Foundation University Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences

Enhancing therapeutic outcomes: The subgroup-specific physiotherapy strategies for Mechanical Low Back Pain

2025-06-12T08:55:13+00:00

Relationship of balance and functional independence among chronic middle cerebral artery stroke patients

2024-10-30T06:44:19+00:00

Background: In global acute care settings, stroke is the second most common cause of mortality and morbidity, balance dysfunction and dependency on care are recurrent themes among clients with middle cerebral artery stroke.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish relationship between balance and level of functional independence among chronic middle cerebral stroke patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted after getting ethical approval (LCPT/DPT/23/947) from Lahore College of Physical Therapy in Gurkhi Hospital, General Hospital and Ittefaq Hospital. The sample of 127 patients in the age group of 45-65; diagnosed with mild/moderate stroke, during rehabilitation at 6-12 months post-stroke. The Berg Balance Scale was employed in this study for describing balance and the Functional Independence Measure for independence in activities. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis.

Results: The patients’ average age was 54.36±2.93 years, and 38.6% were 51-55 years old. Of these 72.4% were male and 27.6% were female. The mean Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor of 57.65±8.65 and cognitive of 27.40±3.02; Berg Balance Scale mean was 31.82±5.00. Berg Balance Scale had significant positive relationship with the motor (t = 0.649, p < 0.05) and cognitive component (r = 0.403, p = 0.00) and total FIM (t = 0.625, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study found that balance and functional independence, both motor and cognitive, are significantly correlated in chronic stroke patients, indicating that balance disturbances strongly influence functional capacity.

Knowledge and attitude of physical therapists regarding their role in disaster management

2025-01-20T05:13:21+00:00

Background: A disaster is an unexpected, catastrophic event that interferes with a community and society and causes harm to it. When disaster occurs, there is an immediate, catastrophic loss of life and disabilities. In order to improve outcomes, physical therapy is crucial for the rehabilitation process and for properly integrating people with disabilities into society.

Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude of physiotherapist regarding their role in disaster management.

Methods: A Cross-sectional survey was conducted on physiotherapists from different hospitals, clinics and institutes of Hyderabad in May 2022 to December 2022. The questionnaire, comprises of 26 close ended questions, filled by physiotherapist after the approval (IU/IIRS/SIAR/2022/074) granted by Isra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isra University, Hyderabad Ethical Committee. Study included both male and female physical therapists who gave written consent and currently engaged in their work field. Physiotherapists not currently practicing, had less than one year of experience and held a diploma degree were excluded from the study. The data was analyzed by using the SPSS version 22.

Results: A total of 169 physical therapists participated and returned completely filled questionnaire. The mean age of participants was 29.00 ± 2.89 years. The study comprised 80 male physiotherapists (47.3%) and 89 female physiotherapists (52.7%). Average knowledge related to disaster management was found among physical therapist with percentage of 55.0% and 97.5% of participants displayed positive attitude related to management of disastrous events.

Conclusion: This study concluded that the physical therapists have average knowledge score and positive attitude regarding disaster management.

The attitude of university students towards people with disability

2025-05-12T06:16:42+00:00

Background: Attitude is a declaration of feeling towards somebody. Understanding these attitudes is crucial, as they influence social inclusion, accessibility, and the overall well-being of individuals with disabilities. University students, being future professionals and societal contributors, play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive perspectives.

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine the attitude of university students towards people with disability. The secondary objectives include comparison of attitude towards disability between medical and non-medical students, between male and female and attitude towards disability among students of different academic years.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey (ERC Riphah/RCRS/REC/00624) was conducted on 183 students in which 107 were medical and 76 were non-medical students of Riphah International University. Sample size of 183 was calculated by epitool. Non-disabled university students aged 18-30 years were included in the study. Questionnaire including demographics and attitudes toward disabled persons (ATDP) form A was used. Data was collected using non-probability convenience sampling technique. Response rate for the study was 91.5%. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Mean with SD are reported in result section.

Results: The total score of ATDP questionnaire of 183 students was calculated 98.08±16.741. The mean age of both male and female students was 21.32 years. Medical students showed more positive attitude than non-medical students. Female students held more positive attitude than male students. 1st year students had more positive attitude than other academic years. Mean score of ATDP was 98.08.

Conclusion: This study found that the attitude of university students towards people with disability is moderately positive.

De Quervain’s tendinopathy and its relationship with grip strength, hand length, hand width, and carrying angle among health professionals

2025-06-16T03:47:41+00:00

Background: De Quervain’s Tendinopathy (DQT) is the thickening of tendon sheaths on the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis along the radial styloid wrist, which leads to pain and difficulty in daily activities involving the thumb.

