Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Urdu version of the back pain functional scale in low back pain patients.

BACKGROUND: Translation and validation of important scales in other languages reduce bias in reporting the functional status of the patient. OBJECTIVE: To translate the Back Pain Functional Scale into Urdu (BPFSu), adapt it for use in other cultures, and evaluate its psychometric properties. METHOD: According to Beaton guidelines, translation and cultural adaption was carried out. On 100 Urdu-literate men and women aged 18-60 years with lower back pain, the final BPFSu was assessed for psychometric qualities. First at baseline and again after 7 days, participants completed the BPFSu, the Functional Rating Index (FRI), and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). RESULTS: Internal consistency of the BPFSu was excellent (Cronbach's alpha: 0.937). No floor and ceiling effects were found Excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.882, CI 95%; 0.830-0.919) was achieved. Spearman correlation coefficient showed criterion validity with the NPRS (rho =â⁢⁢0.701, p⩽ 0.001) and Pearson correlation coefficient showed construct validity with the FRI (r=â⁢⁢0.740, p⩽ 0.001). The minimum detectable changes were 9.96, while the standard error of measurement was 3.6. CONCLUSION: The BPFSu is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing physical function in individuals experiencing low back discomfort.

Effects of Virtual Reality Exercises on Chronic Low Back Pain: Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a common health problem globally. Based on the duration of pain, it is classified as acute, subacute, or chronic low back pain. Different treatment strategies are available to reduce chronic low back pain. Virtual reality (VR) is a novel approach in back pain rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of VR games on chronic low back pain. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted among 40 patients with chronic low back pain. The data were collected using a nonprobability, convenient sampling technique. Patients visiting the Department of Physiotherapy, Government Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, were recruited and equally divided into 4 groups. Group A received the Reflex Ridge game; group B received the Body Ball game; group C combined the 2 games without back-strengthening exercises; and group D combined the 2 games with back-strengthening exercises. The participants received 8 treatment sessions, with 3 sessions/wk. The outcomes were pre- and posttest measurements of pain intensity, low back disability, and lumbar range of motion. The repeated measurement ANOVA was used for inter- and intragroup comparison, with significance at P≤.05. RESULTS: The study comprised a sample of 40 patients with low back pain; 12 (40%) were female and 28 (60%) were male, with a mean age of 37.85 (SD 12.15) years. The pre- and posttest mean pain scores were 7.60 (SD 1.84) and 4.20 (SD 1.62) in group A, 6.60 (SD 1.776) and 5.90 (SD 1.73) in group B, 6.90 (SD 1.73) and 5.40 (SD 1.07) in group C, and 7.10 (SD 1.53) and 3.60 (SD 0.97) in group D, respectively. The mean pain score differences of group D (combining the Reflex Ridge and Body Ball games with back-strengthening exercises) compared to groups A, B, and C were -.60 (P=.76), -2.30 (P<.001), and -1.80 (P=.03), respectively. Regarding the range of motion, the forward lumbar flexion mean differences of group D compared to groups A, B, and C were 3.80 (P=.21), 4.80 (P=.07), and 7.40 (P<.001), respectively. Similarly, the right lateral lumbar flexion mean differences of group D compared to groups A, B, and C were 2.80 (P=.04), 5.20 (P<.001), and 4.80 (P<.001), respectively. The left lateral lumbar flexion mean differences of group D compared to groups A, B, and C were 2.80 (P<.001), 4.80 (P=.02), and 2.20 (P<.001). respectively, showing significant pre- and posttreatment effects. CONCLUSIONS: VR exercises had statistically significant effects on improving pain, low back disability, and range of motion in all groups, but the combination of Reflex Ridge and Body Ball games with back-strengthening exercises had dominant effects compared to the other groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial IRCT20200330046895N1; https://en.irct.ir/trial/46916.

Intrarater and interrater reliability of the dynamic gait index in post stroke patients with eye movement disorders.

