Mohamed Sherif Sirajudeen

Background: Combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with other therapies is reported to produce promising results in patients with stroke. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of combining tDCS with motor imagery (MI) and upper-limb functional training for upper-limb rehabilitation among patients with chronic stroke. Methods: A single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted among 64 patients with chronic stroke. The control group received sham tDCS with MI, while the experimental group received real tDCS with MI. Both groups performed five different upper-limb functional training exercises coupled with tDCS for 30 min, five times per week for two weeks. Fugl-Meyer’s scale (FMA) and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) were used to measure the outcome measures at baseline and after the completion of the 10th session. Results: Analysis of covariance showed significant improvements in the post-test mean scores for FMA (F (414.4) = ...

Ergonomics is the science of designing the job to fit the worker. Neglect of ergonomic principles results in inefficiency and pain in the workplace. The objective of this research is to assess the knowledge of Computer Ergonomics among Computer Science Engineering and Information Technology Students in Karnataka. In this Cross-sectional study, 177 Computer Science Engineering and Information Technology Students were recruited. A questionnaire is used to gather details regarding Personal characteristics, Computer Usage and Knowledge of Ergonomics. Descriptive statistics was produced for Personal characteristics and Computer usage. The distribution of responses to the items related to Ergonomic knowledge was presented by percentage of the subjects who answered correctly. The results shows that Majority of the subjects were unaware of ergonomics (32.8% correct responses), cumulative trauma disorders (18.6% correct responses), healthy postures related to elbow (34.4% correct responses),...

The validity of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) has been mostly studied in North America and Europe. We investigated the psychometric validation of the Arabic version of the PAQ-C in students in Saudi Arabia. The students (n = 327, age = 8–14 years) of six primary schools in the Majmaah region participated in the study. Participants completed the PAQ-C, and their demographics were recorded. The PAQ-C scores satisfied the following factor analysis assumptions: diagonal elements of the anti-image correlation matrix (>0.5), Bartlett’s test of sphericity (p < 0.001), determinant (>0.00001), Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test of sampling adequacy (>0.8), and communality (all values > 0.2). Exploratory factor analysis results were inconclusive, with two measures favoring a 2-factor solution (Kaiser’s criteria (Eigenvalue ≥ 1), and cumulative variance rule (>40%)); whereas, the scree test and the Monte Carlo parallel analysis favored a 1-factor structu...

BACKGROUND Flutter is a device used in removing excess lung secretions. The conventional flutter lacks a biofeedback component to facilitate optimal use by the patients. OBJECTIVE The current research aims to compare the effects of biofeedback flutter devices with the conventional flutter in managing the symptoms of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. METHODS One hundred and sixty-eight participants were randomly allocated into four groups: Group A (conventional), Group B (visual biofeedback), Group C (auditory biofeedback) and Group D (visual and auditory biofeedback). All groups were treated five days for 20 minutes. Outcome measures included wet sputum weight [during intervention (T1) and 1 hour after intervention (T2)], oxygen saturation and dyspnea score (before and after intervention) on all days. RESULTS The wet sputum expectorated (T2) by Group B was significantly higher than Group A (P< 0.001), Group C (P< 0.001) and Group D (P< 0.05). The dyspnea...

Objective: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have a significant impact on university faculty members. However, very few studies addressed this issue. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and factors associated with WMSDs among the College of Applied Medical Sciences (CAMS) faculty members of Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60 faculty members were recruited using convenience sampling technique. After obtaining the informed consent, data regarding personal characteristics, workplace factors, and prevalence of WMSDs were collected by a valid, reliable, and self-administered musculoskeletal questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of WMSDs in anybody region among faculty members in this study was 55 %. The neck complaint was the most prevalent WMSDs (53.5%), followed by lower back (43.3%) and hand regions (31.6%). Computer use and lack of ergonomic training were associated with WMSDs in most of the body region...

