Female Physiotherapy Students Research Articles

Identification of Learning Styles of Undergraduate Physiotherapy Male and Female Students

Abstract Background: The concept of learning styles pertains to the different ways in which individuals organize and interpret information. Numerous factors influence an individual’s learning style. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the most popular learning styles of male and female physiotherapy students. Materials and Methods: A total of 181 participants were selected via a stratified random sampling method based on specific inclusion criteria. Of these, 71 were male and 110 were females. The VARK learning style questionnaire was employed to assess their learning styles, and the data were analyzed using statistical variables such as mean and percentage. Results: The results indicated that 91.5% of male participants preferred bimodal learning styles, with the most popular learning style among them being kinesthetic, chosen by 53.8%. Among female participants, 83.6% preferred unimodal learning styles, while 7.27% preferred bimodal learning styles. Their most favored learning style was also kinesthetic, chosen by 61.38% of female participants. Conclusion: The study identified that both male and female physiotherapy students mostly preferred the kinesthetic learning styles, thereby indicating a similarity in learning styles between them. These findings could be useful for educators in the field of physiotherapy by helping them design learning materials that cater to the most popular learning styles of their students.

Difference in Visual Reaction Time among Male and Female Physiotherapy Students

Introduction: Visual reaction time is a component of cognitive function. Reaction time is defined as interval of time between presentation of stimulus and appearance of appropriate voluntary response in subject. The measurement of visual reaction time has been used to evaluate Processing speed of central nervous system and coordination between Sensory and motor system. It determines the alertness of a person because how quickly a person responds to stimulus depends on reaction time. Method: a comparative study was conducted on physiotherapy students of DR BR Ambedkar college of physiotherapy ,banglore , Karnataka . The population of student include UG students and interns .By ruler drop method students were examined for visual reaction time . Result: There was no statically significant difference in visual reaction time among male and female physiotherapy students. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is no significant difference in visual reaction time among male and female physiotherapy students of Dr.Br. Ambedkar college of physiotherapy

Effect of texting and handwriting on hand-grip and key-pinch strength among female-collegiate students: randomized controlled trial

Objectives: To evaluate immediate and long-term effect of texting or handwriting on hand-grip and key-pinch strength among healthy female students. Method: The single-blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted between February and April 2021 after approval from the ethics review committee of the College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia, and comprised female Physio Therapy students aged 19-23 years who were right-hand dominant and had normal body mass index. The subjects used smartphones and electronic gadgets for >2hrs daily, writing more than 10min/day. They were randomised using sealed envelopes into five groups. Group A practised 10min texting, group B 15min texting, group C 10min writing, group D 15min writing, and group E used the phones only for talking or watching, with no texting or writing, and was taken as the control group. Hand-grip strength and key- pinch strength were assessed one minute before starting, and within one minute after having finished the assigned hand activity. All measurements were recorded in the sitting position using a single hand-grip dynamometer. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Results: Of the 65 individuals assessed, 60(92.3%) were initially enrolled, but the study was finished by 50(83.3%) subjects with a mean age of 20.88±0.98 years and mean body mass index 20.8±2.30kg/m2. There were 12(24%) subjects in group A, 7(14%) in group B, 12(24%) in group C, 10(20%) in group D and 9(18%) in group E. The association of the time-based groups with hand-grip and key-pinch strength was not significant (p>0.05). Conclusions: Texting and handwriting did not have any significant immediate effect on hand-grip or key-pinch strength. Clinical Trial Number: (NCT04810416). Key Words: Hand-strength, Pinch-strength, Students, Text messaging, Writing.

Prevalence of Nomophobia and Its Association with Academic Performance Among Physiotherapy Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross- Sectional Survey.

