Effects of different heel heights on selected gait parameters of young undergraduate females

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different heel heights on selected gait parameters in a sample of young Nigerian females. A purposive sample of eighty apparently healthy undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus participated in the study. Their mean age, height, and weight were 21.98± 1.83 years, 1.65±0.06 meters, 59.50±9.34 kilograms respectively. An ex post facto design was used to investigate the effect of different heel heights (3.2cm, 7.8cm and 11.0cm) on selected gait parameters. This was done using a prepared protocol and measurement of gait parameters were taken with a tape rule and stop watch respectively. One-way ANOVA was used to compare differences across the groups. Level of significance was set at 0.05. There were significant differences in mean values of selected gait parameters across the different heel heights for stride length, step length, stride width, cadence, and velocity respectively. However, with post hoc test, no significant difference exist in mean values between bare foot and low heel of all selected parameters for stride length, step length, and cadence respectively, barefoot and mid heel (p=0.142), and mid and high heel for stride width (p= 0.162) respectively. There was a significant difference exists only between low and high heel on velocity. As heel height increases, gait parameters such as stride length and step length shorten while the cadence increases and the stride width widens. It is recommended that to maintain comfort and reduce the adverse side effects associated with wearing the different heel height, women are advised to minimize putting on heeled shoes particularly the mid and high heels

Self-Reported Physical Activity Level and Associated Factors among Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Background: Non-Specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that leads to impaired physical activity (PA) level and functional limitation, which might cause disability. This study evaluated the self-reported PA level and associated factors among NSCLBP patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 57 patients purposively recruited from the out-patient physiotherapy clinics of two tertiary hospitals. A self-structured questionnaire, long form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and Modified Assessing Levels of Physical Activity and fitness (ALPHA) environmental questionnaires were administered to assess the patient’s socio- demographic/clinical profile, PA level, disability level and environmental characteristics respectively. Pearson Chi-square and Spearman rank correlation were used to determine the associations between the variables of interest. Alpha level was set at P <0.05. Results: Males had a higher JRPA, TRPA and LTPA. Females had a higher DGPA. Age was significantly negatively moderately correlated with JRPA (P=0.001), TRPA (P=0.016), DGPA (P=0.021) and LTPA (P=0.007). Highest Educational level was significantly positively moderately correlated with JRPA (P=0.001) and LTPA (P=0.002). Pain intensity and disability had a significant negative weak correlation with TRPA (P=0.001) and LTPA (P=0.048), respectively, while sidewalks availability was significantly positively moderately correlated with LTPA (P=0.001). Crime safety at day (P=0.001) and at night (P=0.024) was significantly moderately negatively correlated with LTPA. Conclusion: The PA level of NSCLBP patients was moderate and influenced by socio-demographic, clinical and environmental factors. These factors should be considered in the management of these patients to encourage and promote PA participation

Physiotherapist-patient communication in entry-level physiotherapy education: a national survey in Nigeria

Background: Clinical communication impacts on physiotherapy treatment outcome and its competence warrants being assessed during training for physiotherapists given the increasing need to improve patient outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the assessment of clinical communication in entry-level physiotherapy programs in Nigeria. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, questionnaires were sent by e-mail or hand-delivered to the heads of physiotherapy programs, asking them to consult with faculty members involved in the assessment of clinical communication in undergraduate education. Results: Six of seven physiotherapy programs responded (an 86% response rate). Assessment of clinical communication and methods of assessing clinical communication by the programs showed wide variation. There was an average of two assessments per year. The objective structured clinical examination with patients (21; 38%) and written communications (report/chart) (13; 23%) were the most commonly used assessment methods. Perceived challenges included a lack of facilities, validity, inexperienced examiners, and difficulties in integrating processes and content. Conclusion: A variety of assessment methods are being used in entry-level physiotherapy programs in Nigeria, which target different components of clinical communication skills acquisition. More effort is needed to improve limited facilities and human resources training to enhance clinical communication assessment in Nigerian physiotherapy programs

