Impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease pandemic on healthy lifestyle behaviors in persons with and without disabilities in Qatar.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle behaviors which included physical activity, sedentariness, healthy eating habits, sleep habits, and tobacco use in persons with and without disabilities in Qatar. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a structured, online questionnaire. The collected data included demographics, mental health, physical health, eating habits, body weight, sleep, and nicotine intake. This study was conducted between September 25, 2020, and December 31, 2020. Results: Seventy respondents from Qatar participated in the study. Pre-pandemic healthy lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, healthy diet, sleep, etc.) showed no significant differences between people with and without disabilities. However, perceived changes in mental and physical health and eating habits during the pandemic lockdown differed between people with and without disabilities. People with disabilities reported worsening mental health (64.7%), physical health (53%), and dietary habits compared to the pre-pandemic levels. Furthermore, the more severe the disability, the more significant is its impact on mental and physical health. Conclusion: This study indicated that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental and physical health of people with and without disabilities in Qatar. These findings reveal how closely individuals with disabilities and their lifestyle choices are related to their mental and physical well-being. This will enable the development of specific interventions for similar situations in the future.

Traumatic spinal cord injuries at a tertiary care rehabilitation institute in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the epidemiological pattern of traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) presenting at a rehabilitation institute of a developing country. METHODS: Eighty three patients of traumatic SCI admitted at Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine in 2006 fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Detailed clinical evaluation and radiological assessment was done along with identification of mechanism of injury, mode of evacuation and presence of associated injuries. Data analysis was done in January 2007 and results were compiled and analyzed using SPSS 13. RESULTS: There were 68 (81.9%) males and 15 (18.1%) females. Mean age was 28.3 +/- 12.4 years. Majority of the patients were in their second decade 43 (51.8%) years. Ambulance evacuation was carried out in only 18 (22.2%) patients and none received any spinal trauma first aid and log roll at the injury site. Most of the patients were paraplegics 49 (71.1%), 48 (57.8%) had complete injury and 43 (51.8%) spinal fixation. Fracture dislocation was the predominant vertebral column injury in 25 patients. Associated injuries and problems were present in 49.4% patients. CONCLUSION: Epidemiology of SCI in a developing country has unique epidemiological features and problems, which is different from a developed country. This was to be considered while formulating a plan for SCI management and rehabilitation. There is a dire need to establish a SCI registry in Pakistan, in order to improve the spinal trauma evacuation protocols and develop spinal rehabilitation centers.

Role of therapeutic exercises in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a set of signs and symptoms existing due to compression of brachial plexus in the cervical area. We performed the study to highlight the role of therapeutic exercises on patients with neurogenic thoracic Outlet Syndrome. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was carried out at Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFIRM), Rawalpindi. Fifty consecutive patients of neurogenic TOS of both genders and all ages were selected. Patients were diagnosed clinically and the diagnosis was confirmed by electrodiagnosis. These patients were asked to follow a therapeutic exercises program for 6 months. Outcome measures included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Ulnar Nerve Conduction Velocity across neck. Results were compared by applying relevant tests of significance on follow up visits at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Mean age was 39.1 +/- 7.79 years. Thirty seven (74%) cases were females and thirteen (26%) were males. On each visit, statistical analysis showed significant improvement with therapeutic exercises. After 6 months of conservative treatment, 17 (34%) of patients showed full recovery, 14 (28%) had marked improvement, 16 (32%) had partial improvement while 3 (6%) patients reported with persistent severe symptoms. CONCLUSION: Current study shows that a trial of therapeutic exercises provides relief of symptoms of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in majority of patients.