Abstract Background Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with significant socioeconomic and health system burdens. Orthopedic manual therapy (OMT), which comprises spinal manipulation, mobilization, and soft tissue techniques, is commonly employed in the management of LBP. Despite widespread use, evidence regarding its effectiveness in improving clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction remains varied, necessitating systematic evaluation. Objective This systematic review aimed to synthesize available evidence on the clinical outcomes and satisfaction among low back pain patients following orthopedic manual therapy compared to other interventions or standard care. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Google Scholar and using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) such as “Low Back Pain”, “Spinal manipulation”, “musculoskeletal mobilizations”, “Physical Therapy Modalities”, “Exercise Therapy”, “Patient Satisfaction”, and “Treatment Outcome(s)”. These studies were screened for relevance using topical scan and PICO framework, followed by critical appraisal using CASP tools. Only peer-reviewed articles published from 2010 to 2025 were included. Results Fifteen high-quality studies were included, comprising fourteen predominantly low-risk randomized controlled trials and one qualitative study. Across these studies, orthopedic manual therapy consistently reduced pain and improved function compared with usual care, exercise therapy, or sham treatments. Several trials demonstrated immediate benefits following manipulation or mobilization. The qualitative evidence showed noticeable patient satisfaction, primarily related to hands-on care and perceived symptom relief. However, heterogeneity in treatment protocols, outcome measures, follow-up periods and participants’ characteristics attributed to varied study findings. Overall, the evidence suggests that OMT is a safe intervention with minimal adverse effects.
While mirror therapy (MT) has shown efficacy in treating various conditions, its practice remains inconsistent due to the lack of a standardized protocol. This study aimed to assess the impact of integrating shaping activities into MT on motor learning, motor dexterity and reaction time of the non-dominant hand in healthy individuals. This case-control study included 30 healthy adults in the MT group (MTG) and 30 age- and gender-matched controls. MTG underwent shaping activities combined with MT twice a week for four weeks, while controls received no intervention and maintained their usual routines. Motor learning, dexterity and reaction time were assessed at baseline and after four weeks using the the Finger Tapping Test (FTT), Roeder Manipulative Aptitude Test [unilateral (RU), bilateral (RB), total (RT)], and the Nelson Hand Reaction Time Test (NHRTT). The mean age of participants was 23.4 ± 2.41 years in both groups. Significant improvements favoring MTG were found in between group comparisons for RU (p = 0.013), RT (p = 0.006), and NHRTT (p<0.001), while no significant differences were observed for RB (p = 0.552) and FTT (p = 0.063). Combining MT with shaping method improved unilateral dexterity and reaction time in healthy adults. Further studies are needed to evaluate its feasibility and efficacy in clinical settings.
The evaluation of ambulation recovery after stroke commonly involves the use of linear outcomes such as walking speed and endurance. Task-oriented circuit training (TOCT) is commonly used in stroke rehabilitation to improve walking performance, but most existing reviews focus on motor outcomes and provide limited information on adaptive walking and cognitive–motor function. This narrative review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the role of TOCT in improving adaptive walking and cognitive–motor function after stroke. A structured narrative literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases. Randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and mechanistic studies published between 2000 and 2025 were included. Evidence related to adaptive walking tasks, the integration of cognitive and motor functions, and functional walking outcomes following TOCT was reviewed. TOCT improves walking endurance, gait speed, balance and functional mobility in ambulatory stroke survivors during sub-acute and chronic phases. Studies suggest that TOCT programs incorporating task variability, obstacle negotiation and simultaneous cognitive challenges may enhance gait adaptability and cognitive-motor performance, particularly in domains related to attention and executive control. These effects are supported by the principles of task-specific practice, repetition, progressive challenge and aerobic loading relevant to functional recovery. TOCT is a promising rehabilitation approach for improving adaptive walking and cognitive–motor function after stroke. Incorporating obstacle negotiation and cognitive demands into TOCT may encourage safer community ambulation and facilitate more transferable functional improvements. Further studies with standardized protocols and outcome measures are required to strengthen the evidence and guide clinical implementation.
Neck pain imposes a considerable burden on the healthcare system worldwide and it ranks fourth globally as the leading contributor to years lived with disability. In the United States alone, neck pain affects 30 https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/rmaindet.php?trialid=43162 EncHid=11467.39474 modid=1 compid=19 .