Relationship between the development of musculoskeletal disorders, physical activity level, and academic stress among undergraduates students of University of Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Academic stress is a common experience among university students. It can affect the body composition of the students through behavioral changes, which further affect their physical activity level (PAL). Musculoskeletal disorders could arise from the interaction of these factors. This study aimed to determine the relationship between PAL, academic stress, selected anthropometric indices, and the development of MSDs among a selected Nigerian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 256 (129 females and 127 males) undergraduates of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus aged 15–30 years using Student's Stress Inventory to evaluate academic stress, the short-form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to determine the PAL, and a Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to assess MSDs. RESULTS: The results showed a high PAL with the male students having more PAL (61.4%) than female students. Secondly, the prevalence of MSDs among the population was high (66.02%) and the students faced moderate academic stress with the prevalence being more among the female students (75.2%). A significant difference was observed between academic stress and the development of MSDs (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: This study's findings support the hypothesis that increased academic stress and low level of physical activity are linked to increased risks of MSDs among students. Thus, it is warranted that the University curriculum is re-adjusted and incorporate public enlightenment programs on possible causes and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, stress management, and coping strategies

Foot Anthropometric Measurement of Primary School Children With and Without Flatfoot: A Comparative Study

Objective: The study determined the prevalence of flatfoot and also compared the foot anthropometric variables of both flatfooted and non-flatfooted primary school Children. Subject and Method: The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional research design and involved 1071(526 males and 545 females) public school pupils above six years. Foot anthropometry variables were obtained using measuring tape (foot length, ball girth, foot instep and heel circumference) and vernier caliper (forefoot width, mid-foot width and heel width). Flatfoot was diagnosed using Staheli Plantar Index, where values >1.15 indicates flatfoot. The prevalence of flatfoot was obtained using Chi-Square analysis, ANOVA was used to compare body anthropometry (weight, height and body mass index) with side of flatfoot (unilateral, bilateral and no flatfoot), while independent t-test was used to compare the foot anthropometric variables of children with flatfoot and those without flatfoot. Result: The prevalence of flatfoot was 14.75%. 64.3% of males and 71.6% of females have unilateral flatfoot while 30% of males and 41% of females have bilateral flatfoot. There was a significant association between higher prevalence of flatfoot and age with 6 and 7 year old group showing the highest prevalence. There was a significant difference in foot length, forefoot width, heel width and heel Circumference on the right foot and significant difference in foot length and heel Circumference on the left foot between flatfoot and non-flatfoot children. Conclusion: Footwear manufacturers should consider anthropometric data of different foot types while manufacturing foot wears so as to minimizing foot pain, injuries and deformities

Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the Management of Post-Injection Sciatic Pain in a non-randomized controlled clinical trial in Nnewi, Nigeria

Abstract Background Many studies on transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) had been undertaken to explore its pain relieving efficiency on several medicals/surgical conditions but none, specifically, had been carried out to determine the effect it has on post-injection sciatic pain (PISP) which comes about from wrong administration of intramuscular pain. This study aims to assess the effects of TENS in the management of PISP. Methods A total of 72 PISP subjects comprising 40 test subjects and 32 control subjects participated in a non-randomized controlled clinical trial in the current study. Participants were recruited from Department of Physiotherapy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi and Landmark Physiotherapy Services, Nnewi. The participants were however blinded to the intervention method they will receive before being allotted conveniently to test/experimental group (TG) or control group (CG). A written informed consent was obtained from participants before enrollments in the study. TENS and sham TENS (STENS) was applied to 40 test and 32 subjects respectively, 3 times a week, and 1 hour per session for the 10 weeks the study lasted. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to collect baseline data as well as those of 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th weeks after TENS and STENS interventions. The data analysis was performed with the Descriptive statistic of Mean ± SD, mean comparison test, repeated analysis of variance and paired wise t-test. Statistical level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Result Results of repeated measure ANOVA showed that the pain level among participants in the treatment group at the end (after 10 weeks) of the intervention was significantly lower than that of their counterparts in the control group (F = 16.26; p = 0.01); with the intervention accounting for the 19% of the variance. The effect size (partial eta squared) = 0.19. Conclusion The outcome of this research has proved the effectiveness of TENS in the management of PISP and is being recommended in the management of PISP. Trial registration Pan Africa Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR201805003408271). The study was registered retrospectively on the 29th May, 2018