CONTEXT: Reaction time (RT) is one of the important components of physical fitness. Evaluation of RT is vital to understand and plan a training program. There is a need to comprehend the normative values of RT in young adults in different functional postures, which will enable the clinician to plan the fitness program effectively. AIMS: The aim of this study was to observe the RT in sitting and standing postures among typical young adults. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was an observational study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-five young Indian men and women students from a college at Mysore were included in the study. The participants' dominant hand was used to assess the RT in standing and sitting postures with their dominant hand. With the given distance, the RT was then calculated using standard conversion formulae. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The RT between standing and sitting was analyzed using mean, standard deviation (SD), and paired t-test. RESULTS: The RT analyzed for 22 men in sitting showed excellent RT with a mean 0.1188 (SD 0.0455) and 0.0929 (SD 0.0385) in sitting and standing postures, respectively. Women (n = 43) in sitting had a good RT with a mean of 0.1401 (SD 0.0314) and in standing an excellent RT with a mean of 0.1092 (SD 0.0323). Men had better performance when compared with women, both in standing and sitting postures. Paired test for standing and sitting showed significant difference with t value of 5.364 and P < 0.005, with reduced RT in standing. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that the RT is comparatively reduced in standing than in sitting among the young adults.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Background: Kinesio taping (KT) has emerged as a popular treatment for several health conditions. It is suggested that application of K-tape may prove beneficial in relieving symptoms of shin splints. Objective: The aim of this pilot study was to gather preliminary evidence about the effectiveness of KT in shin splints. Methodology: This prospective case–control study was conducted for 3 days on thirty active sports persons afflicted with shin splints (M = 22, F = 8; mean age 19 ± 2.59; duration of symptoms 48.16 ± 13.42 days) assigned randomly into three equal groups. The intervention in control group consisted of 10 min of ice massage followed by 10 min of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. In KT group, Y-strip K-tape was applied to the lower leg using the technique described by Griebert et al. that had shown a reduction in medial loading in medial tibial stress syndrome. In rigid tape (RT) group, white nonelastic adhesive tape cut into a Y-shape similar to KT strip was applied. Outcome measures were duration of 50 m sprint, volume of limb, and pain response at rest, during resisted isometric contraction (RIC) of select muscles, and after completion of 50 m sprint. Two ways repeated measure ANOVA with time as the repeated factor was conducted for each outcome measure with level of significance set at 0.05. Results: Between the group difference for age (F = 0.35, P = 0.70) and duration of symptom (F = 0.40, P = 0.67) were not significant. The day-by-group interaction was not significant for any outcome measure. For the patient-reported parameters, i.e., pain at rest, pain at RIC, and pain at 50 m sprint, the main effects were significant (P ≤ 0.05) for time but not for groups. Conclusion: Any benefits of KT over and above RT and control group were not observed in active players presenting with symptoms of shin splints.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

BACKGROUND: Impaired trunk control is common in most of the hemiplegic patients during subacute stage that interferes with daily activities and worsens quality of life (QOL) of patients. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques on trunk control and QOL in subjects with hemiplegia. DESIGN: This was a pre-post design. SETTING: The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Belagavi. PATIENTS: Totally, 16 hemiplegic patients were recruited between the age group 18–65 years having trunk control test score ≥50 and were given PNF techniques. INTERVENTION: PNF techniques for 45 min, three times in a week for 4 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Patients were assessed at baseline using Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Stroke Specific-QOL (SS-QOL) and reassessed after 12 sessions. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test. PNF showed significant results (P < 0.05) for both outcomes, i.e., TIS and SS-QOL scale. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that PNF techniques are beneficial in improving trunk control and QOL in hemiplegic population. Hence, this costless technique, which does not require any equipment, can be regularly incorporated to all hemiplegic patients in any setup or at home.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

The purpose of the article is to provide guidelines for the physiotherapy management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The various publications on the same topic were brought together with input from several textbooks in the field of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy and translated into clinical practice. This article briefs with definition, risk factors, prevalence, clinical features, investigations, differential diagnosis, and management of COPD patient. Then, information on physiotherapy management during acute exacerbation phase and during stable phase is detailed. The article provides specific details on the rationale of why and especially how to implement exercise training in patients with COPD.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

