Physiotherapy Unit Research Articles

Assessing quality of health care in the context of patient satisfaction from patients’ perspective among a physical therapy and rehabilitation unit

Health service policies are evolving into qualified health care providing best possible outcomes as well as focused on patient satisfaction. Hence the qualification valued health care includes patient satisfaction measurements, it is suggested to get feedbacks during the assessment of outcomes from the patient’s perspective. Aging of the world population accelerates demand on rehabilitation medicine which means recovering impairments so is directly related with quality of life. This study measures the patient satisfaction among 286 patients referring to outpatient clinics and receiving therapy within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit of City Hospital in Balikesir, Turkey. Results showed 63.4 ± 2.6 years mean of age and female majority (63.6%). Region of therapy included 9.8% for total body, plegic syndromes, 19.6% for neck, 25.2% for shoulder, 21.6% for knee and 23.8% for lumbar regions. Patients are grouped in two according to ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer of the question ‘Do you agree with you have benefit from applied treatment, does the treatment met your expectations?’. 274 patients (95.8%) were agree with therapy met their expectations. Article discusses one of the valid patient satisfaction questionnaire as evidence based outcome measures. In divisions the means of query scores were 3.9 for technical quality, 4.2 for communication with therapist, 3.6 for physical comfort, 3.9 for communication with secretary, 4.1 for communication with doctor, 3.5 for accessibility and 3.5 for cleanliness. Comparison of means among groups did not seem statistically significant as result of Mann–Whitney U test, p > 0.05. In conclusion in the context of qualified health service providing, it is essential to get feedback from health care receivers to measure satisfaction and this needs improvement of generally valid questionnairres. Improved communication and greater provider sensitivity towards patients can enhance patient satisfaction resulting as meeting the expectation.

The Effect of Foot Reflexology and Knee Massage With Black Cumin Seed Oil on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms.

This study aimed to examine the effect of foot reflexology and knee massage with black cumin seed oil on pain and fatigue symptoms in elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis and assess which of these 2 applications is more effective. Our randomized controlled trial was conducted with 150 participants. Study data were collected from participants over 65years who received outpatient treatment in a university hospital's physical therapy and rehabilitation unit and were determined to have no perception problems based on the Mini-Mental Test. After randomization, the study sample was classified into 5 groups, each including 30 participants: (1) foot reflexology with black cumin seed oil, (2) foot reflexology with a placebo, (3) knee massage with black cumin oil, (4) knee massage with a placebo, and (5) control. Participants were administered a Patient Descriptive Information Form, the Lequesne Knee Osteoarthritis Index, the Pain-Visual Analog Scale, the Fatigue Severity Scale, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Control group participants received standard of care, while participants in treatment groups received the studied interventions for 6weeks. Data were collected by administering questionnaires to the participants in the first and sixth weeks and analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences 22.0 software. The study showed that foot reflexology and knee massage administered using black cumin oil effectively reduced pain and fatigue severity in Osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and overall, foot reflexology administered using black cumin oil was the most effective treatment to reduce pain and fatigue.

Clinical presentation of anterior pelvic tilt and trunk muscle endurance among patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) significantly affects the physical function and quality of life of the young and middle-aged population. Pelvic tilt and trunk muscle endurance are physical features poorly studied in FAIS. This study aimed to compare the anterior pelvic tilt and anterior, lateral, and posterior trunk muscles endurance between people with FAIS and healthy individuals, within FAIS sub types and between the symptomatic and asymptomatic hip in people with FAIS. Cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited and screened for potential eligibility at the Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, and Physiotherapy Unit between April 2021 and February 2022. Sixty-nine patients with FAIS and 69 controls. A study adhering to STROBE guidelines recruited 138 participants (69 FAIS, 69 controls). The degree of pelvic tilt was measured by the palpation meter (PALM) tool. To assess trunk musculature endurance, isometric trunk tests described by McGill were performed (extension resistance test, flexion resistance test, and side plank test). Cases were classified based on FAIS subtypes. Differences between groups and subgroups were performed using t-tests and ANCOVA, respectively. Significant differences in anterior pelvic tilt were observed between the control and FAIS groups (P<0.001, d=0.72). Participants with FAIS exhibited greater pelvic tilt (MD=1.57, 95% CI=0.83 to 2.3). Trunk muscle endurance showed statistically significant differences (P<0.001, d=0.72) for posterior muscles. In comparisons between symptomatic and asymptomatic hips, significant differences were found in pelvic tilt (P<0.001, d=0.26) and lateral trunk muscle endurance (P<0.001, d=0.43). FAIS subtypes demonstrated significant differences in lateral trunk muscle endurance (P=0.002, η<inf>p</inf>2=0.209). This study found that patients with FAIS present large anterior pelvic tilt and lower posterior trunk muscle endurance. Although anterior pelvic tilt was comparable for all FAIS subtypes, Pincer-type with or without labral tear exhibited lower lateral trunk muscle endurance compared with Cam-type with or without labral tear. In addition, the symptomatic hip of FAIS patients showed lower lateral trunk muscle endurance compared to the asymptomatic hip. Incorporating rehabilitation strategies that address pelvic tilt and trunk muscle strengthening in individuals with FAIS might be considered as a potential means to improve these physical impairments, pending careful evaluation of their effectiveness.

