Physiotherapy Department Research Articles

Gastrocnemius Strain: A Case Study

Gastrocnemius Strain is a painful condition of partial tearing of the medial belly of the gastrocnemius, caused by overstretching the muscle by concomitant ankle dorsiflexion and full knee extension. Contributory factors are muscle fatigue and degenerative changes [1]. The purpose of the case study is to present a case of Gastrocnemius Strain, who underwent physiotherapy department. The 35 years male was having pain in the left calf muscle for last eight days. According to the patient the pain started while running in the field for practicing for an upcoming sports event. He felt sudden acute pain in the left leg, followed by swelling after he placed his left heel on the field. He went to consult a physiatrist in a private hospital nearby. During examination, in clinic there was swelling, tenderness around the middle & lower part of left Gastrocnemius muscle. There was increase pain in the leg during dorsiflexion of left foot, both active & passive. He was unable bear full weight on the affected limb. Measurement of right & left Gastrocnemius muscle was 38 cm & 40 cm respectively, from 8 cm below tip of patella. The Thompson squeeze test was negative though it was painful. He was walking in non-weight bearing pattern using walker. M.R.I report suggested, there was fluid collection in left calf muscle, between Soleus & medial head of Gastrocnemius, most prominent at the myotendinous junction. There was also tear with oedema in anterior fibres of left mid & distal part of lateral head of Gastrocnemius & anterior fibres of distal part of medial head of Gastrocnemius. The patient was treated with low-level laser therapy for 15 sittings & was advised to apply Cryotherapy followed by crepe bandage application. After completion of treatment, there was minimum tenderness or pain in the affected area. The patient was able to bear full weight on the left limb. He was advised to continue exercises for strengthening Gastrocnemius & Soleus muscle at home as demonstrated. Pain was measured using V.A.S on the first day before & last day after treatment. Keywords: Gastrocnemius Strain, low-level laser therapy, clinical case, calf muscle injury, Cryotherapy..

Efficacy of McKenzie, Maitland Mobilisation and Myofascial Release in Chronic Low Back Pain

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Myofascial Release, Mc Kenzie and Maitland Mobilisation in Chronic Low back Pain and find out the effects of Myofascial Release, Mc Kenzie and Maitland Mobilisation in Chronic Low back Pain. Background: Low back pain is defined as the pain that occurs in an area with boundaries between the lowest rib and the crease of the buttocks. It is one of the most common complain of working-age population. Low back pain is associated with deconditioning of spine and trunk due to lack of core strength and stability in which 60-80% of general population suffer with high recurrence rates of 60 - 85% within following three years. The global prevalence of LBP as 7.3%. Activities that are required for daily living are affected because of LBP. The significance of disability is created because of LBP. The lumbosacral, sacroiliac and lumbar regions are the main regions of LBP. Pain in the back region that lasts for more than three months is called chronic lower back pain (CLBP). Lower?back pain (LBP) is seen in all age groups. Half of the people encounter back pain in a year and nearly three-fourths of the population account for LBP in their lifetimes. It is one of the most disabling factors often preventing sports person for participation in sporting activities. In United States, the workers compensation claims account for about one fourth of all claims and one third of total compensation costs. It results in about 40% of absences from work. In total spinal pain cases low back pain accounts for 60-70%.Chronic Low back pain is the pain that persists longer than the expected time period for healing, with a duration of more than three months. The natural course of most low back pain is of self-limiting in nature, with vast majority of individuals improving within six weeks or less. Study design: Experimental study Methods: 51 subjects were selected through convenient sampling. All the subjects who were diagnosed with chronic low back pain from Orthopaedics OPD was referred to physiotherapy department and was screened and assessed according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The eligible subjects were approached with proposal of the study. Aim and procedure of the study was explained to the subject and a written informed consent was taken from them in their preferred language. At first the demographic data (age, sex, duration) was collected forever subject. Then the baseline data (pre intervention) of CLP intensity, functional disability was taken before commencement of the study. Then the subjects were randomly allocated each 17 subjects. A final data of pain intensity, functional disability was recorded. Results: For all the outcome measures, no significant difference results were found for all three techniques. Whereas, Mc Kenzie techniques is the most effective and the least effective is Maitland Mobilisation. Mean Improvement calculated as Pre- post values of VAS and RMQ scores at follow-up on 7th and 14th day was compared between the 3 techniques. Its significance was tested by testing whether the 95% CI of the mean improvement included 0 or not. Mckenzie techniques howed maximum improvement 4.68 (2.29, 7.07) on Day 7th and Maitland mobilisation the least improvement, 1.56(0.95, 2.93). Improvement by all techniques was significant at 95% CI using paired t test. However, on day 14th McKenzie showed maximum improvement 5.56(2.72, 7.07)) Maitland mobilization remaining the least effective. Conclusion: LBP is a common condition and all age groups are facing it. Pain can be due to various causes and the line of treatment depends upon the cause of pain. In this review, we found out that LBP is a condition everyone is facing. Mc Kenzie is a better treatment approach over other two techniques to reduce chronic LBP. Pain and disability were the points considered while concluding. LBP affects the quality of life and to maintain or improve the quality of life strengthening the muscles plays an important role. This review gives a brief about the treatment methods available for treating CLBP clinically. Hence physiotherapy treating subjects with chronic low back pain may choose any one technique but Mc Kenzie Technique is the most effective technique for pain and for functional disability in CLBPis the most effective. However sufficient experience and expertise is necessary. Key words: Chronic Low Back Pain, Mc Kenzie, Maitland Mobilisation, Myofascial Release, VAS, RMQ