BACKGROUND: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) is the most widely used condition-specific self-reported multidimensional instrument for the assessment of hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to translate and to investigate the reliability and validity of modified WOMAC (mWOMAC) Gujarati version in participants with knee OA. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: The Indian version mWOMAC English questionnaire was translated into Gujarati with forward and backward method, and its psychometric properties were analyzed on 230 Gujarati-speaking participants with knee OA (mean age = 58.4 years). The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and handheld dynamometer (HHD) for isometric quadriceps strength along with mWOMAC was recorded twice within 2 days, and data were used to assess the reliability and convergent validity. RESULTS: The mWOMAC Gujarati version questionnaire was internally consistent with Cronbach's alpha 0.936 (test), 0.940 (retest), respectively. Test-retest reliability was analyzed using mixed model intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and found satisfactory with ICCs of 0.986. Convergent validity was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient between mWOMAC and VAS (P < 0.05, r = 0.716); mWOMAC and HHD (P < 0.05; r = −0.915) and significant correlation was found. CONCLUSION: The mWOMAC Gujarati version is a reliable and valid self-rated clinical instrument for the assessment of symptoms and function in OA knee.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Coronavirus disease also referred to as COVID-19 is an infectious disease which is highly communicable. The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. In India, Maharashtra is one of the worst impacted states and Mumbai has emerged as a hotspot. There is a nationwide lockdown imposed, and there are several containment zones in Mumbai to make sure that the virus does not spread any further. With increase in the number of admissions in intensive care unit, there is a need to define the role of a physiotherapist in the current scenario of a pandemic. The aim of this article is to provide guidelines for clinical practice, as well as to safeguard the health of COVID duty-assigned physiotherapists in acute care setup.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Injuries to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are common in sports. The treatments prescribed for torn ACL are surgical reconstruction (ACLr) and conservative management. While both treatments do not offer relief from long-term osteoarthritis (OA), the choice of the best treatment for athletes remains unclear. To assess the effectiveness of surgical versus conservative treatment for treating torn ACL in sports, a literature search in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials was done for randomized controlled trials/quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs/QRCTs) that compared surgical reconstruction with conservative treatment of ACL rupture in active participants. Studies were assessed for quality using PEDro clinical appraisal tool. Since the studies were heterogeneous, meta-analysis was not performed, and a “best evidence synthesis” was reported. There were four studies (RCTs/QRCTs), which met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of participants in ACLr group ranged 25.3–45.8 years, while in CON group, it was 25.5–49.3 years. Tibiofemoral OA ranged from 23% to 80% in surgery group and 28%–68% in conservative group. Three studies reported no difference between surgical and conservative group in terms of long-term OA at 10–20 years' follow-up. When assessed in terms of functional knee outcomes (Lysholm score, IKDC score, and Tegner score) and knee laxity, ACLr group showed significantly better outcomes. Thus, it may be suggested, based on functional knee outcome scores, that ACLr may help athletes resume their sporting career postinjury. Further good quality RCTs involving a large number of participants are required to strengthen the claim.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to correlate maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂ max) obtained from subjective measure using Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) scale with objective assessment of aerobic capacity measured by VO₂ max during submaximal exercise testing in young healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight young healthy nonexercising individuals were recruited in the study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants were made to undergo exercise testing on treadmill using modified Bruce protocol and maximal aerobic capacity was calculated. The participants were made to answer DASI questionnaire, and VO₂ max was calculated using the questionnaire. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant but moderate correlation (r = 0.339 and P= 0.001) found between VO₂ max obtained from DASI scale and VO₂ max obtained from exercise testing. CONCLUSION: The subjective functional scales (DASI) used to assess basic physical capacity have moderate ability to predict actual functional capacity as measured by VO₂ max achieved by objective assessment of aerobic capacity by exercise testing in young healthy individuals.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

