Comparative Study of the Foot Arch Index Among Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women in a South Eastern Nigeria Community: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Objective: Physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy result in biomechanical alterations which result in re-adjustments in the musculoskeletal system. Influence of these changes on the foot during gestation has been understudied. The aim of this study was to compare the arch indexes of pregnant and non-pregnant women and then determine the relationship between arch index and each of gestational age and body mass index (BMI) of pregnant women. Materials and Methods: In this study, 328 (215 pregnant women in different trimesters and 113 nulliparous women) participants were selected from Enugu in South-Eastern Nigeria. Their arch indexes were obtained from their foot prints. Data was summarized using frequency counts, mean, standard deviation and percentages. Inferential statistics of independent t test and Pearson correlation test were used to determine the differences and relationships among variables with alpha level set at P < 0.05. Results: Results showed that a greater percentage of the pregnant women (57.2% on the right foot and 59.1% on the left foot) had low arches, indicating pes planus as compared to their age-matched nulliparous counterparts (19.5% on the right and 23.3% on the left). Statistical analysis further showed significant differences between the arch indexes of women in both groups. No significant relationship was found among gestational trimesters, BMI and arch index of pregnant women. Conclusion: Pregnant women have lower arch indexes, indicating pes planus, than nulliparous women. Gestational trimesters and BMI had no associations with the arch index during pregnancy

Is Mode of Delivery a Determinant of Postpartum Health-Related Quality of Life in Nigerian Women?

Background: Women experience many changes that might affect their well‑being during the postpartum period. In some climes, there is an established association between mode of delivery (MOD) and postpartum health‑related quality of life (HRQoL), but there is a dearth of related literature in southeastern Nigeria. Such information will guide health‑care providers on health promotion strategies for improved maternal and infant well‑being. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of MOD on HRQoL of Nigerian postpartum women. Material and Methods: This was a cross‑sectional descriptive survey of 200 postpartum women in Enugu, Nigeria. Information on maternal characteristics was collected with a structured questionnaire, while the investigation of their postpartum HRQoL was with the Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire. Results: In general, the majority of the respondents had moderate HRQoL values in most domains, including physical function, bodily pain, general health (GH), energy and fatigue, social function, and perceived mental health. Values for role limitations as a result of physical and emotional problems were predominantly low. HRQoL scores did not significantly vary between the cesarean section (CS)and spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) groups. MOD was a correlate of respondents’ GH with women in the CS group showing lower values, as compared to those with SVD. Conclusion: In general, postpartum women in this study recorded low‑to‑moderate HRQoL scores. MOD was a determinant of their GH scores. Follow‑up interprofessional health care is recommended in the postpartum period to improve HRQoL. Keywords: Health‑related quality of life, mode of delivery, Nigeria, postpartum, women’s healt

Does Load Position on the Trunk Affect Cardiopulmonary Responses of the Bearer during Simulated Front and Back Infant Carrying Methods?

Background: The position of the infant on the trunk during back and front infant carrying methods (ICMs) may be a potential factor of maternal physiological changes. Related information is necessary for the establishment of guiding principles for infant carrying tasks. Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate cardiopulmonary responses to infant‑load positions on the trunk during simulated back and front ICMs. Materials and Methods: Twenty‑three nulliparous females completed four trials while walking with a 6 kg simulated infant, being carried in four trunk positions (upper back, lower back, upper front, and lower front). Cardiopulmonary indices (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate) and rating of perceived exertion were assessed pre‑&nbsp;and post‑trials. Results: All the cardiopulmonary indices did not change significantly (P &gt; 0.05) as the infant load moved from upper to lower trunk positions during the back and front ICMs. However, marginal differences were observed. Participants perceived the lower back and upper front ICMs as less exerting than the upper back and lower front ICMs. Conclusions: Infant‑load position on the trunk is not an important factor in the cardiopulmonary responses to back and front infant carrying tasks, although the lower back and upper front ICMs were perceived to be more comfortable. Keywords: Back, cardiopulmonary indices, front, infant carrying, infant‑load positions, perceived exertio

Relationship between physical activity level and flexibility profile of Nigerian postpartum women