Unused, leftover and expired medicine and disposal practices among health sciences faculty students in Burdur, Turkey.

To evaluate the opinions of university-level Health Sciences students about unused, leftover and expired medicine, as well as their disposal practices, and to classify the medicines. The cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to May 31, 2023, at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Turkey, and comprised those studying at the Nursing, Nutrition Dietetics and Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation departments. Data was collected using Google Forms. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification was used for classifying pharmaceutical active ingredients. Data was analysed using SPSS 24. Of the 373 participants, 272(73%) were females and 101(27%) were males. The overall mean age was 20.8±2.8 years. There were 348(93.3%) subejcts who reported having a total of 845 boxes of leftover and unused medicines in their homes (2.3±1.9 per capita), while 25(6.7%) participants had none. The medicines were stored in the kitchen 261(61.5%) as the storage area, and in the refrigerator 181(40.2%) as the storage unit. The expired medicine was disposed of in the garbage in 328(86.1%) cases. Self-medication was prevalent in 325(87.1%) cases. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification analysis showed that paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol+caffeine and metamizole sodium was the most common group of leftover and unused medicines 283(81.3%). High prevalence of unused and leftover medicine, disposal of medicine in household garbage, and selfmedication behaviour indicated a serious public health and environmental problem.

Effects of cervicothoracic mobility programme on pain, range of motion and function in patients with chronic back pain.

To determine the effects of the cervicothoracic mobility programme on pain, range of motion and function in patients with chronic back pain. The randomised controlled trial was conducted from April to November 2022 at the Physiotherapy Department of Syed Medical Complex, Sialkot, Pakistan, and comprised patients of either gender aged 18-50 years who had a minimum of 6 months of chronic back pain with moderate disability. They were randomly allocated to experimental group A and control group B. Group A subjects received cervical and thoracic mobilisation with conventional physical therapy, while group B subjects received conventional physical therapy alone. The treatment duration was 45 minutes per session, with 3 sessions per week for 3 weeks. Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Oswestry Disability Index and a goniometer was used to assess pain, disability and for the range of motion. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Of the 44 patients, 22(50%) were in each of the 2 groups. Group A had 14(63.6%) females and 8(36.4%) males with overall mean age 36.45±10.80 years, while group B had 16(72.7%) females and 6(27.3%) males with overall mean age 35.77±11.05 years. There was a significant inter-group difference in terms of pain, function and flexion (p<0.05), while the difference was not significant in terms of extension, right and left lateral rotation (p>0.05). Intragroup analysis showed significant improvement in both groups (p<0.05). Cervicothoracic mobilisation was more effective in improving pain, functionality and range of motion in patients with chronic low back pain. NCT05347251.

