Effect Of Graston Technique Versus Ischaemic Compression In Students Who Developed Neck Pain During Distance Learning In COVID-19: A Pilot Study Preceding The Randomised Clinical Trial.

Many people experienced neck pain during COVID-19 quarantine period due to prolonged use of electronic devices for academic activities and work from home. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Graston Technique versus Ischaemic Compression on pain, range of movement (ROM), and functional performance in students with neck pain, due to distance learning during COVID-19 pandemic. A pilot study (randomised clinical trial) was performed. Fifty-four subjects were included in the study on the basis of sample selection criteria and were divided into two groups, Group A and Group B. The outcome measures were pain, range of movement (ROM), and disability assessed by Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), goniometry and Neck disability index (NDI) respectively. Group A received treatment with hot pack and Graston technique, while Group B received a hot pack and Ischaemic compression. Three sessions per week on alternate days for four weeks were given to each patient. Both groups were reassessed after four weeks of treatment. Data was analysed using SPSS 26. There was a statistically significant change within both the groups in NPRS, NDI, and cervical ROM (p< 0.05). Both were effective but the group using Graston Technique showed more improvement.

Speech language pathologists' self-report on counselling.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of understanding among speech language pathologists regarding counselling. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted online from July 2020 to January 2021, and comprised speech language pathologists of either gender working in public or private institutions or clinics of Punjab, Sindh and KPK. Data was collected using the Self-report on counselling and interpersonal communication skills' questionnaire. The collected data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 190 subjects, 176(92.6%) were females and 14(7.4%) were males. Majority 173(91.1%) were aged 25-35 years, and 173(91.1%) belonged to the Punjab province. Majority 175(92%) of the respondents reported satisfaction about their own counselling skills, while 168(88.4%) also expressed the need for inclusion of more courses and training to develop counselling and interpersonal communication skills. CONCLUSIONS: With experience, professional counselling skills improve and awareness about the need to incorporate counselling training also increases.

Perception of speech and language pathologists towards augmentative and alternative communication in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of understanding and use of augmentative and alternative communication devices in Pakistani speech pathologists.. METHODS: The cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to June 2015 in six major cities of Pakistan: Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar. It comprised speech and language pathologists who were asked to fill a questionnaire that consisted of10 questions. Data was analysed using SPSS17. Result: Overall calculated mean and standard error of mean from the respondents who agreed and strongly agreed regarding understanding, opinion-assessment and treatment about augmentative and alternative communication was153±36.373 and 12.124 respectively. RESULTS: Of the 132 subjects, 68(51.5%) were in the education group and 64(48.5%) in the control group. Postintervention, 11(16.2%) women in the education group and 37(57.8%)in the control group developed severe preeclampsia. Subsequently, 44(64.7%) in the education group had no preeclampsia. The corresponding number in the control group was 15(23.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Speech pathologists had understanding of assessing and working with individuals using augmentative and alternative communication.