Smart analysis of sandwich foldable cylinders as gymnastic accessories

A novel smart analysis of sandwich composite cylindrical shell is presented in this article. It is assumed that the sandwich shell is manufactured from the graphene origami reinforced copper core between two intelligent layers. The proposed structure in this article can be used as an idealized model for cylinder shapes in gymnastic sport and physical therapy units. The virtual work principle in the piezo elasticity framework and the cylindrical coordinate system is extended to derive governing equations. To arrive at more accurate results, a third order shear deformable model is extended for kinematic relations. The electro elastic responses are explored using the analytical method to seek impact of main parameters of the composite structure such as foldability parameter, graphene content percent, and applied electric potential on the electro elastic strain, deformation and stress results.

West Nile virus meningoencephalitis and cytokines analysis: review and case report

West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted via mosquito bites and causes ubiquitous zoonosis. Most infections in humans are asymptomatic, approximately 20% present as fever, and less than 1% as neuroinvasive disease. Central nervous system involvement is presented as meningitis, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis, or a combination of them. West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) has a severe clinical course, potentially fatal outcome and frequent neurological sequelae in survivors. Risk factors for neurological impairment are advanced age and immunosuppression. Here we present a clinical case of meningoencephalitis caused by WNV and a brief literature review. Clinical and epidemiological data, laboratory, microbiological, molecular methods and imaging techniques were used. The cytokine levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12(p40) and TNF-α in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were also measured. We present a 55-year-old man with a sudden onset of headache, vomiting and fever. The symptoms appeared after a recent trip to Türkiye and involved multiple mosquito bites. Neck stiffness, disturbances in consciousness, signs of cerebral edema and subsequently focal neurological deficits were observed. The etiological diagnosis was verified by positive polymerase chain reaction for WNV and the presence of specific IgM antibodies in the CSF. After a 28-day hospital stay, the patient was discharged and referred to a Physiotherapy Unit due to residual motor deficits. WNV etiology should be suspected in patients with clinical and laboratory signs of viral neuroinfection, mosquito bites, and/or travel to endemic regions.

On the question of electrical safety in physiotherapy rooms: protective grounding of electrical equipment

Abstract. The article discusses current issues of electrical safety in medical and preventive organizations. Goal: to attract the attention of physiotherapy specialists to the correct organization of protective grounding as the main means of preventing electrical injuries. Material and research: modern regulatory framework for the technical operation of electrical installations of electrical energy consumers in medical premises, the selection and use of electrical equipment and grounding devices, the frequency of inspections, measurements and tests, passports of grounding devices. Conclusion. It seems important to carry out measures to prevent accidents during the operation of physiotherapeutic equipment in each physiotherapy unit. To increase the level of organization of work on electromedical devices. Exclude the admission of personnel to the work of paramedical personnel without mandatory verification of the implementation of organizational and technical measures in the preparation of workplaces. Health care facilities should regularly hold occupational safety days, during which health care personnel should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills, which today can be done in multidisciplinary accreditation and simulation centers of medical universities and academies.

