Pilates is a popular exercise approach which is increasingly used in the management of LBP. However, to date the evidence base remains poor with a need to define the Pilates intervention and the outcome measures required for future high quality studies. The objective of this study was to explore the client's view of participating in Pilates classes: in particular the reasons for attendance and its effects. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit clients (n=25; 4 male and 21 female, age range 28 to 65 years) who had attended Body Control Pilates classes for at least 24 sessions. Focus group discussions were guided by pre-determined questions, these were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the thematic approach. Ethical approval was obtained for the study from the University of Ulster's School of Health Sciences.Background and purpose
Methods
To investigate the incidence of complications arising from clavicle fractures in children and the need for multiple review in fracture clinic.
Retrospective analysis of 200 children with isolated clavicle fractures. The number of clinic visits was documented along with the mechanism of injury and any complications attributable to the fracture. Plain radiographs allowed classification of the fractures both in terms of site and type of fracture. Prospective analysis of 60 children with isolated clavicle fractures. All patients were discharged with a patient information sheet after their first fracture clinic appointment and were reviewed a minimum of 6 months post injury to assess clinical outcome/complications and patient satisfaction. Retrospective review failed to provide any evidence of long term complications from isolated clavicle fractures. Two patients complained of a non-specific tingling in the arm which had settled within 2 weeks. No intervention other than rest in a broad arm sling was deemed necessary in any of the 200 children. Despite this, the average number of clinic appointments was 2.8. In the prospective study there were no complications arising from an isolated clavicle fracture. Two patients returned (one at 6 weeks and one at 12 weeks) with concerns about the cosmetic appearance of the fracture site - both patients were reassured and discharged. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic appearance and function of their shoulder when reviewed at a mean of 7.3 months post injury (range 6–10 months). All patients and/or guardians were satisfied with the patient information sheet. Isolated clavicle fractures in children are rarely complicated by injuries such as skin necrosis or a neuro-vascular deficit. Despite this, children are commonly reviewed many times by juniors in a busy fracture clinic. We suggest that such review is unnecessary and that uncomplicated fractures may be safely discharged with a patient information sheet after the first clinic appointment.
