Efficacy of six weeks infrared radiation therapy on chronic low back pain and functional disability in National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, south east, Nigeria

Background: Infrared radiation therapy is a modality widely used in Physiotherapy for the management of pain. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of six weeks infrared radiation therapy on pain intensity and functional disability index in subjects suffering from non- specific low back painMethods: The study was a pre-test post-test two group pre-experimental design. A total of fifty subjects (26 males and 24 females) of black African origin clinically diagnosed with non specific chronic low back pain that met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study, but only 44 subjects (26 males and 18 females) completed the six weeks study. The subjects received infrared radiation therapy on the lower back region in prone lying for 30minutes, three times weekly, during the treatment period, for six weeks. Subjects' pre and post treatment pain level and functional disability scores were assessed using the lO point numerical rating pain scale and the Oswestry disability index questionnaire. The data was analyzed using the Students' t-test.Results: Findings from the study showed significant decrease in the means of the pre-test and post-test scores of the variables by 95% C.I at p < 0.05.Conclusion: Six weeks infrared radiation therapy is effective in reducing pain and improving functional disability index in chronic low back pain.Keywords: Chronic low back pain, pain intensity, functional disability, infrared radiation therap

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

An exploratory cohort study of serum estradiol, testosterone, osteoprotegerin, interleukin-6, calcium, and magnesium as potential biomarkers of cervical spondylosis

Abstract Background Exploration of biomarkers for debilitating diseases such as cervical spondylosis is important to revolutionize clinical diagnosis and management of such conditions. The study aimed to determine the correlation between neck pain and disability and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), osteoprotegerin (OPG), estradiol (E2), testosterone (TES), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) among individuals with symptomatic cervical spondylosis. Methods This study was a cohort design. The participants were new referrals to two Nigerian physical therapy clinics. Participants’ neck pain intensity (PI), neck disability index (NDI), IL-6, OPG, E2, TES, Ca, and Mg were measured at baseline and after 13 weeks of follow-up. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t test, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results Forty individuals aged 52.40 ± 8.60 years participated in the study. Women had significantly higher levels of IL-6 (t =  − 2.392, p = 0.026), OPG (t =  − 3.235, p = 0.005), E2 (t =  − 6.841, p = 0.001), but lower TES (t = 17.776, p = 0.001). There were no significant sex differences in PI and NDI. There were significant correlations between PI and OPG (r = 0.385, p < 0.001), NDI and OPG (r = 0.402, p < 0.001), and IL-6 (r = 0.235, p = 0.036). Significant predictors of PI were OPG (β = 0.442, p < 0.001) and E2 (β =  − 0.285, p = 0.011), and NDI were OPG (β = 0.453, p < 0.001), E2 (β =  − 0.292, p = 0.005), and IL-6 (β = 0.225, p = 0.024). Conclusion High serum levels of IL-6 and OPG were associated with cervical spondylosis severity. However, high serum levels of E2 and TES correlated with lesser severity. Moreover, TES inversely correlated with the proinflammatory cytokines