Knowledge of physiotherapy in the prevention and treatment of soccer injuries among managers of amateur soccer teams

This study was designed to evaluate the knowledge of physiotherapy among managers of amateur soccer teams in preventing and treating soccer injuries.A total of 32 amateur soccer team managers from Kano State, Nigeria were purposively recruited to participate in this study. Thereafter, a questionnaire seeking information on physiotherapy was administered. Data retrieved from the questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages.The results of the study revealed that the average age of the participants was 47±8 years. The results also indicated that the majority (94%) of the participants were male, and 63% had post-secondary school qualifications. Working experience was generally low, mostly between one and two years. All the participants demonstrated good knowledge of the role of physiotherapy in preventing injuries (warm up and cool down exercises), as well as the means (use of exercise therapy and massage), indications (sprains, strains and back pain) and the modalities (ice sprays, exercise modalities and bandages). The major areas where lack of knowledge was evident were in the use of strapping (43.7%), the role of physiotherapy in health education (43.7%), and the use of electrical currents in physiotherapy (68.7%). The overall results showed that the average knowledge of the participants regarding the role of physiotherapy in preventing and treating soccer injuries was high (86.5%).It was concluded that a significant proportion of the managers of amateur soccer teams in Kano State have good knowledge of the use of physiotherapy in preventing and treating soccer injuries.Keywords: team managers, amateur soccer, knowledge, physical therap

Assessment of functional and musculoskeletal problems, and barriers to obtaining physiotherapy services among the elderly in a rural community in Kano State, Nigeria

Functional and musculoskeletal problems are a major cause of disability among the elderly in the rural areas. Unfortunately, rehabilitation services are presently inadequate for this population in many parts of the world. This study evaluated the pattern of musculoskeletal disorders, functional status and barriers to obtaining physiotherapy services among the elderly in a rural community in Kano, Nigeria.This cross sectional survey was carried out using a Hausa translated version of the modified Older American Resource and Services (OARS) multidimensional functional assessment questionnaire and other instruments to assess the pattern of functional and musculoskeletal problems and barriers to obtaining physiotherapy services. The questionnaires were administered to 384 elderly consenting individuals (aged 60 years and above) who were recruited using cluster sampling. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS version 16.0.The results from this study revealed that the majority of the participants were females (59.9%). The prevalence of musculoskeletal problems was significant (47%), mostly affecting the lower extremity joints and the spine. Generally, the participants were mostly independent in carrying out activities of daily living (ADL), such as feeding (92.5%), grooming (85.7%), money management (84.9%) and management of medication (83.9%). The results also showed that a few of the participants were dependent in bathing (10.2%), walking (9.9%) and dressing (9.9%). Furthermore, the majority (61.9%) of the participants who reported musculoskeletal problems had good ADL performance capacity rating. Almost all the participants (98%) reported that they have never heard of physiotherapy. Lastly, those with musculoskeletal problems reported that they mainly utilized traditional medicine or home remedies and their health-seeking behaviour was mainly determined by affordability (41.8%).It was concluded that there is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among the participants of this study. Nevertheless, their level of function remained optimal. The study also identified lack of awareness, unavailability, affordability and accessibility as the major barriers to obtaining physiotherapy services among the participants.Keywords: elderly, musculoskeletal disorders, knowledge, disability, rural community, physiotherap

Comparative effects of six-minute treadmill walk and six-minute treadmill walk-talk test on the cardiopulmonary parameters of healthy individuals

Background: To compare the effect of Six-Minute Treadmill Walk Test (6MTWT) and Six-Minute Treadmill Walk-Talk Test (6MTWTT) on cardiopulmonary parameters. Methods: A total of 35 Nigerian undergraduate students with stable cardiopulmonary parameters at baseline were recruited into this pre-test – post-test experimental study using convenient sampling. The participants performed a 6MTWT and 6MTWTT (after two hours interval between tests) on a powered treadmill using standard protocol. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP), heart rate (HR), rate pressure product (RPP), metabolic equivalents (METs), saturated partial pressure of oxygen (SPO2) and the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. Results: The results showed that both the 6MTWT and 6MTWTT lead to significant increases in the values of SBP, HR, METs, RPE and RPP (P0.05). Comparatively, post walk tests results revealed there was significantly higher RPE and SPO2 scores with 6MTWT compared to 6MTWTT (P<0.05), while other parameters were comparable (P<0.05). Furthermore, SBP, PR and RPP of both tests correlated moderately with each other (P<0.05). Conclusion: 6MTWT and 6MTWTT, similarly evoke cardiopulmonary changes among apparently healthy young individuals. However, 6MTWTT led to less oxygen consumption and myocardial oxygen demand compared with 6MTWT. This finding may be potentially beneficial for future cardiopulmonary exercise testing using 6MWT