Objective: To determine the relationship between De Quervain’s tendinopathy and grip strength, hand length, hand width, and carrying angle among health professionals.

Methods: This cross-sectional study (Ref. No IRB/2022/077) was conducted on 150 participants selected at Arif Memorial Hospital, Lahore. The Finkelstein test was used to diagnose De Quervain’s tendinopathy. The data was collected using non-probability convenience sampling. The outcomes, carrying angle, grip strength, hand length, and width, were assessed with a goniometer, handheld dynamometer, and measuring tape. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis. The correlations between carrying angle, grip strength, hand width, and hand length were described using Point biserial correlations.

Results: The results show the frequency of DQT was 33.33% among health professionals. The likelihood ratio showed a significant relationship between occupation and DQT, with a p-value of <0.05. Point biserial correlation revealed a negative relationship between carrying angle, grip strength, and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, but a positive relationship between Hand length, hand width, and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

Conclusion: The study’s findings, which reveal significant correlations between DQT and various anthropometric factors such as grip strength, hand length, hand width, and carrying angle. These physical characteristics may predispose individuals to DQT or influence their severity. This provides important information for making preventive and management strategies for DQT and enlightens the audience about the importance of this research.

Effect of integrated neuromuscular inhibition, muscle energy and strain counter strain technique in the management of mechanical neck pain

2025-06-10T06:22:14+00:00

Background: One of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions worldwide is neck pain. Neck pain is associated with disability and is a risk factor for decreased productivity.

Objective: To compare the effects of neuromuscular inhibition, muscle energy and strain counter strain techniques in management of pain, disability and range of motion in patients with mechanical neck pain.

Methods: This randomized clinical trial (RIPHAH/RCRS/REC/Letter-01064) was conducted in Pakistan Railway General Hospital and Ali Ahmad Physiocare clinic, Islamabad from December 2021 to March 2022. Both gender participants from 30-60 years with mechanical neck pain (> 3 months) were enrolled through non-probability convenience sampling. Strain Counter Strain Technique, Muscle Energy Technique, and Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique are administered to Group A, B and C respectively three times a week for four weeks with conventional treatment. SPSS version 23 was used to evaluate data of VAS, neck disability index, and goniometer that were taken before, after two and four weeks of treatment.

Results: Within group analysis of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition (INIT) Group, Strain Counter Strain (SCS) Group and Muscle Energy Technique (METS) Group shows that the results were significant (p<0.05). Group differences were noted at conclusion of 4th week for VAS(P<0.005). There were no group differences at the end of 4th week for NDI (P = 0.186) and Goniometer(P=0.071). But statistical comparison of results of the techniques showed that INIT group had greater improvement than the SCS and METS.

Conclusion: By reducing pain, improving range of motion, and decreasing disability, INIT, METS, and SCS were found to be effective in treating individuals with mechanical neck discomfort.

Individual performance analysis of maximal and submaximal exercise testing with different face masks

2025-06-10T06:26:14+00:00

Background: COVID-19 pandemic brought drastic changes in every domain of life, including Facemask compulsion. Performance testing is universal practice but its approach with facemasks lacks guidelines.

Objective: The research aimed to investigate the effects of different masks on performance during submaximal (6MWT) and maximal test performance (Bruce Treadmill testing).

Methods: In a randomized crossover design (Riphah/RCRS/REC/01087), 66 healthy individuals (mean age 32.64 ± 12.7 years) performed 6MWT and Bruce tests under three conditions: no mask, surgical mask, N95 mask. Performance parameters (6MWD, Bruce time), predicted maximum Oxygen consumption (VO? max), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and hemodynamic responses were measured. Subjective perceptions of discomfort and exhaustion were also recorded.

Results: Submaximal performance showed no significant change in walking distance (p = 0.128, ?p² = 0.032) or VO? max (p = 0.511, ?p² = 0.039). Bruce test duration significantly declined with N95 (p < 0.001, ?p² = 0.127) and surgical masks (p = 0.046), with predicted VO? max significantly reduced in the N95 condition (p < 0.001, ?p² = 0.130). Post-test SpO? (p < 0.001, ?p² = 0.392), breathing rate (p = 0.002, ?p² = 0.195), and RPE (p < 0.001, ?p² = 0.317) were significantly affected with mask use. Heart rate and blood pressure remained unchanged (p > 0.05, ?p² ? 0.041).

Conclusion: Mask-associated performance declined during maximal testing, particularly with N95, which significantly reduced test duration and predicted VO? max while submaximal performance remained unaffected. Post-exercise measures were altered in both masked groups, heart rate and blood pressure remained stable.