BACKGROUND: The possibility of the presence of central sensitization (CS) among chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) patients to predict treatment response by related outcome measures has not been adequately explored. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility of a study to compare “McKenzie exercise program” (MEP) and “conventional physiotherapy program” (CPP) outcomes for participants with CNSLBP, investigate whether any difference in outcome was related to CS, disability, fear-avoidance beliefs and trunk flexors and extensors muscles endurance, and to inform the design of a main study. OBJECTIVE: The present study tests whether MEP reduces CS better in CNSLBP patients having CS compared to CPP. METHODS: Forty-two patients with CNSLBP were randomly allocated into two groups. The experimental group (n = 22) received only MEP and control group (n = 20) received only CPP. Each group received specific weekly treatment five times during the study for 2 months. Outcome measures were CS Inventory-Gujarati (CSI-G) for the presence of CS, numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) for pain intensity, pressure pain threshold (PPT) by pressure algometry, Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire-Gujarati (RMDQ-G) for disability, Fear-avoidance-beliefs Questionnaire-Gujarati (FABQ-G) for fear-avoidance beliefs, and trunk flexors and extensors endurance tests. RESULTS: Both the groups showed a decrease in NPRS, CSI-G, RMDQ-G, and FABQ-G scores and increase in PPT and trunk flexors and extensors endurance scores. However, decrease in NPRS, CSI-G, RMDQ-G, and FABQ-G scores and increase in PPT scores were significantly better in the experimental group. In contrast, control group performed significantly better on trunk flexors and extensors endurance scores. CONCLUSION: McKenzie exercises are effective in reducing pain, pain sensitization, disability and fear avoidance beliefs; however, it does not improve trunk flexors and extensors endurance in CNSLBP patients with or without CS.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal injuries are common among physiotherapy students and these are increasing nowadays. In the recent years, there has been an increase in musculoskeletal complaints, work-related stress, and reduced quality of life among physiotherapy students. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to identify the prevalence and associated risk factors of musculoskeletal health and health-related quality of life of physiotherapy students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among physiotherapy students from three different physiotherapy colleges of Surat, India, from November 2013 to January 2014. A total of 457 physiotherapy students (22 males and 435 females) completed the demographic and personal data along with questionnaires such as Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Level Questionnaire, Quality of Life Short-Form Questionnaire, and Brief Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale. RESULTS: Most of the students had experienced some kind of a musculoskeletal pain in the past 6 months. On comparing different locations of pain (neck, shoulder, upper back, lower back, and lower legs), the lower back was found to be most commonly affected location (29.1%) followed by the neck (13.4%) and lower legs (13.8%). CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal pain is prevalent among physiotherapy students, and mostly, back, neck, and lower leg pains are very common among them. Moreover, these pains reduce the physical and mental health of the students and also affect their life satisfaction.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Poststroke shoulder pain is one of the most common (34%–86%) and significant problems that impairs the normal functioning and rehabilitation in stroke survivors. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of scapular proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on shoulder pain in hemiplegic patients. METHODS: A total of 30 stroke survivors with hemiplegia were recruited and randomly allocated to Group A (n = 15) and Group B (n = 15). The experimental group was administered conventional treatment plus scapular PNF-hold relax technique, whereas the control group received only conventional treatment comprised of passive shoulder range of motion exercises, stretching exercises, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for 12 sessions (4 sessions per week). The outcome measure used to assess the level of shoulder pain before and after the intervention was visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed significant reduction in poststroke shoulder pain (PSSP) in both the experimental and control groups. Although the relief in PSSP was found, no statistically significant differences could be obtained between the groups. CONCLUSION: The reduction in shoulder pain observed in both the groups signifies the effectiveness of conventional measures (i.e., passive range of motion exercises, stretching exercises, and TENS) in relieving the shoulder pain in hemiplegic patients. Clinically, it was seen that the experimental group exhibited better improvement around the shoulder. Hence, it can be stated that scapular PNF has a positive impact on PSSP, but it demands more vigorous future researches to prove the hypothesis correct statistically.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

