Non-specific neck pain (NsNP) constitutes a significant global health burden, and finding effective treatment remains a challenge to physiotherapists. Neck stabilization exercises (NSE) have been documented to be effective in the management of NsNP; however, there is limited information on the comparative effectiveness of scapular stabilization exercises (ScSE) and NSE in the management of NsNP. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of NSE and ScSE on pain intensity (PI) and neck disability (ND) of individuals with NsNP. The clinical trial involved 70 participants with NsNP recruited consecutively and randomized into three groups. Group (G) A (control group, n = 22) received physiotherapy usual care (PUC), Group B (NSEG, n = 23) received NSE plus PUC, and Group C (ScSEG, n = 22) received ScSE plus PUC. Treatment was administered thrice weekly for eight weeks. Pain intensity (PI) and neck disability (ND) were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8 of the study using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI), respectively. Analysis was done using repeated measures ANOVA, Friedman ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test at p = 0.05. Participants in the three groups were comparable in age (PUCG = 52.97 ± 13.48 years, NSEG = 53.43 ± 10.72 years, and ScSEG = 52.86 ± 13.76 years). PI (PUCG = 6.36 ± 1.33, NSEG = 5.96 ± 1.71, and ScSEG = 6.18 ± 1.5; p = 0.67) and ND (PUCG = 34(25–48), NSEG = 32(18–44), and ScSEG = 36(23–51); p = 0.88) of the participants were also comparable at baseline. Within-group comparison of PI and ND of participants in the three groups across baseline, 4th and 8th weeks of the study revealed a significant reduction in PI and ND (p < 0.05). The mean reduction from baseline to 8th weeks for PI was 4.11, 2.54, and 1.36, while the median reduction for ND was 28, 26, and 12 across the three groups of NSEG, ScSEG, and PUCG, respectively. Between-groups comparison indicated significant differences in PI and ND at the 4th and 8th weeks of the study, with NSEG showing more reduction compared with ScSEG and PUCG (p ≤ 0.01). The study showed that while both NSE and ScSE interventions were effective, NSE provided a greater reduction in pain and disability for NsNP. PACTR, PACTR202304493866557, Registered on 28 April 2023, http://pactr.samrc.ac.za/ .

Chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, specifically low back pain (LBP) and osteoarthritis (OA), are a major cause of global disability, reduced quality of life and high socioeconomic burden. Research in high income countries suggests MSK pain is often comorbid with other long-term conditions / non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. However, the epidemiology of comorbid NCDs and MSK pain in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is unclear. This systematic review aims to describe the prevalence and pattern of comorbid NCDs in adults with MSK pain in LMICs. Nine databases were searched for epidemiological studies in LMICs (World Bank categories). Paired researchers independently identified studies, extracted data, and completed critical appraisal using Hoy risk of bias tool. Random-effect meta-analysis was used to estimate prevalence of NCDs comorbid with MSK pain. From 2112 citations; 14 studies (n=6093 adults with MSK pain, mean age=46.9years) were included. Overall prevalence of MSK pain with comorbid NCDs was 46.1% (95%CI 32.3 - 59.9). Systemic hypertension had the highest comorbid prevalence with MSK pain (42.6%, 95%CI 25.6-59.6), followed by diabetes (26.7%, 95%CI 16.1-37.3) and mental health conditions (anxiety/depression; 24.9% 95%CI 11.5-38.4). A high proportion of patients with MSK pain in LMICs experience comorbid NCDs. Variable data/population samples, and under-reporting limit accurate capture of prevalence estimates. Understanding the true burden of MSK pain (specifically lower back pain and hip/knee osteoarthritis) and comorbid NCDs is critical to informing effective treatment strategies. The health systems implications of these findings are imperative towards person-centred care, organisation of care and efficient resource utilisation in LMICs.

