Physiotherapy Training Research Articles

Análisis documental de los perfiles de egreso vigentes de las carreras de Fisioterapia en Chile

IntroductionThe entry-level profile corresponds to a formal statement of an institution about the intended learning outcomes of a profession. This commitment includes developing a professional identity, specifying the main areas of professional activity and its key attributes. Besides, universities’ training must transparentize institutions’ commitments to their graduates and society. There is currently no standard for professional training in Physiotherapy in Chile, and it is necessary to move toward this purpose by starting with an analysis of what universities offer today. PurposeTo analyze the main areas of performance and competencies declared in the competency-based exit profile of Physiotherapy entry-level programs delivered in 2021 in Chile. Material and methodQualitative documentary research was carried out of the competency-based exit profile, published on the web sites of 41 Higher Education institutions in Chile that delivered Physiotherapy entry-level University Programs during the 2021. A thematic content analysis was carried out assisted by CAQDAS NVivo 12 pro. ResultsSeven main categories were obtained that characterize competence areas of the current competency-based exit profile in Physiotherapy entry-level programs in Chile: physiotherapist intervention; clinical reasoning in physiotherapy; promotion and prevention in health; research; health management and administration; education; and entrepreneurship and innovation. ConclusionsThe main areas of performance present in the exit profiles of the university programs of Physiotherapy in Chile were identified. A reflection would be made about the practical meanings for university professional training in Physiotherapy in Chile to respond to the present and future professionals requirements with the identity centered on the human movement as the axis of professional action.

Physiotherapists’ Perspectives on the use of Telehealth for Service Delivery to Children with Developmental Delays: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

Purpose: The purposes of the study are to (1) determine what barriers and facilitators physiotherapists perceive to using telehealth, (2) to determine willingness to use and (3) to determine perspectives on training in the use of telehealth. Method: This is a qualitative semi structured interview and focus group design. Participants were recruited from the first stage of the larger research process using purposive sampling. A semi structured guide was used to facilitate discussion of shared experiences and to allow themes to emerge from the discussion. Results: Thematic analysis was used to synthesise frequent and important themes. Ten participants took part in either a focus group (n=7) or interview (n=3). Nine main themes identified were split into barriers and facilitators. Facilitators were the right family, right child, adequate technology and space, and collaboration. Barriers were technology, time management, lack of physical touch, lack of organisational support, and work environment. Conclusion: Results suggest that physiotherapists working with children with developmental delay consider telehealth to be unsuitable to replace face-to-face therapy entirely but are willing to use it to provide follow up services to the right family and the right child. Physiotherapists in the study were positive about telehealth’s potential to improve services to children in rural areas. Physiotherapists said that specific physiotherapy training in telehealth was currently lacking.

Effect of Dual-Task Training on Gait and Balance in Stroke Patients: An Updated Meta-analysis.

The main purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of dual-task training on gait and balance improvement in stroke patients. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL, CNKI, Wan Fang, and VIP databases were searched from inception to January 28, 2021, for randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of dual-task training on gait and balance intervention in stroke patients. A total of 17 studies with 575 stroke patients that compared the efficacy and safety of dual-task training with those of conventional physical therapy or single-task training were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that the data were as follows under the dual-task training: step length (mean difference = 2.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.33 to 4.08, P = 0.0001); cadence (mean difference = 5.06, 95% confidence interval = 3.37 to 6.75, P < 0.00001); stride length (mean difference = 7.34, 95% confidence interval = 5.47 to 9.22, P < 0.00001); 10-meter walk test times (mean difference = -2.36, 95% confidence interval = -3.70 to -1.02), P = 0.0006); Berg Balance Scale (mean difference = 3.8, 95% confidence interval = 0.04 to 7.55, P = 0.05); Fugl-Meyer motor assessment of lower extremities (mean difference = 2.27, 95% confidence interval = -1.04 to 5.59, P = 0.18). This meta-analysis showed that dual-task training can improve stroke patients' step length, cadence, stride length, and 10-meter walk test. However, possible advantages in improving balance function need further exploration.

Physiotherapists Both Reproduce and Resist Biomedical Dominance when Working With People With Low Back Pain: A Qualitative Study Towards New Praxis.

