CHALLENGES OF PHYSIOTHERAPIST DURING PROSTHESIS REHABILITATION IN MALAYSIA

The present study reported the challenges faced by the physiotherapist during prosthesis rehabilitation in Malaysia. Mortality due to lower limb amputation is a concern in recent days that can be improved by providing proper rehabilitation. However, challenges faced by the physiotherapist during rehabilitation are expected to affect the effectiveness of the rehabilitation. Hence, it is important to identify the possible challenges faced by the physiotherapist during prosthesis rehabilitation to take the necessary precautions for better outcomes. A total of 200 Malaysian physiotherapists who have experience in rehabilitating amputees were selected to participate in this online survey. The participants were requested to complete a self-administered electronic questionnaire containing 20 questions. The present study reported a few challenges faced by the physiotherapists in Malaysia during prosthesis rehabilitation such as “encountering patient that refuse to perform exercises is common” (77%), encountered high physical demand (81.5%), encountering language barriers (48.5%), patients often encounter difficulty in assessing health service (63.5%) and encountering prosthesis problems (67%). The barriers were inconsistent and complex, including patient factors, healthcare provider’s factors, environmental factors, other factors. The study has highlighted challenges faced by the physiotherapists during prosthesis rehabilitation to raise awareness among physiotherapists and at the same time create ideas for specific health care practitioners to overcome the barriers, therefore shortening the length of rehabilitation and enhancing the effectiveness of the rehabilitation to lower the mortality

Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms and Associated Risk Factors among Street Food Vendors in Klang Valley, Malaysia

The street vendors in Malaysia are at an increased risk of developing respiratory symptoms owing to the continuous exposure to road dust, vehicle emissions, extreme weather conditions, and air pollutants from industrial sites. Hence, the current study aimed to establish the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and the risk factors associated with it among street food vendors in Klang Valley, Malaysia through a cross-sectional study among 237 street food vendors. The socio-demographic data, work characteristics, and information on respiratory symptoms were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The data analysis was done by using the Chi-square test of association and frequency distribution. The study results revealed that the most frequently reported respiratory symptoms among the street food vendors were sore throat (30.8%), followed by cough (29.1%). No significant association was found between age, gender, duration of job and cough, sputum production, breathing difficulty, chest pain, irritated nose, and sore throat. A statistically significant association was found between working hours and sputum production (p=0.014). Further, the working hours were significantly associated with breathing difficulty (p=0.011). A significant association was also found between the type of cooking fuel used and the presence of cough (p=0.001). Results of this study demonstrated a positive association between work-related risk factors such as working hours with breathlessness and sputum production, and also between cough and the type of cooking fuel used. Based on the aforementioned findings, various control measures such as regular monitoring of lung functions and health education programs can be undertaken. Moreover, vendors need to consider using clean fuels instead of charcoal

A NARRATIVE REVIEW ON MINDFULNESS PRACTICES IN OPTIMIZING PERFORMANCE AMONG SPORTS INDIVIDUALS

Mindfulness practice has become an increasingly popular intervention in optimizing athletic performance in sports. Numerous studies have reported on applying mindfulness for improving the performance of various sports such as tennis, table tennis, shooting, cricket, archery, golf, running, hockey, swimming, and cycling. This narrative review addresses different existing mindfulness programs that enhance sports performance, the outcome measures of mindfulness therapy, and identifies the anxiety and depression that affect the performance of sports individuals. To cope with the issues, the efficacy of mindfulness in performance enhancement and future research directions on mindfulness needs attention

Risk factors for lower extremity injuries in young badminton players = Fatores de risco para lesões de extremidade inferior em jovens jogadores de badminton