Exercise is vital intervention to manage the complications due to hormonal transition among postmenopausal females. However, the exercise time is less explored area still very crucial for the precision of exercise benefit. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to find out the effect of diurnal variation in resistance training on cardiopulmonary functions among postmenopausal women. Eighty four postmenopausal females were randomly divided into three groups i.e. morning, evening, and control group. Pre-post study design was used. Single session of self-body weight resistance training was implemented as an intervention. Pulmonary functions i.e. Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume at 1st second (FEV1), and cardiac functions i.e. Heart rate (HR), systolic diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were taken as outcome measures. The results shows that there is no statistically significant change in pulmonary function both with and between group comparison as p > 0.05. For cardiac functions, there is no statistically significant difference between groups as p > 0.05. However, HR shows significant reduction in both morning and evening group (p = 0.0001). SBP shows significant reduction in evening group (p = .008). But, DBP shows statistical significant reduction in morning group (p = .001). As there is no statistically significant difference between the groups, therefore, superiority of any time of exercise can not be established. Further studies of longer duration may be conducted to confirm the findings. CTRI registration no. CTRI/2024/03/063728.
Abstract Introduction The menstrual cycle is a recurring hormonal process that prepares the female reproductive system for pregnancy, typically lasting 21–35 days with an average of 28 days. Menstrual disturbances affect 30–40% of women globally. Oligomenorrhea affects the HPO axis, therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the association of Oligomenorrhea with BMI, Mood changes and Sleep quality among teenagers and young adults. Method This comparative study was conducted on 100 divided equally into two groups: 50 with oligomenorrhea and 50 with normal menstrual cycle. Participants were selected on the basis of selection criteria. After obtaining informed consent, they completed a structured form divided into three sections: Demographic details, Pittsburgh PSQI and HDRS-17. Result Females with oligomenorrhea demonstrated significantly higher depression scores (HDRS, p < 0.001) and poorer sleep parameters, including overall sleep quality, latency, duration, efficiency, disturbance, daytime dysfunction, and global PSQI score (all p < 0.001). No significant relationship was observed between oligomenorrhea and the use of sleep medication ( p = 0.033) or BMI ( p > 0.005). Data analysis Descriptive Mean analysis was done for demographic evaluation. T-Test was used for the comparison between the groups with Alpha value of 0.005. Conclusion There is a significant association between oligomenorrhea and disturbances in both emotional and sleep among young women but not on BMI.
The rise of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), such as ChatGPT, has rapidly transformed higher education by introducing new opportunities and challenges to teaching, learning, and research. In physical therapy (PT) education, GenAI is prompting educators to consider its integration to enhance research skills, learning efficiency, and readiness for future technological changes, despite a spectrum of acceptance and persistent concerns regarding best practices and preservation of critical thinking. This narrative review synthesizes recent literature (2020–2025) on GenAI integration within Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricula, focusing on AI literacy, ethical considerations, and implementation strategies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete (EBSCO), ProQuest, and supplemented by AI-powered search engines (Perplexity-Pro, Elicit, Consensus). Fifteen total studies were included in this narrative review (five narrative or review-based articles, three cross sectional studies, two qualitative studies, one randomized controlled trial, case report, pre-post survey, educational/descriptive study, and mixed-methods study. Peer-reviewed studies included if they addressed AI literacy and comfort, ethical issues, or attitudes toward GenAI in PT education and practice. Fifteen studies were selected for review, highlighting that while licensed physical therapists, faculty, and students increasingly encounter GenAI, barriers such as low baseline AI literacy, lack of standardized guidelines, and concerns about ethics, privacy, and bias persist. Evidence suggests that direct hands-on exposure to GenAI tools, tiered usage models, and well-defined policies can significantly improve digital literacy, research self-efficacy and acceptance. However, challenges remain; particularly in assuring ethical, equitable, and human-centered integration amid rapid technological shifts and evolving workforce roles. Purposeful, scaffolded integration of GenAI into DPT curricula, guided by transparent policies and ethical frameworks, can enhance research and practice readiness while safeguarding critical thinking and patient-centered care. Ongoing educator development, clear guidelines, and adaptive multi-institutional strategies are vital to fully realize GenAI’s potential and bridge gaps in AI literacy before the advent of future technologies such as artificial general intelligence (AGI).
