Effect of Community-Based Functional Aerobic Training on Motor Performance and Quality of Life of Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND፡ Efficacies of community-based exercise programmes have been well reported, but there is scarce information on the expediency of community-based rehabilitation in a society where many children with disabilities live in poorly resourced settings with extremely limited rehabilitative services. This study investigated the effects of community-based functional aerobic exercise (CBFAE) on gross motor function, walking distance, and quality of life of children with cerebral palsy (CP).METHODS: Quasi-experimental design was used. Children with gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels I – II participated in eight weeks CBFAE training four times/week, 50 minutes/day at 40-80% maximum heart rate. Gross motor function (GMF), walking distance and quality of life were assessed pre and post CBFAE training.RESULTS: Significant improvement was observed in GMF (Dstanding) (8.2%, P=.000), GMF (E-walking + running+ jumping (5.12%, P=.004), walking distance (6.09%, P=.009). Higher significant positive effects of CBFAE were observed in Social wellbeing and acceptance (107.10%, P=.000), and participation and physical health (105.04%, P=.005) by children parent proxy. Self-reported results showed that for CBFAE, significant positive improvements were higher in pain and impact of disability (67.93%, P=.049) and participation and physical health (60.00%, P=.042).CONCLUSION: CBFAE training contributes majorly to improved standing, walking, jumping and running and selfesteem, quality of life of children with spastic CP. Clinicians and exercise therapists should essentially incorporate CBFAE training and activities into the management of children with CP for improved mobility and functional performances

Perception of Track and Field Athletes on the Use of Cryotherapy in Injury Management in Ashanti Region of Ghana

The use of cryotherapy in injury management (IM) has been widely studied but report on track and field athletes’ (TFAs) perception in Ghana remains scarce. TFAs in Ashanti region of Ghana habitually sustained acute injuries due to competition stressors that typically affect peak performance like in other contact games. Despite been observed that sustained injuries accomplished cryotherapy treatment, TFAs’ visit to non-clinical therapy nonetheless remain prominent. This cross-sectional study therefore documents the perceptions of TFAs on the use cryotherapy in IM. Ninety five [mean age = 22.26±1.10years, 59 (62.1%) males, 36(37.9%) females] TFAs camped at the Babayara Sports stadium Kumasi in preparation for 11th African Games were purposively sampled. Self-structured and validated instrument on the use of cryotherapy in IM was administered to elicit TFAs perceptions. TFAs perceived the use of cryotherapy in IM as significant [F = 788.884, X2 = 404.192, df = 94, p = .000].Gender influence on TFAs perception of use of cryotherapy in IM was not significantly different. Mainstream significantly professed at least a good feeling (79.0%, X2 = 37.000, p = 000) after receiving cryotherapy treatment. As such, attachement of Physical Therapists to the TFAs training sessions in Ashanti region, provision of enabling environment and equipment to enhance effective IM processes through cryotherapy are strategic approaches advocated.

Lipid profile, cardiorespiratory function and quality of life of postmenopausal women improves with aerobic exercise

Objective: Menopause is characterized by physiological changes with increased risk of obesity, dyslipidemia and decreased quality of life (QoL). Despite the plethora of reports on the alleviating effect of exercise on climacteric symptoms, there is little documentation of this lifestyle intervention among Ghanaian menopausal women. This study examined the effect of aerobic exercise on lipid profile, cardiorespiratory function and QoL among menopausal women. Methods: Eighteen sedentary postmenopausal women between 45 to 75 years were randomly assigned to experimental (EG, n=8) and control (CG, n=10) groups. The EG received moderate intensity aerobic exercise training for eight weeks, three times a week while the CG observed normal daily activities. Blood pressure, resting heart rate, BMI, and lipid profile were measured and QoL assessed using the Utian QoL questionnaire at weeks 0 and 9. Results: After 8 weeks, the EG demonstrated significant decrease in cardiovascular risk ratio by 6.5L% and a non-significant decrease in LDL by 11.9L%. The CG showed significant increase in systolic BP by 3.2%L and a non-significant increase in LDL and cardiovascular risk by 14.9L% and 9.4L% respectively. QoL significantly improved in the EG group compared to CG after the 8 weeks. Conclusion: The health and QoL of participants in EG was significantly better than the CG at the end of the experiment. Aerobic exercise decreases cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women and shows potential impact on lipid profile and health QoL. Proactively sponsored aerobic exercise programmes geared towards healthy living of postmenopausal women in Kumasi, Ghana are recommended

Health Implications of Physical Activity Participation of Second Cycle School Students

The general objective of the study is to investigate health implications of physical activity participation of second cycle school students in Kumasi, Ashanti region of Ghana. This exploratory research recruited 660 SHS students (mean aged=16.51 ± 18.41 years). Age, height, weight, waist to hip ratio, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and resting energy expenditure were measured. Physical activity involvements were identified using modified SQUASH questionnaire. The prevalence of sedentary lifestyle due to the introduction of modern technological implements in learning, recreation and occupation play significant roles among the causes of cardiovascular risk factors globally. In Ghana, senior high school (SHS) students partake in physical activity (PA) as part of their physical education programme but there is scarce information on the health implications of such participation. This study examined the health implications of PA participation of senior high school students in Kumasi with emphasis on gender, weight, BMI, heart rate, waist to hip ratio and blood pressure. This study concluded that second cycle school students are physically active with incidences of overweight, obesity and morbidity. The PA program and time spent by those overweight, obese and morbid should be re-designed to prevent cardiovascular risk factors

Evidence of Hypertension in Healthy Children and Its Association with Body Composition and Aerobic Capacity

