Physiotherapy Practice and Research - Volume 43, issue 2

Authors: Moran, Jonathan

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-229002

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 133-133, 2022

Authors: O’Malley, Niamh | O’Neill, Brenda

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Physiotherapists in Irish hospitals with critical care units deliver physiotherapy services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is a perceived lack of consistency in the level of clinical competence, required skills and content of training between hospitals, compounded by the absence of a national policy, procedure or clinical framework for physiotherapists working in critical care. The study aimed to identify the minimum standards of clinical practice expected of physiotherapists working in critical care settings in Ireland. METHODS: A modified Delphi technique was used to survey a panel of senior and clinical specialist physiotherapists working …in critical care units in Ireland to obtain consensus of items. The questionnaire of 214 items was completed over three rounds. Items were determined ‘Essential/Not Essential/Unsure’ by participants. Items that did not reach consensus were included in the subsequent round with additional items suggested by participants. RESULTS: 25/46(54%) physiotherapists completed the first round, with 17 and 13 completing round 2 and round 3 respectively. A total of 220 items were included, 120 of which were deemed essential for a minimum standards of independent clinical practice in Irish critical care units. Fifty-six items were considered not essential while consensus was not reached on 44 items. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified 120 items of knowledge and clinical skills considered essential as a minimum standard by physiotherapists working in Irish critical care units. Further discussion is required to determine how these results can be applied to guide clinical practice for physiotherapists working in critical care in Ireland. Show more

Keywords: Critical care, physiotherapy, on-call, minimum standards, education

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-210623

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 135-148, 2022

Authors: Hassan, Anwar | Boyle, Shelley | Lai, William | Barve, Kirti | Scanlon, Katherine | Shakeshaft, Anthony J. | Cox, Michael R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Poor cardiopulmonary fitness is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality following major surgery. Targeted prehabilitation interventions with adequate intensity improve cardiopulmonary function. Several systematic reviews have noted the variation in outcomes for prehabilitation, providing poor evidence due to inadequate patient numbers and poor compliance. Our aim was to assess the outcomes of the Preoperative Education and Prehabilitation Program (PrEPP) for patients undergoing major abdominal or thoracic surgery. METHODS: PrEPP is a supervised education and exercise training program twice a week and an at-home exercise program three times a week for up to four weeks. …A comparison of outcomes was made using the data collected on each patient in PrEPP with a historical control group. RESULTS: There were 370 patients, 185 in each group. They were matched for age (+/- 10 years), gender, and surgery type. There were significant reductions in prolonged ventilation (>48 hours) from 5.4% to 1.1% (p  = 0.03) and mean length of stay (LOS) from 10.2 days to 8.5 days (p  = 0.04) in the PrEPP group. The incidence of superficial surgical site infection was also found to be less in the PrEPP group (p  = 0.02). There were no significant differences in the incidence of pneumonia (3.8% to 2.7%), unplanned re-intubation (3.8% to 1.6%), readmission rate (12.4% to 9.7%), cardiac events or other post-surgical infections. CONCLUSION: The PrEPP was associated with reduced ventilation days and LOS. Further studies are required to confirm these results. Show more

Keywords: Exercise, prehabilitation, physical conditioning, patient education, physiotherapy, postoperative pulmonary complication

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-210611

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 149-156, 2022

Authors: Suresh, Vaishnavi | Karthikbabu, Suruliraj | Prem, Venkatesan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is one of the neurophysiological techniques aimed at reducing pain and disability. This systematic review objective addresses the current evidence on PNF techniques’ effectiveness in chronic low back and neck pain. METHODS: Literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Wiley and Ovid databases were searched until 2021. The content of the titles and the abstracts were analysed to gather information about the effects of PNF in chronic back and neck pain with outcomes of pain and disability. The quality of the studies was analysed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal score. Meta-analysis …was performed on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for chronic low back pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) for disability. RESULTS: Nine studies addressed the different PNF based interventions on chronic low back pain, with a total of 416 participants. The intervention period ranged 3–6 weeks, and two studies conducted 12-weeks follow-up. Many studies measured pain using a VAS and NRS, whereas the disability through ODI and RMDQ. The JBI score ranged from 6/13 to 11/13. None of the PNF studies treated chronic neck pain. CONCLUSION: PNF might be beneficial for reducing low back pain and related disability. The long term effects of PNF on chronic low back pain, and also to determine its benefits on chronic neck pain are warranted in future studies. Show more

Keywords: Disability, chronic low back pain, chronic neck pain, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-210572

