Physiotherapy Department Research Articles

Sağlık Bilimlerinde Öğrenim Gören Öğrencilerin Mobil Öğrenmeye Yönelik Tutumları

Objective: This study aimed to examine the attitudes of health sciences students towards mobile learning. 
 Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the departments of Nursing, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Pharmacy, and Medicine in the Faculty of Health Sciences of a university located in the western Black Sea region of Turkey between December 2020 and May 2021. The study data were collected with the "Student Information Form" consisting of 10 questions and the "Mobile Learning Attitude Scale." The online survey method was used to manage the research data, and the answering time of the survey was 7-8 minutes on average. 
 Results: The study determined that the students had a moderate average score for their attitudes towards mobile learning. The highest average (3.11±0.45) score in its sub-dimensions was in usability in mobile learning.
 Conclusion: It has been determined that the health science students' attitudes towards mobile learning are moderate. It was observed that the m-learning attitudes of the students who found the effectiveness of online education at a "low" level in theoretical and clinical/practical courses were also at a "low" level.

Effectiveness Of Kaltenborn Mobilization Versus Muscle Energy Technique On Shoulder Range Of Motion In Adhesive Capsulitis

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of muscle energy techniques (post isometrics relaxation) and Kaltenborn mobilizations on shoulder range of motion (ROM) in adhesive capsulitis. Methodology: A randomized Control Trial (CRT) was conducted on patients with adhesive capsulitis for 6 months September 2021 to February 2022. Data was collected through a convenient sampling technique. 30 patients were taken from the physiotherapy department of the holy family hospital, Rawalpindi. The sample size was calculated using the Open Epi Tool. Data was collected by using Universal Goniometer at baseline, after 2 weeks and after 4 weeks of treatment. Patients who met the inclusion criteria and gave consent were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A & Group B. Group A received muscle energy technique and Group B received grade II & III Kaltenborn mobilizations. Results: Data was analysed using SPSS software version 22. Both groups showed improvements in shoulder range of motion but Group A showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in flexion and abduction ROM from Group B. Conclusion: The muscle energy technique is much more effective in improving flexion and abduction ROM except rotation than Kaltenborn mobilizations in adhesive capsulitis.

Effect of blood flow restriction training on pressure pain threshold and hand function among adults with persistent neck pain: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Persistent neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that affects the quality of life and functional abilities of individuals. Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) is a novel therapeutic approach that involves restricting blood flow to exercising muscles to enhance strength and function. However, limited research has been conducted on the effects of BFRT on pressure pain threshold and hand function in adults with persistent neck pain. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the potential benefits of BFRT as a treatment intervention for this population. Methods: This study will be a prospective parallel group active controlled trail done at Physiotherapy Department, Galgotias University. Ethical clearance has been obtained from Departmental Ethics Committee on 19/05/2023 with reference number DEC/PT/GU/2023 and the Trial has been registered with Clinical Trial Registry India CTRI/2023/06/053439. Informed consent will be obtained from all the participants who are eligible to be included in the study. 110 patients with persistent neck pain will be randomly allocated into two groups. The BFRT group will receive supervised training sessions three times a week for eight weeks, performing low-load resistance exercises with blood flow restriction applied using personalized cuff pressure. The control group will receive standard care for neck pain, which may include general advice, manual therapy, and/or home exercises without BFRT. The primary outcome measures will be the pressure pain threshold, assessed using a pressure Algometer, and hand function, evaluated using standardized tests such as Hand Grip Strength and Purdue Peg board Test. Results: The data obtained will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, and the significance level will be set at p<0.05. Conclusion: This trial will contribute valuable contribution highlighting the potential benefits of BFR training in improving pressure pain threshold and hand function in adults with persistent neck pain.

Evaluation of University Students' Attitudes towards Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practices: A Study at a University in Türkiye

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes of students continuing their education in the medical and dental faculties, as well as the nursing and physiotherapy and rehabilitation departments of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, towards traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) practices.
 Material-Method: The study population consisted of students enrolled in the medical, dental, nursing, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation departments of the Faculty of Health Sciences. To reach more participants, the questionnaires and scales were transferred to the Google Forms application, and the survey link was sent to the students via platforms such as email, WhatsApp, and Telegram. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using the SPSS 25.0 package program, and a significance level of p

Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Positional Release Technique (PRT) and Ischemic Compression (IC) on Headache Disability and Pain in Cervicogenic Headache (CGH) Patients

