Balance Performance of Professional Footballers with Long-term Lower Limb Musculoskeletal Injury

Lower limb musculoskeletal injury (LLMI) is a common occurrence in athletes. Balance impairments have been implicated as contributory to poor balance performance following LLMI. It is usually expected that once the initial rehabilitation period is over, subsequent recovery should continue until the pre-injury state is reached. Some studies on certain physically-active individuals and amateur athletes have reported that this is usually not the case. This study therefore investigated balance performance (BPf) in professional footballers with longterm LLMI, the effect of limb dominance on BPf and comparison of BPf in injured footballers with their uninjured counterparts. A sample of 115 professional footballers – 104 males and 11 females, participated in the study and they consisted of two groups - injured group of participants (IGP) and uninjured group of participants (UGP). Balance performance (BPf) was assessed using the Stork balance stand test. The time in seconds for which the participant is able to stand on the ball of the foot of one leg is indicative of the BPf for that lower limb. The results indicated that poor balance performance was observed in the injured limb compared to the uninjured limb in IGP (P=0.000). BPf was poorer in the dominant limb of IGP compared with the dominant limb of UGP (P= 0.000). Time lapse since injury did not have any effect on BPf (P=0.868). It was concluded that balance problems persist in professional footballers with LLMI irrespective of time lapse since injury. Keywords: footballers, lower limb, injuries, balance, dominanc

Physical Activity and Energy Expenditure: Findings from the Ibadan Pregnant Women’s Survey

Physical activity, if there are no medical caveats, is beneficial to all people including pregnant women. This study examined the level of physical  activity in a group of pregnant Nigerian women. Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess the physical activity of 453 pregnant  women. The mean age of participants was 30.89}4.44 years, 222 (49.0%) were sedentary, and only 46 (10.2%) presented with moderate activity  level. The highest amount of energy (75.9 MET-hEwk-1) was expended on household activities. Women in the third trimester of pregnancy had more than three times the risk of being sedentary (OR=3.26, 95% CI = 2.11-4.56) but the risk reduced by 58% in gravid .5 women. Most of the pregnant women recorded physical activity that was lower than the  recommended level, which could lead to unfavourable health outcomes for mother and child. Efforts to promote physical activity in pregnant women in this environment are desirable. Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[2]: 117-126).Keywords: Physical activity, Energy expenditure, Pregnancy, Maternal health promotion Sfil n'y a pas de mises en garde medicales, l'activite physique est  benefique pour toutes les personnes y compris les femmes enceintes. Cette etude a examine le niveau d'activite physique dans un groupe de femmes nigerianes enceintes. Un questionnaire base sur lfactivite  physique a ete utilise pour evaluer l'activite physique de 453 femmes  enceintes. L'age moyen des participants etait de 30,89 } 4,44 ans, 222 (49,0%) etaient sedentaire, et seulement 46 (10,2%) ont presente avec le niveau d'activite physique modere. Le montant le plus eleve de l'energie (75,9 MET-h. sem - 1) ont ete consacres aux activites menageres. Les  femmes dans le troisieme trimestre de la grossesse courent plus de trois fois le risque d'etre sedentaire (OR = 3,26, IC 95% 2,11 a 4,56 =) mais le risque se reduit de 58% en gravides . 5 femmes. La plupart des femmes enceintes ont enregistre l'activite physique qui etait inferieur au niveau  recommande, ce qui pourrait conduire a des resultats defavorables sur la sante de la mere et de l'enfant. il est souhaitable dfavoir des efforts pour promouvoir l'activite physique chez les femmes enceintes dans cet environnement. Afr J Reprod Health 2014; 18[2]: 117-126).Mots-cles: activite physique, depenses d'energie, grossesse, promotion de la sante maternell

Factors Associated with Health-related Quality of Life among Post-paralytic Polio Survivors in Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to assess Quality of Life (QOL), and examine its association with occupation and level of education among polio survivors. The study was a cross-sectional survey of polio survivors (N = 54) registered with the Post Paralytic Polio Survivors Association, living in Gusau, North Western Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) QOL BREF 26 Items English version was used to assess QOL, while a biodata form was used to assess demographic variables. The data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, Wilcoxon rank test and Kruskal-Wallis test. The level of significance was set at 0.05. The mean age of the participants was 22.4 ± 5.4 years and mean QOL scores were 45.2 ± 9.7, 54.8 ± 11.4, 41.3 ± 10.9 and 44.4 ± 12.1 in physical, psychological, social relationship and environmental domains, respectively. The participants’ overall perception of their QOL and health averaged 3.3 ± 0.8 and 3.6 ± 0.7, respectively. No significant association was observed between all the domains. Occupation status (P > 0.05) and educational level had no significant relationship with all the domains (P > 0.05). The findings of this study suggest that the QOL of polio survivors is not associated with their occupational status and level of education. It was suggested that follow-up research should try to clarify whether improving occupational and education status raises the QOL of polio survivors. Keywords: Polio, quality of life, survivor