Despite recommendations to incorporate physical and psychosocial factors when providing care for people with back pain, research suggests that physiotherapists continue to focus on biological aspects. This study investigated how interpersonal and institutional norms influence this continued enactment of the biological aspects of management. We used theoretically-driven analysis, drawing from Foucauldian notions of power, to analyse 28 ethnographic observations of consultations and seven group discussions with physiotherapists. Analysis suggested that physiotherapy training established expectations of what a physiotherapist 'should' focus on, and institutional circumstances strongly drew the attention of physiotherapists towards biological aspects. Resistance to these forces was possible when, for example, physiotherapists reflected upon their practice, used silences and pauses during consultations, and actively collaborated with patients. These circumstances facilitated use of non-biomedical management approaches. Findings may assist physiotherapists to rework the enduring normative focus on biomedical aspects of care when providing care for patients with back pain.

Is robotic gait training effective for individuals with cerebral palsy? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Aim To determine if robotic gait training for individuals with cerebral palsy is more effective than the standard of care for improving function. Method PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched from 1980–January, 2022 for articles that investigated robotic gait training versus standard of care (i.e. physical therapy or standard gait training) for individuals with cerebral palsy. Articles were included if a randomized controlled trial design was used, and excluded if robotic gait training was combined with another neuromuscular intervention, such as functional electrical stimulation. A meta-analysis of outcomes measured in at least four studies was conducted. Results Eight citations met all criteria for full-text review and inclusion in the meta-analysis. A total of 188 individuals with cerebral palsy, ages four to 35, and Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–IV were studied. Level of evidence ranged from 2b–1b. All studies utilized a tethered, assistive device for robotic gait training. The overall effect was not significantly different between the robotic gait training and control interventions for six minute walk test performance (95% CI: −0.17, 0.73; P = 0.22), free walking speed (95% CI: −0.18, 0.57; P = 0.30), or Gross Motor Function Measures D (Standing) (95% CI: −0.29, 0.39; P = 0.77) and E (Walking, Running and Jumping) (95% CI: −0.11, 0.57; P = 0.19). Conclusion Tethered robotic devices that provide assistive gait training for individuals with cerebral palsy do not provide a greater benefit for improving mobility than the standard of care.

The Efficacy of High-Intensity Preoperative Physiotherapy Training on Postoperative Outcomes in Greek Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Purpose: Several studies have shown that patients with severe osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee can reduce their knee pain, improve their quadriceps strength, and improve their functional ability through regular exercise training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a six-week supervised high-intensity preoperative training program on muscle strength, functional performance, and patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods: Ninety-eight patients scheduled for unilateral TKA for severe OA were allocated to an intervention group (N = 49) who completed a six-week preoperative training program, five days per week prior to surgery, and a control group (N=49) who did not follow any preoperative training program. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Physical Functioning Scale of the Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), quadriceps strength, 20-meter walk test, and 30-second chair stand test were assessed at six weeks before surgery (T0), just before surgery (T1), four weeks (T2) and finally 12 weeks (T3) after TKA.Results: Of 98 patients included in our study, 10 individuals withdrew from the study at different stages. Finally, 44 patients were allocated to the intervention group and 44 patients to the control group. When comparing the changes from baseline to the primary test points at T1, T2, and T3, we found a significant group difference in favor of the intervention group for quadriceps strength (<0.001, 0.001, 0.009), 20-meter walk test (<0.001, 0.023, 0.032), 30-second chair stand test (0.001, <0.001, <0.001) and all patient-reported outcomes WOMAC (<0.001, 0.001, 0.007) except from KOOS that showed significant difference only at T1 (<0.001) at T2 (0.048) but not at T3 (0.087).Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that a six-week preoperative physiotherapy training program supervised by a physiotherapist before TKA is efficacious for decreasing knee pain, improving knee function, and enhancing daily living activities.