Abstract Background Obstetrics-related Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been identified as one of the potential risk factors of morbidity and mortality in women of child-bearing age. Physical activity (PA) is a proven preventive measure for VTE, however, pregnant and postpartum women face significant barriers to maintaining PA. Introducing facilitators of PA adherence such as wearable devices (WD) have been reportedly yielding positive outcomes. This work investigated the perceived willingness-to-use and acceptability of Wearable Technology (WT) for promoting PA in pregnant and postpartum women in Enugu, Nigeria. Methods This study is reported in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. The study utilized an analytical cross-sectional descriptive research design with the population comprised of pregnant and postpartum women attending both antenatal and postnatal clinics at Enugu State Teaching Hospital Parklane (ESUTHP) Enugu State, Nigeria. A validated researcher-developed questionnaire was used to explore participants’ knowledge, perceptions, willingness-to-use, acceptability and perceived barriers to adoption of WT. Results A high interest in owning a WD was recorded (87%) with a majority (89%) willing to adopt the devices if provided to them for free. High cost (43%), lack of understanding of usability (28%), and charging difficulties (51%) were the most reported perceived barriers of WT adoption. Most (87%) of the participants were willing to share their personal data on WD while only 42% expressed concerns about privacy. Conclusion WT is perceived as a promising tool to enhance PA and potentially prevent obstetrics-related VTE among Nigerian women. However, adoption is contingent on addressing key economic, educational, and technical barriers.
Abstract The use of improvised positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device made from latex glove and syringe is common in low-resource settings in Nigeria; however, their effectiveness in improving lung function is not known. This study determined the effect of PEP Therapy (PEPT) using Improvised Latex Glove Device (ILgD) and Acapella Device (ACaD) on some lung function parameters. This quasi-experimental study involved forty-six participants from a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Participants were allocated into either ACaD or ILgD group. Treatments were administered with dosage of ten blows per session thrice daily for ten days. Lung function parameters were assessed before surgery, six hours after recovery from anesthesia, 4, 8 and 10 day post-surgery. Repeated measure ANOVA and independent t-test were applied. The result of this study showed that in both ACaD and ILgD groups, there were significant improvement in FVC, FEV1, and PEFR across baseline, 4th, 8th, and 10th day (p = 0.001). In comparing the ACaD and ILgD group, the results showed significant differences in FVC at 4th (t = 4.110; p < 0.001) and 8th (t = 2.230; p = 0.031) day. There were also significant differences in FEV1% at 4th (t = 2.801; p = 0.008) and 10th (t = 2.573; p = 0.014) day. Furthermore, significant difference was observed in PEFR at day 4 (t = 3.409; p = 0.001). However, no significant mean changes were observed for FEV1 at 4th, 8th, and 10th day (p > 0.05). Positive expiratory pressure therapy using Acapella device is not superior to improvised latex glove device for lung function rehabilitation of patients that underwent upper abdominal surgery. Trial registration PACTR, PACTR202210515878180. Registered 3rd of October 2022 Retrospectively registered, pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx? TrialID = 24,035.
Abstract Background The emergence of a child’s first tooth and their ability to walk independently are significant developmental milestones often eagerly anticipated by parents. Objective This study aimed to determine if there is an association between the timing of the first primary tooth eruption and the onset of independent walking in healthy children. Methods Two hundred six healthy children, aged 12 to 60 months, who have achieved independent walking. Data, including the time of first tooth eruption and independent walking, were collected through parental questionnaires. Results The mean age for the first primary tooth eruption was 6.86 ± 0.14 months, while the mean age for independent walking was 12.58 ± 2.15 months. The study found no statistically significant correlation between these two developmental events (r = 0.045, p = 0.523). Furthermore, factors such as breastfeeding, vitamin intake, walker usage, and body mass index did not significantly influence the timing of either event. Conclusion This research suggests that parents should be informed there’s no direct link between when a child’s first teeth and when they start walking, which may alleviate anxieties if one milestone occurs without the other.