Introduction: Postural alignment is commonly assessed, and the abnormal postures are associated with musculoskeletal disorders. There are different methods for screening spinal column anomalies. The flexible ruler provides a safe, portable, inexpensive and non-invasive way to measure the spinal curvature in clinical and larger population. Aim: To determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of flexible ruler in measuring lumbar lordosis among children. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study 81 school children that fulfilled the criteria were recruited with age ranging from 9 to 15 years. Youdas method in standing position was adopted. By using flexible ruler, measurement was taken and without altering the shape of the lumbar curve it was traced in a graph sheet. By using straight ruler, line L and H were drawn by following deep point method. Lumbar lordosis angle was calculated by using the formula, θ=4Arctan 2H/L. Intra-rater reliability: Four measurements we...

The purpose of this case report is to provide insight regarding the screening and early physical therapy interventions for a child with Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH). The increased mobility in joints than the normal range of movement in one joint is referred to as Hypermobility. The Hypermobility occurring in more than one joint is referred to as Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH). GJH is usually benign (asymptomatic) however, over time may lead to joint pain and developmental delay. Identifying the GJH at the school-age would facilitate to monitor early changes and to plan for early rehabilitative intervention. This case report describes the clinical findings of a 7-year-old primary school male student with GJH. This patient scored 9 points in the Beighton score. The preliminary physical therapy sessions were targeted to improve joint protection, joint control, and stability. The long-term goals were injury prevention and physical fitness.

Today marks the publication date of the inaugural issue of the International Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (IJHRS). IJHRS is a publication of Global Network of Health Educators (GNHE), a not-for-profit initiative of Health educators worldwide in a mission to promote the health related awareness across the globe. We would like to take this opportunity to place on record my hearty thanks to all the members of GNHE and editorial board of IJHRS for their invaluable personal and scientific resources for guiding the journal from initial planning to the first steps it is taking now. Our aim is that IJHRS will be the paramount archive of knowledge in the areas of Health and Rehabilitation sciences. IJHRS is in open access format, in our view the only relevant such model in these times where information must be freely available to all. The traditional subscription-based model inherently denies free access to knowledge and seems contrary to the attribute of scientific thought. Our goal is to have a rapid peer review process, and we will make every effort to make an initial decision at the earliest. The peer review process will match scholarly reviewers with submitted manuscripts to produce high quality articles of interest and scientific caliber. The process is confidential so that criticisms and revisions are made in the fairest manner possible. The final decision on publication will be made by the editorial board. We will look for submissions of interesting and important scientific information that hopefully will have clinical application. High quality research of all types will be fostered and published with pride in the journal. IJHRS will be shortly indexed in Index Copernicus and other indexing authorities. We have the opportunity to improve the quality of life of so many people in developing countries and otherwise disadvantaged situations. The talent and determination of our readers is a resource with unlimited potential and we have this as a motive to produce and nurture new scientific thought for the benefit of the patient community. We look forward to a most interesting future for IJHRS. Our editorial board includes world leaders in all areas of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and a comprehensive international distribution. There is every reason to expect that we will set new standards in the world of Health and related publications in the process improve public health significantly. We thank our contributors and readers for their interest and efforts in advancing this worthy cause.

ABSTRACT Background: The range of motion and function of the shoulder girdle and upper back are believed to be impaired following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) through median sternotomy. Until date, there is no study published in India, which determines the occurrence of shoulder disorders in CABG patients. Objective: To determine the occurrence of shoulder disorders among post-CABG patients and to explore the associated factors. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, 45 postoperative CABG patients were recruited. Details regarding demographic data, operative data, pre-and post-operative physiotherapy management and the occurrence of shoulder disorders were collected by face-to-face interview method using a questionnaire specifically designed for this study. Results: The occurrence of shoulder disorders among post-CABG patients was 36%. Predominance of shoulder disorders was found at the time point 3-4 months after CABG. No signifi cant association was found between age, gender and performance of upper limb exercises and the occurrence of shoulder disorders. Conclusion:Given the high occurrence of shoulder disorder, it is crucial that rehabilitation professionals take essential steps to assess and treat these complications in the immediate postoperative period and continue the same following discharge from the hospital.The paper concludes by calling for further research to explore and develop a more directed prophylactic exercise regimen for the musculoskeletal complications following CABG. Key words: Cardiac rehabilitation, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, coronary artery disease, shoulder disorders

