Movement analysis of cervical and lumbar spine
The overall objective of the proposed kick-start exchange visit is establishing a research network between University of Ghana and Zurich University of Applied Sciences but more specifically in the area of neck and low back pain. Both teams (investigators) visited selected physiotherapy facilities and obtained first-hand information about how neck and low back pain are assessed and managed by physiotherapists. This study is expected to provide basic information regarding the efficacy of treatment modalities selected based on measurements obtained from goniometry and 3D motion analysis on cervical and lumbar motion.
In order to achieve this visits to the facilities where the two modes of treatment are applied are of significant benefit to the research team to help them fashion out the most efficient and workable proposal that has yielded results worth implementing.
The initial exchange visit has provided an insight on contemporary assessments and treatments for motor control impairments in neck and low back pain in both countries. It also provided an introduction to movement analysis systems, knowledge on treatment approaches for different types of neck and low back pain dysfunctions and an introduction to the assessment and therapy of neck and low back pain patients in Switzerland, for the visiting researchers from University of Ghana. A second exchange visit enabled researchers from Zurich University of Applied Sciences to visit University of Ghana. During this visit a portable, low cost movement analysis system was implemented at University of Ghana. During this visit researchers from university of Ghana learned about the measurement system, which was implemented in the planned study and daily clinical routine. The research could also establish an opportunity for further collaborative partnership between both Universities (Zurich University of Applied Sciences and University of Ghana), which could lead to future researches that could be mutually beneficial to both countries.
Christoph Bauer, ZHAW, Departement of Health, Institute of Physiotherapy, Winterthur, Switzerland
Jonathan Nee Aryee Quartey, University of Ghana, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Accra