Background Malnutrition is common among children with cerebral palsy (CWCP); however, its impact on gross motor function (GMF) is not adequately reported. The study evaluated the influence of malnutrition and body composition on GMF. Methods In the cross-sectional survey, CWCP were recruited using purposive sampling from three selected secondary and tertiary hospitals in Kano, Nigeria. Sociodemographic variables were recorded on a data capture form. Anthropometric variables were measured using standard procedures. Percent (%) body fat, malnutrition, and GMF were assessed using skinfold thickness, screening tool for the assessment of malnutrition in pediatrics, and GMF classification system (GMFCS), respectively. The data was analyzed with one-way ANOVA, chi-square, and logistic regression using SPSS version 20 at p < 0.05. Results The 146 CWCP have mean age of 4.70 ± 2.46 years. About 95 (65.1%) are malnourished. Those with GMFCS V had lower %body fat and higher malnutrition than children with GMFCS II and I, respectively ( p < 0.05). Malnutrition has no significant influence on GMF ( B = 0.984, OR = 2.676; 95% CI = 0.965–7.423, p > 0.05). %body fat ( B = −0.192, OR = 0.826; 95% CI = 0.687–0.992, p < 0.05), type of CP ( OR = 12.106; 95% CI = 3.771–38.866, p < 0.005), child’s position in the family ( OR = 1.639; 95% CI = 1.162–2.312, p < 0.05), and mothers’ education ( B = −2.815, OR = 0.060; 95% CI = 0.012–0.309, p < 0.005) all predicted GMF. Conclusions Majority of the CWCP in this study are malnourished. But malnutrition did not however significantly predict GMF, meaning that though malnutrition could impair children’s physical growth and motor development, it however did not have significant influence on their motor function. Hence, CWCP undergoing rehabilitation may not likely experience significant decrease in their motor function due to inadequate nutrition. Decrease in body fat, type of CP, low level of mothers’ education, and child occupying 4th or more position in the family have negative influence on GMF. It was recommended that physiotherapists should routinely assess for malnutrition in CWCP. Prompt nutritional intervention may prevent considerable lose of body fat and augment the gains of physical rehabilitation by providing appropriate nutrition to support muscle growth and the supply of adequate energy for participation in physical exercise. Adequate caregiver education is important for ensuring satisfactory nutrition for CWCP.

OBJECTIVES:Stroke is a leading cause of disability and one of the most debilitating conditions especially in the developing world. Rehabilitation focuses on improving functional ability which may enhance quality of life (QoL). The aims of this study were to investigate the association between QoL and each of functional independence (FI), self-reported fatigue (SRF) and exercise self-efficacy (ESE) in stroke survivors.METHODS:This is a descriptive cross-sectional survey, documenting QoL, FI, SRF and ESE of stroke survivors seen at the physiotherapy outpatient clinics of two health care facilities in Oyo state, Nigeria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data with significance level set at 0.05.RESULTS:Participants were 110 stroke survivors (64 males; 46 females) aged 60.9 ± 11.9 years. Significant associations were found between QoL and each of FI and ESE (p < 0.01) while no significant association was observed for SRF. FI strongly predicts good QoL in stroke survivors (OR = 16.34; p < 0.01) and high ESE is a determinant of QoL (OR = 6.46; p = 0.04). Stroke survivors with SRF were less likely to report good QoL.DISCUSSION:Functional independence and exercise self-efficacy were directly associated with QoL and were also major predictors of good QoL in stroke survivors.

