Faculty Of Physical Therapy Research Articles

Virtual reality based rehabilitation and upper limb dysfunction post burn

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality based rehabilitation in improving upper limb functions and ADL of burned patients. Methods. Randomized controlled trial. Overall, 42 patients of both genders with age ranged from 20-45 years with with second-degree burn were selected from outpatient clinic in the faculty of physical therapy, Cairo university and randomly distributed into two equal groups. Their ages ranged from 20 to 45 years. Group A (virtual reality) received virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation in addition to conventional rehabilitation: inform of (Stretching exercises, ROM exercises, strength training) for four weeks. Group B (traditional physical therapy) received traditional physiotherapy (Stretching exercises, ROM exercises, strength training) for four weeks. They were assessed with Arabic quick dash, goniometer and hand dynamometer. Results. There was a significant improvement in DASH, hand grip strength and shoulder ROM post-treatment, compared to pre-treatment (P-value ≤ 0.001) in both groups. There was significant difference between groups in the improvement in DASH, hand grip strength and shoulder ROM at post-treatment (P-value < 0.01), in favor of group A. Conclusion. Virtual reality based rehabilitation were proven effective on improving upper limb functions and ADL of burned patients.

Effect of Pilates exercises on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity in patients with inhalation injury after flame thermal burn: A prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInhalation injury is an acute respiratory tract injury that occurrs by inhalation of smoke, toxic gases, or steam. Early management is needed to reduce its mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether Pilates training could help burn patients with inhalation injury after flame thermal burn in increasing pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and functional ability. MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, sixty participants (26 males and 34 females) with inhalation injury and deep partial-thickness flame burns of 30–40 % total body surface area (TBSA) were randomized in blocks of four, with a 1:1 allocation ratio into two groups: Group A (Pilates Group); received Pilates training plus conventional physical therapy program, and Group B (Control Group); received conventional physical therapy program only. This study was conducted at the Faculty of Physical Therapy's outpatient clinic, Cairo University, 3 sessions/week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the forced vital capacity (FVC) measured by a spirometer, while the secondary outcome measures were peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC% assessed by a spirometer, strength of respiratory muscles (maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) assessed by the digital manovacuometer, and the functional capacity evaluated by 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT). ResultsA two-way mixed-design MANOVA was used to analyze the results within and between groups. There were no significant differences in demographic data between groups (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in all variables after treatment in group A compared with group B; FVC (95 % CI: 0.38, 1.13) (P = 0.001), FEV1 (95 % CI: 0.39, 0.97) (P = 0.001), FEV1/FVC % (95 % CI: 1.90, 17.19) (P = 0.02), PEFR (95 % CI: 0.47, 0.99) (P = 0.001), MIP (95 % CI: 5.12, 11.44) (P = 0.001), MEP (95 % CI: 2.57, 8.24) (P = 0.001), 6-MWT (95 % CI: 27.22, 54.96) (P = 0.001), FVC (% predicted) (95 % CI: 3.58, 12.58) (P = 0.001), FEV1 (% predicted) (95 % CI: 1.21, 11.11) (P = 0.02), PEFR (% predicted) (95 % CI: 1.33, 10.83) (P = 0.01), MIP (% predicted) (95 % CI: 2.26, 11.72) (P = 0.001) and MEP (% predicted) (95 % CI: 1.33, 10.37) (P = 0.01). ConclusionThe current study demonstrated that a Pilates exercise program in addition to a traditional physical therapy program for 12 weeks significantly improved the pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, PEFR and FEV1/FEV), strength of respiratory muscles (MIP and MEP), and functional capacity (6-MWT) in patients with inhalation injury after flame burns. These results underscore the importance of including Pilates exercises in the rehabilitation plan for burn patients with inhalation injury. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effect of Pilates exercises on other degrees and TBSA of burn, long-term follow up, and to measure cardiopulmonary parameters.

