Does ageism exist in Swiss physiotherapy? An empirical survey among physical therapists

Abstract

method and Pilates Group (PG) n= 21) (19 women and 2 men, aged 27± 5.5 years): treated withMat Pilates. The subjects were treated for eight weeks, one session per week and outcome measures were flexibility of the posterior muscle chain (ToeTouchTest); lumbar spinemobility (Schober), thoracic lumbarmobility (Stibor), strength offlexor and extensor muscles of spine with BIODEX System Pro, endurance of flexor muscles (Crunch) and of extensor muscles (Sorenson). Analysis: The test used were: Wilcoxon, Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis. Significance level adopted was 0.05. Results:There was significant improvement in Toe Touch Test in SDEG (p= 0.005; p= 0.012) and GPRG (p< 0.001). Only GPRG improved in Stibor Test (p< 0.001). There was statistically significant improvement in abdominal endurance (Crunch Test) in PG (p= 0.002), SDEG (p< 0.001) and GPRG (p= 0.009). Only GPRG (p< 0.001) and SDEG (p< 0.001) increased the endurance of extensor muscles (Sorenson Test). There was no statistical improvement in any of the groups in Schober Test, Peak Torque and Total Work. Conclusion(s): GPRG demonstrated improvement in flexibility of the posterior muscle chain, thoraco-lumbar mobility, extensor and abdominal muscle endurance. Pilates did not lead to a significant improvement in flexibility or mobility but improved the abdominal muscle endurance. SDEG improved extensor and flexor muscle endurance and flexibility. None of the techniques improved torque and work of abdominal and extensor muscles. Implications: Each technique has a specific therapeutic result. Thus, treatment selection should be considered in light of the patients presenting problem.