Abstract Introduction Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) often have poor Quality of Life (QOL). Task-oriented training (TOT) is a neurological rehabilitation technique that may improve their QOL. This study investigated the effect of lower extremity TOT on QOL of children with CP. Material and methods Participants were recruited from outpatient Physiotherapy clinics of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, and Usman International School Kano. They were randomly assigned into TOT and Conventional Physiotherapy Exercise (Control Group [CG]). The TOT practiced were unloaded and loaded sit to stand, forward step up, high stick stepping, circular movement and stair climbing and descending twice weekly for 12 weeks. QOL was assessed using CP-QOL questionnaire at baseline, 6th and 12th weeks and after 6 weeks of follow up. Data were analysed using repeated measures Anova and independent samples t-test at α < 0.05. Results A total of 46 children were recruited but 39 (TOT 20, CG 19) completed the study. The QOL of children in the two groups was comparable at baseline [P > 0.05]. There were significant improvements in QOL within-group in both TOT (F [1.63, 30.87] = 145.877, P < 0.0001) and CG (F [3, 54) = 23.841, P < 0.0001]. There were significant between-group differences in QOL at the 6th (t = 3.98, df = 37, p < 0.001) and 12th (t = 8.116, df = 37, p < 0.001) weeks and at 6 weeks follow up (t = 9.14, df = 37, p < 0.001). Conclusions Both TOT and Conventional Physiotherapy Exercise have improved the QOL of children with CP. TOT is more effective than conventional Physiotherapy Exercise for the improvement of QoL.

IntroductionTo evaluate the effects of task-oriented exercise training program (TOET) on the functional performance (mobility and walking efficiency) of children with cerebral palsy (CP).MethodsOverall, 46 children with CP were recruited from outpatient units of the physiotherapy clinics of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, and a school for children with disabilities. They were randomly assigned to the TOET group (n = 23) and the control group (CG) (n = 23). Children in CG practised conventional physiotherapy. Each group trained twice weekly for 12 weeks. Mobility and walking efficiency were assessed with a mobility questionnaire and 10-meter walk test, respectively, at baseline, after 6th and 12th weeks, and after 6 weeks of follow-up. Data were analysed with repeated measures ANOVA, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Friedman’s test, with α < 0.05.ResultsA total of 39 children with CP completed the study, 19 in CG and 20 in TOET group. The between-group scores of mobility (TOET: 69.15 ± 17.32; CG: 67.03 ± 10.49) and walking efficiency (TOET: 0.63 ± 0.2 m/s; CG: 0.63 ± 0.19 m/s) were not different at baseline and at the 6th week (p > 0.05). At the 12th week, there were significant between-group differences in mobility (TOET: 86.16 ± 7.20; CG: 71.09 ± 13.58) and walking efficiency (TOET: 1.00 ± 0.29 m/s; CG: 0.78 ± 0.28 m/s) (p < 0.05). The within-group scores of walking efficiency and mobility increased in both TOET and CG (p < 0.005 for both comparisons).ConclusionsTOET is an effective intervention to improve functional performance of children with CP.

Low-back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent in the society, and its socioeconomic consequences are quite evident. Physiotherapists play a prominent role in the management of individuals with this condition, and it is, therefore, of utmost importance that physiotherapists engage in the most efficient and effective management practices available. For perceptions of good performance and quality health care, patient experience is an important indicator of effective care and management. A mixed-methods research design—a cross-sectional survey (quantitative research) and a focus group discussion (FGD; qualitative research)—was employed in this study, investigating patients’ experience in physiotherapy management of nonspecific LBP. An adapted questionnaire was used for data collection from purposively selected participants recruited from 3 hospitals in Kubwa, Abuja, from April to August 2018. The FGD involved 6 patients recruited by simple random sampling using the fishbowl technique. Descriptive and thematic analyses were done on data collected. A total of 126 patients (male = 41, female = 85) were included, with a mean age of 51.0 ± 14.6 years, while the modal age-group was 60 to 69 years. Of these, 41 (32.5%) had nonspecific LBP for less than a year, and the 2 most applied interventions were exercise and heat therapy, followed by education/advice. In all, 110 (87.3%) reported positive experience about education, while 119 (94.4%) reported positive experience about exercise prescription. The result from the qualitative research is in conformity with that of the quantitative analysis. Patients with nonspecific LBP received adequate education regarding their condition and had good experience in the course of their physiotherapy management.