ABSTRACT Background: The human hand is a very complex structure and devoted to the functions of manipulation. Hand grip strength is used in clinical settings as an indicator of overall physical strength and health. Objectives: This cross-sectional study was performed to study the association between hand grip strength and anthropometric measurements (height, weight, body mass index, hand dimensions) in healthy Indian female population. Methods and Measures: A total of 50 healthy female subjects, satisfying the selection criteria were recruited in the study. Subjects were then assessed for height, weight, body mass index (BMI), hand and forearm anthropometric measurements. The grip strength of both dominant and non-dominant hands were measured using Jamar dynamometer. Measurements followed standardized procedures and instructions. Statistical analysis: The data was analyzed by Pearson's correlation coefficients and 5% level of probability was used to indicate statistical significance. Results: In females, dominant and non-dominant grip strength have significant positive correlation (p<0.05 -0.001) with height (r = 0.572, 0.570), weight (r = 0.404, 0.411), hand length(r = 0.39, 0.40), hand span (r = 0.44, 0.46), wrist circumference(r = 0.37, 0.31) and forearm girth (r = 0.39, 0.35). Conclusion: The results show that height, weight, hand length, hand span, wrist circumference and forearm girth positively correlate with hand grip strength. Hand grip strength is not associated with BMI and hand breadth in healthy Indian females.

www.ijhrs.com Background: Grip strength is widely accepted indicator of nutritional status, bone mineral content, muscular strength and functional integrity of upper extremity. The assessment of grip strength plays a vital role in determining the efficacy of different treatment strategies of hand.

Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is common among schoolchildren and usually benign. However, it may progressively lead to joint pain and developmental delay. Identifying GJH in school-aged children would facilitate the monitoring of early changes and planning for early rehabilitative intervention. Epidemiological studies addressing the prevalence of GJH among children in the Gulf region and Arab ethnicity are lacking. Hence, we aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern, and factors associated with GJH among school-aged children in the Majmaah region, Saudi Arabia. Male and female school-aged children 8–14 years of age from the Majmaah region of Saudi Arabia participated in this cross-sectional study. Beighton score was used to assess GJH. Personal characteristics such as age, height, weight, body mass index, and handedness were also collected. Descriptive statistics were obtained for personal characteristics, the point prevalence of hypermobility, frequency of Beighton score d...

Objectives: The objective of this study is to establish the Content validity and inter-rater reliability of an instrument (Checklist) to assess ergonomic practice of Computer professionals using a rigorous Judgment-quantification process and Intra-class correlation coefficient respectively. Methods and Measures: The Draft Checklist composed of 43 items related to Working Postures, Seating, Keyboard/Mouse, Monitor, Table and Accessories and finally Rest breaks and Exercises. A panel of 9 experts validated the Draft Ergonomic Practice Checklist. The Content Validity Index (CVI) was calculated after receiving all correspondence regarding content validity for each item of the checklist. Finally, a Focus group was held to evaluate the instrument for overall comprehensiveness. A total of 20 computer professionals both males and females of mean age of 33.8 years participated in the inter-rater reliability study. The raters of this study were 2 Physiotherapy faculties with mean clinical and...

Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are common among healthcare professionals. The physical demands of the jobs are believed to contribute to the high incidence of WRMSDs. It is imperative to look for the strategies to efficiently prevent and manage WRMSDs in order to reduce the stress on healthcare professionals and sustain a viable workforce. This review outlines the strategies to reduce the risk of WRMSDs based on the researches and literature related to occupational health, safety and wellness. Finally the proposed strategies recognize the growing state of awareness and the need for ongoing research and development in the area of injury prevention among healthcare professionals. Key words: Occupational health, Work related musculoskeletal disorders, Healthcare professionals

Despite the documented benefits of physical activity, many adults do not obtain the recommended amounts. Barriers to physical activity occur at multiple levels, including at the individual, interpersonal, and environmental levels. Only until more recently has there been a concerted focus on how the physical environment might affect physical activity behavior. With this new area of study, self-report measures should be psychometrically tested before use in research studies. Therefore the objective of this study was to document the test-retest reliability of a questionnaire designed to assess physical environmental factors that might be associated with physical activity in a diverse adult population. Test and retest surveys were conducted over the telephone with 106 African American and White women and men living in either Forsyth County, North Carolina or Jackson, Mississippi. Reliability of self-reported environmental factors across four domains (e.g., access to facilities and desti...