Frequency and Clinical Outcomes of Facial Nerve Palsy at District Level Teaching Hospital, Pakistan

Background: Facial nerve palsy, characterized by the dysfunction of the seventh cranial nerve, is a common neurological disorder that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. It manifests as unilateral facial weakness or paralysis, with Bell's palsy being the most prevalent cause. This condition requires thorough clinical evaluation and appropriate management to ensure optimal recovery outcomes. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical outcomes of facial nerve palsy in patients presenting to a district-level teaching hospital in Lakki Marwat, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to October 2023 at the Physiotherapy Department of District Headquarter Hospital, Lakki Marwat. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of facial nerve palsy by a neurophysician were included, while those with congenital facial nerve palsy or upper motor neuron lesions were excluded. Ethical approval was obtained, and written informed consent was collected from all participants. Clinical assessments were performed using the House-Brackmann scale to evaluate the severity of facial nerve dysfunction. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to present the data. Results: Out of 102 patients, 59 (57.9%) were male, and 43 (42.1%) were female, with a mean age of 38.2 ± 10.36 years. The majority of patients (41.1%) were in the 31-40 years age group. Right-side facial palsy was more prevalent, affecting 64 (62.7%) patients. The House-Brackmann grading revealed that 49 (48.2%) patients were in Grade IV, 24 (23.5%) in Grade V, 15 (14.7%) in Grade III, 8 (7.8%) in Grade VI, and 6 (5.8%) in Grade II. Bell’s palsy was the most common cause, accounting for 52 (51%) cases, followed by external trauma in 22 (21.6%) patients, infections in 18 (17.6%) patients, and tumors in 10 (9.8%) patients. Treatment outcomes showed complete recovery in 65 (63.7%) patients, incomplete recovery in 28 (27.5%), and no recovery in 9 (8.8%). Conclusion: Facial nerve palsy was more common in male patients, with the right side of the face being predominantly affected. Bell’s palsy was identified as the leading cause. The study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, particularly physiotherapy, in managing facial nerve palsy. Further research is recommended to explore long-term outcomes and optimize treatment strategies.

Intrarater and interrater reliability of digital calipers in assessing Achilles tendon thickness in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

This study aimed to evaluate the intrarater and interrater reliability of measuring Achilles tendon (AT) thickness using a digital caliper in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Physiotherapy Department of Rabia Moon Hospital, involving the recruitment of 61 patients with knee osteoarthritis. Measurements were taken in millimeters at a 90-degree angle, approximately 5cm from the attachment to the calcaneus, precisely where the ankle joint joins the medial malleolus. Two physical therapists conducted two testing sessions, separated by 7days, to assess both the intrarater and interrater reliability of the digital caliper. During the second session, two raters simultaneously assessed the patients' responses on the digital caliper. The study analyzed reliability indices, including the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plot. The study found high intrarater reliability for the digital caliper, with an ICC of 0.96 (95% confidence interval: 0.22, 0.99). For interrater reliability, the ICC was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96, 0.98) in patients with knee OA. Additionally, both interrater and intrarater agreement for measuring AT thickness with the digital caliper fell within acceptable limits on 95% of occasions, as indicated by the Limits of Agreement values: 0.32 to -0.53mm for interrater agreement and -0.35 to -0.04mm for intrarater agreement. Digital Calipers have been found to provide excellent intrarater and interrater reliability when used to measure AT thickness in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

CSP2023: 431 - Evaluation of research capacity and culture within the physiotherapy and occupational therapy department at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals (BTH) NHS Trust

CSP2023: 431 - Evaluation of research capacity and culture within the physiotherapy and occupational therapy department at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals (BTH) NHS Trust

CSP2023: 184 - The successful implementation of a pre-assessment form and bespoke patient satisfaction survey in a large NHS Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy department

CSP2023: 184 - The successful implementation of a pre-assessment form and bespoke patient satisfaction survey in a large NHS Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy department

Comparison of E-Health Literacy, Digital Health and Physical Activity Levels Of University Students In Different Fields

Background and Purpose: This study aimed to compare the health literacy, e-health literacy, digital health, and physical activity levels of undergraduate students in different departments. Methods: Undergraduate students 307 of whom were studying in the Physiotherapy department (PT), and 228 in the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences (FEAS) participated in the study. Health literacy (HL) (European Health Literacy Scale), e-health literacy (E-Health Literacy Scale), digital literacy (Digital Literacy Scale), and physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF)) were assessed. Scales were applied to the participants electronically via Google Forms. Results: There was no difference between the e-HL, digital, and health literacy levels of both department students(p&gt;0.05). 70.1% of all students did not have enough HL. PT department students' IPAQ-SF total score, severe physical activity, and walking activities were lower than FEAS students(p0.05). 79.6% of all students did not have sufficient physical activity levels (PALs). Conclusions: This study showed that HL and PALs were low in the majority of university students. HL education programs for university students before graduation and awareness studies to develop healthy behavior habits should be included in undergraduate education programs.