Effect of Treadmill Training Interventions on Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Older Adults with Neurological Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective: Treadmill interventions have been shown to promote ‘normal’ walking patterns, as they facilitate the proper movement and timing of the lower limbs. However, prior reviews have not examined which intervention provides the most effective treatment of specific gait impairments in neurological populations. The objective of this systematic review was to review and quantify the changes in gait after treadmill interventions in adults with neurological disorders. Data Sources: A keyword search was performed in four databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science (January 2000–December 2021). We performed the search algorithm including all possible combinations of keywords. Full-text articles were examined further using forward/backward search methods. Study Selection: Studies were thoroughly screened using the following inclusion criteria: study design: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT); adults ≥55 years old with a neurological disorder; treadmill intervention; spatiotemporal gait characteristics; and language: English. Data Extraction: A standardized data extraction form was used to collect the following methodological outcome variables from each of the included studies: author, year, population, age, sample size, and spatiotemporal gait parameters including stride length, stride time, step length, step width, step time, stance time, swing time, single support time, double support time, or cadence. Data Synthesis: We found a total of 32 studies to be included in our systematic review through keyword search, out of which 19 studies included adults with stroke and 13 studies included adults with PD. We included 22 out of 32 studies in our meta-analysis that examined gait in adults with neurological disorders, which only yielded studies including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and stroke patients. A meta-analysis was performed among trials presenting with similar characteristics, including study population and outcome measure. If heterogeneity was >50% (denoted by I2), random plot analysis was used, otherwise, a fixed plot analysis was performed. All analyses used effect sizes and standard errors and a p < 0.05 threshold was considered statistically significant (denoted by *). Overall, the effect of treadmill intervention on cadence (z = 6.24 *, I2 = 11.5%) and step length (z = 2.25 *, I2 = 74.3%) in adults with stroke was significant. We also found a significant effect of treadmill intervention on paretic step length (z = 2.34 *, I2 = 0%) and stride length (z = 6.09 *, I2 = 45.5%). For the active control group, including adults with PD, we found that overground physical therapy training had the largest effect on step width (z = −3.75 *, I2 = 0%). Additionally, for PD adults in treadmill intervention studies, we found the largest significant effect was on step length (z = 2.73 *, I2 = 74.2%) and stride length (z = −2.54 *, I2 = 96.8%). Conclusion: Treadmill intervention with sensory stimulation and body weight support treadmill training were shown to have the largest effect on step length in adults with PD and stroke.

Effects of Pre-Surgical Education and Physical Therapy Training for Dyspnea Prevention in Patients Undergoing Valvular Cardiac Surgery

Objective: To evaluate the Effects of Pre-operative education and physical therapy training for dyspnea prevention in patients undergoing valvular cardiac surgery. Methods: A Prospective RCT was performed on sample size of 40 patients of cardiac valvular disease that were obtain from Faisalabad Institute of cardiology. At the time of admission, all patients were tested by baseline dyspnea index then the subjects were randomly assigned into two groups by computerized random generator. Both groups were having education but treatment group were having additional breathing exercises and functional tasks for 10 minutes in 1st week regularly and 1 hour in 2nd week regularly. Each group were tested again by BDI after the treatment on second post-op day. Tracheal extubation and eye-opening time were also noted as outcome measures of study. Results were compiled on SPSS.20 for finding post-operative dyspnea. Results: Pre-operative and post-operative findings showed that the patients of treatment group performed better than control group as the effects of pre-operative treatment on dyspnea by total baseline dyspnea index is significant (p&lt;0.05) as well as the treatment group had significant reduction in eye-opening and tracheal extubation time in comparison of control group having (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The results shows that in patients of valvular cardiac surgery, pre-surgical education and physical therapy training showed significant reduction in post-surgical dyspnea, tracheal extubation and eye-opening time. Keywords: Valvular cardiac surgery, physical therapy training, presurgical education, cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, baseline dyspnea index, rehabilitation.

Brain Reorganization and Neural Plasticity in Elite Athletes With Physical Impairments.

Use-dependent and impairment-specific brain plasticity are hypothesized to interact and enhance neural reorganization in the central nervous system (CNS) of athletes with physical impairments. Paralympic brain studies are helpful in achieving a fundamental understanding of the underlying neural mechanism related to CNS reorganization after physical therapy or athletic training. Information learned from these individuals also provides new insights into sports- and rehabilitation-related neuroscience.

