Pattern of Alteration in Foot Mechanics When Carrying Loads Unilaterally in Hand

PURPOSE: Carrying weight in one hand is a common functional activity. This study investigated the effects of incremental loads carried in one hand unilaterally and its influence on the foot mechanics [plantar pressure, maximum force and contact area]. METHOD: Twenty healthy individuals were tested, in standing and walking, while carrying different weights (no load, 5 kg, 7.5 kg and 10 kg) using their right hand. ANCOVA was conducted separately for the right and left leg to address the effect of incremental loads on the foot mechanics within each leg with navicular drop index and Q angle as covariates. Paired t-test was conducted to address the effect of different loads on the foot mechanics between the legs. RESULTS: Results showed a significant increase in plantar pressure (pCONCLUSION: The fundamental changes in foot mechanics under the influence of different loads may be used to interpret the changes seen in the foot mechanics among different pathological condition

A scoping review of assessment tools and factors influencing spoken language development among pediatric cochlear implant users

The spoken language development strongly depends on the normally functioning auditory system. For children with severe or profound hearing loss, cochlear implant has become the best solution in improving and promoting spoken language, quality of life, self-esteem and social well-being. Standardized self-report questionnaires are considered as the most widely used and low-cost approach to measure spoken language development among children. We aimed to provide an overview of the questionnaires available for assessing the spoken language development among children with cochlear implant. In addition, factors that may influence the development of good spoken language were also reviewed. A literature search from January 2010 to December 2020 making use of the Science Direct and PubMed databases was conducted. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and other key words for the search were (communication OR language) AND cochlear implant AND (children OR pediatric) AND (questionnaire OR survey). Research articles that were identified in the database using the keywords were refined by year. Only original articles were selected. Articles that quoted all the selected key words in the title and abstract; and written in English with full text were included in the review. Twelve instruments were utilized in the methodology of the 10 articles. Only one instrument was specific for spoken language assessment of children with cochlear implant. The age at which a child received an implant, good rehabilitation program and active involvement of parents was found to influence development of good spoken language skills among the cochlear implanted children. Cochlear implants provide deaf children with the opportunity to develop spoken language skills. Longer use of a cochlear implant dramatically affects the amount of spoken language. Rather, it was cochlear implantation at a younger age that served to assists spoken language competence

Changes in plantar pressure, force and contact area when carrying incremental loads among adults with and without low back pain

Plantar pressure, force and contact area information may provideinsights regarding stresses imparted to the foot when performing functional tasks. There is limited information regarding plantar pressure, force and contact area when carrying incremental loads (no load, 5 kg, 7.5 kg and 10 kg) using one hand between adults with and without low back pain (LBP). The aim of our study was to investigate the changes in the plantar pressure, force and contact area when carrying incremental loads (no load, 5 kg, 7.5 kg and 10 kg) using one hand between adults with and without low back pain (LBP). A total of 20 adults with non-specific LBP and 20 matched individuals without LBP were recruited according to the predefined recruitment criteria. Plantar pressure (PP), maximum force (MF) and contact area (CA were measured in standing position and during walking while carrying incremental loads (no load, 5 kg, 7.5 kg and 10 kg) using their right hand on a Matscan pressure assessment system. A two-way mixed analysis of variance (group× load) was conducted to analyse the data. No significant main effectof group was demonstrated on both the right and left foot during standing (PP: p = 0.74, p = 0.32; MF: p = 0.17, p = 0.67; CA: p = 0.25, p = 0.24) and walking (PP: p = 0.61, p = 0.48; MF: p = 0.19, p = 0.06; CA: p = 0.16, p = 0.26. Similarly, there was no interaction effect between the loads and groups on the PP (p = 0.89, p = 0.47), MF (p = 0.76, p = 0.83) and CA (p = 0.88, p = 0.20) on theright and left foot, respectively during standing. However, a significant interaction effect (p < 0.05), between the loads and groups was demonstrated on the PP, MF and CA on the left foot during walking. The results of our study suggest that stresses imparted to the foot alters during dynamic postures and this may be a compensatory mechanism. Plantar pressure, force and contact area were similar in adults both with and without LBP when standing and walking. Further biomechanical information that includes both kinematic and kinetic data in lumbopelvic and lower limbs in relation to the foot may be required to justify for prevention and management strategies among adults with LBP

A review of the analysis of ground reaction force among adults with lower limb problems