Objective: To determine the position sense acuity across shoulder rotational range of motion in healthy subjects. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Sports Medicine Department, Manipal hospital, Bangalore. Participants: Thirty healthy subjects with right hand dominance. Method: The ability of the subjects to replicate two criterion positions (mid-range and outer range) was examined in subjects' shoulder joints by using a standard goniometer. 50% and 90% range of total passive shoulder rotational range of motion were the two criterion positions. The difference between the test range of motion and repositioning range of motion indicates the position sense acuity. Results: There was a better position sense acuity in 90% range compared to that at 50% and was more in dominant shoulder than nondominant shoulder. Conclusion: Outer range shoulder rotational range of motion has minimum error in position sense acuity due to the tension in the peri articular structures of shoulder joint.

Medication discrepancies are medication-related problems (MRPs) that frequently occur when patients are transferred between settings of care. Older patients are at high risk for several reasons, including high consumption of medicines, and physical and cognitive deficiencies that can impair the communication process. Most previous studies that have evaluated medication discrepancies used instruments designed for clinical practice, but a well-validated and reliable instrument for clinical research is still lacking. The aims of this study were to (i) develop an instrument to characterize medication discrepancies that fulfils quality requirements for classification of MRPs related to continuity of care and (ii) assess its content validity and inter-rater reliability. The instrument was developed based on three main inputs: (i) a literature review to collect information about the quality requirements of instruments to characterize MRPs; (ii) another literature review to identify existing instruments to characterize MRPs and, more specifically, medication discrepancies; and (iii) previous experience from a pilot study on Belgian patients discharged from surgical and medical wards. Content validity was assessed using a modified Delphi technique with 11 healthcare professionals. Content validity indexes were calculated. For inter-rater reliability, three pharmacists (one experienced and two naive) were asked to identify and categorize (type and cause of) unintentional medication discrepancies for 21 patients discharged from hospital into the community. The intra-class correlation coefficient was calculated to compare the number of discrepancies identified, and a paradox-resistant index (AC1) was used to determine the inter-rater reliability for the type and cause of the discrepancy. The instrument had 54 items classified in three sections (type of discrepancy, cause and intervention), with detailed specifications on how to use it. All evaluations relative to content validity met predefined cut-off values, except for two of them. Intra-class correlation coefficients of ≥0.76 and AC1 coefficients of ≥0.89 were found for the number and the type of discrepancies, respectively. Regarding evaluation of the specific causes of medication discrepancies, final AC1 results of ≥0.86 were obtained, except for three items (which had values between 0.62 and 0.79). The validity and reliability of the instrument developed to assess unintentional medication discrepancies at patient transition from the hospital to the community setting was found to be satisfactory.

Ergonomics is the science of designing the job to fit the worker. Neglect of ergonomic principles results in inefficiency and pain in the workplace. The objective of this research is to assess the knowledge of Computer Ergonomics among Computer Science Engineering and Information Technology Students in Karnataka. In this Cross-sectional study, 177 Computer Science Engineering and Information Technology Students were recruited. A questionnaire is used to gather details regarding Personal characteristics, Computer Usage and Knowledge of Ergonomics. Descriptive statistics was produced for Personal characteristics and Computer usage. The distribution of responses to the items related to Ergonomic knowledge was presented by percentage of the subjects who answered correctly. The results shows that Majority of the subjects were unaware of ergonomics (32.8% correct responses), cumulative trauma disorders (18.6% correct responses), healthy postures related to elbow (34.4% correct responses), wrist & hand (39.5% correct responses), Level of Monitor (35% correct responses), Position of mouse (47.4% correct responses) and Mini breaks (42.9% correct responses). This research highlighted the necessity of Ergonomic training regarding healthy postures and the measures to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders for the students.