Myoelectrical activity of sternocleidomastoid muscle in smartphone-addicted versus non-addicted individuals

BackgroundOver the past decade, smartphone users have substantially increased, raising concerns about potential musculoskeletal problems associated with long-term use. Prolonged smartphone usage may cause discomfort in the thumb, shoulder, and neck that can be exacerbated over time, thereby affecting the electrical activity of several muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). Accordingly, we aimed to examine the impact of smartphone addiction on the myoelectric activity of the SCM.Design and methodForty-four smartphone users, both male and female, aged 18–30 years, were recruited from the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, in this observational study. The participants were equally allocated into two groups, A and B, based on their Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) scores. Group A consisted of smartphone-non-addicted users who scored below 31 for males and 33 for females, whereas group B included smartphone-addicted users who scored over 31 for men and 33 for females. Additionally, the electromyography (EMG) device was used to monitor the electrical activity during rest and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC).ResultsThe results showed a significant difference (P < 0.0001) in the electrical activity of the left and right SCMs between the two groups at rest but a nonsignificant difference during MVC.ConclusionSmartphone addiction significantly impacts the myoelectric activity of the SCM at rest among young adult smartphone users, but this impact is not significant during MVC.

Role of virtual reality in examining the effect of fear of falling (FOF) on postural stability in individuals without and with Parkinson’s disease in Egypt: a mixed-methods feasibility study protocol

BackgroundFalls are common in older people and individuals with neurological conditions. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is known for postural instability causing mobility disabilities, falls and reduced quality of life. The fear...

Hand grips strength in athletic and non-athletic girls at different phases of menstrual cycle: an observational case–control study

BackgroundThere are a significant number of female athletes competing at the highest levels of sport. But, women are still largely underrepresented in scientific literature. The female menstrual cycle is characterized by variations in circulating hormone levels, which may have an impact on performance.AimThis study aimed to assess the impact of hormonal changes through different menstrual cycle phases on hand grip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength of athletic and non-athletic girls.MethodsAn observational case control study was conducted on forty post-pubertal girls, their ages ranged from 16 to 22 years old, and their body mass index (BMI) ranged from 18.5 to 25 kg/m2. They were divided into two groups: athletic group of twenty basketball and tennis players recruited from basketball and tennis teams at Mena Garden City Club, 6 October Club, and Shooting Club October and non-athletic group of twenty non-sportive undergraduate students from Faculty of Physical Therapy, Misr University for Science and Technology. Hand grip strength was evaluated by Jamar hand dynamometer, while pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength were evaluated by Jamar pinch gauge through three different menstrual cycle phases (follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases).ResultsStatistical analysis demonstrated a significant increase in handgrip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength in non-athletic group. Also, there was a significant increase in three fingers pinch strength and lateral pinch strength in athletic group during the ovulatory phase across the menstrual cycle (p < 0.05). But, there was a significant difference across menstrual phases in handgrip strength and pulp pinch strength in athletic group (p > 0.05).ConclusionHormonal changes during menstrual cycle phases do not alter handgrip strength, pulp pinch strength performance for athletic girls. But, they alter hand grip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers, and lateral pinch grip strength performance for non-athletic girls.Trial registrationThe protocol of the study was registered in clinical trials.gov PRS (Protocol Registration and Result System (registration No.NCT06086262), Registered on 17 October 2023). The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Physical Therapy at Cairo University prior to its beginning (approval No P.T.REC/012/003358) .

Influence of virtual reality approach on phantom pain in trans-tibial amputation

Background: Phantom limb pain (PLP): is a common complaint after lower limb amputation can be defined as discomfort or pain in a missing part of the limb. This study was conducted in the research laboratory section, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. Purpose: To investigate the effect of Virtual reality (VR) on phantom limb pain and lower limb Function in trans tibial amputation. Methods: sixty patient with phantom pain were enrolled into 2 equal groups: a study group and a control group. Outcome measures included pain intensity level was measured by McGill pain questionnaire and Lower Extremities Function was measured by Lower Extremities Function Scale. That were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks postintervention. Results: A statistically significant effect (p &lt; 0.0001) of treatment and time was revealed in both groups for all measured variables. Between-group analysis implied a higher improvement in post-intervention results in group B (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: This study indicated that Using VR with conventional treatment is more effective in case of Phantom pain in trans-tibial amputation that in improving pain intensity level (reduce pain) and Lower Extremities Function than conventional treatment alone.