Headache originating from the bony structures or soft tissues of the neck is commonly known as cervicogenic headache. This study was conducted to determine the effects of the positional release technique (PRT) and ischemic compression (IC) on pain and headache disability among patients with cervicogenic headache (CGH). For this purpose, a randomized clinical trial was conducted. Data was collected from the Physiotherapy Department of Sharif Medical Complex, Lahore. A total of 36 CGH patients were assigned into two groups, randomly. The first group was treated with PRT and the other with IC. Both groups were given 12 sessions of therapy over a span of 4-weeks. HDI (Headache Disability Index) and NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) were used to measure the treatment effect on pain and headache disability before and after treatment. Among the participants (N = 36), the mean age of Group A and Group B was 26.22 ± 2.90 and 24.55 ± 2.55, respectively. A significant difference was found between the mean values of pre- and post-HDI and NPRS, with p-values 0.025 and 0.031, respectively and after treatment p value was 0.001 & 0.00 respectively. The results favoured the use of PRT because there was more variation in the mean values of PRT as compared to IC. Also, the mean values of pre- and post-HDI and NPRS scores varied significantly. Notably, a significant difference was not found between the mean values of both techniques at the beginning of treatment (pre-treatment). However, a significant difference was observed between the mean values of both techniques following treatment (post-treatment) in favour of PRT, since the mean values of PRT varied more than those of IC.

Role of MRI in Early Detection of Non-Neoplastic Articular Causes of Hip Joint Disability in Adults

Background Painful hip is a common problem in the absence of a known acute trauma, it can be a diagnostic problem as it can be attributed to many causes. The most common causes are avascular necrosis, transient osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, FAI or inflammatory causes. Aim of the Work The aim of this study is to clarify the role of MRI in diagnosis of the etiology of hip pain in adults that causes hip joint disability and to compare between the accuracy of both conventional radiography and MRI in various abnormalities and conventional MRI and MR arthrography in FAI and labrum tear. Patients and Methods This study was conducted on 96 symptomatic patients (14 males and 16 females with age ranged from 18 to 68 years) diagnosed clinically with hip joint disability due to certain hip pathology at Orthopedic and Physiotherapy Departments and referred to Radiodiagnosis Department of Ain shams University Hospitals. Results After statistical analysis of the results depending on the final outcome of the cases, it was found that MRI is more sensitive and specific than conventional radiography in detection of different hip joint pathologies with MRI sensitivity, specificity, and total accuracy ranging from 80 to 100% and conventional radiography sensitivity and specificity and total accuracy ranging from 50 to 90 %. Conclusion MRI has become an essential imaging modality in musculoskeletal system in general and in hip region specifically. It is a non-invasive technique with no radiation hazards, informative and essential in painful hip.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis and change disability post physiotherapy for patients with lower back pain attending rehabilitation care unit in Erbil

Background and objective: Determining the relationship between body compartments and Lower Back Pain (LBP) will increase our understanding about how body compartments can affect LBP disability. This study aimed to assess the association between body compartments and LBP disability pre and post-physiotherapy. Methods: A prospective study conducted in the main two governmental physiotherapy departments in Erbil. One Hundred patients were diagnosed with LBP and referred to physiotherapy units. All patients were assessed before starting physiotherapy and body compartments were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BEIA). LBP disability was measured for each patient by a modified Oswestry disability index (ODI). After completing six sessions of physiotherapy all patients were reassessed regarding body composition, obesity measures, and LBP disability. Results: Regarding the body fat percentage (BFP), 61% of females and 56.7% of males were obese. Results showed a positive significant correlation (P = 0.013) between BFP and LBP disability after physiotherapy, while a negative significant correlation (P = 0.026) between total body water (TBW) and LBP disability. There was a significant improvement in disability after physiotherapy (P <0.001). Eleven percent of patients succeeded to reach minimal clinically important difference (MCID ≥ 30%). Body composition and other obesity measurements were not significantly different before and after physiotherapy. Conclusions: LBP disability is positively associated with BFP and negatively associated with TBW. The physiotherapy protocol performed in the physiotherapy units was able to significantly improve disability although a low number of patients reached MCID ≥ 30%. Body compartments were not significantly different before and after physiotherapy.

Real-time ultrasound evaluation of CORE muscle activity in a simultaneous contraction in subjects with non-specific low back pain and without low-back pain. Protocol of an observational case-control study.

