Physiotherapy Practice and Research - Volume 43, issue 2

Authors: Ward, Susan | MacDermott, Emma Jane | Simmonds, Jane | Deane, Janet | Mockler, David | Dockrell, Sara

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the literature on children and young people with symptomatic hypermobility using a developmental framework. METHODS: A search was conducted in EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science and grey literature. Full text articles reporting children and young people (birth to 24 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of symptomatic hypermobility (including Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) using internationally recognised criteria or equivalent diagnoses were included. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews methodology was followed. RESULTS: Of the 1619 studies screened, 163 were included in the …scoping review. Studies were published from 1967-2021, 30% were narrative reviews and 24% were case reports, from a range of journals. Musculoskeletal and cutaneous characteristics were common in all developmental stages. Cardiovascular characteristics including autonomic dysfunction, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues were reported more frequently by adolescents. Young adult studies were scarce and included mostly case reports. Varied diagnostic criteria and assessment methods were identified. The Beighton Score was frequently used (93%), but rarely standardised (12%) and lacked consensus regarding the cut-off point of hypermobility. CONCLUSIONS: This novel systematic scoping review identifies the changing phenotype of symptomatic hypermobility from childhood to adolescence, and the unique stage of young adulthood. There is a lack of guidance regarding the utilisation of standardised tools to assess hypermobility in clinical practice and research. Numerous and inconsistent diagnostic criteria and assessment methods limit the data analysis. Case control and longitudinal studies using defined, bespoke criteria and assessments are needed. Show more

Keywords: Joint hypermobility, symptoms, paediatrics, adolescent health

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-220699

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 223-236, 2022

Authors: Martin, Louise | Lyons, Marian

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Head trauma can cause secondary benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is a common peripheral condition which can lead to significant morbidity, psychosocial impact and increased medical costs [1 ]. CASE DESCRIPTION: A patient post fall with an associated head trauma presented to the emergency department with severe vertigo, nausea, and decreased mobility. The patient was assessed and treated by a vestibular trained physiotherapist. The patient was treated with one Epley repositioning manoeuvre and had complete resolution of symptoms and was discharged home the same day. CONCLUSION: BPPV can be successfully identified and treated by …vestibular trained physiotherapists in the emergency department. Early access to vestibular trained physiotherapy in the emergency department resulted in diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of BPPV which prevented hospital admission and improved this patient’s outcome. The patient had complete resolution of symptoms post the repositioning manoeuvre and was discharged to home. Show more

Keywords: BPPV, vestibular physiotherapy, emergency department, case study

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-210592

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 237-239, 2022

Authors: Reynolds, Aisling | Sheehy, Neasa | Awan, Nasir | Gallagher, Paula

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The satisfaction and acceptance of telehealth by the Irish physiotherapy service user is currently unclear. This study aims to evaluate the Irish service users’ experience of physiotherapy delivered totally or partially via telehealth, using a cross-sectional self-reported anonymous postal survey. METHODS: Service users (n  = 250) of the Cavan Monaghan physiotherapy department, Health Service Executive (HSE), Republic of Ireland were surveyed. Data was collected on demographics, experience with technology, experience and satisfaction with physiotherapy delivered via telehealth. Qualitative thematic analysis of the free-text responses was completed. RESULTS: A response rate of 40% was achieved. Participants attended …physiotherapy for an average of 2.65 months. Upper limb complaints comprised 29% of participants, 27% had a back complaint, 21% had a lower limb complaint and 14% attended for a women’s health issue. Those who received their physiotherapy consultation over the phone comprised 78%, while 15% received it virtually and 85% were highly or somewhat satisfied with the telehealth physiotherapy they received. However, 49% prefer blended care (combination of telehealth and face-to-face), 41% prefer face-to-face consultations only and 10% are satisfied with telehealth solely. The recipients of virtual calls were all satisfied. In the future, 60% of these participants would prefer blended care, 20% would prefer face-to-face care only and 20% would be satisfied with telehealth solely. CONCLUSION: The physiotherapy telehealth services were well received. There was a greater acceptance of future telehealth usage by video call recipients compared to those who received a phone call only. Engagement with appropriate service users and their needs will be required to ensure the longevity and success of telehealth. Show more

Keywords: Telehealth, COVID-19, physiotherapy, healthcare delivery, blended care

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-220646

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 241-248, 2022

Authors: Izzo, Rosanna | Zincarelli, Carmen | Onufrio, Michele | D’Alessio, Adriana | Di Ruocco, Giovanni | Di Minno, Matteo Nicola Dario | Pisacreta, Annaitalia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of our study is to evaluate effects of early rehabilitation treatment in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19, in order to improve patients’ autonomy and quality of life. METHODS: This observational study has been performed in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. All patients were evaluated at T0 using specific scales: Modified Barthel Index (MBI) for autonomy in ADL, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognitive status, Borg scale for dyspnoea, EQ5D scale for quality of life. In absence of contraindications for the rehabilitation treatment, patients start early a rehabilitation protocol consisting of one session (30 minutes) …per day, for 2 to 3 weeks; these scales have been repeated at patient’s demission (T1). RESULTS: 70 patients (37 women and 33 men, with average age of 71 years) with severe COVID-19 were included in the study. After rehabilitation treatment, MBI increases statistically significantly from T0 to T1 (39.8±35.0 with 95% CI 31.6–48, vs 69.8±38.1 with 95% CI 60.8–78.7, p  < 0.001); besides MBI at T0 correlates inversely and statistically significantly with all EQ-5D variables at T0, similarly at T1 (p  < 0.001), indicating the improvement of autonomy and therefore of the quality of life. The MMSE correlates statistically significantly with MBI at T0 and T1 (r  = 0.569, r  = 0.747 respectively, p  < 0.001), indicating that an adequate cognitive status is connected with a greater increase in autonomy in ADL after rehabilitation treatment. MBI correlates directly and significantly with the PaO2/FiO2 value both at T0 and T1 (r  = 0.263 with p  = 0.039, r  = 0.389 with p  = 0.023 respectively), indicating that improving the oxygen exchanges also improves the patient’s autonomy. CONCLUSIONS: An early rehabilitation treatment should promote autonomy and a better quality of life in patients with COVID-19. Show more