Effects of the Robot-Assisted Gait Training Device Plus Physiotherapy in Improving Ambulatory Functions in Patients With Subacute Stroke With Hemiplegia: An Assessor-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) device plus physiotherapy vs physiotherapy alone in improving ambulatory functions in patients with subacute stroke with hemiplegia. DesignA prospective, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. SettingPatients with subacute stroke with hemiplegia admitted at the Rehabilitation Center. ParticipantsTwenty-six patients with subacute stroke with hemiplegia (N=26). InterventionAll patients received 30 training sessions (5 d/wk for 6 wk), which included conventional physiotherapy training (60 minutes) and ambulation training (60 minutes). In the ambulation training session, the RAGT device group received robotic training (40 minutes) and ground ambulation training (20 minutes). The control group received only ground ambulation training (60 minutes). The outcomes were assessed at the initial session and at the end of the 15th and 30th sessions. Comparisons within groups and between groups were conducted. Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome variables were the FIM-walk score and the efficacy of FIM-walk. ResultsThe RAGT device group showed greater improvements from baseline than control in (1) the FIM-walk score at the end of the 15th session (P=.012), (2) the efficacy of FIM-walk at the end of the 15th session (P=.008), (3) walking distance in the 6-minute walk test at the end of the 15th session (P=.018), (4) the Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living (ADL) at the end of the 30th session (P<.001), and (5) gait symmetry ratio at the end of the 30th session (P=.044). Other gait parameters showed tendencies of improvement in the RAGT device group, but there were no significant differences. ConclusionsRAGT devices plus physiotherapy showed early improvements in walking ability and Barthel ADL index compared with the ground level training plus physiotherapy in patients with subacute stroke with hemiplegia.

Effectiveness of face-to-face physiotherapy training and education for women who are undergoing elective caesarean section: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCaesarean Section (CS) is associated with numerous post-operative problems. The current literature reveals that physiotherapy interventions such as pelvic floor rehabilitation and post-surgical rehabilitation enable enhanced recovery in the post-operative period. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of face-to-face physiotherapy training and education prior to elective CS in improving post-operative outcomes.MethodsA single blind parallel randomized controlled study was carried out at De Soysa Hospital for Women (DSHW), Colombo. Fifty-four women who were to undergo elective CS were recruited to the study. The women in the intervention group (n = 27) received face-to-face physiotherapy training and education; the control group (n = 27) received only the standard nursing care. Outcome measures such as perception of post-operative pain, dosage of additional analgesics required, pain upon returning to functional activities and lengths of hospital stay were collected. Results were analyzed using IBM SPSS 20 using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test.ResultsMean post-operative pain score (control group; 4.2±0.46 vs. intervention group; 1.7±0.7) and doses of additional analgesics required were significantly higher in the control group than that of the intervention group. Pain upon returning to functional activities decreased significantly within 2 days in both groups, and values were lower in the intervention group. The intervention group showed a shorter hospital stay than the control group (control group;3.9 ± 0.3 vs. intervention group;3.00 ± 0.0) (p < 0.05).ConclusionsFace-to-face physiotherapy training and education prior to elective CS appears to be a promising intervention to improve the post-operative outcomes by reducing post-operative pain, doses of additional analgesics required, pain upon returning to functional activities and lengths of hospital stay.Trial registrationSLCTR/2019/029-APPL/2019/028; Registered on 6th of September 2019.

Effects of Endurance Training on Motor Signs of Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Evidence has demonstrated that endurance training (ET) reduces the motor signs of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there has not been a comprehensive meta-analysis of studies to date. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of ET versus nonactive and active control conditions on motor signs as assessed by either the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS-III) or Movement Disorder Society-UPDRS-III (MDS-UPDRS-III). A random-effect meta-analysis model using standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) determined treatment effects. Moderators (e.g., combined endurance and physical therapy training [CEPTT]) and meta-regressors (e.g., number of sessions) were used for sub-analyses. Methodological quality was assessed by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database. Twenty-seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met inclusion criteria (1152 participants). ET is effective in decreasing UPDRS-III scores when compared with nonactive and active control conditions (g = - 0.68 and g = - 0.33, respectively). This decrease was greater (within- and between-groups average of - 8.0 and - 6.8 point reduction on UPDRS-III scores, respectively) than the moderate range of clinically important changes to UPDRS-III scores (- 4.5 to - 6.7 points) suggested for PD. Although considerable heterogeneity was observed between RCTs (I2 = 74%), some moderators that increased the effect of ET on motor signs decreased the heterogeneity of the analyses, such as CEPTT (I2 = 21%), intensity based on treadmill speed (I2 = 0%), self-perceived exertion rate (I2 = 33%), and studies composed of individuals with PD and freezing of gait (I2 = 0%). Meta-regression did not produce significant relationships between ET dosage and UPDRS-III scores. ET is effective in decreasing UPDRS-III scores. Questions remain about the dose-response relationship between ET and reduction in motor signs.