OBJETIVOS: Com base na limitada evidência disponível sobre os fatores intrínsecos que causam lesões de extremidade inferior entre os jogadores de badminton da Malásia, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as relações de características demográficas e físicas com lesões nas extremidades inferiores em jovens jogadores de badminton. MÉTODOS: Um estudo transversal incluiu jogadores de badminton entre 14 e 24 anos de idade, categorizados em grupos de casos e controles. Os participantes diagnosticados com lesões dos membros inferiores foram designados como casos, e aqueles sem lesões relatadas foram designados como controles. Informações pessoais, incluindo dados demográficos, nível de atleta e histórico de lesões foram coletadas usando um questionário. O teste t independente foi utilizado para analisar as diferenças entre características intrínsecas em casos e controles. O χ2 de Pearson foi aplicado para avaliar a associação entre fatores de risco e lesões de membro inferior em geral, lesões no joelho e lesões no tornozelo, com intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%. Um valor de p ≤0,05 foi considerado como significativo. RESULTADOS: Um total de 106 jovens jogadores de badminton (83 do gênero masculino e 23 do gênero feminino) foram recrutados, dos quais 42 participantes foram alocados no grupo de casos e 64 participantes foram alocados no grupo controle. Um total de 60 lesões nas extremidades inferiores foram relatadas entre os 42 jogadores do grupo de casos. A média de idade da amostra total foi de 18,7±5 anos (mínima 14 anos e máxima 24 anos). A média de idade dos participantes no grupo de casos foi de 16,92±2,99 anos As lesões mais comumente relatadas foram as localizadas na articulação do tornozelo, seguidas das lesões de joelho e de quadril. Os participantes da faixa etária mais jovem (14-19 anos de idade) apresentaram maior risco de lesões nas extremidades inferiores em comparação com os de faixa etária mais velha (20-24 anos de idade) (odds ratio [OR], 3. 39; 95% CI, 1,15-10,01; p=0,023). Maior discrepância verdadeira no comprimento dos membros inferiores foi identificada entre os participantes com lesões nas extremidades inferiores (OR, 4,57, IC 95%, 1,2-17,24; p=0,016) e esta discrepância foi fortemente associada a lesões no tornozelo (OR, 7,25; IC95%, 1,85 -28,57; p=0,002). Não houve relações significativas entre lesões das extremidades inferiores e gênero, dominância dos membros ou ângulo Q. CONCLUSÕES: As lesões das extremidades inferiores em jovens jogadores de badminton foram predominantemente localizadas nas articulações do tornozelo e do joelho. A faixa etária mais jovem e o aumento da discrepância verdadeira no comprimento dos membros foram identificados como fatores de risco para lesões das extremidades inferiores na amostra estudad

Awareness and Knowledge of Vertigo among the Adult Population of Selangor, Malaysia

Dizziness and vertigo are common among the adult and elderly population. However, the knowledge & awareness of vertigo and the understanding of the differences between vertigo and dizziness in the adult population is seldom studied. The present study aimed to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of vertigo among the adult population living in Selangor, Malaysia. In addition, the study also focused on the participants’ knowledge of differentiating dizziness and vertigo. This cross-sectional study received responses from 189 participants who were in the age range between 20 and 40 years among which 152 participants' responses met the inclusion criteria. A self-developed validated online questionnaire was used as a study tool to understand the awareness and knowledge of vertigo among the participants. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 28) to obtain frequency and percentages. The results of the present study showed that 57.9% of participants had an average level of awareness of vertigo. Further, 55.3% disagreed that vertigo is the same as dizziness however only 6.6% of the participants were exactly able to identify the differences between vertigo and dizziness. The present study concludes an average level of awareness and knowledge of vertigo among most young adults of Selangor, Malaysia. However, the ability to differentiate vertigo from dizziness was very low among the participants, demonstrating a gap in their knowledge of vertigo. Hence, education about vertigo among the public must be ameliorated. Further studies are required on different age groups and within the other states of Malaysia

The effectiveness of nurse assistants training programme on safe motherhood: A study on Bhutanese nurse assistants

Background: This study aims to investigate the ability of nurse assistants in midwifery care in Bhutan to apply their knowledge and skills after attending the training programme.Methods: A qualitative methodology was utilized in this study, in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide questionnaire with five nurse assistants, three district health officers, and two medical doctors from hospitals. The interviews (n=10) were conducted on-site at basic health units in URA and Tang, Bhutan.Results: The data analysis of their perceptions yielded three major categories: (1) Confirmability, the Quality of knowledge and skills of the program; (2) Credibility, Effectiveness, and comprehensiveness of the programme; and (3) Transferability and Dependability, Application of knowledge and skills learned from the programme.Conclusion: The paper provides a training method appropriate for the assistant midwifery nurses. Results from in-depth interviews with assistant nurses, their officers, and medical doctors provided details on how nurses were able to apply their knowledge to work at basic health units in Bhutan. The study provided an effective methodology and a model for future short course training for midwifery nurses