Psychosocial stress among patients with type 2 diabetes: habitual physical activity as a promising moderator

Psychosocial stress is a disabling condition and is common among people with diabetes mellitus in view of the complexity of the disorder. It is however not clear if the psychosocial stress has any link with habitual physical activity, which is an important component in the care of people with diabetes. This study was conducted to investigate the likely connection between habitual physical activity and psychosocial stress among people with type 2 diabetes. A total of 193 adults with type 2 diabetes took part in this study. Psychosocial stress was assessed using the Revised Questionnaire on Stress in patients with Diabetes (QSD-R) while physical activity was assessed using the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p < .05. The mean age of the participants was 58.76 ± 14.27 years with mean duration of diagnosis being 6.41 ± 4. 51 years. With a mean score of 2.8, work activity was the main source of physical activity for the patients with the least activity index of 1.2 coming from sports participation. Hypoglycaemia and self-medication/diet were the most important sources of stress to the patients and the overall psychosocial stress was related to habitual physical activity (r = - .73, p = .002). Significantly, patients with higher physical activity index presented with lower psychosocial stress. Apart from the well-known improvement in glycaemic control, type 2 diabetes patients that participate more in physical activity may be able to reduce their psychosocial stress.Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, psychosocial stress, habitual physical activit

Active Commuting to School as a Source of Health Promotion Among Urban Day Secondary School Students in Ibadan, Nigeria: Barriers and facilitators

This study examined active commuting among secondary school students and the factors that constitute barriers or facilitators. It also assessed whether links exist with sociodemographic characteristics. A selfdesignedquestionnaire was used in this cross-sectional survey to obtain data on the commuting patterns, attitudes and sociodemographic characteristics of 926 students in Ibadan, Nigeria. Although 52.7% of the students lived within 1 to 3 km of their school, only 19.8% (183) were active commuters. More than 69% of the students preferred to remain passive commuters at the expense of good health. Proximity to school was the most reported (94.5%) facilitator of active commuting and parental restraint against walking to school was reported by 60.8% of the passive commuters. Commuting habits were significantly (p<0.05) associated with sociodemographic characteristics. The students were predominantly passive commuters and their commuting pattern was linked to sociodemographic characteristics while barriers and facilitators of active commuting included family, societal, environmental and school factors.KEYWORDS: adolescents health, attitudes, physical activity,  sociodemographic characteristics, transport to schoo

Relative Therapeutic Efficacy of the Treadmill and Step Bench in Gait Rehabilitation of Hemiparetic Stroke Patients

The aim of this research is to compare the efficacy of treadmill and step bench exercises in hemiparetic gait rehabilitation. Previous studies have supported the use of treadmill and step bench exercises in gait rehabilitation. Nineteen patients were recruited for an 8-week, 2-group quasi-experimental study which was conducted at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. The patients were randomly distributed into 2 groups: A (step bench exercise) and B (treadmill). Groups A and B had 9 and 10 participants respectively. The mean age of the participants in group A was 47.78 + 8.17 years, while that of participants in group B was 46.9 + 7.11 years. Data collected on cadence, stride length, stride width, step length, stride velocity and foot angle before treatment at the 4th and 8th weeks of treatment were analysed using inferential statistics. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the pre-treatment and post-treatment scores in both groups. Comparison of the post-treatment mean scores of the 2 groups was made and the t-values for cadence, stride length, step length, stride width, stride velocity and foot angle were 1.18, -0.91,-0.86, 0.78,1.19 and 0.01, respectively, after analysis was carried out using the unpaired t test. The results showed no significant difference in the mean scores of the measured gait parameters for the groups (p>0.05). It was concluded that hemiparetic stroke patients will benefit from both rehabilitation protocols, and that neither rehabilitation protocol is superior to the other

Profile of children with new-born brachial plexus palsy managed in a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria

 New-born Brachial Plexus Palsy (NBPP) is birth injury resulting from traction to the brachial plexus at birth. It is an injury to two or more cervical or thoracic nerve roots. It has been reported to be one of the most common birth injuries of the new-born. Persistent presentation of children with NBPP in Nigeria paediatric practice necessitates the need to examine prevalence, patterns and possible predisposing factors. This study therefore investigated retrospectively, profiles of children who presented with NBPP over a ten year period and were managed at the Physiotherapy department of the University College Hospital, Ibadan Nigeria. A  retrospective cross-sectional survey, in which files of children with NBPP located from the database of the Physiotherapy department were retrieved in order to assess infant and maternal information. One hundred and seventy children, 93 (54.7%) males and 77 (45.3%) females were studied. Their mean birth weight was 4.21±0.54 kg, 99 (58.2%) were delivered in private (non-government) hospitals, majority 163 (95.9%) presented with Erb’s Palsy. Mothers, 54 (31.8%) were mostly primiparous and a seemingly persistent elevation in two-yearly incidence of NBPP was observed. Improved healthcare policy in child delivery is encouraged in non-government hospitals in Nigeria to provide preventive measures toward incidence of NBPP. Documentation of physiotherapy management of children with NBPP should include outcomes from admission through to discharge.Keywords: New-born, Brachial plexus Palsy, Incidence, Physiotherapy, Nigeri

Interrelationship among physical activity, quality of life, clinical and sociodemographic characteristics in a sample of Nigerian patients with type 2 diabetes

A number of complexities surround the health and well-being of patients with type 2 diabetes. These difficulties relate to self-care efforts and outcomes, and several other factors play regulatory functions. This study was carried out to investigate the inter-relationship among physical activity, quality of life, and clinical and sociodemographic factors in a group of Nigerian patients with type 2 diabetes. The study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of two major healthcare facilities in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and quality of life was assessed using the Diabetes Quality of Life Brief Clinical Inventory. Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were also documented. A total of 227 patients with type 2 diabetes with a mean age of 55.83 ± 13.76 years took part in the study. A total of 156 (68.7%) of the participants, had low level of physical activity, while 81 (35.7%) reported quality of life scores below the intermediate score and hypertension was the mo 63 (27.8%) of the participants. Being 50 years and older (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.21-3.67) increased the odds of having lower quality of life, while physical activity of moderate-to-high intensity reduced the odds (OR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.2-0.8). A substantial proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes had below intermediate level quality of life, and most of them were physically inactive. Lower quality of life was also linked with sociodemographic and clinical variables but patients with moderate-to-high physical activity were likely to reduce by half the risk of poor quality of life.Keywords: physical activity, quality of life, sociodemographic characteristic

Relationship of Waist-Hip Ratio and Body Mass Index to Blood Pressure of Individuals in Ibadan North Local Government

Several studies have shown that there is a significant relationship between relative weight and hypertension. The anatomical distribution of weight has also been shown to be a factor in determining which people are more susceptible to hypertension and thus at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the relationship between two anthropometric measurements for obesity – body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR), and the blood pressure of Nigerians aged 15-85 years. The study employed a cross-sectional survey of individuals living in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State. Four hundred and four male and female individuals were recruited using a non-probability sampling technique. Measurements taken include subjects’ systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist and hip girths, height, and weight. Information was obtained about lifestyle and occupation as well as familial history of hypertension, diabetes, cardiac and renal diseases. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with alpha set at 0.05. Results show that WHR and BMI had a linear relationship with the blood pressure of the participants. KEY WORDS: blood pressure, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, hypertensio

Stepping Up Physical Exercise Among Nigerian Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The Impact Of A Domesticated Type 2 Diabetes-Oriented Exercise Education Curriculum

Background: Most diabetes patients in Nigeria either do not exercise at all or do not exercise appropriately and this is thought to be due partly to an inadequate exercise education.Objectives: To investigate the impact of a type 2 diabetes-oriented exercise education curriculum (T2DEEC) on exercise performance and adiposity of type 2 diabetes patients.Materials and Methods: The patients (n=86) were randomized into either the T2DEEC or the control groups. The T2DEEC was administered to patients in the T2DEEC group while the controls were encouraged to exercise but did not go through the T2DEEC. The participants continued exercises at home for 12 weeks. Outcomes were amount of time and days spent on each of aerobic, resistance, joint mobilization and foot care exercises per week; waist circumference, body mass index, and percent body fat.Results: By the 12th week, the T2DEEC participants increased their exercise days from 1.2 to 3.8 days and increased aerobic, resistance, joint mobilization and foot care exercise times by 56.5, 42.3, 39.8 and 28.1 minutes respectively (p<0.05). The controls only increased their aerobic exercise time by 5.1 minutes (p=0.141) and maintained zero exercise times for resistance, joint mobilization and foot care exercises. Also the T2DEEC group but not the controls recorded significant improvements (p<0.05) in adiposity variables.Conclusions: The participants who were taught with the T2DEEC unlike those who received verbal encouragement to exercise improved their exercise performance and adiposity parameters significantly. The T2DEEC is recommended for exercise education of type 2 diabetes patients.Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, exercise education, joint mobilization, aerobic activities, curriculu