Laboratory Activities for Therapeutic Modalities.

This manual provides laboratory activities for therapeutic modalities. It provides experiences beyond the "rote setup and application of equipment." The activities help the student understand the physics and physiological effects of the modality. Seven activities are described for superficial thermal modalities relative to changes in skin temperature, pain, tissue elasticity, and vital signs. Eleven activities involve the therapeutic application of electricity for sensory and motor stimulation, and pain control. Two activities for ultrasound and one activity for cervical traction address dosage parameters. Examples of the activities include monitoring skin temperature changes over time using various modalities, determining the strength of electrically elicited muscle contractions, and recognizing the effects of gravity on the force needed for cervical traction.

The strengths of this manual are clear instructions to the student, precise figures and diagrams, and complete charts for recording laboratory parameters. The text is easy to read. Objectives, discussion comments, and activity questions are provided. Eight case studies encourage clinical decision making for modality choices and parameters.

This manual may be used in academic settings as a supplement for currently used textbooks and manuals. This text provides basic activities and would be most useful in programs that do not require introductory physics in their preprofessional curriculum.

Renee Mabey, PT Univ of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND

Ms Mabey is an instructor in the physical therapy department of the Univ of North Dakota, where she teaches courses on physical therapy modalities, physical therapy education, and evaluation and treatment techniques.