A feasibility randomized controlled trial of a NICU rehabilitation program for very low birth weight infants

Motor disability is common in children born preterm. Interventions focusing on environmental enrichment and emotional connection can positively impact outcomes. The NICU-based rehabilitation (NeoRehab) program consists of evidence-based interventions provided by a parent in addition to usual care. The program combines positive sensory experiences (vocal soothing, scent exchange, comforting touch, skin-to-skin care) as well as motor training (massage and physical therapy) in a gestational age (GA) appropriate fashion. To investigate the acceptability, feasibility and fidelity of the NeoRehab program in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants. All interventions were provided by parents in addition to usual care. Infants (≤ 32 weeks' GA and/or ≤ 1500 g birthweight) were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial comparing NeoRehab to usual care (03/2019–10/2020). The a priori dosing goal was for interventions to be performed 5 days/week. The primary outcomes were the acceptability, feasibility and fidelity of the NeoRehab program. 36 participants were randomized to the intervention group and 34 allocated to usual care. The recruitment rate was 71% and retention rate 98%. None of the interventions met the 5 days per week pre-established goal. 97% of participants documented performing a combination of interventions at least 3 times per week. The NeoRehab program was well received and acceptable to parents of VLBW infants. Programs that place a high demand on parents (5 days per week) are not feasible and goals of intervention at least 3 times per week appear to be feasible in the context of the United States. Parent-provided motor interventions were most challenging to parents and alternative strategies should be considered in future studies. Further studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between intervention dosing on long term motor outcomes.

PENYULUHAN PENGARUH KNEE JOINT PAIN EXERCISE PADA WARGA DENGAN KONDISI OSTEOARTHRITIS KNEE DI DESA GAMER KOTA PEKALONGAN

&lt;p&gt;Geriatric is a term consisting of the words geros (elderly) and iatreia (caring / merumat), elderly if they have reached the age of over 60 years. Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is a disorder of the cartilage (joint cartilage) which is characterized by clinical, histological and radiological changes. From the observation process of &lt;strong&gt;identifying&lt;/strong&gt; physiotherapy problems in the elderly by lecturers and D-III students of the Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health, Pekalongan University, which was carried out by interviewing the elderly, it was found that the problem most often experienced by the elderly was joint pain in the knee. Situation analysis in the form of observations made by students in the environment of activities at RT.04 / RW.05 Gamer Village, Pekalongan Timur District, Pekalongan City in the form of interviews with the elderly. The process of observing the identification of physiotherapy problems in the elderly uses the assessment method. The purpose of this activity is to increase knowledge and understanding of the elderly about the role of physiotherapy in the elderly, especially in reducing joint pain, increasing muscle strength, and functional activities in osteoarthritis. The &lt;strong&gt;solution offered&lt;/strong&gt; by students is to use counseling and training methods to reduce knee joint pain in the elderly with &lt;em&gt;Knee Joint Pain Exercise&lt;/em&gt; intervention. The &lt;strong&gt;implementation &lt;/strong&gt;of outreach and training activities was attended by four elderly people. Prior to the counseling and training process, the elderly were given a pre-test and post-test which were used as benchmarks for under-five understanding of the counseling and training carried out. The &lt;strong&gt;results&lt;/strong&gt; of the pre-test and post-test proved that the level of understanding of the elderly increased after being given counseling and physiotherapy training. It can be &lt;strong&gt;concluded&lt;/strong&gt; that after being given counseling and physiotherapy training, the level of understanding of the elderly in reducing knee joint pain in the elderly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align="left"&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keywords&lt;/strong&gt;: &lt;em&gt;Osteoarthritis&lt;/em&gt;, and &lt;em&gt;Knee Joint Pain Exercise&lt;/em&gt;

