Showing papers by "Auckland University of Technology published in 1994"

The Effect of Therapeutic Muscle Stretch on Neural Processing

Abstract: Therapeutic muscle stretch is a commonly used procedure despite little evidence in support of efficacy or information about the mechanisms underlying the various methods. The purpose of this work was to compare the sequential application of static and ballistic muscle stretch with static muscle stretch alone, using the electrically elicited Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) as a measure of excitability of homonymous motoneurons. The foot was passively dorsiflexed and either maintained in this position or rapidly and repeatedly dorsiflexed at a velocity of 1.0 radian/sec. Hoffmann reflexes were taken using established criteria under control conditions and during stretch conditions. An analysis of variance indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) between condition means, with H-reflex amplitude reducing to 60 and 15% of the control value during static and ballistic stretch, respectively. Since reductions in α-motoneuron pool excitability correlate with increased flexibility, ballistic stretch applied followin...

Human capital theory and the industry training strategy in New Zealand

Abstract: This paper begins with the assertion that the regime of ‘perpetual training” (Deleuze 1992) will become the new regime and system which now motivates and integrates education and industry in the western world. This notion is located in the national industry training strategy for New Zealand. The first section serves to provide the policy context, focusing on public sector restructuring and the significance of the Employment Contracts Act (1991). The industry training strategy is outlined and described in some detail within the main body of the paper. This strategy is explained in terms of the underlying human capital theory, in particular, with reference to a recent OECD survey of New Zealand's economy and in terms of general workplace reform. The paper then addresses the problems inherent in human capital theory and the way it legitimizes present Government policy in education and training. Human capital theory is the most influential economic theory of education, setting the framework of government poli...

A model of interaction between objects, occupation, society, and culture

Abstract: This article explores the meaning of objects, as they are used within occupation. It charts the evolution of objects and occupation over history, with reference to the evolution of human capacities to use objects. It is proposed that objects, occupations, society, and culture form an open system, in which all elements interact and influence each other. This interaction is illustrated with examples drawn from anthropology, history, sociology, psychology, archeology, and occupational science. Considerations for occupational science are identified.

Housing stressors and social support among the seriously mentally Ill

Abstract: This paper explores the links between housing‐related stressors and psychological distress among the seriously mentally ill. The housing that is typically available for the mentally ill is often grossly inadequate, and can represent a significant source of additional stress. We hypothesize, however, that for some people the adverse effect of housing stress is mitigated by effective social supports. In other words, the stress/symptom relationship may be attenuated for those individuals who have active and supportive social relationships. The results of a study conducted in urban New Zealand indicated that social support played an important role in reducing or eliminating the adverse effects of stress, particularly in the case of psychiatric symptoms. Most of the evidence pointed to the existence of a ‘main’ effect; in other words support appears to reduce symptoms regardless of the level of stress. Using longitudinal data, we were able to control for the individual's prior level of psychological d...

Skeletal muscle mechanics in osteoporotic and nonosteoporotic postmenopausal women.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate single-joint, dynamic muscle function of osteoporotic (OST) and nonosteoporotic (N-OST) women. Knee flexor and extensor function in postmenopausal women (6th decade OST,n = 15; 7th decade OST,n = 10; 6th decade N-OST,n = 6; 7th decade N-OST,n = 5) were evaluated at five angular velocities from 60° · s−1 to 300° · s−1. All subject groups had similar anthropometric measurements, but the 6th decade N-OST group were more physically active than the age-matched OST group. The OST and N-OST women produced peak torque at similar knee angles. The 6th decade N-OST women produced significantly greater knee extensor mean peak torque and angle specific torque, and mean work than any of the other three groups (P<0.05). However, knee flexor function was equivalent throughout the groups for most comparisons, except those between the 6th decade N-OST and 7th decade OST. While previous research has shown an early loss of flexor muscle function in ageing women, our data indicated that women with osteoporosis also experience a deterioration in quadriceps muscle function not encountered within the N-OST subjects. It is possible that such a change is precipitated by reduced physical activity, and may mirror deterioration in bone mineral content.

Objects in the Environment: A Critique of the Model of Human Occupation Dimensions

Abstract: Objects form one layer of the environment, i.e. within the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO). This paper reviews concepts about objects drawn from psychology, sociology, archaeology, history and anthropology, and compares these with the dimensions of objects described in the MOHO. It identifies that although the MOHO focuses on the human lifespan as the relevant time frame for analysis, the whole path of human evolution must be considered when the objects which make up our environments are examined. The physical nature of objects and the influence of their social and cultural environment are discussed and compared with the MOHO dimensions. It is argued that while the MOHO dimensions are generally highly consistent with the concepts identified by other disciplines, they do not adequately represent the influence of the ergonomic features of objects. It is further argued that occupational therapists need to research people's interaction with objects in order actively to manage this aspect of the therapeutic p...

A comparison of CASE-based O-O methodologies: Coad/Yourdon OOA and Booch OOD

Abstract: Coad/Yourdon Object-Oriented Analysis (OOA) and Booch Object-Oriented Design (OOD) are two systems development methodologies whose notations are supported by CASE tools. The methodologies have been applied in turn to a simple Church Library system in order to compare features. Each strategy is described individually and documented in the System Architect CASE tool. A comparison has been carried out covering the scope, notation, object-oriented feature support, communication power, and ease of learning and use. >