The ground reaction force (GRF) is the equal opposing load transfer from the body to the ground, also called vertical load transfer. The GRF would produce stress waves transmitted toward the lower extremities during the heel strike of a gait cycle. Too much force imposed on the lower extremities for an extended period will cause harmful effects such as injuries or alterations in gait. This article presents a review of the literature on GRF analysis among adults with lower limb problems where comparisons between healthy and unhealthy subjects were analyzed, focusing on the compensation in each lower limb. A literature search of published articles in Science Direct and PubMed databases from August 2015 to March 2021 was analyzed. The keywords used for the search were (plantar force OR vertical load transfer OR ground reaction force) AND (lower limb OR lower extremities OR leg OR foot) AND (impairment OR problem OR injury). The literature search identified 22 relevant studies which were screened independently by two reviewers. Lower limb problems such as unilateral transfemoral amputation, unilateral transtibial amputation, patellofemoral pain, anterior cruciate ligament injury, knee arthroplasty, knee osteoarthritis, diabetic foot, total hip replacement, pronated foot proved to alter the GRF significantly. Patients used to shift their weight on the opposite leg as compensation, which acts as a pain-free mechanism. This paper has provided sufficient understanding regarding GRF among adults with lower limb problems. The knowledge concerning compensation may help physical therapists implement the appropriate intervention for patients with lower limb problems

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of ergonomics among physiotherapy undergraduates in Malaysia

Ergonomic posture can be defined as neutral positions of the body that is aligned and balanced while either sitting or standing, placing minimal stress on the body and keeping joints aligned. A good posture can help to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However, MSD cases are the most common health problem among physiotherapists including undergraduates. The aim of this study was to identify the knowledge, attitude, and practice of ergonomics among physiotherapy undergraduates in Malaysia. An online survey involving 116 physiotherapists undergraduates from learning institutions all over Malaysia was conducted. All the participants were provided a Google Form comprising 18 questions about demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice. The data were analyzed using the frequency table and chi-square test. Out of 116 respondents, 76.72% had good knowledge of ergonomics, almost all the respondents accounting for 96.35% had a positive attitude towards ergonomics, and 82.55% practiced good ergonomics. A statistically significant association was shown between attitude and level of education (p<0.05) and year of study (p<0.05), and knowledge with the year of study (p<0.05). The results showed that physiotherapy undergraduates in Malaysia have good knowledge and positive attitude towards ergonomics and they practiced good ergonomics in their working life

Gender differences in spinal morphological attributes among young adults: a preliminary study

There is limited information regarding gender differences in spinal morphological attributes among healthy young adults although alterations have been reported to influence postural changes, mainly with forward-bending and extension postures. The aim of this preliminary study was to examine gender differences in spinal morphological attributes of lumbar extensor muscles that includes its muscle fibre angles, thickness, endurance and thoracolumbar curvature among young adults. Nineteen male and 26 female healthy young adults (aged 21-24 years) matched for age, body mass index and physical activity levels participated in this preliminary study. Fibre angles and thickness of lumbar extensor muscles were examined using ultrasonography. Lumbar extensor muscle endurance and thoracolumbar curvatures were assessed using Sorenson’s test and a flexible ruler respectively. Paired t-test showed a significant mean difference (p < 0.01) between the right and left fibre angles. However, no significant mean difference (p = 0.50) was found between the right and left muscle thickness. Results of independent t-test showed a significant difference (p < 0.01) in muscle thickness between males and females. No significant differences were shown in right fibre angle (p = 0.12), left fibre angle (p = 0.89), muscle endurance (p = 0.46), thoracic curvature (p = 0.76) and lumbar curvature (p = 0.06) between genders. There were no gender differences in spinal morphological attributes except for lumbar extensor muscle thickness in young adults age between 21 to 24. This study data may be useful as an initial reference norm of spinal morphological attributes among young adults. Further studies may be required to examine the factors that may influence changes in spinal morphological attributes among healthy adults

Mental health problems during COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduates in clinical compared to non-clinical programs