Background to the Study: Lower Limb Musculoskeletal Disorders (LLMSDs) have been found to be a common cause of disability. Evidence shows that Physical Activity (PA) reduces symptoms of LLMSDs and has been suggested to be useful in the management of LLMSDs. This study was conducted to investigate habitual PA level and prevalence of LLMSDs in middle aged and older women in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional survey study in which a non-random sampling technique was used to recruit participants who were mostly workers in Oyo state Secretariat, University College Hospital and University of Ibadan. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (SNMQ) were used to evaluate habitual PA level and prevalence of LLMSDs respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarize and analyse the data. Results: Participants were 303 women, age range 45-77 years, mean 53.4±7.6 years. Most 261 (86.1%) were married, had tertiary education 274 (90.4%) and 85 (28.1%) were in the middle income category. Majority 282 (93.1%) reported LLMSDs with the knee (38.6%) being the most frequently reported site. Moderate level of habitual PA were reported by 116 (38.3%) of participants while those with low PA level reported the highest proportion of LLMSDs 118 (41.8%). Conclusion: Middle aged and older women in this study engaged mostly in moderate level of habitual PA, those with low PA had most reports of LLMSDs and the knee was the most frequently reported site of LLMSDs.

Introduction and objectivesThe study evaluated the effect of task-oriented training (TOT) on the motor function (MF) and balance of ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP).Materials and methodsA total of 46 children were randomised into TOT group (n=23) and Control Group (CG [n=23]), but 39 children complete the study. Balance and MF were assessed at baseline, 6th and 12th weeks and 6 weeks post-intervention. Data were analysed with repeated measures ANOVA, Friedman's, Mann–Whitney U, Student's-t and post hoc tests at α≤0.05.ResultsThe two groups were comparable in all baseline scores (P>0.05). At the 6th week, significant between-group difference was observed in MF only [TOT=81.9 (18.5); CG=72.8 (19.4)] (P<0.05). There were significant between-group differences in MF [TOT=88.8 (9.4); CG=75.5 (18.5); P<0.05] and balance (TOT=9.4±4.5; CG=13.6±6.9; P<0.05) at the 12th week (P<0.05) and 6 weeks post-intervention (P<0.05).ConclusionTOT improved the balance and MF of ambulant children with CP.

Introduction: Providing care to stroke survivors takes a huge toll on caregivers, both physically and emotionally. This study evaluated the influence of duration of caregiving on the burden and Quality of Life (QOL) of informal caregivers (CGs) of stroke survivors. Material and Method: The cross-sectional survey study recruited 100 consenting stroke survivors and their CGs using purposive sampling technique. Caregiving duration and daily caregiving hours were assessed using data capture form. Burden and QOL were assessed with Zarit burden interview and WHOQOL BREF respectively. Data were analysed with Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis as tests of associations and differences between variables respectively using SPSS version 20 at p=0.05 alpha. Findings: The CGs comprised 56(56%) females and 44(44%) males with mean age of 31.73± 12. About 31% of the CGs had mild burden while 53% had good QOL. Significant association exist between daily caregiving hours and each of CGs QOL (X2=14.716; P=0.003) and burden (X218.23; P=0.003). There were significant differences in the QOL and Burden of CGs based on the daily hours of caregiving (P 0.05). Conclusion: Stroke CGs who perform caregiving tasks for twelve or more daily caregiving hours are likely to experience enormous burden and deterioration of their QOL. But duration of caregiving in months or years has no significant influence on the burden and QOL of CGs.

PurposeOsteoarthritis (OA) is characterised by a combination of joint symptoms and signs stemming from defects in the articular cartilage and adjacent tissues, such as bone, synovial joint capsule, muscles, and ligaments. Knee OA is among the most common causes of pain and disability in middle-aged and older people. This study investigated the relationships among selected clinical symptoms (pain, stiffness, physical function), walking speed, and exercise self-efficacy in individuals with knee OA in Ibadan, Nigeria.MethodsThe study involved 100 individuals diagnosed with knee OA. Exercise self-efficacy was assessed with the exercise self-efficacy scale. Pain, stiffness, and physical function were evaluated with the Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire. Walking speed was determined during the 20-meter walk test. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation test, with significance level set at 0.05.ResultsSignificant correlations were observed between pain intensity and walking speed (ρ = –0.38), stiffness and walking speed (ρ = –0.19), physical function and walking speed (ρ = –0.40), pain intensity and exercise self-efficacy (ρ = –0.43), stiffness and exercise self-efficacy (ρ = –0.46), physical function and exercise self-efficacy (ρ = –0.41). More than 50% of the participants with knee OA had low exercise self-efficacy and moderate walking speed. Individuals with higher levels of pain, stiffness, and functional limitations showed lower levels of exercise self-efficacy and lower walking speed.ConclusionsIndividuals with knee OA presented low exercise self-efficacy, low walking speed, and reduced physical function, probably because of the debilitating effects of the condition.