Effectiveness of structured exercise program on insulin resistance and quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus-A randomized controlled trial.

Impaired glucose control & Insulin resistance are reported to be risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. To find the effects of a structured exercise program on insulin resistance, glycaemic control, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Randomized, controlled trial. Diabetic Foot Clinic, Department of Physiotherapy & Department of General Medicine, Kasturba Hospital in Manipal, Karnataka, India. 160 participants aged between 30-65 years with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. A set of structured exercise programs (aerobic, resistance, and combined) along with the standard hospital care was performed 3-5 times weekly for 12 weeks. Fasting Insulin Level, Homa-IR, Six-minute walk test (6MWT), and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire at baseline and 12th week. Body composition analysis, Fasting Blood Sugar, Postprandial Blood Sugar, Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c), and GPAQ questionnaire at baseline and 12th week. Significant differences have been observed in Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (Homa-IR) (F (1, 144) = 89.29, p < 0.001); Fasting insulin (FI) (F (1, 144) = 129.10, p < 0.001); Fasting blood sugar (FBS) (F (1, 144) = 12.193, p< 0.001); Post prandial blood sugar (PPBS) (F (1, 144) = 53.015, p< 0.001); glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (F (1, 144) = 80.050, p < 0.001); WHOQOL-Physical health (F (1, 144) = 20.008, p< 0.001), Psychological (F (1, 144) = 77.984, p< 0.001), Social relationship (F (1, 144) = 44.866, p< 0.001); Environmental (F (1, 144) = 69.974, p< 0.001); Six minute walk test (6MWT) (F (1, 144) = 84.135, p< 0.001) in the study group when compared with the control group from baseline to 12th week. The study reveals that a 12-week structured exercise training program effectively reduces insulin resistance, improves quality of life, enhances functional capacity, and improves glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Comparison between Effectiveness of Mets and Static Stretching on Trapezius in Upper Cross Syndrome

Background: Upper cross syndrome involves an imbalance between the muscles of the anterior and upper trunk and the posterior skeletal muscles, leading to postural and functional issues. Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) and stretching exercises are common interventions, but their comparative effectiveness remains unclear.Objective: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of METs and stretching in treating pain and improving functional status in patients with upper cross syndrome.Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Physical Therapy Department of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, over six months. Sixty-two patients with upper cross syndrome were randomly assigned to two groups, each consisting of 31 participants. Group 1 received METs and conventional therapy, while Group 2 received static stretching and conventional therapy. The primary outcome measures were pain intensity, measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and functional status, assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The intervention period lasted four weeks, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.Results: In Group 1, the pre-treatment VAS score was 7.41 (± 1.08), decreasing to 3.41 (± 1.11) post-treatment, while in Group 2, the VAS score dropped from 7.16 (± 1.50) to 4.87 (± 1.56). The pre-treatment NDI score in Group 1 was 40.19 (± 6.15), which improved to 32.51 (± 6.16) post-treatment. In Group 2, the NDI score improved from 40.06 (± 5.88) to 35.74 (± 5.82). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in pain and functional status, with METs showing greater effectiveness (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Muscle Energy Techniques were more effective in reducing pain and improving functional status in patients with upper cross syndrome compared to stretching exercises.

The Effect of Soaking Feet in Warm Water on the Quality of Sleep in Adolescents

Background: adolescence is a transitional period where individuals experience physical changes and psychological development starting at the age of 12-20 years. These changes can cause problems that affect development, health and sleep quality. To improve sleep quality, foot bath in warm water Objective: to determine the effect of foot bath in warm water on the quality of sleep in adolescents. Research design: two group pre and post test. Research subject: there were 30 students from the Department of Physiotherapy, Health Polytechnic, Surakarta, who were divided into two groups, where group one was given intervention for 7 consecutive days and the research instrument used PSQI. Research result : the independent t-test showed that there was an influence on adolescent sleep quality. Conclusion : foot bath in warm water has an effect on improving the quality of sleep in adolescents.