Epidemiological Data of Patients Consulted to Physical Therapy Clinic in the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake

On February 6, 2023, 7.8-magnitude earthquake occurred in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye. This earthquake was one of the most devastating disasters to hit Türkiye, resulting in an official death count of over 45,000. In this study, we aimed to determine the injury patterns of the patients who were consulted to the physical therapy and rehabilitation clinic after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake, and to ensure that their physicians were better prepared for possible earthquakes. Our study was completed between February and June 2023. All patients, male and female, who had earthquake-related injuries and were consulted to the physical therapy unit were included. Discharged patients were screened retrospectively. Inpatients were investigated prospectively. A total of 220 patients were included in the study. The patients were examined in terms of age, gender, date of application, pain score, time under the dent, complaint at admission, additional disease, type of injury, and treatment applied. Statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS version 22.0 software. The most frequently affected age group was 15-30 years old. The most common complaints were pain, limitation of movement and difficulty in walking. The most common surgical procedures are fasciotomy, internal fixation, and amputation. The most commonly injured limbs are the lower extremities. The most common level of amputation was transtibial amputation. After the earthquake, patients need physical therapy and rehabilitation. The knowledge and experience of the physicians of the relevant branches about the frequently observed injury patterns should be increased. This study is generally in line with most other studies reporting the epidemiology of injury after earthquakes. However, there is no standardization among the studies. Therefore, standardization in reporting earthquake injuries is necessary for evidence-based response policy planning after natural disasters.

Ab. No. 55 Using Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) for Measuring Neck Range of Motion (ROM) in Persons With Neck Pain: a Validity and Reliability Study

Introduction: Neck pain is one of the top five leading causes of disability in people around the globe. Range of Motion (ROM) is a fundamental clinical measure used to examine movement of joints in the body. A Universal goniometer is used to manually measure the ROM, this may be prone to measurement errors. Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) sensors detect the linear acceleration and angular velocity. They could be utilized to evaluate joint ROM, as they are relatively inexpensive and can be calibrated to convenience. The study aims to validate the device using an Optical motion capture system (OMCS) (Phase 1) and To measure the test-retest reliability of the device in the clinical setup in people with neck pain (Phase 2) Methods: Phase 1: Validation of the IMU was done against OMCS in Bioengineering department for Neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation (both left and right) on two consecutive days for 34 individuals. Phase 2: Forty patients with neck pain were recruited from Outpatient Physiotherapy unit, CMC Vellore. Data was recorded by the IMU system and stored on a computer. Patients were reassessed again to test the reliability on another day. The same clinician administered the assessments for all patients. Result: Phase 1 - The correlation coefficient was found to be excellent between the IMU and OMCS for all movements of the neck. Neck angle error - 2.19 to 4.20. Phase 2 - Intra-rater reliability of the device was assessed and it was found to be moderate to good among people with neck pain. The ICC ranged from 0.62 to 0.83 for the different neck ROM. Conclusion: The use of IMU for measuring neck ROM is a valid and reliable tool. It can be a useful clinical tool for consistent measurement and accurate documentation in the future.

Feasibility Testing of a Developed Video-Based McKenzie Protocol in the Management of Neck Discomfort

Background: Neck pain management has become a burden among patients due to economic hardship, waiting time in the hospital, and inadequate personnel around the nation. According to McKenzie, the study developed a video using some exercises to address the discomfort associated with the neck. Method: Ten consenting individuals with neck discomfort attending the outpatient clinic of the Physiotherapy unit of the Teaching Hospitals belonging to the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria participated in the study. A model demonstrated seven McKenzie exercises for neck pain as instructed by an instructor and a video clip of the demonstration was produced. The recruited patients were taught how to use the clips and each used the clip to guide them in the exercises. The exercise was practiced for 4 weeks as indicated in the clip; they were monitored weekly by telephone. The feasibility of the clip was evaluated using a USE questionnaire. A verbal rating scale and an index to measure neck disability were employed to measure the severity of pain and disability of the neck before and after the exercise period. Data was summarized using a dependent t-test. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Result: Four (40%) males and six (60%), females participated in the study with a mean age of 45.60 + 21.54 years. The usability of the video clip was excellent or 100% and a significant reduction was observed in the pain intensity (t=6.069, p=0.000), but disability did not show any significant change (t=0.950, p=0.355). Conclusion: The video-based McKenzie exercise clip was effective in managing neck pain, and it is feasible for practice among patients.