Non-specific low back pain represents 90-95% of all cases of low back pain and it has a prevalence of 18% in the adult population, assuming a great socioeconomic impact. The main objective of this observational case-control study study is to evaluate if there are differences in the simultaneous contraction of the core muscles between nonspecific low back pain and healthy subjects. This study will be carried out in the Physiotherapy department of the University of Alcalá. Eighty-two participants <18 years old, will be recruited, paired with NSLBP (n = 41) and healthy (n = 41). The main outcome will be the onset muscle contraction of lateral abdominal wall (internal oblique, external oblique and transversus abdominis), pelvic floor, lumbar multifidus and respiratory diafragm. The maneuvers that the subjects will perform will be abdominal drawing in maneouver, contralateral arm lift, valsalva, and voluntary pelvic floor contraction in sitting and standing. As a secondary objective, to analyze the amount of contraction of each muscle group and the capacity of the diaphragms to be excreted in both groups of subjects. Finally, to relate pain and disability.

Effect of Effleurage along with Moisturizing Application on Skin Elasticity

Background: A decrease in skin elasticity is a problem often complained of, especially by women. Changes in some of the structure and elasticity of the skin occur with age as a result of reduced production of natural oils and skin collagen. There are several ways to increase skin elasticity, including by stimulating collagen. One of them is by using topical skin care such as using a moisturizer that suits skin type. Aim: This study intends to determine the effect of effleurage in the application of moisturizer on skin elasticity. Method: The research design was a randomized controlled-trial with two groups pre and posttests conducted on 30 students of the Physiotherapy Department Surakarta randomly selected and divided into two groups. The treatment group applied moisturizer to the skin using the effleurage technique, while the control group applied only moisturizer. The groups were intervened for two weeks. Skin elasticity was measured using the EH-900U skin analysis system. Result: The Pre-Posttests of group one’s skin elasticity with the Paired Samples T-Test yielded a p value = 0.013, which means that there is an effect of effleurage in applying moisturizer on skin elasticity. The Pre-Posttests of group two's skin elasticity with the Wilcoxon Test yielded a p value = 0.551, which means that there is no effect of topical moisturizer on skin elasticity. There were significant differences in the treatment and control groups Conclusion: The application of moisturizer along with effleurage for skin elasticity is more robust than applying only topical moisturizer.

Comparison of Musculoskeletal Symptoms of Neck and Shoulder among Different Types of Hand Held Device Users

Background: Prolonged and forceful utilization of hand-held devices has contributed to a global increase in upper extremity and cervical musculoskeletal disorders. These pathologies are directly associated with excessive use of mobile phones and similar devices. Aim: To evaluate the impact of diverse hand-held devices on musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms in the neck and shoulder and investigate the relation between usage duration and MSK symptoms in the neck and shoulder region. Methods: This study utilized an observational design with a self-structured questionnaire approved by the Department of Physical Therapy at Sargodha Medical College. The sample consisted of 300 young adults aged 21 to 28 years, selected through convenient sampling across different academic years. Data collection involved the distribution of a comprehensive questionnaire, ensuring meticulous responses and privacy. Inclusive criteria included 2nd to final year students, while exclusions maintained homogenity. Results: Among the 300 participants, 76% experienced musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck and shoulder regions, while 24% were asymptomatic. Specifically, 57% reported pain, 16% had numbness, 5% experienced cramping, and 22% felt stiffness. Moreover, 55% of the total population reported some level of pain on Visual Analog Scale, while 45% were pain-free. The study highlights the need for ergonomic design considerations in hand-held devices to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal symptoms in neck and shoulder regions. The findings can guide development of user education programs and workplace interventions to promote proper posture and exercises for individuals using hand-held devices, thereby reducing musculoskeletal discomfort. Conclusion: Excessive utilization of handheld devices is intricately associated with cervico-brachial discomfort, revealing correlations between device typology, duration of usage, postural alignments, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Keywords: Hand-held devices, musculoskeletal symptoms, neck and shoulder discomfort