Abstract Background Executive Function include cognitive flexibility, working memory and inhibitory control, which are critical for academic performance and daily functioning in populations involved in cognitively demanding sectors, like paramedical students, where high levels of cognitive functioning are necessary to succeed in their training, the study of executive function is especially relevant. While BMI is associated with physical health outcomes, emerging evidence suggests that it may also be linked to cognitive function. However, research on this relationship within specific populations, such as female paramedical students, remains limited. Aim To determine the correlation between body mass index and executive function among female paramedical students. Objective To determine the correlation between body mass index and executive function among female paramedical students using TMT-B test. Methodology A correlational study was conducted among 90 healthy female paramedical students in which underweight, normal weight, overweight, between the age of 18–25 years. Samples were collected by screening the inclusion and exclusion criteria. As an outcomes TMT-B for executive function were assessed. Results To analyze the collected data spearman’s correlational analysis was used. The result indicated a positive moderate correlation between underweight and executive function ( P = 0.001,r = 0.493), no correlation between normal weight and executive function (r = 0.028, P = 0.001,r = 0.028), negative low correlation between overweight and executive function (r = P = 0.001, r= -0.264). Conclusion The results of this study indicate that there is a weak negative correlation between BMI and executive function in young female paramedical students who are overweight, no correlation between normal weight and executive function, and a moderate positive correlation between BMI and executive function for underweight students.These findings suggest that maintaining a healthy BMI could be important not only for physical health but also for cognitive functioning, which is critical in academic and professional settings.
Abstract Background/objectives Understanding motivation for physical activity (PA) is critical for designing effective interventions. This study aims to translate and culturally adapt the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS) into Arabic (PALMS-Ar) and investigate its Psychometric properties in an Arabic-speaking sample. Methods The PALMS was translated into standard Arabic using forward-backward translation, expert review, and cognitive interviews. A sample of 631 adults completed the PALMS-Ar. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and discriminant validity were used to assess structural and construct validity. Known-group validity was also examined. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), Test-retest reliability [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) and Spearman (rho)], measurement error (SEM and MDC95), and floor/ceiling effects were evaluated. Results EFA with parallel analysis supported an eight-factor structure explaining 75.22% of the variance. The scale showed no significant correlation with SF-12 subscales. Known-group validity was established across demographic and activity-level subgroups. PALMS-Ar demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.76–0.94) and test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.71–0.89). Calculated measurement error indices: SEM (1.55–2.29) and MDC95 (4.29–6.34). No floor effects were observed, but ceiling effects surpassed the acceptable threshold in the Physical Condition (30.1%) and Appearance (20.3%) subscales. Conclusion The PALMS-Ar is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing PA motivation among Arabic-speaking adults. It fills a critical measurement gap and is suitable for research and clinical settings.
Abstract Background The management of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) requires multimodal approaches, combining pharmacological therapies, neuromodulation, and cognitive strategies. Noninvasive neuromodulation techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are promising and safe conservative treatment options. They act by modulating cortical excitability, relieving pain, and influencing neuroplasticity and pain perception. Objective To map the existing literature on tDCS and TMS resources, as well as dosimetry, protocols used, and clinical results. Methods The databases included were: PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS. Gray literature sources included: Google Scholar, Open Grey, and ProQuest. Studies that used tDCS and/or TMS in individuals with CPP were included. There were no restrictions on study design and/or type. There were no restrictions on publication period or language. Duplicates were removed using EndNote and Rayyan QCRI reference managers; remaining records were screened in Rayyan. Two independent reviewers read the titles and abstracts (Phase 1) and read the full studies (Phase 2), and any disagreements were resolved by consensus. Results Twenty-one studies were included in this scoping review. These included four randomized clinical trials, three pilot studies, nine clinical trial protocols, three case studies, and two review studies. Conclusion This scoping review identified 21 studies examining noninvasive neuromodulation for chronic pelvic pain. While included studies generally followed established safety guidelines, substantial methodological heterogeneity exists in dosimetry, protocols, and outcome measurement. Most evidence (57%) consists of study protocols (n=9), pilot studies (n=3), and case reports (n=3), with only 4 completed randomized controlled trials. Preliminary evidence suggests tDCS may reduce pain intensity, but high-quality, large-scale clinical trials with standardized protocols are needed to establish efficacy and optimal treatment parameters.