PENYULUHAN DAN PELATIHAN FISIOTERAPI PADA KONDISI DE’QUERVAIN SYNDROME DENGAN TERAPI LATIHAN DI KOMUNITAS KELUARGA DESA LESES SAWANGAN KECAMATAN GRINGSING KABUPATEN BATANG

&lt;p&gt;De Quervain syndrome is a disease with pain in the area of the styloideus process due to chronic inflammation of the tendon wrapping of the abductor polysis longus muscle and the extensor of the brevis polysis at the distal radius and the clamping of the two tendons. From the observation process of identifying physiotherapy problems in patients by lecturers and students of Physiotherapy, conducted by interviewing the community, it was found that the common problem experienced by patients was pain in the thumb. Situation analysis in the form of observations carried out by all teams in the family community, gringsing sub-district, Batang district in the form of interviews with the family community, the process of observing the identification of physiotherapy problems in De Quervain syndrome using lecture and question and answer methods, the purpose of this activity is to increase knowledge and understand the family community about the role of physiotherapy in patients, especially in reducing pain in the thumb. The solution offered by the team uses counseling and training methods to reduce pain in De Quervain syndrome with exercise therapy to increase muscle strength, the implementation of outreach activities is attended by ten family members, before the counseling and training process is given a pre-test and a post-test that is rejected. measure for people who understand the extension is carried out. The results of the pre-test and post-test proved that the level of understanding after counseling increased. It can be concluded that after being given counseling and physiotherapy training in De Quervain syndrome with exercise therapy in increasing muscle strength, there is an increase in muscle strength and the range of motion of the joints.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keywords&lt;/strong&gt;: De Quervain syndrome, exercise therapy

Comparison of dual task specific training and conventional physical therapy in ambulation of hemiplegic stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial.

To compare the effectiveness of dual task specific training and conventional physical therapy in ambulation of patients with chronic stroke. The randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Habib Physiotherapy Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan, from January to August 2017, and comprised patients with chronic stroke. The patients were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Group A received dual task training, while Group B received conventional physiotherapy. Dual task training included activities such as slowlywalking backward, sideways, and forward on a smooth surface while holding a 100gm sandbag. The conventional physiotherapy included mat activities, stretching and strengthening exercises and gait training. Pre-test and post-test data was taken for both spatial and temporal variables for both groups using Time Up and Go Test and 10-meter walk test. Step length, stride length, cycle time and cadence were also calculated before and after treatment. SPSS 23 was used to analyse the data. Of the 64 patients, there were 32(50%) in each of the two groups that both had 17(53%) males and 15(47%) females. Mean age in Group A was 58.28 ± 7.13 years, while in Group B it was 58.87 ± 6.13 years. Baseline parameters had no significant differences between the groups (p>0.05). Post-treatments scores revealed significant improvement of spatial and temporal variable of gait, 10-meter walk, cadence, step length, stride and cycle time in Group A compared to Group B (p<0.05 each). Conventional physical therapy and dual task training effectively improved gait ability of chronic stroke patients, and the latter showed significant improvement in all spatial and temporal gait variables compared to former.