Nomophobia is common among students in many healthcare disciplines, and its association with academic performance has been explore before. However, there is no available data on its prevalence and association with academic performance among undergraduate physiotherapy (PT) students in Saudi Arabia. Between 22 December 2022 and 30 January 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted by dissemination using an online platform (Survey Monkey). In total, 806 PT students, with males accounting for 494 (61%), responded to the survey. The prevalence of nomophobia among PT students was 98.4% (793). The mean (±SD) of the total NMP-Q items scores was 49 (±17), indicating a mild level of nomophobia. Female PT students had significantly higher nomophobia scores than the males (47 (39-65); 44 (38-52); (p < 0.001)). Non-smokers had significant higher nomophobia scores than smokers (46 (38-61); 44 (38-49); (p = 0.004)). Regarding grade point averages (GPA), the students with a GPA of less than 3.49 had the highest nomophobia score (51 (43-74); p <0.001)). Concerning the stage of their studies, bridging students had the highest nomophobia score (51 (34-76); p = 0.023)). Regarding academic warnings, those who reported no academic warnings had the highest nomophobia score (46 (42-50); p = 0.023)). Finally, regarding study hours, the students who spent ≥ five hours studying per week had the highest nomophobia score (54 (42-68); p < 0.001)). Nomophobia is common among PT students, with the majority experiencing a mild level. Being female, non-smoker, and having a higher academic performance were risk factors associated with higher nomophobia levels.

Premenstrual syndrome and its biopsychosocial symptoms among physiotherapy students in Eastern Delta: An exploratory study

Background. During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, a set of clinically significant physical and psychological symptoms known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) emerge. This condition can be extremely distressing and hinder females’ ability to work. Purpose. To calculate the prevalence and severity of PMS and its biopsychosocial symptoms in female physiotherapy students in Eastern Delta and to investigate the relationship between various socio-demographic and reproductive factors. Methods. At Delta University for Science and Technology in Gamasa, Egypt, 396 female physiotherapy students participated in an exploratory cross-sectional survey with a mean age of 20.23±1.07 years and BMI with a mean of 28.86 ± 5.05 kg/m2. The premenstrual syndrome scale (PMSS) was adopted to assess the prevalence of PMS and related symptoms, and a self-administered questionnaire was used to gauge sociodemographic and reproductive data. Results: Three hundred ninety-six females of 438 females completed the study. In 85% of cases, PMS predominated research calculations. The PMS group displayed symptoms of fatigue, cramping in the abdomen, tension, mood fluctuations, and decreased productivity more overtly. According to a multiple linear regression analysis, living in a rural area, hitting menarche earlier, having a higher BMI, and having a family history were all significantly linked to PMS (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion. Female students have a high prevalence of PMS and its biopsychosocial symptoms. Therefore, adoption of preventive reproductive health and counseling services should be implemented as a standard component of routine clinical treatment for university students.

Assessment of upper limb and core muscle strength in physiotherapy student aged 20-25 years.

Background: Aim of the study is to assess the upper limb and core muscle strength in physiotherapy student aged 20-25 years.Methods: A observational study was carried out among 150 undergraduate physiotherapy students both males and females under the age group 20-25 years including final years and interns. A study was conducted by using modified push up test (females), standard push up test (males), hand grip strength using Jamar hand dynamometer and 1 min plank test to assess upper limb and core muscle strength respectively.Results: The results showed that most of the female physiotherapy students have a weak upper limb and core muscle strength compared to males.Conclusions: To conclude most of the female physiotherapy students have a weak upper limb and core muscle strength compared to male physiotherapy students. This is one of the factors that leads to musculoskeletal pain and work-related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapy profession.

Effectiveness of Suboccipital Soft Tissue Inhibition Technique Versus Neurodynamics On Tension Type Headache for Female Physiotherapy Students

