Frequency of phantom limb pain, limb sensation and stump pain among amputees

Objective: To quantify the frequency of phantom limb pain, limb sensation and stump pain among amputees aging 20–75 years. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was done. A population of 75 amputees were selected using non-probability convenient sampling and after setting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Standard questionnaires; Groningen Questionnaire Problems after Arm Amputation (GQPAA) and Groningen Questionnaire Problems after Leg Amputation (GQPLA), were filled by interviewing the patients. All the patients were approached in the hospitals. Data was collected from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad and Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi. The duration of study was 6 months from June 2021 to December 2021. Results: After compiling all the results from the questionnaires, it was unveiled that among 75 amputees, mean age was 43.12±11.43 years. Out of these amputees, 53.3% were upper limb amputees and 46.7% were lower limb amputees. the frequency of phantom sensation was 62.7%, 57.3% reported phantom limb pain and 84% experienced stump pain. Conclusion: The study concluded that most prevalent among the population was stump pain, which was followed by phantom limb sensations and the least prevalent of these three was phantom limb pain among the population

ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science MULCHING STRATEGIES FOR WEEDS CONTROL AND WATER CONSERVATION IN COTTON

ABSTRACT Experiment was conducted at Agronomic research area of University College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, The Islamia University Bahawalpur during 2013, to investigate the impact of different mulching strategies for weeds control and water conservation in cotton. Three mulch treatments (M0 = no mulch, M1= black plastic mulch and M2= straw mulch) and three irrigation levels (I0= 5days interval, I1= 10 days interval and I2= 15 days interval) were used in the experiment. Minimum weeds number and biomass was recorded under black plastic mulch, followed by wheat straw mulch and maximum in control (without mulch) treatment. Water related parameters like relative water content, excised leaf water loss, soil moisture percentage and yield related parameters like number of bolls, 100 bolls weight, seed cotton yield, biological yield, harvest index and water use efficiency were higher under combination of black plastic mulch with irrigation interval of five days. It was concluded that combination of black plastic mulch with irrigation interval of five days resulted in maximum weeds control, water saving and seed cotton yield than rest of the treatments used in the research

Comparison of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and proprioceptive neuromuscular stretching on hamstring flexibility in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Background The association between hamstring tightness and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is significant because tight hamstrings can put more strain on the knee joint, reduce its range of motion, and cause compensatory movements that worsen the KOA. Objective To compare the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and proprioceptive neuromuscular (PNF) on hamstring flexibility in patients with KOA. Methods Data for the randomized controlled trial (NCT05110326) was collected from n = 60 participants randomly divided into group A received IASTM and group B received PNF stretching. In group A, the therapist made 30 strokes gentle strokes with the tool from the origin to the insertion while holding the plane at a 45-degree angle over the treatment area. In group B, PNF stretching was done with three repetitions and 10 seconds rest between each, after isometric contraction of the hamstring muscle using approximately 50% of their maximum strength, holding it for 8 seconds, and then releasing it. A 30-minute session was given to each patient three times per week and was given for 6 weeks. Outcome measures were the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the active knee extension test (AKET) for hamstring flexibility, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) for the health status of KOA patients. Results The study found a significant interaction (p < 0.001) between interventions and time across several measurements. After 6 weeks, both interventions resulted in significant improvements (p < 0.001) across all dependent variables, with group A (IASTM) showing more significant improvement in hamstring flexibility, pain reduction, and health status (p < 0.001) compared to group B (PNF). Conclusions Both the IASTM technique and PNF stretching resulted in increased hamstring flexibility, decreased pain, and enhanced general health. The IASTM technique, however, showed potential benefits over PNF stretching in terms of flexibility, pain relief, and public health enhancement. Physical therapists and manual therapists may prioritize the usage of the IASTM technique for patients who want to make significant changes in these areas