Effectiveness of eye-cervical re-education versus motor imagery therapy on chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adding eye cervical re-education exercises (ECRE) versus motor imagery therapy (MIT) to conventional physical therapy (CPT) on pain, functional disability, and cervical range of motion (ROM) in subjects with chronic neck pain (CNP). The study employed a randomized controlled trial design with 60 patients with CNP. Participants were selected from the outpatient clinics of the Faculty of Physical Therapy at Cairo University and were randomly assigned to three groups: conventional physical therapy only (CPT) (Group I, N = 20), eye-cervical re-education exercises plus CPT (Group II, N = 20), and motor imagery therapy plus CPT (Group III, N = 20). All participants received 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Range of Motion (ROM) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention. In terms of pain intensity, neck disability index, neck flexion and extension, right and left lateral flexion, and right and left rotation ROM outcome measures, the results revealed statistically significant differences between groups (p &lt; 0.05). Group II showed statistically significant improvement compared to both Group I and Group III in all measured outcomes (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, Group III showed statistically significant improvement compared to Group I in all measured outcomes (p &lt; 0.05). Adding eye-cervical re-education exercises or motor imagery therapy to conventional physical therapy resulted in notable improvements. Eye-cervical re-education exercises, in particular, showed greater benefits in reducing pain, enhancing cervical ROM, and decreasing disability compared to conventional physical therapy alone in patients with chronic neck pain.

Effect of different cranio-cervical positions on abdominal and back muscles activities from different postures: A cross-section study

The aim of this study was to investigate whether changing cranio-cervical postures is associated with changes in abdominal and back muscle activities during bridging and plank positions, and to present the importance of cranio-cervical posture control during trunk stabilization exercises. This was a cross-sectional study that included thirty patients (21 men and 9 women), aged between 18 and 30 years, with no history of previous spinal surgery, other severe musculoskeletal disorders, or neurological disorders, selected from Cairo University's Faculty of Physical Therapy. Every patient was requested to adopt a bridging and a plank position. Surface Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess muscular activation patterns by measuring muscle activity amplitudes. EMG signals of rectus abdominus and lumbar erector spinae in different cranio-cervical postures (extension 25°, neutral, and flexion 25°) were compared. The cranio-cervical posture was controlled utilizing a cervical range of motion device (CROM). Cranio-cervical posture was found to significantly influence trunk muscle activities (p=0.001), with cranio-cervical flexion yielding the highest activity in the rectus abdominus in both bridging (p=0.001) and plank positions (p=0.001), while cranio-cervical extension yielded the highest activity in the lumbar erector spinae in both bridging (p=0.001) and plank positions (p=0.017). Cranio-cervical flexion increased rectus abdominus muscle activity during the bridging and plank positions, while cranio-cervical extension improved lumbar erector spinae muscle activity during the bridging and plank positions. Consideration of cranio-cervical posture is suggested when carrying out trunk stabilization exercises.

Movement analysis of fully immersive virtual reality therapeutic module for usage in physical therapy field

Objective. To analyze the users’ movement during performing the tasks of Fully Immersive Virtual Reality Therapeutic module. Methods. An observational study was conducted at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt. Healthy college-aged volunteers participated invited to participate in the study from 1st January 2023 to 25th April 2023. All participants were invited to use the fully immersive VRaputic® software module (Vibilo™). Movement analysis was performed via Kinovea 0.9.5×64 version video analyzing software on different views of photographs of each participant. Results. The arc of motion performed during the module was in the following joints and directions in the upper limb: shoulder joint (flexion (133.58 ± 5.10)), elbow joint (flexion (99.42 ± 5.66), and extension (2.35 ± 1.41)). Conclusions. It was concluded that the selected fully immersive VRaputic® software (Vibilo™), a therapeutic module, could be prescribed for the management of kinesiophobia, shoulder dysfunction, elbow stiffness, low back pain, hip and knee joint dysfunction, and neurological cases (post-stroke, cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy) based on different joints’ arc of motion performed during the module.