Keywords: Rehabilitation, COVID-19, quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-220667

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 249-255, 2022

Authors: Mohan, Meenakshi | Deb, Roumi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The treatment outcome is influenced by the relationship between health care providers and patients. So far, there is no validated tool/scale in Hindi which can be used in the Indian population to gather data on empathy and holistic care provided by the healthcare professionals during their consultation. The primary goal of the study is to translate and cross-culturally adapt the CARE scale to Hindi. Also, to determine its content validity and reliability so that further research can be done on the Hindi speaking Spinal Cord Injury population. METHODS: The study was conducted in three phases, …namely Translation-Cultural Adaptation, Content Validity, & Reliability. The CARE measure was translated into Hindi and qualitative and quantitative content validation through the expert opinion and the content validity ratio (CVR) method was tested on a purposive sample of 30 spinal cord injury (SCI) individuals in two rehabilitation centres in New Delhi, India. Item analysis was conducted (on 50 SCI individuals) to determine internal consistency reliability. RESULTS: The Hindi CARE measure high has high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.924). CVR and qualitative review done by the panels of experts validated the content of the CARE measure. CONCLUSION: The CARE measure- Hindi version is a validated and reliable tool to be used in Hindi speaking Spinal Cord Injury population context. Further work is required to establish test-retest reliability and studies on bigger sample size. Show more

Keywords: Empathy, patient-centred care, holistic approach, spinal cord injury, validation

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-210606

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 257-266, 2022

Authors: Madi, Mohammad | Hamzeh, Hayat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Engagement in continuing professional development (CPD) has recently become a mandatory requirement for practice in Jordan. This was part of the Jordanian government strategy to advance healthcare. AIMS The study aimed to draw the landscape of CPD for Jordanian physiotherapists. The activities, attitudes, and workplace environment related to CPD were explored. METHODS: A quantitative web-based survey was used to collect data. The survey was open for potential participants for three months from 29/01/2020. Only physiotherapists practicing in Jordan; and involved in direct patient care were invited to take part. Descriptive analysis was performed. …RESULTS: Eighty-six Physiotherapists representing multiple cities in Jordan completed the survey. The percentage of female participants was 52.3%. Most participants were general physiotherapists (N  = 42). Around 13% held a post graduate qualification. Most participants fulfilled the required number of CPD hours. The main driver for engagement in CPD was advancing knowledge (N  = 47, 55%), followed by improving patients’ care (N  = 22, 26%), and maximising opportunities for employment or promotion. Participants engaged with local workshops, reading articles in medical journals, and attending theoretical lectures in the workplace. The main barriers to engage with CPD were the high financial burden (N  = 65, 76%), inability to travel (N  = 40, 47%), and time limitations (N  = 33, 38%). CONCLUSION: This study is the first to provide evidence of the activities, motivators, and barriers to CPD in a sample of Jordanian physiotherapists. Findings are important in informing healthcare policymaking. It offers directions to maximise the impact of CPD. Show more

Keywords: Physiotherapy, continued education, continuing professional development, lifelonglearning, The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-220653

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 267-273, 2022

Authors: Ali, Mohammad | Uddin, Zakir | Hossain, Ahmed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Low back pain (LBP) is the top global cause of disability, and physiotherapy interventions are used to manage it. However, understanding of the practice pattern of physiotherapists dealing with LBP patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. This study aimed to explore the LBP practice pattern of LMIC’s (i. e., Bangladesh) physiotherapists by their demographic and professional factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study sent a survey to randomly selected physiotherapists via email. RESULTS: Data of 423 illegible physiotherapist were analyzed. The majority of the physiotherapists (54.8%) were nongovernment service holders, and 87.7% worked in …an urban setting. Recommended interventions were frequently used by only 12.3%, occasionally used by 66.2%, and 21.5% did not offer those interventions. Partially recommended interventions were frequently used by 33.3%, occasionally used by 43.7%, and never used by 23% of physiotherapists. For not recommended interventions, 69.3% occasionally, 13.5% frequently, and 17.3% never used such interventions. CONCLUSION: The study explored the practice pattern of physiotherapists of an LMIC by comparing available evidence-based practice guidelines for LBP. The findings of this study may provide an LMIC database to inform future research, clinical practice and education to ensure adherence to evidence-based LBP physiotherapy management. Show more

Keywords: Bangladesh, low back pain, physiotherapists, low-and middle-income countries, practice pattern.

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-210549

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 275-282, 2022