The effects of Equal Weight Bearing Sit-to-Stand Exercise Program on Balance in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of routine physical therapy with and without equal weight bearing sit to standexercise program on balance in stroke patients. Study Design: Randomized Clinical trial (IRCT-50122) Place and Duration of Study: Physiotherapy department of University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Omer Medical Centre,Lahore and Yaseen Medical Centre, Lahore Pakistan from Nov 2019 to Jun 2020. Methodology: The 24 participants with sub-acute stroke aged 40-60 years were divided randomly using lottery method, into two equal groups of 12 each. A random number table was generated using computer. All random numbers were kept in a sealed envelope. For each patient a sealed envelope was opened and according to mentioned number, group was allocated. The assessment was done before treatment, at 4th week and after 8th week of intervention. Control Group received the 3 sessions per week of routine physical therapy treatment. Experimental Group received 3 sessions per week of routine physical therapy with equal weight bearing sit-to-stand exercise. Results: Control Group consist of 12 stroke patients, out of which had 5(41.7%) hemorrhagic while 7(58.3%) had ischemic stroke. In Experimental Group, there were 2(16.7%) hemorrhagic while 10(83.3%) stroke patients. According to p-value=0.001 for factor significant improvement was seen in berg balance scale total score from baseline till 2nd follow up. Conclusion: This study concluded that equal weight bearing sit to stand exercise program with routine physiotherapy was aneffective treatment to improve balance in sub-acute stroke patients as compared to the only routine physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy for pain, jaw mobility, and oral health-related quality of life in patient with trismus following radiation therapy for jaw cancer: A case report

Background: Trismus is a painful condition that restricts the temporomandibular joint range of motion (ROM) causing difficulty in eating, chewing, speaking, etc., affecting the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL). It often presents as a complication during pre-malignancy stage or after oral cancer treatment. Its prevalence is between 28% and 79%, and it is 8 times more common in edentulous patients. Case Presentation: The 57-year-old male complained of continuous tongue and jaw pain with difficulty in chewing, eating, and speaking 1 year before and gradually developed small ulcers over the right jaw. After complete investigation, the patient was diagnosed with jaw cancer and underwent radiotherapy for 2 months. This patient came with complaints of pain, difficulty in mouth opening to physiotherapy department, 3 months following radiotherapy, diagnosed as a case of trismus. A comprehensive physiotherapy protocol including LASER, mobilization, Myofascial release, active exercises for the period of 4 weeks was given. Outcomes for pain, jaw mobility, and OHRQOL were evaluated at baseline and 4 weeks. Conclusion: Four weeks of comprehensive physiotherapy protocol was found effective in reducing pain and improving jaw mobility and OHRQOL in patients with trismus following radiation therapy.

TO COMPARE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRUNK STABILIZATION EXERCISE AND GENERAL EXERCISE IN NON-SPECIFIC CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN-A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Aim of study: To identify the effectiveness of particular trunk stabilization versus a general exercise in low back pain management. Methodology: An experimental study was conducted at the physiotherapy department of Dow University of Health Sciences, 52 participants with low backache were enrolled and assessed for pain intensity using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and disability by using the Modified Oswestry Low Back Disability Index (MOLBDQ-I). Through equal randomization one group got their low back pain treated through trunk stabilization exercises while the other with general exercises, 3times/week* 4weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 by applying non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: This study demonstrated that males and females are equally affected by chronic low back pain. Trunk stabilizing and general exercise regimes both significantly reduced the pain and disability in the study population but the effectiveness of trunk stabilizing exercises were significantly superior in reducing pain. Limitations and Future Implications: Study did not include a control group that received no intervention. It would be valuable to assess the cost-effectiveness of trunk stabilization exercises compared to general exercises or other interventions. Originality: Trunk stabilizing exercises are superior in reducing pain, disability, and restoring functional mobility than general exercises in chronic back pain. Conclusion: Trunk stabilizing exercises are superior in reducing pain, disability, and restoring functional mobility than general exercises in chronic back pain.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health and Musculoskeletal Pain in Post-COVID-19-Recovered Patients

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is having worldwide impact including mental and physical health. The objective of this study is to evaluate the mental health and musculoskeletal pain in postrecovered patients. Methods: A 4-week exercise program including warm-up exercises, strengthening exercises, relaxation exercises, deep breathing exercises, and cool down exercises was designed for this interventional study. A total of 100 corona-recovered patients were selected from the physiotherapy department of the hospital. All the patients were instructed to come to the department for postassessment and then the data were analyzed. Results: The significant results were seen in the following variables on the basis of comparison between week 1 and week 4: Visual Analog Scale score (week 1: 2.11 ± 1.77 and week 4: 0.79 ± 1.21), modified Borg Dyspnea Scale (week 1: 2.07 ± 1.65 and week 4: 0.79 ± 1.21), Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (week 1: 42.5 ± 4.6 and week 4: 59.4 ± 6.7), and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Scale (week 1: 8.32 ± 6.1 and week 4: 1.68 ± 2.42). Conclusions: The study concluded that there was significant reduction of physical and mental health status of patients with history of COVID-19.