The Effects of Electrode Placement on Analgesia Using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) refers to the occurrence of painful menstrual crampswithout pathological involvement of the pelvic organs, with considerable morbidity and high prevalence among females of reproductive age. Objective The objective of this study is to present and test the efficacy of an innovative method of interactive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (iTENS) for PD. Methods and materials This study is a single-blind controlled clinical trial. This was conducted at the outpatient clinic of the faculty of physical therapy. Females with PD (n=124) were divided into the treated group (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation {TENS} group {TG}, n=62) and the placebo group (PG, n=62). A single session of either iTENS or placebo intervention was used for 35 minutes. Pain, the duration of analgesia, and the use of pain medication were assessed before and after the intervention. Data from before and after the treatment were compared between groups (Student's t-test). The level of significance was set at 5%. Results A significant decrease in pain (p<0.001) was observed after the intervention for the TG, with a more long-lasting analgesia (p<0.001) and decreased need for pain medication (p<0.001). Conclusions The proposed method of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) application showed positive results for pain management on females with PD, with no reported adverse effects. The new proposed TENS application takes into account the preferences of the patient regarding positioning and the number of channels needed to cause analgesia. This application was able to promote almost complete analgesia in females with primary dysmenorrhea, and the analgesia persisted for more than one menstrual cycle.

EFFECTIVENESS OF SLIDER AND TENSIONER NEURODYNAMIC MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES COMPARED TO STRETCHING EXERCISES ON PAIN, FUNCTION, AND RANGE OF MOTION IN PATIENT WITH CHRONIC DISCOGENIC SCIATICA

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of the slider, tensioner neurodynamic mobilization techniques and stretching exercises on pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional disability in patients with chronic discogenic sciatica. Design: A pre-test post-test multi arm parallel RCT. Setting: Outpatient clinics, faculty of physical therapy, Kafrelsheikh University. Participants: Thirty-six patients with unilateral chronic discogenic sciatica were randomly allocated into three equal groups: Group (A) slider neurodynamic mobilization, Group (B) tensioner neurodynamic mobilization, and Group (C) stretching exercises of back extensors, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles. Treatment was given three sessions per week for two weeks. Outcome measures: All patients were examined by visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity, Modified-Modified Schober test (MMST) for lumbar flexion ROM, goniometer for hip flexion and knee extension ROM, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional assessment. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between groups at baseline ([Formula: see text] 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the slider and tensioner groups compared to the stretching group for all variables. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found in the slider technique as compared to the tensioner technique regarding ROM of lumbar flexion ([Formula: see text] = 0.03), hip flexion ([Formula: see text] = 0.004), and knee extension ([Formula: see text] = 0.005). Conclusion: Slider and tensioner neurodynamic mobilization techniques are more effective than stretching exercises in terms of reducing pain, increasing ROM, and improving function. Slider technique is more effective in ROM improvement.