The intent of the study is to establish the effectiveness of suboccipital soft tissue inhibition technique versus neurodynamics on tension type headache for female physiotherapy students. Tension-Type Headache (TTH) is a symptom with a greater impact on quality of life and with a significant socioeconomic impact. Tension-Type Headache and stress are common in student. Long term headache can progress to chronic headache, which has a great impact on the daily life of patients, for instance; aspects of emotions, daily work, and general life activities and so on. Suboccipital Soft tissue mobilization reduces muscle tension and neural tension in tension type headache. The purpose of this study was to explore the application of sub-occipital soft tissue inhibition technique and neurodynamics to compare its effect on Tension-Type Headache. This experimental study included 30 female subjects with headache for more than 1 month and divided into three groups. Group A received suboccipital soft tissue inhibition. Group B received neurodynamics technique, Group C Received both suboccipital soft tissue inhibition and neurodynamic technique. Pre and Post test were taken using VAS, NDI, HDI, Cervical ROM after 4 weeks. On comparing mean values of Group A, Group B &amp; Group C on Visual Analogue Scale score for pain intensity, it showed a significant decrease in the post test Mean values, but Suboccipital soft tissue inhibition and Neurodynamic Techniques (Group C) showed 2.63 which has a lower mean value and is more effective than Suboccipital soft tissue inhibition Technique (Group A) 3.61 and followed by Neurodynamic Technique (Group B) 3.86 at P = 0.001. Hence Null Hypothesis is rejected. This study and our study concludes that both suboccipital soft tissue inhibition and neurodynamics showed a positive impact on headache and quality of life among adults. Although results showed a clinical improvement, there is no clear evidence that one technique is superior to another, combination of both techniques is the most effective treatment.Â

Assessment of Cardio-Respiratory Fitness of Doctor of Physical Therapy Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Cardiorespiratory fitness shows the overall cardiovascular, pulmonary fitness capacity and the ability to carry out prolonged exercises.The current study was conducted to examine the Physical Fitness Index in young female physiotherapy students using the Modified Harvard Step Test. OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study was to assess the Physical Fitness Index in female undergraduate Doctor Of Physical Therapy students. METHODS:Cross-sectional study was used. The sample size was 200 physiotherapystudents. Participants were selected through the Non-Probability Convenient sampling technique. Height (m) and Weight (kg) were measured to calculate BMI.The Modified Harvard Step test was used to calculate the Physical Fitness Index. SPSS 21 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The current studyshows that the Mean age of the participants was 21.53 ±1.83 with a minimum age of 17 years and maximum age of 26 years.4.5 %( n=9) students have excellent PFI, 13 %( n=26) students have Good PFI, 15 %( n=31) students have Fair PFI and 67 %( n=134) students have poor PFI. CONCLUSION:The physical fitness of physiotherapy students at Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences is inadequate, and overweight students have lower physical fitness than students with normal BMI.

Reliability and objectivity of the susceptibility test of the body injuries during a fall of physiotherapy students

Background and Study Aim. Falling is an increasingly frequent problem. Assessment of the ability to control the body parts that are most susceptible to injury during a fall is the primary goal of prevention of fall-related injuries. The susceptibility test of the body injuries during a fall (STBIDF) is of note. To date, investigations of the STBIDF have been limited to validity assessment. Aim. Verify the reliability and objectivity of the STBIDF test.&#x0D; Material and Methods. Thirty-five female physiotherapy students participated in this study voluntarily. The sample was selected from 45 males and females undertaking their first-degree studies during the fifth semester of 2017–2018 at Podhale State College of Applied Sciences (PSCAS) in Nowy Targ, Poland. The STBIDF questionnaire was applied. Each student was recorded during STBIDF test performance. The STBIDF reliability assessment was performed using the test-retest method. The STBIDF objectivity assessment was performed using the Delphi method, with a panel consisting of three experts.&#x0D; Results. A significant correlation (rs = 0.865, p &lt; 0.001) between the IndexSBIDF scores for the test and retest was observed. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test result did not reveal any significant differences between the test and retest.&#x0D; Conclusions. The STBDIF is characterized by reliability and objectivity; therefore, it is a good tool for analysis of the susceptibility to injury of the body parts most exposed during falls in people from different risk groups. This non-apparatus test is a reliable and easy to use tool, available for experts dealing with falls and their consequences, and preventive approaches. It can also be used in medical, pedagogical, and athletic environments.