Work Place Self-Management by Academic Cum Clinical Physiotherapist – A Case Study

One of the main issues in industrialized nations is work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD), which are linked to demanding and repetitive work environments. Repetitive actions and work without leisure can lead to musculoskeletal problems. To prevent this occurrence, promoting healthy lifestyle self-care management is essential. The main objective of this case study was to assess the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in professional physiotherapist and their workplace self-management. Case Description: a case of a 39-year-old male assistant professor cum clinical practitioner with 12 years of experience in the profession, who engages in using the computer for 6 hours a day for his academic and clinical documentation purposes, was assessed in the workstation. He complains of neck and shoulder pain after engaging in front of the computer for more than one hour, which he manages during the routine practice. He manages his pain by doing simple exercises like chin tuck-in and shoulder bracing by taking a short break every hour while working on a computer. Musculoskeletal-related pain was analyzed using the VAS score (visual analogue scale), and the level of the risks was analyzed using the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) scale. The case study showed that professional physiotherapists have a high risk of MSDs due to their engagement in multiple tasks and less attention to body posture. Regular exercise in the workstation and ergonomic workplace awareness would prevent the occurrence of work-related MSD

Potential COVID -19 Therapeutics in Clinical Trials – A Brief Review

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS – CoV2), the causative viral pathogen of the COVID-19 pandemic belongs to the family of Coronaviruses which are positive single stranded RNA viruses. The scientific fraternity has developed and developing various types of vaccines for prevention against COVID-19, such as inactivated virus vaccines, mRNA vaccines, replicating vector protein subunit vaccines, etc., Out of which ten vaccines namely Novovax, Covovax (protein subunit vaccines), Pfizer BNT16b2, Moderna mRNA 1273 (mRNA vaccines), Johnson & Johnson Ad26, Cov2.S, Astrazeneca AZD1222, Covishield (non-replicating viral vector vaccines), Covaxin, Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV, CoronoVac (inactivated vaccines) have been approved for clinical use by WHO. There is an urgent need for SARS-CoV2 specific therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19 as there is the emergence of various variants such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Omicron, etc. The emergence of variants that possesses immune evading property and spike protein mutation have increased infectivity and more pathogenicity which impelled the need to develop various therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19. This review compiles the information about potential antiviral candidates in preclinical trials intended for the treatment of COVID-19. The clinical development of such antivirals will be very crucial for the treatment of COVID-19 and also to curb the spread as the present scenario depends on the development of effective prophylactic vaccines

Comparison of Kicking Speeds Between Competitive Swimmers with Flat and Normal Feet in Selangor, Malaysia

Introduction: Competitive swimming is one of the most popular Olympic sports. Although studies indicate that explored flat feet improved running performance, research on foot types and their impact on swimming is scarce and unexplored. This study investigates the difference between flutter kicking speed among competitive swimmers with flat and standard feet. Materials and Methods: A total of 78 competitive swimmers in the age range of 13 to 19 years were recruited from Pusat Akuatik Darul Ehsan swimming training using a purposive sampling method and a cross-sectional study design. Based on their navicular drop test scores, the participants were categorized as flat-footed (group A) and normal-footed (group B). An independent t-test was applied to compare the kicking speeds between flat-footed and normal-footed swimmers. The swimmers in group A and group B were instructed to perform a standard 50-m kicking front crawl performance with the upper limb placed over the sliding board individually in a swimming pool, and their reaching time was recorded using a stopwatch. Results: The results indicated flat-foot swimmers’ front crawl kicking performance was faster than normal-foot swimmers’ (P=0.03) with a medium effect size (d=0.50). Conclusion: This study concludes that flat-footed competitive swimmers have an advantage in reaching 50 m in less time than normal-footed swimmers