Introduction Abdominal obesity is the accumulation of excess adipose tissue in the abdomen. Hormonal changes in menopausal women may lead to physical inactivity which results in decreased cardiorespiratory fitness and increase in incidence of obesity. Cardiorespiratory fitness is one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular health and longevity and a useful health indicator. The interrelationship among abdominal obesity, cardiorespiratory fitness and body image attitude among menopausal women was investigated in this study. Method A cross-sectional survey method was adopted, using purposive sampling to recruit women from Iseyin Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. Premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women had their abdominal obesity, cardiorespiratory fitness and body image attitude assessed using waist circumference, six minute-walk test and multidimensional body-self relations questionnaire (MBSRQ) respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with ᾳ = 0.05. Results Participants comprised 381 women aged 47.1±8.6 years, they had low mean estimated maximum oxygen consumption of 10.81±1.77ml/kg/min. The postmenopausal women had the highest median score of abdominal obesity of 96.0 (20.0) cm. A positive and significant weak correlation of abdominal obesity with cardiorespiratory fitness was observed among the premenopausal (r=0.156; p=0.050) women while negative and non-significant correlations were observed in both the perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups. Cardiorespiratory fitness and abdominal obesity exhibited varied correlations with body image attitude variables of menopausal women. Conclusion Cardiorespiratory fitness and abdominal obesity were somewhat indirectly correlated in the older menopausal women. They also exhibited variable correlations toward body image.

PurposeTo investigate and compare the effects of 6-week self-management education (SME) and quadriceps strengthening exercises (QSE) on pain and disability in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsA total of 79 (13 males, 66 females) consecutive patients with knee OA were randomised into SME and QSE groups. The SME group were taught modules of self-management once a week for 6 weeks, while the QSE group had supervised QSE thrice a week for 6 weeks. Pain intensity and physical function were assessed with the Visual Analogue Scale and Ibadan Knee/Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Measure (IKHOAM) at baseline, week 6, and at the follow-up time points of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd months.ResultsThe effects of both interventions were comparable (p > 0.005) during intervention and follow-up. During intervention, in both groups, pain intensity significantly decreased (p < 0.001, effect size = 0.603) and IKHOAM scores improved (p < 0.001, effect size = 0.540). There were significant time by group interaction effects during follow-up as pain intensity (p < 0.001, effect size = 0.085) did not change in the QSE group but further decreased in the SME group, IKHOAM scores (p = 0.005, effect size = 0.053) remained the same in the SME group while it decreased in the QSE group with respect to the end of intervention (6th week).ConclusionsSupervised QSE and SME are both effective in reducing pain and disability in knee OA but improvements in the outcomes are better sustained with SME.

Background to the study: In female athletes, the reproductive system can be largely impacted by hormonal changes associated with exercise and energy balance. The female sex hormone estrogen has measurable effects on muscle function, tendon and ligament strength, and subsequently the musculoskeletal system. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the association between menstrual cycle status and musculoskeletal disorders (MsDs) among female athletes in Nigeria. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey of female athletes at the National Stadium Abuja, Nigeria. Methods and Measures: Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Bio-data forms, Menstrual History Questionnaires, and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaires were used for data collection. Results: There was a 24.9% prevalence of menstrual irregularities among participants, of which 15.4% and 9.5% reported oligomenorrhea and amenorrhoea, respectively. The overall 12-month prevalence of MsDs was 56.6%. Prevalence of MsDs among participants who self-reported menstrual irregularity was 81.1% and 69.6%, respectively, for oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea. A significant association (P = .001) existed between menstrual cycle status and MsDs among female athletes in Nigeria. Amenorrheic female athletes were found to have higher occurrences of missing participation in sports for more than 30 days due to major MsDs. Conclusion: Prevalence of menstrual irregularities was high among female athletes and is associated with MsDs. Implication: Physical therapists should educate female athletes on relationship between their menstrual status and their musculoskeletal health and sports performance.