Prevelance of Piriformis Syndrome among female Physiotherapy students of Gujranwala, Pakistan, A Cross-Sectional Survey

Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder that is caused when piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. Its prevalence is very high in sedentary population and young people have more risk factors of getting affected with piriformis tightness that causes piriformis syndrome and later on lower back pain. Its etiology can be primary or secondary. Primary will be anatomical variation and secondary will be due to any other causes (trauma or local ischemia). It is more common in females with ratio of 3 to 1. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of piriformis syndrome among the female physical therapy students of Gujranwala. Material and methods:It was a cross-sectional study conducted in physical therapy female students of different physiotherapy institutes of Gujranwala. Data was collected from 195 students with Convenient sampling technique. The Diagnostic tool used was Piriformis syndrome diagnostic criteria. Results: Out of 195 female physical therapy students 72 (36.9%) had a high score and had a high probability of having piriformis syndrome. Only (4) 2.1% were unlikely of having piriformis syndrome while in majority of the participants 119 (61%) piriformis syndrome was not considered. Conclusion: This study concludes that female physical therapy students of Gujranwala have a low to moderate probability of having piriformis syndrome, with increased probability of buttock pain associated with prolonged sitting.

ASSESSMENT OF CARDIO-RESPIRATORY FITNESS OF DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Cardiorespiratory fitness shows the overall cardiovascular, pulmonary fitness capacity and the ability to carry out prolonged exercises.The current study was conducted to examine the Physical Fitness Index in young female physiotherapy students using the Modified Harvard Step Test. OBJECTIVE:The objective of this study was to assess the Physical Fitness Index in female undergraduate Doctor Of Physical Therapy students. METHODS:Cross-sectional study was used. The sample size was 200 physiotherapystudents. Participants were selected through the Non-Probability Convenient sampling technique. Height (m) and Weight (kg) were measured to calculate BMI.The Modified Harvard Step test was used to calculate the Physical Fitness Index. SPSS 21 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The current studyshows that the Mean age of the participants was 21.53 ±1.83 with a minimum age of 17 years and maximum age of 26 years.4.5 %( n=9) students have excellent PFI, 13 %( n=26) students have Good PFI, 15 %( n=31) students have Fair PFI and 67 %( n=134) students have poor PFI. CONCLUSION:The physical fitness of physiotherapy students at Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences is inadequate, and overweight students have lower physical fitness than students with normal BMI.

Association of body mass index with fitness index among male and female physical therapy students in Lahore

Background: Body Mass Index is an important predictor of physical fitness that needs to be addressed in job-related work in physical therapy profession. Objectives: To determine the association of BMI with fitness Index among physical therapy students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional associational study. The Sample of 156 undergraduate students between the ages of 20 to 30 years was included. By using a convenient sampling technique, data was collected from Azra Naheed Medical College and the Institute of Child Health and Children Hospital Lahore after ethical approval on 30th January 2018 from Azra Naheed Medical College. Harvard Step Index was used for measuring Fitness Index and Body Mass Index was measured using height and weight. SPSS 22 version was used for the analysis of outcomes of interest. Results: In our study 85 (54.4%) females and 71 (45.51%) males students with mean age of 25.4+4.6 participated. In male physiotherapy students, 11 (17.18%) out of 64 were excellent in physical fitness, 12 (18.75%) were good, 4 (6.25%) were average, 4 (6.25%) were low average and 54 (57.44%) were poor. While in female physiotherapy students only 6 (6.59%) out of 91 were excellent, 18 (19.78%) were good, 5 (5.49%) above average, 2 (2.19%) were low average and 40 (43.95%) were poor. Regarding BMI and Fitness Index, 47 (30.12%) had poor, while 28 (17.94%) had good and 14 (8.94%) had excellent fitness level. Conclusion: The study concluded that Physical therapy students were not having good fitness level. The male students were found fit compared to females, but they were also not to optimum required level of fitness. P value calculated through chi square test was 0.00 showed BMI and physical fitness was associated to each other.