Hip Abductor Muscle Strength Recovery: A Comparison Between Joint Replacement Surgery and Internal Fixation Surgery.

Introduction Proximal femoral fractures are common fractures of the hip that are considered a major healthcare concern globally; these include subtrochanteric, intertrochanteric, and theneck of the femur fractures. Internal fixation surgery and joint replacement surgery are the two most common intervention techniques used to treat these fractures. Consequently, weakness in the hip abductor muscle post-surgery may lead to implant loosening, necessitating revision of the surgery. In light of this, this study aimed to compare hip abductor strength recovery outcomes between joint replacement surgery and internal fixation surgery. Methodology A comparative study was performed over six months at the Department of Orthopaedics and Physiotherapy. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and anticipating potential dropouts, a total of 56 patients were included in thestudy, and their hip abductor strength was measured using a sphygmomanometer. The patients were classified into two groups: Group A or Group B as per the type of hip surgery. Group A included 29 patientswho underwent joint replacement surgeries involving either cemented or uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA). Group B comprised 27 patientswho were operated on using either proximal femoral nail (PFN) or dynamic hip screw (DHS). Results The cohort consisted of 36 males and 20 females, with a mean age of51.71 years. The overall mean value of hip abductor muscle strength at postoperative day (POD) three in the internal fixation group was 65.06 ±5.98, which progressed to 107.51 ±24.76 after six months; in the joint replacement surgery group, it was 70.03 ±12.46 at POD three, which progressed to 113.11 ±21.27 after six months. The age-wise distribution demonstrated that the patients in the age group of 18-50 years demonstrated progressive results: from 65.33 ±4.9 at POD three to 105.95 ±22.71 after six months in the internal fixation group;from 66.82 ±7.72 at POD three to 109.59 ±22.54 after six months in the joint replacement group. Moreover, patients aged above 50 yearsshowed progression from 64.80 ±6.98 at POD three to 103.33 ±27.30 after six months in the internal fixation group, and from 69.58 ±14.75 at POD three to 108.22 ±20.62 after six months in the joint replacement group. Conclusions Our findings revealed thatjoint replacement surgery resulted in greater improvements in the hip abductor muscle strength compared to internal fixation surgery in the immediate postoperative period and during follow-ups. Additionally, younger patients exhibited better strength-related outcomes in comparison to the elderly population regardless of the type of surgery.

The effect of craniocervical flexion and neck endurance exercises plus pulmonary rehabilitation on pulmonary function in spinal cord injury: a pilot single-blinded randomised controlled trial.

Randomised controlled trial with computerised allocation, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis. This study wanted to prove that cervicocranial flexion exercise (CCFE) and superficial neck flexor endurance training combined with common pulmonary rehabilitation is feasible for improving spinal cord injury people's pulmonary function. Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Department of Physiotherapy, Taiwan. Thirteen individuals who had sustained spinal cord injury for less than a year were recruited and randomised assigned into two groups. The experimental group was assigned CCFEs and neck flexor endurance training plus normal cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. The control group was assigned general neck stretching exercises plus cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Lung function parameters such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), inspiratory capacity (IC), dyspnoea, pain, and neck stiffness were recorded once a week as short-term outcome measure. The experimental group showed significant time effects for FVC (pre-therapy: 80.4 ± 21.4, post-therapy: 86.9 ± 16.9, p = 0.021, 95% CI: 0.00-0.26) and PEFR (pre-therapy: 67.0 ± 33.4; post-therapy: 78.4 ± 26.9, p = 0.042, 95% CI: 0.00-0.22) after the therapy course. Furthermore, the experimental group showed significant time effects for BDI (experimental group: 6.3 ± 3.0; control group: 10.8 ± 1.6, p = 0.012, 95% CI: 0.00-0.21). The exercise regime for the experimental group could efficiently increase lung function due to the following three reasons: first, respiratory accessory muscle endurance increases through training. Second, posture becomes less kyphosis resulting increasing lung volume. Third, the ratio between superficial and deep neck flexor is more synchronised. TYGH108045. NCT04500223.