Abstract Background Children with cerebral palsy have weak muscle strength which affects range of available motion and reflects on distal dexterity. These may have an impact on their mobility and efficiency of daily living activities. Vibration has been regarded as an effective exercise method to improve muscle strength and endurance. Objective This study aimed to determine the effect of adding whole-body vibration to sling exercise therapy on shoulder muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy. Materials and methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the outpatient clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy at Cairo University. Fifty children with cerebral palsy aged 4–9 years (mean age 6.33 ± 2.09 years; 29 males, 21 females) participated. They were randomly divided into two equal groups. The control group (n = 25; 14 males, 11 females; mean age 6.28 ± 2.07 years) received conventional physical therapy plus sling exercise therapy. The study group (n = 25; 15 males, 10 females; mean age 6.38 ± 2.12 years) received the same conventional therapy and sling exercise therapy with added whole-body vibration. Shoulder muscle strength was assessed using the Lafayette manual muscle tester before and after 12 weeks of treatment. Mean differences, 95% CIs, and p-values were calculated. Results The study group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in muscle strength across all tested movements compared to the control group. For right shoulder flexors, the mean difference between groups was 2.73 kg (95% CI: 1.94 to 3.52, P = 0.0001). Left shoulder flexors showed a mean difference of 2.83 kg (95% CI: 2.01 to 3.65, P = 0.0001). Right shoulder abductors demonstrated a mean difference of 2.50 kg (95% CI: 1.58 to 3.42, P = 0.0001). Left shoulder abductors showed a mean difference of 2.56 kg (95% CI: 1.56 to 3.56, P = 0.0001). Conclusion Adding whole-body vibration to a regular physical therapy program significantly improves shoulder muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy. This intervention can be a valuable adjunct to enhance upper limb strength in these children. Trial registration The trial was registered at Clinical Trial.gov and the registration number was NCT07096089. Registered 29 July 2025 - Retrospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/beta/studies/S000DZH100000042/recordSummary .
Abstract Background The craniovertebral angle is a measure for assessing head and neck posture. A reduced angle has been observed in people with neck pain and is associated with more forward head posture and greater impact on daily activities. Objective To determine the relationship between forward head posture (craniovertebral angle-CV Angle) and static balance in undergraduate medical students primarily and to find the impact of forward head posture and neck pain on activities of daily living. Methodology A cross-sectional observational analytical study was conducted on 211 participants, both male and female undergraduate medical students from a private medical college in Lahore, Pakistan were included on a predefined eligibility criterion. The CV angle was measured with universal goniometer and static balance was assessed using one leg stand test for both sides three times for thirty seconds. The Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire was used to find the impact on neck pain on daily living. A linear regression was used to express the effect of FHP on the NPQ score and correlation analysis was applied to determine the relationship between FHP and OLST based on the data’s normality. The statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results The mean age was 21.49 ± 1.87 years. The incidence of forward head posture in study population was found to be 91.4%. Neck pain was found to be mildly impacting the daily living activities of medical students. CV angle had an inverse but significant relation with performance of daily living activities of medical students. Conclusion Forward head posture was observed in the majority of the study participants; a mild degree of neck pain was found in more than half of them. With increasing forward head posture, activities of daily living were mildly compromised. Additionally, the study found a weak correlation between static balance and forward head posture.
Abstract Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability, and chronic upper extremity (UE) impairment is a significant constraint to independence and quality of life in stroke survivors. The narrative review is developed on the basis of the synthesis of the available studies in 2020–25 and is constructed on Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Nature, physiotherapy journals, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. The review takes into account the effectiveness of significant rehabilitation interventions, including virtual reality (VR), robot-assisted therapy, functional electrical stimulation (FES), task-oriented training (TOT), noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS), functional strength training (FST). The results suggest that VR can be more effective in terms of motor recovery and patient interaction, and robot-assisted therapy can be more effective in combination with physiotherapy. FES shows improvements in functional performance and spasticity and TOT in task-specific performance. NIBS outcomes are rather inconsistent, and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is linked to more positive outcomes than transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). FST is one more technique, the beneficial effects of which on strength and daily performance are permanent. In general, multimodal and patient-specific interventions seem to have the best chance of success and standardized protocols and multicenter trials, as well as cost-effective mechanisms to make them more widespread, are required.
Abstract Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury is highly prevalent among volleyball and basketball players and has a significant impact on the athlete’s career. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct screenings to detect the risk factors for ACL injury. Landing Error Scoring System - Real Time (LESS-RT) is a tool to evaluate the risk factors that may cause ACL injury on field. Hence, the objective of the study was to find the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of LESS-RT in collegiate volleyball and basketball players. Fifty-two college-level athletes who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study, comprising 26 volleyball players and 26 basketball players from various colleges. Three evaluators with varying levels of experience assessed the athletes’ landing techniques using LESS-RT to measure inter-rater reliability. Meanwhile, the first evaluator conducted three sessions with the subjects, separated by 15-minute breaks, to assess intra-rater reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for intra-rater reliability was 0.918 (95% CI = 0.874–0.94) 9and for the inter-rater reliability was 0.951 (95% CI = 0.923–0.970). Cronbach’s α for internal consistency was > 0.9. Therefore, LESS-RT demonstrated excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, making it a practical screening tool for ACL injury risk in collegiate volleyball and basketball players. The findings support its use in real-time field assessments and volleyball athletes.