AbstractBackground:The involvement of informal caregivers (CGs) in the provision of care for stroke survivors always ensures the success of stroke rehabilitation.Aims:The aim of this review was to find the determinants of caregiving burden and quality of life (QOL) of CGs of African stroke survivors.Methods:The literature was searched in Google Scholar and PUBMED, AJOL and Cochrane Databases using selected search strategies without date restriction.Results:A total of eight African studies met the inclusion criteria. There were more female stroke CGs (55.6%) than their male counterparts. The determinants of CG QOL were duration and burden of caregiving, the CG’s age and functional status of the stroke survivors. The determinants of caregiving burden were functional status of stroke survivors and having intimate relationship with them.Conclusion:Impairment of physical function in African stroke survivors was the consistent determinant of increased caregiving burden and deterioration of CG QOL. CG education and training is needed in order to enhance their ability to cope effectively with the burden of providing care to stroke survivors who have impairment of physical function and this may help to improve CG QOL.

Background: Women in the menopausal transition experience body changes directly related to hormonal variation. Decrease in estrogen level may start a rapid decline in muscular strength, bone mineral density, aerobic fitness and increased body weight. All these in turn are associated with development of chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and others. Psychosocial factors have been documented as being capable of influencing physical activity (PA) in chronic conditions. Objective: Influence of psychosocial factors such as self-efficacy, family support and perceived barriers to exercise on PA level of menopausal women with chronic conditions were investigated in this study. Methods: A cross-sectional survey in which women with hypertension, diabetes and osteoarthritis were recruited from secondary and tertiary health centres in Ibadan and Ijebu-Ode in Oyo and Ogun States of Nigeria respectively after obtaining their informed consents. Physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), while Exercise Self-efficacy Scale and family version of the social support questionnaire as well as barrier scale of the Exercise Benefit and Barrier scale were used to assess psychosocial variables and perceived barriers to exercise respectively. Data were analysed using Chi-square and logistic regression analysis at P = 0.05. Results: Three hundred and five women, predominantly postmenopausal 249 (83.8%) participated in the study and hypertension 117 (38.4%) was the most prevalent chronic condition. Majority 212 (69.5%) reported low PA level with 138 (45.2%) reporting high barriers to exercise. Significant direct association between PA level and exercise self-efficacy (P

In the face of a rising diabetes epidemic, a target population for prevention programme is the children of patients with type 2 diabetes. This study examined physical activity of patients with type 2 diabetes and that of their adult children, and characterized the factors associated with physical inactivity among the participants. This cross-sectional study involved 315 participants (185 patients and 130 adult children) recruited from two major hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at α =0.05. The prevalence of physical inactivity was 50.3% and 28.5% among parents and children respectively. Lack of awareness of physical activity benefits (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.22-3.66) and ignorance of parent’s diabetes status (OR = 3.21; 95% CI = 1.48-4.92) were both associated with increased risk of physical inactivity among the children. The risk was reduced by half among children of physically active parents (OR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.16-0.89); while increasing age, female sex and unemployment were associated with increased risk of physical inactivity in both parents and children. Physical inactivity was more prevalent in parents than their children. Aside sociodemographic characteristics which influenced physical activity in both groups, lack of knowledge of physical activity benefits, ignorance of parent’s diabetes status and physical inactivity of the parents were the factors that encouraged physical inactivity among the children. Educational efforts to step up physical activity among children of patients with type 2 diabetes are required.