Risk factors for lower extremity injuries in young badminton players

AIMS: Based on the limited evidence available about the intrinsic factors causing lower extremity injuries among Malaysian badminton players, this study was aimed to determine the relationship of demographic and physical characteristics to lower extremity injuries in young badminton players.METHODS: A cross-sectional study included badminton players between 14 and 24 years of age, categorized into case and control groups. Participants diagnosed with lower limb injuries were designated as cases, and those with no reported injuries were designated as controls. Personal information including demographic data, level of athlete and injury history was collected using a questionnaire. Independent t-test was used to analyze the differences between intrinsic characteristics in cases and controls. Pearson's χ2 was applied to evaluate the association between risk factors and general lower limb injuries, knee injuries and ankle injuries, with 95% confidence interval (CI). A p value of ≤0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS: A total of 106 young badminton players (83 males, 23 females) were recruited, of whom 42 participants were allocated as the case group, and 64 participants were allocated as the control group. A total of 60 lower extremity injuries were reported among the 42 players of the case group. The overall mean age of the sample was 18.7±5 years (minimum 14 years and maximum 24 years). Mean age of the participants in the case group was 16.92±2.99 years. The most common injuries reported were ankle joint injuries, followed by knee and hip injuries. Participants of the younger age group (14-19 years old) were found to have a higher risk for lower extremity injures compared to those of the older age group (20-24 years old) (odds ratio [OR], 3.39; 95%CI, 1.15-10.01; p=0.023). Increased true limb length discrepancy was identified among the participants with lower extremity injuries (OR, 4.57, 95%CI, 1.2-17.24; p=0.016) and this discrepancy was strongly associated with ankle injuries (OR, 7.25; 95%CI, 1.85-28.57; p=0.002). There was no significant relationship between lower extremity injuries and gender, limb dominance or Q-angle.CONCLUSIONS: Lower extremity injuries in young badminton players were predominantly located in ankle and knee joints. Younger age and increase in true limb length discrepancy were identified as risk factors for lower extremity injuries in the study sample.***Fatores de risco para lesões de extremidade inferior em jovens jogadores de badminton***OBJETIVOS: Com base na limitada evidência disponível sobre os fatores intrínsecos que causam lesões de extremidade inferior entre os jogadores de badminton da Malásia, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as relações de características demográficas e físicas com lesões nas extremidades inferiores em jovens jogadores de badminton.MÉTODOS: Um estudo transversal incluiu jogadores de badminton entre 14 e 24 anos de idade, categorizados em grupos de casos e controles. Os participantes diagnosticados com lesões dos membros inferiores foram designados como casos, e aqueles sem lesões relatadas foram designados como controles. Informações pessoais, incluindo dados demográficos, nível de atleta e histórico de lesões foram coletadas usando um questionário. O teste t independente foi utilizado para analisar as diferenças entre características intrínsecas em casos e controles. O χ2 de Pearson foi aplicado para avaliar a associação entre fatores de risco e lesões de membro inferior em geral, lesões no joelho e lesões no tornozelo, com intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%. Um valor de p ≤0,05 foi considerado como significativo.RESULTADOS: Um total de 106 jovens jogadores de badminton (83 do gênero masculino e 23 do gênero feminino) foram recrutados, dos quais 42 participantes foram alocados no grupo de casos e 64 participantes foram alocados no grupo controle. Um total de 60 lesões nas extremidades inferiores foram relatadas entre os 42 jogadores do grupo de casos. A média de idade da amostra total foi de 18,7±5 anos (mínima 14 anos e máxima 24 anos). A média de idade dos participantes no grupo de casos foi de 16,92±2,99 anos. As lesões mais comumente relatadas foram as localizadas na articulação do tornozelo, seguidas das lesões de joelho e de quadril. Os participantes da faixa etária mais jovem (14-19 anos de idade) apresentaram maior risco de lesões nas extremidades inferiores em comparação com os de faixa etária mais velha (20-24 anos de idade) (odds ratio [OR], 3.39; 95% CI, 1,15-10,01; p=0,023). Maior discrepância verdadeira no comprimento dos membros inferiores foi identificada entre os participantes com lesões nas extremidades inferiores (OR, 4,57, IC 95%, 1,2-17,24; p=0,016) e esta discrepância foi fortemente associada a lesões no tornozelo (OR, 7,25; IC95%, 1,85 -28,57; p=0,002). Não houve relações significativas entre lesões das extremidades inferiores e gênero, dominância dos membros ou ângulo Q.CONCLUSÕES: As lesões das extremidades inferiores em jovens jogadores de badminton foram predominantemente localizadas nas articulações do tornozelo e do joelho. A faixa etária mais jovem e o aumento da discrepância verdadeira no comprimento dos membros foram identificados como fatores de risco para lesões das extremidades inferiores na amostra estudada