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INTRODUCTION: The career landscape in Ayurveda is diverse and multifaceted. Many career opportunities are now being available for Ayurveda in many fields, e.g. cosmeceuticals, neutraceuticals, herbal pharmaceuticals, preventive healthcare, lifestyle and wellness and clinical research. However, an interactive platform is lacking to introduce recent Ayurveda graduates to emerging career opportunities. A dedicated career guidance module can help address these aspirations by providing insights into various career paths and potential career trajectories. This Needs Assessment Survey was conducted among different stakeholders within Ayurveda to find out the perceived need for introducing a career guidance module for interns. METHODOLOGY: After institutional sub-ethics committee approval, a peer-validated needs assessment questionnaire for a career guidance module was developed and administered to faculty, clinicians, industry entrepreneurs, post-graduate residents, fresh graduates and interns within Maharashtra. Snowball sampling through WhatsApp was used to collect responses. RESULTS: A total of 102 responses were received. Fifty-eight per cent of respondents were females. An almost equal number of faculty, interns and fresh graduates responded. In carer preferences, post-graduation followed by clinical practice were two responses that received maximum votes. An academic career was least preferred. The majority of faculty and students felt that sufficient career options were available for Ayurveda graduates. Private practitioners and entrepreneurs felt otherwise. For updated information on career opportunities, interns rely on the internet over peers and local contacts. Guidance from colleges is minimal. CONCLUSION: Internship is an important time in career decision-making. Internship experiences are likely to influence the opinions of fresh graduates regarding their desired career paths. Almost all survey participants agreed on an urgent need to have career guidance in Ayurveda. This should focus on employment, enhancing communication skills, professional ethics and leadership skills along with clinical expertise. The pursuit of a career in Ayurvedic research, Ayurvedic drug development, Ayurvedic manufacturing, Ayurvedic tourism, etc. lacks a clear career path. Most interns are unfamiliar with these uncharted career paths. The Health Universities, colleges and eminent experienced alumni of Ayurveda colleges can form an intensive network to guide and support students in making an appropriate choice of a career in Ayurveda.
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BACKGROUND: Dry needling (DN) is commonly used to treat various neuromuscular syndromes. It is effective in reducing spasticity in stroke and other neurological conditions. The current study explores the immediate effect of ultrasound-guided dry needling on soleus muscle spasticity and thickness in individuals with stroke. METHODS: Approval was obtained from the Institutional Sub-ethics Committee of Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Pune. The trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India. Thirty stroke survivors having soleus muscle spasticity ranging from grade 1 to 4 on the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) were selected. Spasticity was also assessed using the Modified Tardeau Scale (MTS) and H-reflex. Soleus muscle architecture was assessed by using ultrasonography (USG). Participants received a single session of DN for the spastic soleus muscle. Pre and immediate post-DN outcome measures were assessed. RESULTS: Based on USG findings, the thickness of the soleus muscle significantly increased by 2.67 mm (p<0.001) after dry needling treatment. The MMAS showed decreased spasticity by 1.47 (p<0.001) for ankle plantar flexors. A significant reduction of H-reflex values by 1.4 mV (p<0.001) was noted. The MTS also showed a significant increase in the range of ankle motion by 2.7 (p<0.001). All these indicate an immediate reduction of spasticity following DN. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of the current study, we can conclude that a single session of USG-guided DN has an immediate beneficial effect on reducing soleus muscle spasticity and increased muscle thickness in individuals with stroke.