Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Whiplash: the possible impact of context on diagnosis

Earle, Fiona; Horne, Joanna; Flynn, J M

Authors

Joanna Horne

J M Flynn



Abstract

This study explores the importance of context when diagnosing Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD). Whiplash is a complex injury and there is considerable variation in its diagnosis and treatment. Research has focussed on RTAs, whilst there is a paucity of evidence relating to WAD in sport. It is unclear whether WAD is simply not occurring in sport, or if such injuries are occurring but are not identified as WAD. In the current study, 87 postgraduate physiotherapists were asked to classify an injury reported in a short vignette. Two parallel vignettes were used, which were identical except for the context of the injury (one being an RTA and the other being within sport). Each participant responded to only one of these. It was found that, even within a sample of experienced physiotherapists, the injury environment impacted on diagnosis, despite the symptoms being identical. A significantly higher proportion of therapists diagnosed WAD within the RTA context than within the sporting context. Additionally, there were differences between the two context groups in relation to the diagnostic terminology used by participants. Most respondents had heard of the CSP whiplash guidelines but only a minority had actively used these. The majority of respondents were also aware of the litigation aspects of RTAs.

Citation

Earle, F., Horne, J., & Flynn, J. M. Whiplash: the possible impact of context on diagnosis. Pain and rehabilitation : journal of the Physiotherapy Pain Association, 38(Winter), 4-9

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Dec 1, 2015
Deposit Date Jul 7, 2015
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Pain and rehabilitation : journal of the Physiotherapy Pain Association
Print ISSN 2051-0047
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 38
Issue Winter
Pages 4-9
Keywords Whiplash, Road traffic accident (RTA), Sport
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/376087
Publisher URL http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ppa/pr/2015/00002015/00000038/art00003
Additional Information Authors' accepted manuscript of article published in : Pain and rehabilitation : journal of the Physiotherapy Pain Association, 2015, v.38, winter issue.

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations