areas densely populated by Francophones in Northern Ontario. To do so, three data sources were utilized; a) the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research Tracking Study data of NOSM learners; b) the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) public “Find a Doctor” search; and c) the 2016 Statistics Canada Census data. Laurentian University Research Ethics Board approval was obtained for this project. In this project, I found that 39% and 38% of learners identified French competency in the entry and exit tracking survey respectively. Of the French respondents identified in the tracking surveys, 20% and 21% identified French competency in practice (CPSO registry). A total of 70% of NOSM French-competent graduates were currently practising in a Francophone community in Ontario (i.e., total population having ≥ 10% of Francophones), with ~92% of French-competent respondents having located their practice in a French community in the north (having a postal code beginning with P). These preliminary results suggest that NOSM is achieving its mission of social accountability towards Francophones in northern Ontario and more specifically, that NOSM is helping to improving the availability of French language medical services for Francophones in Ontario.Item Exploring the potential athletic career frameworks/models for the Whole Nation System (China)(2021-01-06) Li, YufengIn recent years, the Chinese government and people are gradually realizing the importance of physical education, mental health, and the overall development of athletes. In sport psychology, the significance of the athletic career discourse (ACD) has been recognized by sport psychology researchers and practitioners. Some sport psychology scholars have dedicated their efforts to structuring the athletic career knowledge which has been utilized to conduct research to understand athletes’ career development stages and transitions. Furthermore, based on the athletic career research, many intervention programs and strategies have been applied around the world in order to help athletes cope crisis-transitions and strive career excellence both within and outside sports. However, athletic career research has not widely been conducted in mainland China, and there is a need for contextualized athletic career research which is specific to China because athletes’ development will be influenced by the sport systems, societal norms, and culture. In this paper, I found some issues (e.g., low educational level, short lifespan), which are associated with athletic career, of the Whole Nation System and Chinese athletes through understanding the Whole Nation System and a self-reflection. Furthermore, I found several athletic career frameworks/models which may be, in part, suitable to conduct athletic career research for Chinese athletes, through a literature review of athletic career research.Item The effect of underground mining footwear on lower limb gait characteristics and perceived comfort(2021-01-04) Bouwmeester, CoreyThe aim of this study was to determine the impact of three commonly used underground mining boots on comfort and gait characteristics when compared to a control condition. Finding the footwear that least impacts gait characteristics should aid in limiting worker exposure to STF and injury risk. To accomplish this objective, this major paper begins with a literature review (Section 2) of STF risks in mining, gait characteristics and the influence of work boot factors on gait and comfort. In Section 3 laboratory methods used to evaluate gait and perceived comfort when wearing mining boots are presented and findings are shared in Section 4. Further discussion on relevance of this work to underground miners, work boot manufacturers, and health and safety practitioners is presented in Section 5 along with recommendations for future research and knowledge dissemination.