Physiotherapy Practice and Research - Volume Pre-press, issue Pre-press

Authors: Arovah, Novita I. | Yuniana, Rina | Kurniawaty, Juni | Haroen, Hartiah

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Epidemiological evidence underscores low back pain (LBP) as a prevalent and consequential musculoskeletal disorder, posing a significant public health challenge. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) play a crucial role in the diagnostic process for LBP, with the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) being a commonly utilized tool in evaluating LBP. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Indonesian version of the 24-item-RMDQ among nonspecific LBP (NSLBP) patients. METHODS: The RMDQ scales underwent forward-backwards translation, readability, and content validity assessments with NSLBP patients (n  = 137), with a mean age of 38.6±11.8 years (59% female). …Psychometric testing included assessments of internal consistency and 1-week test-retest reliability, convergent validity with pain numeric rating scale (PNRS), and the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) of quality of life (Short Form 12). The construct validity using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). RESULTS: The findings of this study indicated a good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.80) of the translated instrument. Moderate to good repeatability estimates of all RMDQ items were demonstrated with the total ICC of the total RMDQ score of 0.90 [95%CI (0.85–0.94)]. The instrument correlations with PNRS, PCS, and MCS were 0.54, 0.60, and 0.23, respectively. The goodness-of-fit test further affirmed an acceptable fit of the data, although low factor loadings were found in several RMDQ items. CONCLUSION: Although the factor structure of the RMDQ scale warrants further investigation, the overall findings support its suitability for clinical application in Indonesian NSLBP patients. Show more

Keywords: Low back pain, psychometric, reliability, translation, validity

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-240870

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-8, 2024

Authors: Selvam, Monisha | Kotteeswaran, K. | Buvanesh, A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral arthritis is a common condition causing knee pain and functional limitations. The Mikhled Knee Exercise Program (MKEP) is an emerging approach for managing this condition, but its efficacy needs further evaluation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the comparative effectiveness of MKEP combined with ultrasound therapy and conventional physiotherapy combined with ultrasound therapy in managing patellofemoral arthritis. METHODS: Thirty participants diagnosed with patellofemoral arthritis were randomly assigned to two groups: MKEP group (n  = 15) and conventional therapy group (n  = 15). The MKEP group received the Mikhled knee exercise program along with ultrasound therapy, while the conventional group …received traditional physiotherapy exercises and ultrasound therapy. Both groups underwent a 6-week intervention. Pain levels were assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and functional status was evaluated using the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) at baseline and after the intervention. RESULT: Both groups showed significant improvements in NPRS and AKPS scores after the intervention (p  < 0.0001). However, the MKEP group exhibited substantially greater improvements in NPRS (mean post-test score: 3.93 vs. 4.87) and AKPS (mean post-test score: 76.14 vs. 65.93) compared to the conventional group (p  < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the Mikhled Knee Exercise Program combined with ultrasound therapy is more effective than conventional physiotherapy with ultrasound in reducing pain and improving functional status among patients with patellofemoral arthritis. Show more

Keywords: Patellofemoral arthritis, knee pain, ultrasound, Mikhled knee exercise program, physiotherapy

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-240874

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-6, 2024

Authors: Murphy, Rachel | Crowe, Aoife | Gardner, Sophie | O’ Hara, Grainne | O’Shea, Orlagh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: to explore the patient experience of rehabilitation following a COVID-19 infection during the first wave of the pandemic. METHODS: All inpatients admitted for rehabilitation following COVID-19 infection or those who experienced COVID-19 infection while inpatients between March-August 2020 were screened for eligibility. Those meeting the eligibility criteria were invited to participate in a semi- structured interview, which were undertaken 3–6 months post discharge. Interviews were conducted by telephone, were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interviews were analysed using Braun and Clarkes thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 23 participants participated in the study. Mean age …of patients was 68.8(11.8) years, and 12 patients had a critical care admission prior to their admission for rehabilitation. Four key themes were identified from the qualitative data: (i) Acute period of symptoms after COVID-19 diagnosis, (ii) Post-acute inpatient rehabilitation experience, (iii) Transitioning home after hospitalisation with COVID-19 infection and (iv) Long Covid syndrome. Further subthemes were identified within these themes. CONCLUSION: The lived experience of COVID-19 from the acute stages, through rehabilitation and transitioning home and into society varied hugely between individuals at all stages, which should be reflected in our management of this patients. Some participants expressed feeling lonely and stigmatised during their rehabilitation, which is avoidable and should be considered in future pandemics and healthcare delivery. The role of physiotherapists during rehabilitation grew from providing physical rehabilitation to being a central part of the patients social support network. This research provides important learnings for healthcare delivery and training of healthcare providers. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, rehabilitation, patient experience, qualitative, physiotherapy

DOI: 10.3233/PPR-230843

Citation: Physiotherapy Practice and Research, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-8, 2024