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 157-172, 2022

Authors: Fursule, Darshana | Mungikar, Sanket | Garg, Kapil | Wani, Surendra | Joseph, Sibi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Neurodynamic tests (NDT) have shown to be useful in evaluating neural tissue involvement. Clinicians evaluate NDT using range of motion, sensory responses like location or quality of symptoms, Nerve conduction values and compare its results with normal values. Currently, there are no studies in lumbar radiculopathy patients that define the normal response to peroneal neurodynamic test (NDTPER ) PURPOSE: To study the sensory responses to neurodynamic testing of peroneal nerve in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. DESIGN: A cross sectional study design. METHODS: NDTPER was performed on 57 patients with lumbar radiculopathy. Hip …flexion angle was taken at the onset of symptoms (P1) and point of maximally tolerated symptoms (P2), quality and distribution of symptoms were recorded. Sensory nerve conduction velocity measure (SNCV) was also noted in those patients. MAIN RESULTS: The descriptor of nature of sensory responses most often used by patients was tingling (28.07%) in the lateral foot (26.32%). Hip flexion was significantly higher at P2 than P1 (mean difference: 22.54±3.73°; 95% CI: 21.55°, 23.54°; p  < 0.0001). The SNCV of affected limb was marginally reduced but not statistically significant compared to contralateral limb (mean difference: –1.467±0.8013; 95% CI: –3.054, 0.1209; p  = 0.0698). CONCLUSION: This study describes the hip angle at which symptoms are reproduced, nature and distribution of sensory responses to the NDTPER in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. However, the sensory nerve conduction velocity of affected limb was reduced marginally but not statistically significant as compared to unaffected limb. Show more

Keywords: Neurodynamic test, peroneal nerve, sensory response, SNCV, lumbar radiculopathy

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-220659

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 173-178, 2022

Authors: Curran, Liam | Meehan, Caileen | Delahunt, Eamonn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Previous research has shown that 40% of people who suffer an ankle sprain will develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). Both mechanical insufficiencies and functional insufficiencies contribute to the development of CAI. In order to reduce the incidence of CAI and to provide the highest standard of care to patients, physiotherapists must be able to identify these insufficiencies in order to develop an appropriate treatment pathway. METHODS: We designed an online survey which the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists sent to members within particular subgroups. The survey allowed us to determine the competencies of Chartered Physiotherapists in conducting …a comprehensive clinical ankle assessment, their knowledge of CAI and their self-rated confidence in treating and assessing an ankle injury. RESULTS: From the emails distributed, 263 people chose to take part. Of those, 87 people completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 33%. Of the 87 respondents, 49% could not identify any mechanical impairments, and 40% could only identify one. 47% could not identify any functional impairments, 21% identified one and 25% identified two. 62% of participants did not include ankle joints arthrokinematics in their clinical assessments of ankle injury, and 60% did not include patient reported outcome measures. Therefore the majority of Irish physiotherapist’s are not meeting the minimally accepted standards of ankle injury assessments. Despite this, 86% of participants rated themselves as 6/10 or greater in their own clinical assessment proficiency. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight that Irish physiotherapist have a limited understanding of the mechanical and functional insufficiencies contributing to the development of CAI. Show more

Keywords: Chronic ankle instability, mechanical impairments, functional impairments, ankle clinical assessment, self-rated proficiency

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-220638

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 179-187, 2022

Authors: O’Connor, Siobhán | Bruce, Conor | Whyte, Enda

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Injuries are frequent in hurlers and injury prevention exercise programmes implemented during their warm-up could play a role in reducing injury risk. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a ten-week Activate GAA warm-up intervention improves outcomes (landing mechanics, dynamic postural control, quality of movement and hamstring and adductor strength) in hurlers. METHODS: A non-randomized controlled trial was implemented in adult male non-elite hurlers (intervention n =58; control n =59) and players were eligible if they were uninjured and currently playing with a non-elite hurling team. The landing error scoring system (LESS), Y balance test, overhead squat, single …leg squat, hamstring strength test and adductor break test were assessed by one Certified Athletic Therapist pre- and post-intervention. The intervention group completed the Activate GAA warm-up prior to all training and games. Two participants were unable to complete post-testing due to injury in the control group only. RESULTS: The ANCOVA analysis revealed that the intervention group’s landing mechanics (LESS total score: p <0.0001, η p 2 =0.34), postural control (Y balance test composite score: p <0.0001, η p 2 =0.23), and quality of movement (Overhead squat: p <0.0001, η p 2 =0.21; single leg squat dominant: p =0.04, η p 2 =0.0.04; single leg squat non-dominant: p <0.0001, η p 2 =0.12) were significantly better than the control group. Adductor and hamstring strength were not significantly improved (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the use of the Activate GAA warm-up in non-elite adult male hurlers with improvements observed in landing mechanics, dynamic postural control and quality of movement. Randomised controlled trials to examine its effect on injury incidence along with consideration of long-term compliance are required. Show more