Objective structured practical examination: Perceptions of the 1st year allied health sciences students in basic medical sciences

Background: Learning should be concept oriented. Especially, in the medical sciences, skill‑based learning is essential than theoretical learning. OPSE is one such eligible assessment tool to assess students’ individual competencies. Aim and Objective: The present study is taken up to learn the perception of the students regarding OPSE when compared to traditional subjective practical assessment patterns. Materials and Methods: One hundred 1st year male and female physiotherapy students were part of the study after obtaining the written informed consent. Students were trained in objective structured practical examination (OSPE) through an orientation program conducted by head of the department of physiology. Students were explained the importance of OSPE in developing the practical skills. Five OSPE stations were arranged during the practical examination and checklist was provided to the examiner. The OSPE is from hematology and the questions were like “Prick your own finger under aseptic conditions.” After completion of the examination, all the students were requested to give their perceptions about the OSPE. Standard questionnaire from the literature was used in the study. Results: Majority of the participants agreed that OSPE is an effective method of examination and can be implemented in the curriculum. Conclusion: The study provides further results for effectiveness of OSPE as an effective tool in the examinations. The study results recommend implementation of OSPE in the curriculum.

Intergenerational differences in the body build of women

Background: This study analyzed generational differences in body build of woman. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to examine the intergenerational differences in the body build of women. Material and methods: 90 women (30 female physiotherapy students, their mothers and grandmothers) were examined. Their heights, weights, waist circumferences, and waist and hip circumferences were measured. Their Body mass index (BMI) and Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) were calculated. Their frequency of underweight, overweight and obesity were estimated. WHO criteria were applied. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were calculated. The Shapiro-Wilk test for testing the normal distribution was used. The Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc test were used. A significance level alpha of 0.05 was assumed. Statistica 13.1 was used for calculations. Results: The median body height of the female students was 166.8 cm, their mothers 160.8 cm, and grandmothers 158.0 cm. Their median body masses were, respectively: 59.4 kg, 70.1 kg and 72.5 kg. Their median BMIs were 21.4 kg/m2, 26.3 kg/m2, and 29.2 kg/ m2, and their WHRs were 0.80, 0.86, and 0.87, respectively. Underweight was only seen in students (13%). The prevalence of overweight female students (BMI ≥30) was 10%, their mothers 33% and their 13% grandmothers, whereas obesity was 7%, 30% and 50%, respectively. Conclusions: There were intergenerational differences in the body structure of women. In subsequent generations, the size of the body increased, and height of the body decreased. There were differences between mothers and offspring. From an early age, body growth should be monitored to prevent obesity development with age.

Association of body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness, and their correlates among female physiotherapy students in Nawabshah.

To explore the association of body mass index with cardiorespiratory fitness and other health correlates among physiotherapy students. This cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2018 at the Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women, Nawabshah, Pakistan, comprising female undergraduate physiotherapy students aged 17-25 years. All the eligible participants were assessed using a self-report questionnaire, body mass index, and standardised cardiorespiratory fitness criteria. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. There were 228 subjects with a mean age of 20.89±1.66 years. Of the total, 77(33.8%) students were overweight/obese and 52(22.8%) were underweight. Overall, 212(93%) reported good quality of life, and 189(82.9%) were satisfied with their general health. Also, 180(79%) subjects had a post-exercise heart rate below average. There was a significant negative correlation for body mass index and maximum oxygen uptake, body mass index and age, and maximum oxygen uptake and subjective quality of life (p<0.05 each). The frequency of both overweight/obesity and underweight physiotherapy undergraduates was high.