This study aimed to determine undergraduates’ mental health status, quality of life and burn-out status in clinical and non-clinical programs as well as its association during COVID-19 pandemic period. A cross sectional survey was carried out by distributing the questionnaire through online social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter. Mental health, burn-out statuses and quality of life of the undergraduates were assessed using 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q-SF) respectively. A total of 308 respondents (111 from clinical, 197 from non-clinical programs), mean (SD) age=21.88(1.29) years participated in this cross-sectional online survey. The results revealed that undergraduates in the non-clinical programs are more likely to experience higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress, whichdemonstrated by higher median (IQR) scores in each component of DASS-21 (Non-clinical VS Clinical) [depression, 18 (10-28) VS 8 (2-20); anxiety, 16 (8-26) VS 10 (2-16), and stress, 20 (12-28) VS 12 (4-22)]. Similarly, higher burnout median score, 58.83 (48.83 - 75.00) was noted among undergraduates in non-clinical programs with a lower mean (SD) Q-LES- Q-SF score=58.75 (18.03). Undergraduates with good internet accessibility had higher quality of life scores [2.06(1.03-4.13)]. The association between lower mental health status, QoL and burn-out among non-clinical students remained significant even after adjustment for gender, household income, type of university (IPTA vs IPTS), race, and internet accessibility at university. Our findings suggest that undergraduates from clinical programs had better mental health status and quality of life when compared to their peers from non-clinical programs during COVID-19 pandemic period

Depression, anxiety, and stress related to online distance learning (ODL) does not influence academic performance : findings from an online survey among undergraduates in Malaysia

While there has been widespread reporting of a negative impact on students' mental health and academic performance because of ineffective online learning systems during COVID, Malaysian data remained scarce. In this online survey, the correlation between online distance learning (ODL), mental health status and academic performance of Malaysian undergraduates during COVID-19 pandemic were examined. Academic performance was measured using self-reported questionnaires in which respondents were also asked to state their cumulative grade points average (CGPA). Reduction in CGPA was considered as a decline in academic performance. Data on ODL readiness and satisfaction as well as mental health status were obtained. Among 256 respondents of this study with mean age (SD) 22.10 (1.05), a total of 27.3% reported to have decline in CGPA during Covid-19 pandemic. Female undergraduates were more likely to perform better as more had maintained or improved their academic performance. Self-directed learning, learning control, learning motivation, and satisfactionwere significantly associated with academic performance (p<0.05) but not computer-internet self-efficacy and online communication self-efficacy. There were also significant negative correlations between ODL and Mental Health Status. However, mental health status does not appear to be significantly associated with decline in academic performance. Our study findings suggest that ODL preference and satisfaction have an impact on the academic performance. While, mental health status related to ODL was not associated with academic performance. Students getting used to the shift into remote learning over time may explain why mental health status had no effect on their academic performance. Future studies should focus on the know how to deliver effective ODL techniques to improve undergraduates’ satisfaction with the hope to further improve their academic performance

Preferences, perception of readiness and satisfaction towards online distance learning among undergraduates in Malaysia during COVID-19 pandemic

While there is abundance of studies regarding online distance learning (ODL) among university students, information regarding ODL among undergraduates in Malaysia is limited, more so during the Covid-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional online survey involving a total of 308 undergraduates from various universities in Malaysia aimed to evaluate undergraduates’ perception of readiness and satisfaction towards online distance learning, platform preferences, attitudes and motivations, barriers towards ODL and also factors contributing to these variables. Questionnaires that include Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS) and additional information regarding challenges faced by undergraduates and their satisfaction levels towards ODL were used in this survey. The results showed that the undergraduates preferred a combination of face-to-face and online learning (68.8%) rather than online learning alone (5.5%). Majority of the respondents preferred having synchronous classes as compared to asynchronous classes (37.7%) and they rated Google Meet as their most preferred platform for their classes. In addition, the undergraduates shown fairly goodperception and neutral satisfaction towards ODL. Factors such as ethnicity and the state where the undergraduates lived were found to more likely cause them to have poor satisfaction towards ODL. While, undergraduates who have handphones have a higher satisfaction level towards ODL. Several challenges were encountered throughout ODL with the most challenging was the unsupportive environment, which in turn causing the undergraduates to be distracted and losing focus during ODL. Our findings highlighted that majority undergraduates preferred a combination of face-to-face and online learning rather than online learning alone. These findings will be beneficial for educators in the planning for future teaching and learning methods. Future studies with a larger sample size are needed to evaluate the independent risk factors related to low motivations, perceptions and satisfaction among undergraduates using ODL

Картина випадків хірургічного відновлення передньої хрестоподібної зв’язки у спортсменів: 2015–2020 у Малайзії