Keywords: Injury prevention, injury prevention exercise program, hurlers, GAA

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-220656

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 189-197, 2022

Authors: Prabhu, Chaitali | Kulkarni, Neha | Palekar, Tushar J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Badminton depends on key factors like reaction time, agility and core endurance to deliver a powerful and precise stroke. The purpose of this study is to explore the associations between agility and core endurance on visual reaction time among adult male amateur badminton players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Amateur male badminton players between 12–25 years were recruited and assessed on visual reaction time, agility and core endurance using deary liewald reaction time software, T test and prone bridge test respectively. Pearson correlation test was used to analyze the data for correlation while Mann Whitney U test was …used to find the difference, if any, between the adolescent and adult players in terms of reaction time, agility and core endurance. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 23. RESULT: Ninety amateur male badminton players in the age group of 12–25 years were included in the study. Data analysis was done for adolescent players (n  = 45 of 12–17 years) and young adult players (n  = 45 of 17–25 years). A positive correlation was obtained between reaction time and agility in both adolescents’ and young adults and the entire population with r value 0.413, 0.082, and 0.244 respectively. A negative correlation was seen between reaction time and core endurance in adolescents, young adults and whole group with r value –0.283, –0.267, –0.272 respectively. CONCLUSION: Amateur badminton players who had good agility displayed faster reaction time while those having poor core endurance showed slower reaction time. Show more

Keywords: Agility, Core endurance, reaction time, amateur badminton players

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-210578

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 199-204, 2022

Authors: Zulaikha, Sarah | Justine, Maria | Joanny, Angelbeth | Che Mood, Aslinda | Mohan, Vikram

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the risk factors for falls is necessary for the prevention of falls in older adults. This study aimed to identify the levels of knowledge of the risk factors of falls among physiotherapy students in Malaysia. METHODS: A total of 239 physiotherapy students from seven institutions completed a two-section questionnaire about their sociodemographic information and knowledge regarding risk factors for falls (balance/gait disorders, muscle weakness, environmental hazards, postural hypotension, sensory/perceptive deceptive, multiple medications, impaired cognitive and foot/footwear problems) that were answered on a Likert scale ranging from “Not very important (1)” to “Very important (5)”. …RESULTS: Analysis indicated that only two factors scored means of > 4, namely balance/gait disorders and muscle weakness, with 82.8% and 65.7% responded “very important”, respectively. The factors with the lowest means were postural hypotension (3.41±1.40) and multiple medications (2.97±1.21), in which the majority of the participants responded as “somewhat unimportant” or “moderately important. Students studying full-time and those with no working experience were significantly better than part-time students and those with working experience, respectively, in the level of knowledge of risk factors of falls (Both p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that physiotherapy students in Malaysia may have insufficient knowledge about the risk factors of falls as all factors should be deemed very important. The higher education providers should design a comprehensive curriculum considering all factors, especially postural hypotension and multiple medications. Show more

Keywords: Falls, Malaysia, physiotherapy, prevention strategies

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-220624

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 205-212, 2022

Authors: Allen, Diane D. | Burchuladze, Sophia | Grady, Gabrielle | Lee, Matthew | Mindel, Lauren | Widener, Gail L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Balance-based torso-weighting has improved gait and balance performance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in a single session with torso-weights on, demonstrating an orthotic effect. Daily use of torso-weighting may promote motor learning and more enduring therapeutic effects but has not yet been studied. PURPOSE: Confirm orthotic effects and compare therapeutic effects of daily torso-weighting versus shape/sham-weighting or no weighting. We hypothesized that daily torso-weighting would result in positive effects on gait and balance, tested without weights. METHODS: Five participants with MS experienced three conditions for 2-4 weeks each: no weights first, then double-blinded randomization …to torso-weighting or shape-weighting first then cross-over to the alternate condition. Personalized torso-weighting on a vest-like garment countered individual reactive balance responses following manual perturbations. Postural sway recorded orthotic effects with/without torso-weights while standing on a force plate with eyes open/closed. Clinical measures recorded therapeutic effects while unweighted: gait parameters, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and Sensory Organization Test (SOT). Weighting conditions were compared using paired t -tests with one-tailed alpha at 0.05. RESULTS: Postural sway decreased significantly with torso-weights. Cadence and step width improved significantly after torso-weighting versus shape-weight periods. Average gait parameters showed no improvement after shape-weight periods. Velocity, 6MWT, and SOT tended to improve with torso-weighting, averaging improvements of+15%,+16%, and+13.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support both orthotic and therapeutic effects of torso-weighting. Daily use of torso-weights for multiple weeks may promote motor learning of gait parameters and balance. Further research is warranted to examine sensory augmentation as a potential mechanism. Show more

Keywords: Postural control, gait, multiple sclerosis, rehabilitation, motor learning, torso-weighting

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-210620

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 213-222, 2022