Factors Influencing Number of Physiotherapy Treatment Sessions for Patients with Low Back Pain

Little is known about the influence of physiotherapists’ characteristics and treatment modalities on the number of treatment sessions in Nigeria. This study was designed to evaluate the factors influencing the number of treatment sessions for patients with low back pain (LBP). Three hundred and eleven practising physiotherapists based in Nigeria participated in this study (77.8% response rate). They were required to complete a 31-item closed-ended questionnaire, which collected information on demographic data, work experience and treatment activities. Data was represented using bar charts, frequency and percentage. Chi-square was used to determine significant difference at p = 0.05. About 114 (38.10%) of the respondents employed 10 treatment sessions in the treatment of patients with LBP. Gender, age, areas of interest and educational attainment influenced the number of treatment sessions (p<0.05). Older male respondents, with higher educational attainment, especially those who are specialized in orthopaedics had fewer treatment sessions with their patients. However, working experience, acquisition of additional training (through continuous professional education) and types of treatment modalities did not have any significant relationship with number of treatment sessions (p>0.05). The average number of treatment sessions administered to patients with LBP before they are discharged in Nigeria is ten sessions. This was influenced by gender, age, areas of interest and educational attainment. There was a general consensus that a treatment guideline is needed for proper management of patients with LBP

Knowledge and perceptiion of physiotherapy by final year medical students of a Nigerian university

No Abstract

Characterisation of Physiotherapy Needs in A Rural Community in South Eastern Nigeria

Background: The majority of the populace in Nigeria resides in rural areas, where there is difficulty in accessing rehabilitation services. Rural dwellers are often poor and marginalized, and have been reported to have a high level of disability and functional dependence. They may therefore be in need of rehabilitation.Objective: To assess and characterize physiotherapy needs in a rural community of South Eastern Nigeria. Methods: A total of 400 individuals participated in this population-based cross-sectional study which included 'household members' aged 0-5 years and 12 years and above, involving 12 randomly selected villages from Nkanu West Local Government of South Eastern Nigeria. Distribution of the questionnaire was done by hand on a one-on-one basis, using the interviewer style. Information on infants and children was obtained from the heads of the households.Results: One hundred and ninety six (49.0%) reported ambulatory problems; the problem were mostly associated with the spine 75 (18.8%), multiple joints 51(12.8%) and lower limbs 43 (10.8%) respectively. The highest developmental deficit was reported at three years 6 (18.7%).Conclusion: There is need to provide affordable community based rehabilitation (physiotherapy) outfits in this community.Keywords: Physiotherapy needs, Community Physiotherap

Musculoskeletal Discomfort Accompanying the Regular Use of High Heeled Shoes among Professional Women

Background: The use of high-heeled shoes (HHS)has been reported to tone calf and thigh muscles. However, there is a high risk of developing musculoskeletal discomforts/pain (MSD), including back pain, in individuals who regularly use high heels but who do not have an already existing back pain.Objective: To determine the prevalence of MSD accompanying the regular use of HHS among professional women.Methods: Two hundred (200) female bankers (22 - 55 years old) participated in this descriptive cross sectional survey study. They were required to complete a 30-item structured closed ended questionnaire which was selfadministered. The questionnaire was divided into three sections and it collected information on the prevalence of MSD, usage of HHS and the risk factors of MSDResults: The 12-months prevalence of MSD was 56%. Respondents who wore HHS strictly occasionally n(%)reported the highest number of MSD. Although the reported MSD required no treatment in the majority (175 86.4%), it was severe enough to warrant taking time off work in (25,13.6%). Back pain (112, 56.0%) was the most reported MSD among the respondents. Only (38,33.9%) of the respondents who reported 12-months prevalence of MSD attributed the cause to regular wearing of HHS.Conclusion: Back pain was the most common MSD reported by the respondents, and was most common among occasional users. The pain may be severe enough to warrant taking time off work. Reduction in the frequency of wearing HHS and/or interchanging with flat sole shoes might be beneficial.Key Words: Musculoskeletal disorders, High-Heeled shoes, Professional wome