Improving the quality of rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery, in an outpatient physiotherapy department

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a type of orthopaedic knee surgery and physiotherapy rehabilitation is undertaken for several months postoperatively, often with the aim of returning the patient to...

Comparison of Musculoskeletal Symptoms of Neck and Shoulder among Different Types of Hand Held Device Users

Introduction: Prolonged and forceful utilization of hand-held devices has contributed to a global increase in upper extremity and cervical musculoskeletal disorders. These pathologies are directly associated with the excessive use of mobile phones, tablets, and similar devices. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of diverse hand-held devices on musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms in the neck and shoulder and investigate the relation between usage duration and MSK symptoms in the neck and shoulder region. Materials and Methods: This study utilized an observational design with a self-structured questionnaire approved by the Department of Physical Therapy at Sargodha Medical College. The sample consisted of 300 young adults aged 21 to 28 years, selected through convenient sampling across different academic years. Data collection involved the distribution of a comprehensive questionnaire, ensuring meticulous responses and privacy. Inclusive criteria included 2nd to final year students, while exclusions maintained homogeneity. Rigorous standards were followed, enhancing reliability and validity, and facilitating a comprehensive exploration of musculoskeletal health in the medical college student population. Results: Among the 300 participants, 76% experienced musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck and shoulder regions, while 24% were asymptomatic. Specifically, 57% reported pain, 16% had numbness, 5% experienced cramping, and 22% felt stiffness. Moreover, 55% of the total population reported some level of pain on the Visual Analog Scale, while 45% were pain-free. Conclusion: Excessive utilization of handheld devices is intricately associated with cervico-brachial discomfort, revealing correlations between device typology, duration of usage, postural alignments, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Keywords: hand-held devices, musculoskeletal symptoms, neck and shoulder discomfort

물리치료학과 교육에서 프로젝트기반 학습 모형을 이용한 수업운용 : 질적사례연구

물리치료학과 교육에서 프로젝트기반 학습 모형을 이용한 수업운용 : 질적사례연구

A new portable Fresnel magnifying loupe for nystagmus observation: a clinical education and clinical practice setting study

BackgroundDizziness is a common complaint of patients treated by primary care physicians. It is predominantly caused by peripheral vestibular disorders; however, central nervous system disorders should be excluded. Examination of the eye movements and nystagmus can help differentiate the disorders of the central nervous system from the peripheral vestibular disorders; however, it is often not performed appropriately. In medical education practice, nystagmus observation may facilitate an understanding of vestibular function and nystagmus characteristics. Thus, we proposed a medical education practice to master nystagmus observation using a recently developed portable Fresnel magnifying loupe that could be shielded by one eye.MethodsThirty-three students from the Department of Physical Therapy and the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Therapy of the Mejiro University participated in this study. Postrotatory nystagmus was measured and compared using the new loupe and control methods, namely the naked eye and Frenzel goggles; we rated the ease of visibility using a five-point scale.ResultsThe number of detected cases of nystagmus was significantly higher with the new loupe than with the naked eye (p = 0.001). In addition, there were no significant differences in the nystagmus counts between the observations using the new loupe and Frenzel goggles (p = 0.087). No significant difference was observed in the visibility of eye movements between the loupe and naked eye (p = 1.00). The Frenzel goggles provided better visibility compared to that by the loupe (p = 0.034); however, none of the participants reported poor visibility using any of these methods.ConclusionsOur newly developed Fresnel loupe allows for the observation of nystagmus counts a level of reduction in fixation suppression similar to that of Frenzel goggles in an educational practice setting. Furthermore, it enables the detection of significantly more nystagmus counts compared to that by the naked eye. It offers several advantages over Frenzel goggles, including its lightweight, thin, durable, and portable design. Additionally, the loupe does not rely on a power source and can be used under normal room lighting conditions.Trial registrationThis study was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of Mejiro University (approval number: 21medicine-021).

News from the European Journal of Therapeutics: A new issue and a new editorial board

News from the European Journal of Therapeutics: A new issue and a new editorial board

Enhancing Knowledge and Practices for Inclusive Education: A Community Engagement Program for Early Detection and Intervention in Elementary School Students' Development

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