The ReHAB Project
The need for competent practitioners remains largely unmet with less than 10 skilled practitioners per 1-million individuals in low- and middle-income countries (Bright et al., 2018:2169). Additionally, given the large-scale advancements in technology, a 21st century practitioner requires the knowledge and ability to implement newer (and cheaper) technologies, such as portable force plates, load cells, and cell phone applications within clinical settings. This is particularly pertinent when access to more expensive equipment (e.g., motion capture, isokinetic dynamometry, fixed force plates etc) may be limited, especially in under-resourced clinical settings.
Our research group is seeking to implement a 21st century approach to the appraisal of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) that incorporates conditions affecting the locomotor system, including muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments (Powers & Howley, 2018:515; Sebbag et al., 2019:844)
This website is dedicated to the project and all the relevant components linked to the project. To find out more about the research team, go to the "About" page. The "Project Overview" page does as it says and provides a holistic overview of the different aspects of the project and the equipment we use. If you are interested in taking part there is an online "Bookings" page that will set up the initial appointment for screening followed by a testing date. Finally, we have a "Resources" page where you can download various questionnaires ahead of time as well as the informed consent form so that you can potentially take part in the study.
We are looking for potential participants with any form of lower extremity MSD, healthy participants, and even practitioners (e.g., Biokineticists, Sports Scientists, Coaches, Physiotherapists etc). If you are interested, our contact information is below. We are based at the North-West University within the Physical Activity, Sport, and Recreation (PhASRec) Research Focus Area and have research laboratories at both the Potchefstroom and Mahikeng campuses.
Lab1: PhASRec
Building K3, c/o Thabo Mbeki and Meyer Str, Potchefstroom
Phone
018 285 2625
Lab2: HMS Building
Building A17, Corner of Albert Luthuli and University Drive, Mahikeng Campus