Hypertension is mostly associated with adulthood and old age with little attention on children. This study provided evidence of hypertension in healthy children and its association with body composition and aerobic capacity (VO2max). 266 healthy children aged 8-11 years were recruited for the study. Blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index (BMI), basal metabolic rate (BMR), fat free mass, bone mass, visceral fat, total body water (TBW), and VO2max were measured. 18.79% were pre-hypertensive and 9.40% overweight at least, while 65.42% underweight. Correlation between blood pressure and maxVO2 was significant (P < 0.05). VO2max significantly correlate with body mass index (r = -.415, P < 0.05), fat mass (r = -.385, P < 0.05) negatively and visceral fat (r = -.267, P < 0.05) and positive with fat free mass (r =.385, P < 0.05) and bone mass (r =.077, P < 0.05). Gender differences were significant in BMR, TBW, VO2max and heart rate (P < 0.05). Evidence of hypertension in relatively healthy children is a clarion call to avert unprecedented decline in future life expectancy rate. Physical activity interventions are suggested antidotes to avert the risk factors of hypertension and excess body fat in childre

Determinants of Patients’ Satisfaction with Musculoskeletal Dysfunction and Stroke Physiotherapy Health Care: Community-Based Evidence

Background: Patients’ satisfaction is an individualistic construct that has overbearing role in physiotherapy service delivery. Evenlthough physiotherapy is under public health services in Ghana, there was no information about patients’ satisfaction at the community level.Objective: This study aimed to assess the factors that determine patients’ satisfaction with physiotherapy health care delivery in a community setting in Ghana.Materials and Methodology: 299 patients with severe musculoskeletal dysfunction (190, 63.5%), stroke (109, 36.5%), and observed under physiotherapy health care for at least three months were recruited for the study. The samples had mean age of 53.9±10.2years, mostly females (57.2%) and married (59.5%). Modified SERVQUAL questionnaire was used as tool for data collection.Results: Majority of the patients (96.0%) were ‘at least satisfied’ with physiotherapy care. The hierarchy of determinants was neatness and cleanliness of treatment area (98.3%); kindness, caring and courteousness (96.0%); consideration for privacy, dignity and comfort during care (91.4%); provision of adequate instructions regarding treatment (79.3%); involvement in decisions on care (71.4%) and involvement in treatment plans (68.45). Age (P=0.010) and personal factors (P =0.001) significantly determined patients’ satisfaction with physiotherapy health care.Conclusion:&nbsp; The study provides insight and evidence into community-based physiotherapy service delivery as veritable avenue to meet regenerative health care. Determinants with pecuniary advantages should be used prominently while those with challenges should be given educational orientation for sustainable satisfaction. Key words: Community–Based, Patients’ satisfaction, Physiotherapy care, Ghan

Effect of Community-Based Functional Aerobic Training on Motor Performance and Quality of Life of Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND: Efficacies of community-based exercise programmes have been well reported but there is scarce information on the expediency of community-based rehabilitation in a society where many of children with disabilities live in poorly resourced settings with extremely limited rehabilitative services. The study investigated the effects of community-based functional aerobic exercise (CBFAE) on gross motor function, walking distance, and quality of life of children with cerebral palsy (CP).METHODS: Quasi-experimental design was used. Children with gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels I – II participated in eight weeks CBFAE training four times/week, 50 minutes/day at 40-80% maximum heart rate. Gross motor function (GMF), walk distance and quality of life were assessedpre and post CBFAE training.RESULTS: Significant improvement observed in GMF (Dstanding) (8.2%, P=.000), GMF (E-walking+running+jumping (5.12%, P=.004), walking distance (6.09%, P=.009). Higher significant positive effects of CBFAE observed in Social wellbeing and acceptance (107.10%, P=.000), and participation and physical health (105.04%, P=.005) by children parent proxy. Self-reported results showed that for CBFAE, significant positive improvements were higher in Pain and impact of disability (67.93%, P=.049) and Participation and physical health (60.00%,P=.042).CONCLUSION: CBFAE training contributes majorly to improved standing, walking, jumping and running and selfesteem, quality of life of children with spastic CP. Clinicians and exercise therapists should essentially incorporate CBFAE training and activities into the management of children with CP for improved mobility and functional performances

An exploratory study on excess weight gain: Experiences of Postmenopausal Women in Ghana.

IntroductionExcess weight gain is a problem with a significant impact on health and quality of life as well as the consequent economic burden on human populations. While society advocates preference for excess weight gain, limited evidence exists concerning postmenopausal women's experiences in Ghana.AimThe current study explored the experiences regarding excess weight (overweight and obesity) gain among Ghanaian postmenopausal women in Bono East (Techiman) region.MethodsThis is a qualitative exploratory descriptive study where anthropometric measurements [body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)] were determined and participants who were identified with excess weight (obesity and overweight) were recruited to participate in a focus group discussion (FGD). Four focus group discussions were held and 24 postmenopausal women (>45 years) in Techiman took part. Discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis.ResultsFrom the qualitative analysis of the FGD, three major themes emerged from the study namely, (i) perception of body weight, (ii) measures to reduce body weight, and (iii) support to adhere to the weight management program. Sub-themes revealed that weight gained was viewed as the presence of diseases and admired by society as a culturally accepted body image. Diet-related changes, a combination of diet modification and physical activity, and weight management supplements emerged as measures to reduce excess weight. Support to adhere to the weight program included health education, access, affordable exercise facilities, and social support.ConclusionsSociocultural norms influence the image perception and acceptance of weight gain among postmenopausal women in Ghana, but there is an acknowledgment of the perceived negative health implications of such excess weight. Measures for weight reduction and support to adhere to the weight reduction programme require attention in Ghana