BACKGROUND: Kathak dancers are required to perform certain complex mudras at their foot involving extreme ranges. This may make them prone to ankle instabilities. The purpose of this study was to find out the prevalence of ankle instabilities and disabilities among the Kathak dancers. METHODS: Screening of forty female Kathak Dancers was done for the study from the Department of Dance, Punjabi University, Patiala, on the basis of inclusion criteria. Subjects were assessed for Ankle Instabilities and Disabilities through Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). RESULTS: Percentile analysis of the scores obtained from both FADI and CAIT was done. 70% of the Kathak Dancers were found to suffer from Foot and Ankle disability. 90% of the Kathak dancers were found to have ankle instability at left side while 75% were having ankle instability at the right side. CONCLUSION: Kathak dancers are prone to develop functional disability and instabilities at ankle joint. This may be attributed to the complex postures accomplished by them at foot. It is important to advise them about the prevention and treatment of their foot problems. Ergonomic education to these dancers also holds importance.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cancer is a major cause of adult deaths in India and cancer incidence is projected to grow in the coming decades because of improved life expectancy. The importance of rehabilitation in cancer care received increasing recognition in medical settings; however, very little has been documented about the involvement of physiotherapists in cancer care and rehabilitation. This exploratory paper assesses the availability of physical therapy services for cancer patients and cancer survivors in South India. METHODOLOGY: In this explorative study, 1410 cancer patients from 15 cancer centers in three South Indian states were administered a valid questionnaire presented in their native languages. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze their responses. RESULTS: More than half of the cancer patients (54.1%) did not know that physiotherapy treatment is required in symptom management and only one-third (31%) were advised or referred to physiotherapy treatment. Two-thirds of the respondents (68.8%) were benefited by the recommended exercises. The recommended exercises were stretching (42.9%), breathing (28.6%), and strengthening (16.9%). The most commonly used evaluation method was visual analog scale for pain (29.9%). CONCLUSION: It is found that the number of qualified physiotherapists working in the cancer centers is not sufficient to meet the demand.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Introduction: Junior college students have a wide spectrum of insight when it comes to choosing a career option. Physiotherapy is a health-care profession that involves evaluation and formulating a diagnosis to cure impairments, improve mobility, and hence improve quality of life. This study evaluated the perception of junior college students about physiotherapy as a profession and career option. Furthermore, the study determined the role sources of career information. Methodology: The study population includes 200 science stream junior college students which were selected using cluster sampling, i.e., selecting students from different zones of Pune. Outcome measures used were a self-made questionnaire which was distributed among students. Bearing physiotherapy as an option within health sciences domain in mind, various types of questions specific to physiotherapy department, its practice areas, and the course study were put forth to these students through the questionnaire. Results: Two-third of the information regarding physiotherapy was reported to be obtained from the internet (38%). Forty percent students did not know if physiotherapist can be directly visited/reference from doctor is required for physiotherapy. Only 2.5% and 0.5% students knew that physiotherapy is also useful in cardiorespiratory and pediatric conditions. Conclusion: Majority (74.5%) of students would consider physiotherapy as a career option. There is still a need to improve the knowledge of students regarding physiotherapy through various sources such as career information and Indian Association of Physiotherapy to give out appropriate and useful information, as there is a dearth of physiotherapy professionals in India.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

Physiotherapy researchers are recognized and valued based on their research publications. Research publications in recognized journals earn them research funding by recognized funding agencies. They are entitled for international travel grant; short-term research funding and many more are based on research publication. Unfortunately, most of the Indian physiotherapists, physiotherapist students and scholars are unaware of the genuine publishing platform. This Continuing Professional Education article gives an overview about the genuine publishing in the digital age in India.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

BACKGROUND: The physiotherapy profession demands the therapist to engage in activities which require good amount of cardiorespiratory fitness. PURPOSE: The main aim of this study was to determine the physical fitness index (PFI) of the physiotherapy students using the Harvard step test and to examine the relationship between the body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness. METHODS: Two hundred and forty-two (males and females) physiotherapy students participated in this cross-sectional study. Descriptive data for age, gender, height, and weight were obtained, and BMI was calculated. PFI was measured using the Harvard step test. RESULTS: Physical fitness was observed as poor for 84.71%, low average for 14.05%, and high average for 1.24% physiotherapy students. None of the participants had good or excellent fitness. CONCLUSIONS: No correlation was found between BMI and physical fitness. Cardiorespiratory fitness of the physiotherapy students was found to be poor. Therefore, there is a need to motivate the students to achieve the optimal level of fitness levels. It is recommended that the students should engage in physical activities, and institutions should include the different physical activities in the curriculum.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Physiotherapy is considered an integral part in the health-care delivery system, with the provision of services to improve the quality of life of an individual. Utilization of physiotherapy services by the general public can be influenced by knowledge of the role of physiotherapy in health-care delivery. This study investigated the awareness of, attitude toward, belief about, and utilization of physiotherapy services in the general public of four major cities of Gujarat state in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 500 conveniently selected participants from the general public in selected areas of Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Surat in Gujarat was conducted using a self-administered, validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, percentages, and standard deviation. RESULTS: Participants (n = 245 males, n = 255 females) were aged 36.66 ± 12.2 years. A large proportion, 427 (85.4%), of the participants was aware of physiotherapy through various medium. Out of all the participants, 436 (87.2%) participants were familiar with physiotherapy services. Most of the participants, i.e., 288 (67.4%), reported that physiotherapists treat disorders affecting just bones and joints. About half (216 [49.5%]) and over one-third (157 [36%]) participants reported physiotherapy to be always and sometimes effective, respectively. Around 334 (76.6%) participants stated that they would prefer physiotherapy to Indigenous Health Services, while majority of respondents (398 [89.4%]) claimed that they would recommend physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of the participants are aware of physiotherapy services. Positive attitude toward and belief about physiotherapy services were reported. Furthermore, physiotherapy services utilization of participants was fairly high.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