Flexibility is an essential component of musculoskeletal health and is usually associated with physical activity levels. Pregnancy and its aftermath may influence physical activity participation and musculoskeletal flexibility in women, which warrants this study. Thus, this study aimed to assess the physical activity level and musculoskeletal flexibility profile of Nigerian Postpartum women. In this cross-sectional study, 462 postpartum women were conveniently sampled from Healthcare Facilities in Anambra State, Nigeria. Physical Activity was assessed using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire while flexibility profile was assessed using modified sit-and-reach (for the lower back and limb components), total body rotation (for trunk component) and shoulder rotation tests (for upper limb components). Relevant inferential statistics were used to compare variables between the two groups of women. The results showed that 42.0% of the women were fairly flexible and 51.1% of them had high Physical Activity level. Majority (77.6%) of their daily physical activities were from work. Statistically, there was no significant relationship between their physical activity levels and flexibility profile of the participants (p = 0.066). The postpartum physical activity level of the respondents is not a determinant of their musculoskeletal flexibility. Recommendation of structured physical exercises, particularly flexibility trainings to postpartum women in Nigeria is necessary for optimum maintenance of their general postpartum and musculoskeletal health

Knowledge, attitude, and perception of Nigerian-based physiotherapists on the utilization of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging in the clinical management of musculoskeletal conditions

Background: Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging (MSUI) is an efficient monitoring and re-evaluation tool used for the management of musculoskeletal conditions in several clinical domains. Its utilization among physiotherapists, particularly in African countries, is yet to be explored. Objective: This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and perception of physiotherapists on the utilization of MSUI in the clinical management of musculoskeletal conditions. Methods: One hundred and ninety-two consenting Nigerian-based physiotherapists practicing in public and private health institutions participated in this cross-sectional survey. They responded to a three-sectioned structured questionnaire, investigating socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and utilization of MSUI for the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square test at a significant level of 0.05. Results: The majority (79.2%) of the respondents had positive knowledge of MSUI and its benefits as a clinical modality for managing MSCs. However, only 4.2% had utilized MSUI in clinical practice. Non-utilization of MSUI was commonly attributed to a lack of access to MSUI (60.3%) and its unavailability in most diagnostic centers (42.9%). Almost all (99.0%) of them agreed to the necessity for increased availability of MSUI to physiotherapists for enhancement of physiotherapy interventions in the management of MSCs. Conclusion: Knowledge of MSUI among Nigerian-based physiotherapists is adequate, but its utilization as a clinical tool is poor. Improved availability of MSUI to physiotherapists is necessary as well as specialty training on the utilization and interpretation of MSUI

Effects of abdominal girdle belt on pulmonary function variables of postpartum women in Enugu, Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study

This quasi-experimental study was aimed at investigating the effects of wearing an abdominal girdle belt on pulmonary function variables of postpartum women. 40 consenting postpartum women aged between 18 and 35 years were recruited from a post-natal clinic in Enugu, Nigeria. The participants were conveniently assigned into girdle belt and control groups (20 each). Their lung function (forced expiratory volume in first second[FEV1], and %FEV1, forced vital capacity[FVC], peak expiratory flow [PEF], forced expiratory flows [25th, 75th & 25–75th percentiles]) values were measured prior to and after eight weeks of the study intervention period for each participant. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Following the intervention period, 19 and 13 participants completed the study in the girdle belt and control groups, respectively. The main results showed that both groups were comparable at baseline for all the study variables assessed (p > 0.05). Following the intervention period, only the PEF was significantly reduced in the girdle belt group compared to control group participants (p = 0.012). Thus, wearing girdle belts for an extended period of time has no effect on the lung function values of postpartum women.IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on the subject? Postpartum abdominal girdle belts are commonly utilised for resolution of abdominal protrusion and obesity after childbirth. Unfortunately, several adverse effects, including bleeding, compressive pain and discomfort and abnormally increased intra-abdominal pressure, have been associated with this practice. Consistent increase in intra-abdominal pressure of variable duration has been reported to affect pulmonary functions. What do the results of this study add? The study findings indicate that wearing girdle belts for eight weeks by postpartum women has no substantial effect on the pulmonary function variables. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Utilisation of abdominal girdle belts of equal or less than 8 weeks duration should not be discouraged for post-partum women due to fear of its potential negative impact on pulmonary function

Evaluation of selected cardiopulmonary and perceived exertion responses to four infant carrying methods utilised by African Mothers