ADDITION OF LOCAL CRYOTHERAPY FOR TREATMENT OF POST-MASTECTOMY LYMPHEDEMA

Worldwide, lymphedema can present as a significant health issue. Left untreated, it can have long-term medical and psychological consequences for patients. Cryotherapy is a new physical therapy modality used for many purposes including reduction of pain, inflammation, and edema. It is thought to decrease interstitial fluid volume through many mechanisms. Therefore, it is reasonable to think that cryotherapy might have a positive effect in treatment of lymphedema. The goal of this study was to investigate how local cryotherapy in combination with standard therapy affects patient outcomes. Forty post-mastectomy female patients aged 40-60 years old with lymphedema were referred to the outpatient clinics of the Faculty of Physical Therapy at South Valley University for medical treatment and follow-up by the vascular surgery department. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of equal size. Traditional physical therapy programs (manual lymphatic drainage, pneumatic compression, bandaging, breathing exercises, circulatory exercises, shoulder mobilizations, and ROM exercises) were combined with pulsed local cryotherapy three times per week for 12 weeks in Group (A). For 12 weeks, Group (B) received only traditional physical therapy three times per week. Patients were evaluated using circumferential measurement with tape at the wrist, below the elbow, and above the elbow level, as well as ultrasonography to assess skin thickness before the start of physical therapy, 6 weeks later, and at the end of the treatment (after 12 weeks). Results indicate that cryotherapy is an effective adjunct modality for the treatment of secondary lymphedema and should be added to physical therapy protocols for lymphedema rehabilitation.

Effects on venous flow of transcutaneous electrical stimulation, neuromuscular stimulation, and sham stimulation on soleus muscle: A randomized crossover study in healthy subjects.

Background:Activation of venous flow has been shown with different types of electrical stimulation. The aim of this study is to compare the hemodynamic effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), and sham stimulation on healthy young people.Methods:This randomized crossover study was conducted during June 2018 in the Faculty of Physical Therapy of A Coruña (Spain). Twenty-four university students (50% male) received in a randomized order 5 Hz-TENS, NMES, and sham stimulation on soleus muscle. Flow volume (FV) and peak velocity (PV) from popliteal vein were recorded via Doppler ultrasound, and relative changes from baseline were determined. Discomfort among the 3 stimulations was also compared.Results:The differences among the 3 stimulations were assessed using the ANOVA for repeated measured, the Friedman test and the Kendall tau test, according to the type of measurement to be compared. FV (mL/min) and PV (cm/s) increased significantly after NMES (percentual increase 37.2 ± 62.0%, P = .002; 264.4 ± 152.2%, P < .001, respectively) and TENS (226.2 ± 190.3%, P < .001; 202.7 ± 144.6%, P < .001, respectively). These percentual changes from basal level in hemodynamics were statistically different to those after placebo, which was ineffective enhancing hemodynamics. The improvements in FV were statistically higher with TENS than with NMES (P < .001), but there was no statistical difference in PV (P = .531). Despite NMES was applied at a significantly lower amplitude than TENS (P < .001), NMES protocol was the worst tolerated, though the differences in discomfort were not statistically significant.Conclusion:Both active electrical protocols but not sham stimulation increased hemodynamics in healthy people. TENS obtained higher flow volume increase from baseline than NMES, considered globally at not only in its on-time.

Effect of resistive training on gastrointestinal cancer cachexia

Purpose: The current study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of resistive training in reducing the effect of cancer cachexia. Subjects and Methods: Thirty patients with gastrointestinal cancer cachexia participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 50-70 years. They were recruited from Al Kasr El-Ani hospital outpatient clinic to be treated in the outpatient clinic, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University and were divided randomly into two equal groups.Group (A) composed of 15 patients who received their ordinary medical treatment in addition to resistive training program 2 times per week for 8 weeks. Group (B) composed of 15 patients who received their ordinary medical treatment. Methods of assesment was measurements of Handgrip strength assessed by handgrip dynamometry, Lower body strength assessed using a 30-second sit to stand test, Lean body mass assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: There was a significant increase in both muscle strength and lean body mass in patient who received resistive training. Conclusion: Resistive training can be considered as an effective method in decreasing severity of cancer cachexia in gastrointestinal cancer patient.

Influence of adding strain-counterstrain to standard therapy on axioscapular muscles amplitude and fatigue in mechanical neck pain: a single-blind, randomized trial.