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt initiated psychometric tests of the Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire into Hausa language. The prevalence of neck conditions among Hausa patients in Northern Nigeria necessitates the use of the NDI questionnaire. The fact that there was no Hausa version of this instrument has limited its use, hence there is a need for its translation into the Hausa language. Methods: The English version of the NDI questionnaire was translated into Hausa language through a forward and backward translation process. Sixty-two patients were selected for validation of the questionnaire using a purposive sampling technique. The original English version (NDI) and the Hausa version (NDI-H) were administered to the patients and re-administered within the space of one week to ensure validation. Psychometric testing was done to ascertain reliability and construct validity. Findings: The Hausa version of the NDI showed good internal consistency (α= 0.741) and test-retest reliability of r=0.84, p< 0.05. The responsiveness analysis revealed a significant relationship (r = 0.47, p=0.01). Factor analysis revealed a 2-factor 10 items structure which explained the variance of 49.7%. Conclusions: The NDI was successfully translated into Hausa language and validated with good psychometric properties.

Abstract Background and aims: Non-specific neck pain (NsNP) constitutes a burden to the bearers and a management challenge to physiotherapists globally. Effectiveness of neck stabilisation and dynamic exercises in the management of NsNP has been documented, but it is not clear which exercise regimen is more effective in alleviating its associated pain, depression and anxiety. This study was carried out to compare the effectiveness of neck stabilisation and/or dynamic exercises on pain intensity, depression and anxiety among patients with NsNP. Methods: Eighty-nine consenting individuals with NsNP participated in this single-blind, randomised controlled trial. They were recruited from the outpatient physiotherapy clinics of the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Dala, Kano State, Nigeria. Participants were randomly assigned into one of three intervention groups: neck stabilisation exercise group (NSEG; n=30), neck dynamic exercise group (NDEG; n=28) and neck stabilisation and dynamic exercise group (NSDEG; n=31). Treatment was administered thrice weekly for 8 consecutive weeks. Variables were assessed at baseline, at the end of the fourth and eighth weeks. Pain intensity was assessed through the use of a visual analogue scale, while depression and anxiety were evaluated using both the Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and post hoc tests with Bonferroni adjustment at the p=0.05 significant level. Results: Ages of participants in NSEG (46.8±12.4 years), NDEG (48.6±11.6 years) and NSDEG (45.1±13.4 years) were comparable. The comparison for NSEG, NSDEG and NDEG within groups revealed that there was significant difference in pain intensity, depression and anxiety scores from baseline, in the fourth and eighth weeks of the study – (F=62.40, p=0.001, F=13.91, p=0.001 and F=20.93, p=0.001); (F=11.92, p=0.001, F=8.75, p=0.004 and F=9.70, p=0.001) and (F=36.63, p=0.001, F=11.99, p=0.001 and F=6.59, p=0.001), respectively. A group comparison of the pain intensity, depression and anxiety scores of participants in the NSEG, NSDEG and NDEG at the baseline of the study revealed that there were no significant differences in the pain intensity and depression and anxiety scores among the three groups: p=0.159, 0.58 and 0.179, respectively. At week 4 of the study, however, a significant difference in pain intensity and anxiety scores across the three groups was recorded – p=0.018, p=0.011, respectively, but no significant difference was noted in depression scores (p=0.93). At week 8 of the study, it was determined that there were significant differences in pain intensity and depression scores p=0.001 and p=0.041, but no significant dissimilarities in the anxiety scores. Post hoc revealed that only pain was significant and lay with NSEG. Conclusions: The study concluded that the stabilisation, dynamic and stabilisation, plus dynamic exercises were effective in relieving pain and reducing depression and anxiety in patients with NsNP. However, stabilisation showed a more marked effect than the combination exercises of stabilisation plus dynamic exercises, and dynamic exercises in reducing pain intensity in patients with NsNP. Implications: It is recommended that stabilisation exercises be chosen over stabilisation plus dynamic exercises, or dynamic exercise, while treating patients with NsNP. However, both are effective.