A study to analyse the effective technique to reduce Hamstring tightness among four techniques in female physiotherapy students

A study to analyse the effective technique to reduce Hamstring tightness among four techniques in female physiotherapy students

To Analyse the Physical Fitness of Female Physiotherapy Students and its Correlation with Depression and Anxiety

Aim: The aim of the study is to analyze the physical fitness of female Physiotherapy students in correlation with depression, anxiety and stress. This study also aims to create awareness among the students to engage them in the physical activities to improve their physical and mental fitness. Background of the Study: The effectiveness to carry out daily task with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue is not easy, therefore in order to complete all of these tasks; one must consistently address their fitness. Schools and colleges are also marked as a stressful environment that often has a negative effect on students’ academic performance, physical health, and psychosocial well-being. Methodology: After getting proper approval from the Institutional review board, 50 female physiotherapy students were selected from 75 volunteers based on the inclusion criteria(age of 17-22, normal BMI, healthy human being). The samples with psychological problems, tachycardia, and wheezing was been excluded. This observational study was carried out for the duration of 1 week among the students of faculty of physiotherapy. After getting consent from the samples they were assessed by six minute walk test (6MWT) focusing on gauging the aerobic capacity and endurance and psychological status by depression anxiety stress scale (DASS 21). Result and Conclusion: In analyzing the data it shows that the subject with less fitness have more anxiety, depression and stress and the samples with more fitness have less depression anxiety and stress.

Physical Activity and Wellbeing Advancing Practices in Female Physiotherapy Students of the University of Lahore

Physical Activity and Wellbeing Advancing Practices in Female Physiotherapy Students of the University of Lahore

Effect of Movement Therapy on Academic Stress in Physiotherapy Students

Aims and objectives: To study effect of short-term movement therapy on levels of academic stress in female students studying in final year of physiotherapy. Methodology: A convenient sample of 50 final year female physiotherapy students was divided into two groups—group 1 (experimental group) and group 2 (control group) after obtaining informed consent. Academic stress level was measured using students academic stress scale (SASS) in both groups. Group 1 underwent 1 month training with movement therapy, three times per week for a duration of 45 minutes per session which included 10 minutes of stretching warm up exercises, 30 minutes of conditioning phase of free style dance move ments at 75 to 80% age related heart rate max and 5 minutes of passive cool down. The control group was instruc­ ted to continue their routine activities. Students Academic Stress Scale was scored in both the groups after 1 month of training and thereafter movement therapy was discontinued. Students were scored again on SASS after 1 month of discontinuation of movement therapy. Results: Group 1 demonstrated statistically significant reduc­ tion (p = 0) in stress level after 1 month of move ment therapy vs group 2, which did not show any change. In group I, after discontinuation of therapy, stress levels increased again though they remained lower than basal values. Group 2 main tained a fairly constant SASS score throughout the time duration.

Which is the better method to improve “perceived hamstrings tightness” – Exercises targeting neural tissue mobility or exercises targeting hamstrings muscle extensibility?

Recent studies suggest that subjects who perceive their hamstrings to be tight are unlikely to have altered hamstring muscle extensibility or length. Altered neural tissue mobility also referred to as altered neurodynamics could be a significant contributor to “perceived hamstrings tightness”. Conventionally, hamstrings stretching exercises are employed to treat perceived hamstrings tightness. There is a paucity of literature assessing the effectiveness of exercises targeting neural tissue mobility or neurodynamics as opposed to conventional hamstrings stretching exercises. With this aim, a prospective trial of 56 female physiotherapy students with perceived hamstrings tightness was conducted. Study design used was two group pre test–post test design with systematic random sampling. Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups; Group A received Mulligan's Bent Leg Raise (BLR) technique followed by Two Leg Rotation technique (TLRT) to improve neural tissue mobility and Group B received passive hamstrings stretching to improve hamstrings muscle extensibility. Outcome measures included knee flexion angle during Active Knee Extension test and the Slump test. Intra group analysis showed statistically significant improvement in knee flexion angle for both tests in both the groups. Inter group comparison showed that there was greater improvement in the group receiving neural tissue mobility exercises with statistically significant improvement in Slump test with cervical extension (mean difference was 7.214°, 95% confidence interval −12.67 to −1.75). Thus it was concluded that exercises which target neural tissue mobility are more effective than exercises targeting hamstrings muscle extensibility in treating "perceived hamstrings tightness".