Satisfaction of Physiotherapy Services and Socio-Demographic Associates among Individuals with Low Back Pain Attending Outpatient Physiotherapy Unit in Kano State, Nigeria

Patients’ satisfaction is an important indicator of the quality of care provided to recipients of health services. It is imperative to evaluate patients’ satisfaction to physiotherapy services, so that patients’ needs are better catered for, as well as to improve the services. This study assessed satisfaction of physiotherapy services among patients with Low Back Pain (LBP) in an outpatient physiotherapy unit in kano, Nigeria. The study was a cross sectional survey involving 202 LBP patients receiving physiotherapy treatment. MedRisk Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire was used to assess their satisfaction. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the participants’ characteristics. Chi-square test analyzed the association between participants’ characteristics and satisfaction, statistical level of significance was defined as p≤0.05. A total of 186 participants completed the questionnaires, a response rate of 92%. Among all the participants; hundred (53.8%) were females, most of them fall within the age ranges of 30-39years (30.1%) and 40-49 (28.5%), 83% are married and 48% have attained a tertiary education level. Majority (86.0%) of the participants are Muslims and Hausa by tribe. Satisfaction level was reported to be high in 167 of the participants (90%). Demographic data of; age (40-49), female gender, married status, 4 visits, tertiary education, Islam and Hausa have the highest satisfaction. However, only number of visits (p=0.01) and educational level (p=0.04) have significant association with satisfaction. Conclusively, satisfaction was high among LBP patients attending an out-patient physiotherapy unit in Kano, Nigeria. Education level and number of visits are associated with patients’ level of satisfaction.

Performance evaluation of physiotherapy service of the State budgetary healthcare institution «Leningrad regional center of specialized types of medical care» (SBHI Lenoblcenter) for 2018– 2022

The paper considers the evaluation of the performance of the physiotherapy service of the SBHI Leningrad Regional Center of Specialized Types of Medical Care (SBHI LenoblCenter) for the last five years. The results of the analysis of the work of the physiotherapy unit of the SBHI LenoblCenter from 2018 to 2022 are presented. The methodology for calculating the structure of physiotherapy procedures is presented, and intensive, extensive, and basic physiotherapy ratio indices are estimated. The problems of the legal and regulatory framework of physiotherapy service in the field of dermatovenerology are outlined. The impossibility of purchasing high-tech physiotherapy equipment for phototherapy (phototherapy cabin) in current conditions is displayed. Positive trends in the development of physiotherapy service of the SBHI LenoblCenter are shown.

Efectividad de la entrevista motivacional en la atención fisioterápica de los trastornos musculoesqueléticos de la espalda

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) combined with the usual physiotherapy treatment in patients with back musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in primary care (PC). MethodsQuasi-experimental study with 2groups with therapeutic action (control group and experimental group) and prospective follow-up, in a physiotherapy unit in PC, in patients who began their treatment in 2020, with a medical diagnosis of MSD in the back. MI was used only in the face-to-face visits of the experimental group. Both groups were interviewed by telephone about 3and 6months after finishing the physiotherapy treatment. For this purpose, the Barthel scale was used for the subjective perception of the state of health, and the scale of compliance with home guidelines. Linear (regression coefficient, 95% CI) and logistic (OR, 95% CI) regression models were fitted. ResultsThe study population was 154 people (76.6% women). Perceived health was significantly better (P<.001) in the experimental group than in the control group, both at 3(7.4 versus 5.0, respectively) and at 6months of follow-up (7.1 versus 4.6, respectively). There was a strong association between perceived health and compliance (regression coefficient 3.0 [95% CI=2.5–3.4]). The strong association between MI and treatment adherence was maintained after multivariate adjustments (6-month OR=383.6 [95% CI 31.0–4742.4]). ConclusionsMI is a feasible and effective complement to physiotherapy treatments to improve compliance with home recommendations and subjective perception of health.