Exercise Capacity and Fatigue in Post-COVID-19 Patients

Background: While many researchers have investigated the influence of COVID-19 on fatigue and quality of life, its impact on exercise capacity has been little considered. It is therefore our aim to examine the impact of COVID-19 on exercise capacity and fatigue among individuals who have recovered from the virus. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient physical therapy department of a tertiary hospital and Primary health care center. The study comprised 116 participants divided into two groups: a normative group composed of individuals who had not been infected with COVID-19 in the past three months, and a control group consisting of those who had contracted COVID-19 within the preceding three months. The one-minute sit-to-stand test (1STST) was carried out to assess exercise capacity, following which fatigue was measured using the validated Arabic version of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Results: Of the 116 participants enrolled in this study, 76 (65.5%) were in the normative group and 40 (34.5%) in the control group. Following the intervention, the mean FSS score differed significantly between the normative (26.6; SD 10.9) and the control group (36.9; SD 14.8); p-value &lt; 0.001, with participants in the control group reporting higher levels of weariness than those in the normative group. Moreover, as measured by 1STST, the median number of sit-to-stand repetitions completed by participants in the normative group (21.0) was considerably greater than that of the control group (20.0); p-value = 0.025. Conclusion: Participants in the control group reported higher levels of fatigue and demonstrated lower exercise capacity than those in the normative group.

Prevalence and Pattern of Stroke Cases Seen at the Neurology Clinic of Physiotherapy Department, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt: A Ten-Year Retrospective Study .

Background: Stroke is a condition of public health concern. It affects people of different age brackets, leading to long-term debilitation with a significant percentage of survivors left with permanent disabilities Methods: The study adopted a descriptive retrospective study design in which the data of a total of 338 adult male and female stroke patients who attended the neurology clinic of Physiotherapy Department, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), between December 2012 and December 2022 were retrieved and studied following ethical clearance. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics was used to present the data in frequency tables. Results: Majority of the stroke patients were male 208 (61.5%), married 300 (88.8%), and between the ages of 51 and 60 (28.7%). The most common type of stroke was ischaemic stroke 295 (87.2%) with majority between the age bracket of 61-70 (26.6%). First episode of stroke was the most prevalent 301 (89.0%) with majority of the survivors between the age bracket of 51-60 (25.7%). Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor 195 (57.7%) and was also most prevalent among the age bracket of 51-60 (16.0%). Lastly, majority of the stroke patients had right sided hemiparesis 192 (56.9%). Conclusion: The risk factors and clinical presentation of stroke vary from individuals to individuals. Adequate education, counseling, medical, and financial support should be given to stroke survivors in order to prevent and manage the condition.

Physiotherapy Management of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria: A Case Report.

Background: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a potentially life-threatening post infectious disease characterized by rapidly progressive, symmetrical weakness of the extremities. It can cause life-threatening complications, particularly if the breathing muscles are affected or if there is dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Case Presentation: This is a case report of Physiotherapy management of a 51-year old female patient with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Patient was referred from the neurology unit, department of Internal Medicine, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) to the neurology clinic of the physiotherapy department, UPTH as a case GBS after series of investigations. Appropriate physiotherapy intervention was given for a period of 36 weeks after a thorough assessment of the patient. The Guillain-Barre Syndrome Disability Score was used to assess the overall functional status of the patient while the Oxford Muscle Grading Scale was used to assess for muscle strength. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was used to assess the level of pain in the limbs while the Berge Balance Scale (BBS) was used to assess the patient’s balance. The case report was presented in line with the CARE: Case Report Guideline for case reports. All ethical procedures were followed. Treatment outcome: Treatment outcome revealed that the Guillain-Barré Syndrome Disability Score reduced from 4 to 2 while that of Berg Balance Scale increased from 3 to 42 after 36 weeks of intervention. Pain level on range of motion of the limbs based on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale reduced from 6/10 to 1/10 on the upper limb and from 8/10 to 2/10 on the lower limbs. Conclusion: Physiotherapy is effective in the management of patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Early referral to Physiotherapy is key to pain management, balance control and overall functional status of the patients.