Physiotherapists perceived role in managing anxiety in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundAnxiety is common for people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) and is higher in those with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and in community-based samples. Anxiety can impact self-efficacy, pain, fatigue, engagement in physical activity and treatment adherence, all of which influence the rehabilitation process. Little is known about how physiotherapists manage anxiety in PwMS and the challenges associated with anxiety throughout the rehabilitation process, in community and outpatient settings.MethodsA mixed-methods design, combining a cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews with UK-physiotherapists, was used to answer the research question. To inform the qualitative study, a cross-sectional survey collected data from physiotherapists working in neurology to understand the impact and management of anxiety in people with MS (PwMS) during rehabilitation. Analysis used descriptive statistics and the findings formed the interview guide. Semi-structured interviews with specialist physiotherapists explored barriers and facilitators to managing anxiety in PwMS in community and outpatient settings, identified perceived physiotherapy training needs and offered suggestions to develop physiotherapy research and practice. Themes were derived inductively.ResultsThe survey suggested how PwMS present with anxiety, its impact during rehabilitation, physiotherapy management practices, and physiotherapist skills and training needs. Five semi-structured interviews with specialist physiotherapists expanded on the survey findings and identified five main themes: Understanding the MS journey, modifying assessment and treatment, anxiety management toolbox, lagging behind Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, and gaining knowledge and skills.ConclusionPhysiotherapists encounter anxiety in PwMS in community and outpatient rehabilitation and perceive they have a role in managing it as it presents. Facilitators included communication, listening skills and opportunities to develop strong therapeutic relationships. Poor training and support, lack of clinical guidelines and limited research evidence were considered barriers. Clinically relevant learning opportunities, interprofessional working, and greater support through clinical supervision is recommended to better develop physiotherapy practice.

Anatomy education in physiotherapy training: perceptions of Nigerian-based undergraduate physiotherapy students

Background Anatomy education is an integral aspect of physiotherapy training with tremendous effects on clinical education and expertise. Literature is scarce on the current trends in physiotherapy-related anatomy education in Nigeria, making it difficult to identify specific areas that require improvement to enable effective teaching-learning processes. Objectives This cross-sectional study investigated the profile, commitment to, perceptions of relevance and challenges of anatomy education among undergraduate students of Nigerian physiotherapy training programmes. Methods Structured questionnaires, seeking information on knowledge and perceptions of anatomy education as well as its relevance to physiotherapy training and practice were distributed to 429 physiotherapy undergraduates. Results 350 questionnaires were completely filled and returned (81.6% response rate). Students’ anatomy profiles showed that majority of the students were exposed to anatomy education for 3–4 semesters (58.3%) with an average of one hour per lecture period (70.0%) which commonly comprised 401–600 students (58.0%). Despite that all the students reported exposure to dissection classes, only 11.7% reported adequate supervision of such classes. >50% of the students were aware of the relevance of anatomy education to physiotherapy training and practice. However, their commitment to anatomy education was generally poor. Major challenges of effective anatomy education included inadequate time for anatomy education (70.0%), large class size (67.1%) and non-supervision of dissection classes (22.6%). Age, gender and choice of physiotherapy as the primary intended course of study were not (p > 0.05) predictors of students’ commitment to anatomy education. Conclusion Physiotherapy undergraduates are aware of the relevance of anatomy education in physiotherapy training and practice. However, barriers of effective anatomy education were identified. Modifications in anatomy education are required for improved physiotherapy training.

Rethinking pain education from the perspectives of people experiencing pain: a meta-ethnography to inform physiotherapy training

BackgroundPain is a complex, global and multidimensional phenomena that impacts the lives of millions of people. Chronic pain (lasting more than 3 months) is particularly burdensome for individuals, health and...

Family-centered care on a physiotherapy course: case reports

Abstract Introduction: Family-Centered Care (FCC) is a philosophy that recognizes the family as a partner in the intervention process and currently constitutes one of the most important practices in pediatric physical therapy intervention. For this reason, FCC should be part of pediatric physiotherapy training so that future physiotherapists are able to include it in their clinical practice. Objective: To verify the feasibility of applying FCC as part of an undergraduate Physiotherapy course, focusing on the activity of children with different health conditions. Methods: This is a case report, based on information collected from medical records, on an intervention program carried out with 5 children and their families, in the home, once a week for seven weeks, by students of physical therapy in pediatrics. For pre- and post-intervention assessment of the children, standardized instruments were used: Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). Reports were collected from families and students regarding the FCC experience. Results: The children with neurological impairment increased the GMFM target area score by more than 5%, indicating clinical improvement. A child at biological risk had a pre-intervention AIMS percentile of &lt; 25 and a post-intervention percentile of 50, while another child with developmental delay did not alter his percentile. At the end of the intervention, families reported greater confidence in carrying out activities with their children and students reported the experience as relevant to their professional training. Conclusion: The practical application of FCC proved promising in the academic context of pediatric physical therapy.