Background. Individual involvement in sports activity is rising and thus increases the risk of knee injury. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture is the most common knee injury requiring ACL reconstruction (ACLR). However, limited evidence is available to date on ACLR characteristics in Malaysia for comparison with Western countries. This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristic of ACLR surgery and the trend of pre-operative physiotherapy (pre-habilitation). Materials and methods. ACLR cases recorded in a tertiary hospital database between January 2015 and December 2020 were extracted and reviewed. This retrospective study was approved by the hospital’s Research Ethics Committee (UKMPPI/111/8/JEP-2020-500). All ACLR cases involving sports injuries were included with the exclusion of non-sports related injuries. Yearly ACLR cases were retrieved using an Injury Information form containing variables namely age, gender, type of ACL tear, accompanying meniscus injury, duration from injury to surgery and pre-habilitation details. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the sample data. Results. A total of 131 ACLR cases were reported between 2015 and2020 (Male, n =122; Female, n = 25). The number of ACLR cases fluctuated during the observed years, with a maximum of 30 cases reported in a year and 98% of the cases were represented by the youth age group (15 – 47 years old). The average age at time of surgery was 27.1 (± 7.79). On an average, 80% of athletes stated no history of previous knee injury. The most common type of ACL injury was a complete tear (88%), followed by partial tear (9%), and re-rupture (3%). A meniscus injury was noted in 61% of cases. The time from injury to surgery was 15 weeks. The study found low percentage of the ACLR patients who received pre-habilitation prior to surgery (&lt;20%). Conclusions. ACLR cases are showing a fluctuating trend every year. Despite the majority of the ACL cases being a complete tear, the participants waited more than four months to undergo ACLR, with only a quarter of them had pre-habilitation prior to surgery. The reasons for these situations require investigation. Future research inclusive of a larger database is also desirable to develop a better insight into ACL injury pattern.Історія питання. Рівень особистого прилучення до занять спортом зростає, тим самим підвищуючи ризик травмування колін. Розрив передньої хрестоподібної зв’язки (ПХЗ) є найпоширенішою травмою коліна, яка потребує хірургічного відновлення ПХЗ (ХВПХЗ). Однак на сьогодні існує обмежена кількість документальних фактів про характеристики ХВПХЗ в Малайзії для порівняння з країнами Заходу. Метою цього дослідження є опис епідеміологічних характеристик ХВПХЗ та загального напрямку передопераційної фізіотерапії (передопераційної реабілітації). Матеріали та методи. Було зроблено витяги та проведено аналіз випадків ХВПХЗ, зареєстрованих у базі даних закладу третинної медичної допомоги в період від січня 2015 року до грудня 2020 року. Це ретроспективне дослідження було схвалене Комітетом з етики наукових досліджень при цьому медичному закладі (дозвіл UKMPPI/111/8/JEP-2020-500). До розгляду були включені всі випадки ХВПХЗ, пов’язані зі спортивними травмами, крім травм, не пов’язаних зі спортом. Вибірку випадків ХВПХЗ з розподілом за роками здійснювали за допомогою форми «Інформація про травми», яка містить такі змінні, як вік, стать, тип розриву ПХЗ, супутня травма меніска, тривалість періоду від моменту травмування до проведення операції та докладний опис передопераційної реабілітації. Для узагальнення даних вибірок використовували описову статистику. Результати. У період 2015–2020 рр. було зареєстровано загалом 131 випадок ХВПХЗ (чоловіки, n = 122; жінки, n = 25). Протягом спостережуваних років кількість випадків ХВПХЗ коливалася, при цьому за один рік було зареєстровано максимум 30 випадків, а 98% випадків були представлені молодіжною віковою групою (віком 15–47 років). Середній вік на момент операції становив 27,1 (±7,79) року. У середньому 80% спортсменів заявили про відсутність попередніх травм колін у минулому. Найпоширенішим типом травми ПХЗ був повний розрив (88%), за яким ідуть частковий розрив (9%) і повторний розрив (3%). Травму меніска було констатовано в 61% випадків. Тривалість періоду від моменту травмування до проведення операції становила 15 тижнів. За результатами дослідження було встановлено низький відсоток пацієнтів із ХВПХЗ, які отримували передопераційну реабілітацію до операції (&lt;20%). Висновки. Випадки ХВПХЗ щороку показують мінливу тенденцію. Незважаючи на те, що більшість випадків ПХЗ становила повний розрив, учасники очікували на проведення ХВПХЗ понад чотири місяці, причому лише чверть із них отримувала передопераційну реабілітацію до операції. Причини таких ситуацій потребують розслідування. Також уважається доцільним проведення подальшого дослідження з використанням більшої базу даних для поглиблення розуміння картини травм ПХЗ