Strain-counterstrain technique (SCS) or positional release therapy is strongly recommended for patients with mechanical neck pain (MNP) because this method has excellent benefits, but the clinical significance of this method is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of adding the SCS technique to standard therapy on pain, pressure pain threshold, disability according to Neck Disability Index (NDI), and electrophysiological characteristics (amplitude and fatigue) of the upper part of trapezius in the axioscapular muscles of patients with mechanical neck pain. Single-blind, randomized clinical trial. Outpatient clinic. Sixty patients (19-38 years old) with mechanical neck pain participated in this study and were recruited from the outpatient clinic at the faculty of physical therapy after a referral from an orthopedist. Patients were randomly assigned by opaque sealed envelope to two treatment groups: group A received SCS, standard therapy in form of active range of motion, stretching exercises, and postural correction exercises (PCES), whereas group B, received standard therapy only; therapeutic sessions were performed three times/week for 4 weeks. The visual analogue scale, pressure pain threshold, NDI, upper trapezius median frequency, and root mean square were used to evaluate the patients' pretreatment and post-treatment status. Multiple pairwise comparisons within each group revealed statistically significant differences in all outcome variables with favor to the SCS group. The Strain-counterstrain technique combined with traditional standard therapy is an effective method more than traditional standard therapy alone for the management of patients with MNP. The present study has implications, especially for clinical decision-making about therapy of choice in MNP to reduce pain, improve function as measured through SCS technique and its impact on normal lifestyle, and to highlight the need for active intervention.

Effect of visceral manipulation on menstrual complaints in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Research is lacking regarding osteopathic approaches in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the prevailing endocrine abnormalities in reproductive-aged women. Limited movement of pelvic organs can result in functional and structural deficits, which can be resolved by applying visceral manipulation (VM). This study aims to analyze the effect of VM on dysmenorrhea, irregular, delayed, and/or absent menses, and premenstrual symptoms in PCOS patients. Thirty Egyptian women with PCOS, with menstruation-related complaints and free from systematic diseases and/or adrenal gland abnormalities, prospectively participated in asingle-blinded, randomized controlled trial. They were recruited from the women's health outpatient clinic in the faculty of physical therapy at Cairo University, with an age of 20-34 years, and a body mass index (BMI)≥25, <30kg/m2. Patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups (15patients); the control group received a low-calorie diet for3months, and the study group that received the same hypocaloric diet added to VM to the pelvic organs and their related structures, according to assessment findings, for eightsessions over 3months. Evaluations for body weight, BMI, and menstrual problems were done by weight-height scale, and menstruation-domain of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (PCOSQ),respectively, at baseline and after 3months from interventions. Data were described as mean, standard deviation, range, and percentage whenever applicable. Of 60 Egyptian women with PCOS, 30 patients were included, with baseline mean age, weight, BMI, and menstruation domain score of 27.5±2.2 years, 77.7±4.3kg, 28.6±0.7kg/m2, and 3.4±1.0, respectively, for the control group, and 26.2±4.7years, 74.6±3.5kg, 28.2±1.1kg/m2, and 2.9±1.0, respectively, for the study group. Out of the 15patients in the study group, uterine adhesions were found in 14 patients (93.3%), followed by restricted uterine mobility in 13 patients (86.7%), restricted ovarian/broad ligament mobility (9, 60%), and restricted motility (6,40%). At baseline, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in any of demographics (age, height), or dependent variables (weight, BMI, menstruation domain score) among both groups. Poststudy, there was a statistically significant reduction (p=0.000) in weight, and BMI mean values for the diet group (71.2±4.2kg, and 26.4±0.8kg/m2, respectively) and the diet+VM group (69.2±3.7kg; 26.1±0.9kg/m2, respectively). For the improvement in the menstrual complaints, a significant increase (p<0.05) in the menstruation domain mean score was shown in diet group (3.9±1.0), and the diet+VM group (4.6±0.5). On comparing both groups poststudy, there was a statistically significant improvement (p=0.024) in the severity of menstruation-related problems in favor of the diet+VM group. VM yielded greater improvement in menstrual pain, irregularities, and premenstrual symptoms in PCOS patients when added to caloric restriction than utilizing the low-calorie dietalone in treating that condition.