Investigation of the Relationship between Sensory-Processing Skills and Motor Functions in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between sensory-processing skills and gross motor functions, bimanual motor functions, and balance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A total of 47 patients between the ages of 3 and 10, diagnosed with CP, who received or applied for treatment in our physical therapy and rehabilitation unit were included in the study. Sensory profiling (SP), assisting hand assessment (AHA), the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66), and the Pediatric Berg Balance Scale (PBBS) were used in the evaluation of the children with CP who participated in the study. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was used to classify the children based on functional abilities and limitations, and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) was used to classify the children based on manual dexterity. The SP parameters were compared with AHA, GMFM-66, and PBBS results, and with GMFCS and MACS levels. Statistically significant relationships were found between AHA and SP, PBBS, and SP and between GMFM-66 and SP (p < 0.05). Our study shows that there are some disorders in sensory processing in children with CP. We think that sensory evaluations should be included in the CP rehabilitation program.

Prophylactic complex physiotherapy in gynecologic cancer survivors: patient-reported outcomes based on a lymphedema questionnaire

ObjectiveLower extremity lymphedema secondary to cancer treatment impacts quality of life for gynecological cancer survivors. Complex decongestive physiotherapy is applied when lymphedema is diagnosed, but prophylactic physiotherapy is not yet...

Patients' Buying Behavior for Non-Reimbursed Off-Loading Devices Used in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment-An Observational Study during COVID-19 Pandemic from a Romanian Physical Therapy Unit.

Diabetic foot ulcer non-reimbursed treatment depends on multiple factors, including the patient's buying behaviors. Factors affecting buying behaviors for the removable off-loading devices are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the patients' buying behaviors of the removable off-loading devices and their influence on the DFU treatment outcomes remotely monitored during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this prospective observational study, 45 patients affected by diabetic peripheral neuropathy, with/without peripheral arterial disease, with foot ulcers treated with removable devices were remotely monitored. Prefabricated removable cast walkers, insoles, and therapeutic footwear were the proposed off-loading methods. Patients affected by high blood pressure (p = 0.018), peripheral arterial disease (p = 0.029), past amputations (p = 0.018), and ulcer on the left foot (p = 0.007) bought removable cast walkers. Rural provenience (p = 0.011) and male (p = 0.034) did not buy a removable walker. The healing rate was 69.4%, while the median healing time was 20 weeks. High blood pressure negatively influenced healing time (p = 0.020). Patients who bought the most efficient treatment method for DFUs were females from urban provenience, with amputation in the past, with peripheral arterial disease, and with high blood pressure.

Telehealth in paediatric physical therapy education: Strategies and perceptions of interns and caregivers of children with disabilities in Brazil.

To describe the implementation of paediatric rehabilitation telehealth at a physical therapy (PT) unit in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic and to describe the perception about this modality by two groups: (1) undergraduate PT students using telehealth during their clinical rotations in this unit and (2) the caregivers of children with disabilities receiving the services. Twenty-one PT interns (19 females; 25±2years of age) and seven caregivers (seven females; 40±6years of age) of seven children with disabilities (five females; 10± 4years of age; five children diagnosed with cerebral palsy) responded to an online questionnaire about their experience with the telehealth programme. Participant attendance and frequency of objective responses were reported descriptively; open-ended responses were analysed qualitatively and grouped according to broad themes. 71.4% of interns rated telehealth as an excellent or good experience, and 28.6% did not appreciate it. In addition, 28.6% of them thought that telehealth should be part of the mandatory internship. Regarding caregivers, 85.8% judged the telehealth programme as excellent or good. Both interns and caregivers cited pros and cons related to technology, professional resources, communication skills and caregiver-related aspects, among others. Specific teaching strategies had to be utilised for implementation of telehealth. Despite being a novel modality for interns and caregivers, telehealth was well accepted.

Validation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) core set for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions in a primary care physiotherapy setting from the perspective of patients using focus groups

Purpose To validate the comprehensive ICF core set for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions from the perspective of patients in a primary care physiotherapy setting. Materials and methods A qualitative study was conducted with patients suffering from musculoskeletal problems. A phenomenological approach based on focus groups was used to identify the most relevant aspects related to physical therapy care in their condition. The data were analyzed using a meaning condensation procedure, identifying relevant themes and concepts. The identified concepts were linked to the ICF and compared to the ICF core set for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions. Results Forty-three patients were included in eight focus groups. A total of 1281 relevant concepts were extracted and related to 156 ICF second-level entities. Entities in the ICF core set for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions were 95.7% confirmed. Eighty-nine additional second-level ICF entities were identified. Conclusions Entities in the ICF core set for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions are relevant to patients seen in primary care physical therapy units. However, there are areas of functioning related to community health care not covered by this ICF-based tool. IMPLICATIONS OF REHABILITATION An ICF-based framework is feasible for the assessment of musculoskeletal conditions. Post-acute musculoskeletal ICF core set was confirmed in patient focus groups. Additional ICF categories emerged for a primary care physical therapy setting. Community features of functioning could be addressed by a tailored ICF core set.