Comparison of Attitudes Towards Sports, Physical Activity Levels and Sleep Quality of University Students in Different Departments After the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT&#x0D; &#x0D; Purpose: Aim of this study is to compare attitudes towards sports, physical activity levels and sleep quality of students of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department and Coaching Department.&#x0D; &#x0D; Material and Methods: 25 Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation and 25 Coaching students participated in our study. Demographic information of participants was recorded in form prepared by researchers. Attitudes towards sports were evaluated with “Spora Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği” (Attitude Towards Sports Scale) developed by Şentürk (2015), physical activity levels were evaluated with International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and sleep quality was evaluated with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. SPSS 24.0 program was used for statistical analysis and significance value was accepted as p

Deep Squating Posture will be Influenced by Intrinsic Factor apart from Passive Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion

A total of 50 subjects participated in the study. The study was conducted in the department of Physiotherapy, Uttaranchal (PG) College of biomedical sciences and Hospital, Dehradun. The subjects were recruited from Uttaranchal (PG) College of biomedical sciences and Hospital Dehradun. Subjects were chosen as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria and informed consent should be obtained from all of them. After explaining the procedure, the subjects were assessed and divided into two groups possible squatting group and impossible squatting group. The subjects were asked to sit in the deep squatting posture with their heel down and arm Crossed and maintain the posture for more than 5 second and they were divided into 2 groups. Two points to be kept in mind while squatting were as follows: (a) Both the knees and feet should be brought together to the maximum possible extent throughout the deep squat and (b) The thigh and calf should be in contact with each other. The subjects were divided into two groups possible squatting and impossible deep squatting groups. The possible deep squatting group can be described as those who can performed the squatting i.e, both the knee and feet should be brought together to maximum possible and the thigh and calf should be in contact with each other and maintain these posture more than 5 second whereas impossible deep squatting group can be described as those who cant performed to contact calf and thigh while squatting. shows the deep squatting posture. The following parameter were measure in two groups, The straight leg raise (SLR), The Heel-buttock distance (HBD), The modified finger floor distance (MFFD), The modified Thomas tests, Ankle dorsiflexion flexibility. To examine the possible differences between the two squatting groups regard to each test parameters the Mann-Whitney u test (if the distribution of the data is not normal) was used. The dependent variables for the deep squatting posture were analyzed by step wise linear discriminate analysis to determine their relative importance for differentiating between the two groups. The dependent variables for the deep squatting posture are hip flexibility, knee flexibility, trunk flexibility, flexibility of hip and pelvis and ankle dorsiflexion flexibility. The possible deep squatting group shows increase in ankle dorsiflexion flexibility than the impossible deep squatting posture. Thus deep squatting posture is easy and objective method to measure the ankle joint dorsiflexion flexibility.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Specific Lumbar Mobilization and Core Stability Exercises in Mechanical Low Back Pain in Decreasing Pain and Disability: A Randomized Control Trial

Low back pain (LBP) is a global neuro - muscular problem developing significant disability of thoracic, lumbar or sacroiliac joint at any age. Objective: To analysis comparative effectiveness of specific lumbar mobilizations and core stability exercises in mechanical low back pain in reducing pain, ROM and disability. Methods: A patient blinded randomized trial was executed in the department of Physical therapy of Mayo Hospital, Lahore including 45 LBP patients randomly distributed into three groups. Each group received Conventional physical therapy in which Group A was control group, Group B received specific lumbar mobilizations while Group C received core stability exercises. NPRS, RMDQ and MODI were used for assessing pain and disability. SPSS version 24.0 was used for analyzing within and between group analysis through Paired T-test and Independent T- test with p-value &lt;0.05. Results: The results showed conventional therapy, specific lumbar mobilization and core stability exercises are effective in improving pain, ROM and functional status. However; Core stability exercises was more effective with p-values for NPRS (p=0.049), MODI (p=0.038), RMDQ (p=0.003) and for Ranges (R-side flexion; 0.008, L-side flexion; 0.033, R-side rotation; 0.00, L-side rotation; 0.00) as compared to lumbar mobilization. Additionally; there was no substantial difference was found between three groups for flexion and extension. Conclusions: Core stability exercises are statistically and clinically more effective than conventional therapy and specific lumbar mobilizations in improving ROM, decreasing pain and functional status.