Correlation between the compatibility of anthropometric design of educational furniture and neck pain in the faculty of physical therapy at Delta University

Correlation between the compatibility of anthropometric design of educational furniture and neck pain in the faculty of physical therapy at Delta University

Comparison of the efficacy of two interventions in ameliorating abdominal thickness and sitting function in children with diplegia

Objective/BackgroundThe abdominal muscles are extremely important in stabilizing the trunk and maximizing postural stability. The presence of apparent stiffness in children with spastic diplegia is associated with unsteadiness, impaired walking, and pelvic malrotation. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of hippotherapy and whole-body vibration in ameliorating abdominal muscle thickness and sitting function in children with diplegia. MethodsA total of 60 children with spastic diplegia were selected from the Faculty of Physical Therapy's outpatient clinic, Cairo University, and randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received conventional physical therapy for 1 h in addition to whole-body vibration, whereas group B received hippotherapy for 40 min. The same designed physical therapy program was administered for 12 weeks, three times per week, in both groups. Ultrasonography was used to measure abdominal thickness, and Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 was used to measure functional ability. ResultsA significant improvement in abdominal muscle thickness and sitting function (p < 0.05) was observed in both groups, and greater improvements were observed in group B. ConclusionWhole-body vibration and hippotherapy training may be recommended to facilitate sitting function and ameliorate abdominal thickness in children with diplegia. Hippotherapy is more effective than whole-body vibration in improving sitting function and abdominal muscle thickness.

Physical therapy interventions for reduction of ocular deviation after strabismus surgery

IntroductionThe study aim was to examine the effect of physiotherapy exercises on correcting the remaining ocular deviation after strabismus surgery.MethodsA randomized interventional clinical trial was performed in the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, among 40 patients with ocular deviation after strabismus surgery. The participants were randomly divided into an experimental group (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 20) and a control group (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 20). All subjects received usual medical care, while the experimental group performed different types of physiotherapy exercises for 2 sessions a week for 12 weeks. The near and far angles of ocular deviation were measured before and after the 12 weeks of treatment.ResultsA significant improvement was observed in the experimental group compared with the control group after 12 weeks of training. There was a reduction in the near angle (19.85 ± 4.09 to 15.4 ± 3.87; 22.41%) and far angle (19.65 ± 4.78 to 16.75 ± 3.9; 14.75%) in the experimental group, with no significant change of the near angle (20.5 ± 3.64 to 20.75 ± 3.19; 1.21%) or far angle (19.7 ± 2.97 to 19.95 ± 3.41; 1.26%) in the control group.ConclusionsThe application of different types of physiotherapy exercises can reduce ocular deviation, restore binocular function, and improve the cosmetic appearance in patients with remaining ocular deviation after strabismus surgery.

Ankle Rocking Training and Functional Abilities in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Background: Children with a physical disability are known to be at higher risk of an inactive life style. The hip, knee, and ankle joints have different roles depending on the phase of walking and running. They must work together to produce and absorb forces to allow efficient movement through the stance phase. In walking there are three rockers: the heel rocker, the ankle rocker, and the forefoot rocker. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of ankle rocking training on the development of gross motor functional abilities in children with cerebral palsy. Patients and methods: Thirty children diagnosed as spastic cerebral palsy according to gross motor classification system, (Grade II & III GMFCs) were selected from the Outpatient Clinic, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. The children’ ages ranged from three to six years old from both sexes. This was a cross-sectional study where the selected cerebral palsied children were divided into two groups (control group and study group). The control group received traditional gait training and standing program, while the study group received the same traditional gait training and standing program in addition to gait training using ankle rocker device. Both groups received treatment program 3 times/week for three consecutive months for one hour per session. Results: It was revealed that there was a significance difference within each single group (the pre- and post-treatment) and between both groups. Conclusion: According to the current study results, there was a highly significant difference within the study group pre- and post-treatment and between groups in favour of the study group because of ankle rocking training.