Relationship between Family Support and Compliance of Post-Stroke Clients Undergoing Physiotherapy in the Medical Rehabilitation Room of Pariaman Hospital

One of the degenerative diseases whose incidence has increased recently is stroke. The recovery rate of stroke is still low, as many as 15-30% of patients will experience paralysis. One of the healing processes is to follow the physiotherapy program. In the physiotherapy unit of Pariaman Hospital, more than half (50%) were not compliant with physiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between family support and client compliance with physiotherapy in the physiotherapy unit of Pariaman Hospital.Stroke is an acute vascular injury to the brain, or a severe and sudden injury to the blood vessels of the brain. Injury can be caused by blockage of blood clots, narrowing of blood vessels, blockage or rupture of blood vessels. Physiotherapy is a health service that is carried out for the healing process. The implementation is in accordance with the degree of disability experienced by the client. This research is descriptive analytic with cross sectional approach. The population is stroke clients who follow physiotherapy in the physiotherapy unit of Pariaman Hospital, with sampling techniques using accidental sampling which amounted to 52 people. Data were collected by interview in accordance with the questionnaire provided and the data were processed by SPSS and then analyzed univariately and bivariately. The results of this study obtained 28 (53.8%) family support that played a role there were 3 (10.7%) clients who were not compliant with undergoing physiotherapy and from 24 (46.2%) family support did not play a role there were 22 (91.7%) clients who were not compliant with undergoing physiotherapy, P Value = 0.025 &lt;0.05 means Ha accepts which means there is a significant relationship between family support and compliance with undergoing physiotherapy for post-stroke patients in the medical rehabilitation room of Pariaman Hospital. to increase client compliance, health workers can provide counseling on the importance of family support in increasing stroke client compliance to follow physiotherapy for the client's healing process.

Family caregivers’ experience of care with a child with cerebral palsy: the lived experiences and challenges of caregivers in a resource-limited setting in northern Ghana

IntroductionCaring for a child with cerebral palsy may be more emotionally and physically exhausting than caring for a typical growing child. The family caregivers’ perspective of this phenomenon needs exploring...

Evalutation of the Additional Kabat’s Method Versus Conventional Physiotherapy in the Rehabilitation of Buruli Ulcer Patients (BUP), with Functional Limitations in the District Hospital of Akonolinga, Cameroon

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a chronic infection, indolent necrotizing disease of the skin and underlying tissues caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, which may result in functional disability. This disease is the third most frequent infection after leprosy and tuberculosis caused by a mycobacterium. The main objective of this study was to determine comparative effectiveness of conventional physiotherapy alone to its association with Kabat’s method in the management of post-Buruli ulcer functional limitations. This was an interventional randomized, comparative and prospective study. It took place at the district hospital of Akonolinga from the12th June to 12th September 2016. Were included, post- Buruli ulcer patients who matched the eligibility criteria, were under treatment in the physiotherapy unit, and who accepted to participate in our study. A questionnaire on the socio-demographic profile of participants, the ulcer localization, the limitation stage, previous medical history and functional mobility assessment scale was administered to the subjects before and after the intervention, which lasted for twelve weeks. We had 2 groups: the case group received association of Kabat technique to conventional physiotherapy and the control group received conventional physiotherapy alone. We had 22 patients, 11 patients for the experimental group, 11 patients for the control group. The mean age was 26.18 years, 54.5% of female participation, 68.2% of leg localization, 59.1% patients with severe limitations of functional mobility, and preference for traditional medication 95.5%. After evaluation of efficiency we concluded that there was no statistically significant difference between the two treatment protocols. Further studies with larger sample size are recommended.