A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF STRUCTURED METHODOLOGIES AND STANDARD GUIDELINES TO ENHANCE ACADEMIC PROFICIENCY OF POTENTIAL LEARNERS PURSUING PHYSIOTHERAPY

Abstract Background: Potential learners are those who have the ability and motivation to learn new skills and knowledge outside of their comfort zones (where they struggle). Although they are slow learners, potential students do not have intellectual disabilities. Each school of higher education has its unique remedial procedures. Effectiveness of strategies on potential students in higher education institutions is understudied. Aim of the study is to identify the existing literature on Strategies and guidelines to improve academic proficiency of potential learners in Physiotherapy. Methodology: Based on the framework created by Arksey and O'Malley, this review was done. In July 2023, six databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, ProQuest, and CINAHL) were searched, and publications published between 2013 and 2023 were taken into consideration for inclusion. Two independent reviewers independently reviewed studies at the title/abstract, full-text, data extraction, and critical assessment stages. A data extraction form was used to obtain the data, which was then displayed as figures and tables with narratives. Results: 356 full text articles in total were downloaded, and their eligibility was determined. 64 articles which were duplicate records have been removed. 36 articles focused on various remedial tutoring techniques and have been found ineligible. Out of 256 only 13 papers that explicitly addressed the inclusion criteria were included in this study, and both reviewers reached the same judgement concerning their inclusion. Discussion: Although there are studies on remedial coaching, its relevance in higher educational institutions to demonstrate their efficacy has not been studied. Literature that emphasizes the connection between teaching approaches and learning styles is scarce. A significant lack of explicit recommendations and standardized standard techniques for potential learners is also suggested by the literature. Conclusion: The literature on identifying and assisting potential learners in physiotherapy is scarce. Additionally, there is a significant and potential interest in skill-based and inter professional education in the physiotherapy profession's education sector. Innovative abilities and the active learning idea are quite well suited to regular classroom-related activities, but their significance and set standards or techniques are not fully explored in prospective students

ANTAGONIST VERSUS AGONIST MUSCLE NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON SPASTICITY IN STROKE PATIENTS

Background: Spasticity is the common problem encountered in the treatment of hemiplegic patients. Various treatment techniques have been developed to reduce spasticity, neuromuscular electrical stimulation is one of them. Several studies have proved that stimulation of either spastic muscle or stimulation of antagonist muscle to spastic muscle results in a reduction of spasticity. However, there is no literature available on a comparative study to suggest which method is more effective in spasticity reduction. Hence this study was undertaken to find out the efficacy of each technique and to compare the two techniques of Neuromuscular electrical stimulation to determine the most effective technique. Methods: In this study with pre and post-experimental design 30 post-stroke patients were selected and they were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A received anatagonist (triceps) muscle Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and Group B received agonist (biceps brachii) muscle Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for 2 weeks, one session per day for a duration of 30 minutes. Outcome measures were recorded using modified Ashworth scale and deep tendon reflex grading scale. Results: Statistical analysis was carried out by using Wilcoxon signed rank sum test and Mann-Whitney U test at 0.05 level of significance. There was a significant recovery after the treatment based on the Modified Ashworth Scale and deep tendon reflex grading scale scores before and after the intervention within the groups and between the groups with p-value< 0.001. The group receiving the antagonist muscle neuromuscular electrical stimulation showed better recovery with a mean difference of 1.8 and 1.2 on Modified Ashworth Scale and reflex grading scale respectively. Conclusion: The study concluded that both the techniques resulted in reduction of spasticity and on comparison it was found that antagonist muscle (triceps) Neuromuscular electrical stimulation reduced spasticity more effectively than the agonist muscleNeuromuscular electrical stimulatio

Facilitators and Barriers of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Rehabilitation: A Mixed-Method Approach

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been used in physical therapy diagnosis and management for various impairments. Physical therapists (PTs) need to be able to utilize the latest innovative treatment techniques to improve the quality of care. The study aimed to describe PTs&rsquo; views on AI and investigate multiple factors as indicators of AI knowledge, attitude, and adoption among PTs. Moreover, the study aimed to identify the barriers to using AI in rehabilitation. Two hundred and thirty-six PTs participated voluntarily in the study. A concurrent mixed-method design was used to document PTs&rsquo; opinions regarding AI deployment in rehabilitation. A self-administered survey consisting of several aspects, including demographic, knowledge, uses, advantages, impacts, and barriers limiting AI utilization in rehabilitation, was used. A total of 63.3% of PTs reported that they had not experienced any kind of AI applications at work. The major factors predicting a higher level of AI knowledge among PTs were being a non-academic worker (OR = 1.77 [95% CI; 1.01 to 3.12], p = 0.04), being a senior PT (OR = 2.44, [95%CI: 1.40 to 4.22], p = 0.002), and having a Master/Doctorate degree (OR = 1.97, [95%CI: 1.11 to 3.50], p = 0.02). However, the cost and resources of AI were the major reported barriers to adopting AI-based technologies. The study highlighted a remarkable dearth of AI knowledge among PTs. AI and advanced knowledge in technology need to be urgently transferred to PTs