BACKGROUND: Bone mineral density (BMD) is an indirect measure of bone strength. As per WHO criteria of osteoporosis, osteoporosis and osteopenia are two subclinical states of low level of BMD. Osteoporosis is a major silent public health problem in India but epidemiological data are scanty in our country. Public awareness can play a crucial role to prevent the consequences of osteoporosis, which is based on the estimation of the BMD as osteoporosis is symptomless until person sustains fracture with a trivial trauma. The purpose of this study was to screen the people for their BMD levels using the quantitative ultrasound scan (QUS) method. METHODOLOGY: A total of 215 individuals (125 males and 90 females) between 25 and 75 years of age were screened for their BMD levels in a camp held at Lyallpur Khalsa College of Jalandhar, Punjab. Their BMD was estimated using QUS on distal radius of dominating hand. Results were presented as distributive statistics. RESULTS: As per WHO criteria of BMD, 11.2% participants were osteoporotic (T-score <−2.5), 32.6% were osteopenic (T-score <−1.0–2.5) whereas approximately 56% had normal bone density (T-score >−1.0) There was a significant trend of decreasing bone density with an increase in age in both the gender groups. A significant association (χ² = 18.64, P < 0.005) was reported between the T-score and age of participants. CONCLUSION: Although such as DEXA scan, QUS method is not considered to be a standard tool for estimation of BMD; however, it is effective and affordable in identification of subclinical cases having low level of BMD. In our country, a camp is the best setting to screen a large population and creating awareness about such health problem.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

BACKGROUND: Among vestibular functions benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the common conditions leading to dizziness, visual vertigo, and postural instability. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to find the effect of postural stability exercises on postural instability in BPPV patients. DESIGN: This was pre–post experimental study. SETTING: The study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare center, Belagavi, India. PATIENTS: A total of 12 patients positive for Dix-Halpike test between the age group of 20 and 60 years of both the genders were included in the study. INTERVENTION: Postural stability exercises were given for postural instability in BPPV patients. Treatment was administered for 2 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Patients were assessed at baseline using libra electronic balance master, dizziness handicap inventory, visual vertigo analog scale, and Berg Balance Scale, and re-assessed after 2 weeks. RESULTS: Mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, and dependent t-test were used. There was statistically significant change in terms of dizziness, postural stability, visual vertigo, static, and dynamic balance with the value of P < 0.05 CONCLUSION: Improvement in postural stability was seen in the participant receiving postural stability exercises. The exercises were found effective in reducing postural instability among BPPV patient. The study also concluded that BPPV was found common among females and in the age group of 30–40 years.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub] [CITATIONS]

BACKGROUND: To find out whether there is any movement impairment difference in the normal mechanics of musculoskeletal system between low back pain (LBP) patients and healthy individuals, applying battery of movement control impairment (MCI) tests and also relationship of diagnosis to major clinical measures. METHODS: Design is a case–control study. Three-trained physiotherapists executed a test battery of six tests, for which the reliability has been shown to be acceptable. A total of 180 participants, ninety LBP patients and ninety age-matched normal individuals were recruited to participate in the study after given consent. The differences between the groups were analyzed using the effect size (ES) (d). Chi-square test with cross-tabulation was done to find out odds and risk ratios of the participants to represent or remain in the patient group. A correlation analysis was done between all the movement impairment tests and the clinical measures such as numerical pain rating scale, straight leg raising, pain location, flexion, and extension ROM and pain duration. RESULTS: This study results demonstrated that there is a difference between participants with and without back pain which could be a diagnostic and in clinical practice may help to identify subgroups of patients in LBP. Tests such as one leg standing, rocking backward, and prone knee flexion are negatively related to back pain functional outcome indicating more difficulty in function if they are positive with LBP patients. There was no difference found regarding the presence or positive test result between the acute and chronic pain patients. CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that there was a significant difference between patients with LBP and normal individuals without back pain in actively controlling the movements of the low back. The ES between patients with LBP and healthy controls in movement control is large. Moreover, the pain score and extension range of motion are not related to any of the MCI tests.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]