Various infant carrying methods (ICMs) are utilised for childcare. Effects of these ICMs on the cardiopulmonary system are not known. This study evaluated cardiopulmonary and perceptual responses to four ICMs (back, front, side and in-arms) among 30 young females (18–35 years) while walking with a 6 kg simulated infant. Diastolic blood pressure (BP) responses were significantly different (p = .009) across the four ICMs, with the back ICM eliciting highest response. Heart rate, respiratory rate and systolic BP responses were not significantly different (p > .05) across the ICMs. Participants perceived the in-arms ICM as the most exerting. Body weight (p = .036) and body mass index (BMI) (p = .011) significantly correlated with systolic BP responses during the side ICM while age significantly (p = .036) correlated with heart rate changes during the in-arms ICM. Back ICM may pose more risk of diastolic BP dysfunctions. Increased body weight and BMI result in decreased systolic BP responses.IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Infant carrying (IC) has been associated with increased energy cost, biomechanical changes and musculoskeletal injuries. There is paucity of data on the cardiopulmonary responses to IC. What do the results of this study add? Back ICM resulted in higher responses in diastolic blood pressure. During the side ICM, participants’ systolic BP decreased with increasing body weight and BMI values. Increased age resulted to decreased heart rate responses during the in-arms ICM. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? There is need for effective monitoring of the cardiopulmonary parameters during IC tasks, especially among women with cardiopulmonary dysfunctions. Women with diastolic dysfunctions should be discouraged from utilising the back ICM. It is necessary for further studies to evaluate infant carrying-related cardiopulmonary responses relative to various components of IC practices, including weight of infant, maternal anthropometric characteristics and duration of IC tasks during each infant carrying method

Infant carrying methods: Correlates and associated musculoskeletal disorders among nursing mothers in Nigeria

Infant carrying is an integral part of the mothering occupation. Paucity of data exists on its correlates and associated musculoskeletal injuries. In this study, factors and musculoskeletal injuries associated with infant carrying were investigated in 227 nursing mothers, using a structured questionnaire. 77.1% utilised the back infant carrying methods (ICM). Maternal comfort was the major factor influencing participants’ (37.4%) choices of ICMs. Infant’s age (p = .000) and transportation means (p = .045) were significantly associated with ICMs. Low back pain (82.8%) and upper back pain (74.9%) were the most reported musculoskeletal discomforts associated with ICMs, especially among women who utilised back ICM. Back ICM is predominantly used by nursing mothers.Impact statement Infant carrying has been associated with increased energy cost and biomechanical changes. Currently, there is a paucity of data on infant carrying-related musculoskeletal injuries. In this study, investigating factors and musculoskeletal injuries associated with infant carrying, the results showed that back infant carrying method is predominantly used by nursing mothers. Age of the infant and mothers’ means of transportation were determinant factors of infant carrying methods. Among the several reported infant carrying-related musculoskeletal disorders, low back and upper back pain were the most prevalent, especially among women who utilised the back infant carrying method. There is need for women’s health specialists to introduce appropriate ergonomic training and interventions on infant carrying tasks in order to improve maternal musculoskeletal health during the childbearing years and beyond. Further experimental studies on the effects of various infant carrying methods on the musculoskeletal system are recommended

Can infant carrier hip belts of 2-inch, 4-inch, and 6-inch dimensions influence trunk muscle activities during front infant carrying tasks?

Abstract Background Utilization of infant carriers (ICs) for childcare activities is common and involves varieties of hip belts to offer maximum maternal and infant support. There is a need to establish ergonomic-based guidelines for IC components as a means of improving their supportive roles. Objective This study evaluated the effects of infant carrier (IC) hip-belt dimensions on the erector spinae (ES) and multifidus (MF) muscles of healthy adult women during front infant carrying tasks. Methods It utilized three hip belts with different width dimensions (2 inch, 4 inch, and 6 inch) attached to the IC during three front infant carrying tasks, respectively. During each 5-min trial, the activities of the right and left components of the ES and MF muscles were simultaneously monitored via surface electromyography (EMG). Asymmetry ratios of the normalized EMG values of the right and left components of each muscle were calculated. Results Utilization of different hip-belt dimensions did not elicit significant (p < 0.05) differences in the electrical activities of the back muscles as well as in their asymmetry ratios. However, marginal differences in the normalized EMG values showed that the 4-inch belt elicited the highest muscular activities in three of the four studied muscles. Conclusion During simulated front infant carrying tasks, hip-belt dimensions of the ICs did not influence back muscle activities in healthy adult women. Long-term effects of IC hip-belt dimensions on back muscle activities should be evaluated in future studies

Correlation between Physical Activity and Premenstrual Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a prevalent condition among sexually active women that manifests itself through a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms during the end of the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. Aim: This study aims to review studies that correlate physical activity with PMS. Materials and Methods: The literature search took place in four databases from the year 2000 to 2019. Results: Eight studies reported a positive correlation between physical activity, exercises, and PMS, while two reported a negative correlation. Conclusion: Physical exercise and PMS have a favorable association, according to the examined papers