Abstract Background Children living with disabilities often face challenges in participating in sports and physical activities in schools, which can negatively impact their health and well-being. This is because schools have been considered as one of the most important and suitable primary social institutions for promoting physical activity in children. Aims This study seeks to critically examine the determinants influencing the inclusion of children with disabilities in sports and physical activity participation within Nigerian primary schools. Methodology This cross-sectional study involved primary school teachers from selected public and private schools in Ibadan, Nigeria, using purposive and consecutive sampling. Data were collected via adapted, validated questionnaires assessing attitudes and barriers to inclusion. Results The mean age of all participants (52 females and 22 males) was 41.51±1.175 years. Over half of the participants (52.7%) had a negative attitude towards inclusion of children with disability in sports. There was no significant association (p>0.05) between each of the participants' age, sex, years of teaching experience and academic qualification and attitude towards inclusion of children with disability in sports and physical activity. The major factors identified as barriers to inclusion were lack of opportunity for children with disability to participate in sports, unavailability of special aids or adapted sports equipment, poor fitness, fear of mockery and rejection, unwillingness of parents to allow their children to participate in sports, lack of trained therapists, inaccessibility of school buildings and playgrounds, lack of schools’ policy on assistance with disability to participate in sports. Conclusions It was concluded that a number of factors served as barriers to inclusion of children with disabilities in sports and physical activity and primary school teachers in Nigeria have negative attitude towards inclusion of children with disability in sports and physical activities.
Abstract Background Telerehabilitation is recommended as an effective means to promote physical activity [PA] engagement in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to develop and test the feasibility of a mobile phone-based PA intervention in Nigerian pregnancy. Methods This three-phase study included: (1) app development using a three-round modified Delphi approach with seven stakeholders (two obstetrics and gynaecology consultants, two nurses, two physiotherapists, and one pregnant woman); (2) feasibility testing using a cross-sectional survey with 40 pregnant women; and (3) pilot testing using a quasi-experimental design with 40 pregnant women randomized into intervention (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. The application consisted a six-minute walk-talk PA conducted for 30 min. For feasibility testing, 40 pregnant women evaluated the app using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). For pilot testing, 40 pregnant women were randomized into intervention (n = 20, receiving the mobile app plus routine antenatal care) and control (n = 20, receiving routine antenatal care only) groups. Results The mean age of the participants was 29.4 ± 4.28 years. The application has a high usability rating [75%]. The most rated attributes of the App were intention to use [80%], ease of learning to use [78%], integration of App function [75%], ease of use [75%] and confidence about the use of the App [75%] based on SUS. Functionality [14.70 ± 2.77 / 20] and App subjective quality [15.00 ± 3.6 / 20] were the most rated qualities of the App. The total App quality rating was 82.6 ± 14.74 out of 115 possible points based on MARS, indicating high quality. Conclusion This feasibility and pilot study demonstrates that a mobile phone-based six-minute walk-talk PA app has high usability, acceptable quality, and excellent acceptability among urban, educated Nigerian pregnant women.
Abstract Background Basketball is one of the most popular sports. In basketball, the energy demand from several combinations of aerobic and anaerobic sports in which athletes need physical fitness, explosive power, agility, balance, and strength. The present study aimed to compare the effect of dry cupping therapy in addition to exercise on the outcome of dynamic balance, agility and vertical jump on calf muscle in basketball players. Materials and methods The study design is a Parallel arm randomized trial by lottery method. 30 basketball players are recruited for the study. The participants are divided into two groups; each group will have 15 participants. Group A: Experimental Group (15 players) and Group B: Control Group (15 players). The experimental group received dynamic cupping therapy with exercise whereas the control group received conventional treatment alone exercise for (3 days/week). Outcome variables such as dynamic balance, power and agility were evaluated at baseline and after 4 weeks of study duration. Results Analysis was performed for quantitative variables, with calculation of mean, and standard deviation. The finding suggested there are a significant improvement in the parameter of vertical jump and a slight improvement in balance in both groups. Conclusion It’s observed that dry cupping therapy may be considered as an adjunct treatment in releasing muscle tightness and improving athletic performance in basketball players.