BACKGROUND: The Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) is a useful tool that has been evaluated for its reliability in patients with vestibular disorders, elderly people and, in chronic stroke population. Present study was aimed to evaluate the intrarater and interrater reliability of the DGI to measure dynamic balance and gait performance in stroke patients with eye movement disorders. METHODS: A sample of 30 stroke patients suffering from eye movement disorders were recruited. Two Physical therapists assessed the intrarater and interrater reliability of the DGI in two testing sessions three days apart. In the later session, two raters assessed the patients' performance simultaneously on the DGI. The reliability was calculated using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC2, 1). Standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC95) at 95% confidence interval were also calculated. A significance level was set at p-value <0.05. RESULTS: The (ICC2, 1) for intrarater and interrater reliability of total DGI scores was 0.86 and 0.91 respectively. While (ICC2, 1) for intrarater and interrater reliability of individual items ranged from 0.73 to 0.91 to 0.73-0.93, respectively. The (SEM) and (MDC95) for intrarater reliability of total DGI scores were 0.76 and 2.10, respectively. Corresponding values for interrater reliability were 0.62 and 1.71, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The DGI is a reliable tool for evaluating the dynamic balance and gait performance in stroke patients with eye movement disorders. This tool showed good to excellent intrarater and interrater reliability of total DGI scores and moderate to good intrarater and interrater reliability of individual items of the DGI.

Subacromial Content to Subacromial Space Ratio in Neutral Position of the Arm as Diagnostic Criteria of Subacromial Impingement Syndrome.

Background: Shoulder impingement syndrome is one of the main causes of shoulder disability of working-class individuals. Currently, dynamic sonography of the shoulder is the modality of choice for the evaluation of shoulder impingement syndrome. The ratio of subacromial contents (SAC) and subacromial space (SAS) in neutral arm position could be used as a diagnostic parameter for the subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS), especially in patients who have difficulties in the elevation of their shoulders due to pain. To use the SAC to SAS ratio as a sonographic criterion for the diagnosis of SIS. Methods: SAC and SAS of 772 shoulders were vertically measured in coronal view with linear transducer 7-14MHz of Toshiba Xario Prime ultrasound unit, while the patient arm was kept in the neutral position. The ratio of both the measurements was calculated, to be used as a diagnostic parameter of the SIS. Results: The mean SAS was 10.79 ± 1.94 mm and SAC was 7.65 ± 1.43 mm. SAC-to-SAS ratio for normal shoulders was a focused value with narrow standard deviation (0.66 ± 0.03). However, shoulder impingement is confirmed by any value falls out of the range of ratio for normal shoulders. Area under the curve at 95% confidence interval was 96%, while the sensitivity at 95% confidence interval was 99.25% (97.83%-99.85%), and specificity was 80.86% (76.48%-84.74%). Conclusion: SAC-to-SAS ratio in neutral arm position is a relatively more accurate sonographic technique for the diagnosis of SIS.

Substantiating the predictive role of ultrasound imaging in athletes with lower limb tendinopathy: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential of ultrasound imaging to anticipate and monitor future symptoms of patellar or Achilles' tendinopathy. METHODS: The systematic review comprised prospective studies that used ultrasound imaging of Achilles' OR patellar tendons in asymptomatic patients at baseline and measurements of pain and/or function at follow-up. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist used to assess study quality and it was done by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: Of the 19 studies reviewed, 9(47.3%) investigated patellar tendon alone, 6(31.5%) did both patellar and Achilles' tendon, and 4(21.2%) did Achilles tendon alone. The method of ultrasound administration was almost uniform for both the tendons. The studies showed that the use of ultrasound to predict lower limb tendinopathy was indefinite, but that a higher proportion of tendon disorganisation increased the risk of developing tendinopathy. In addition, promising results were obtained for the use of ultrasound in both Achilles' and patellar tendinopathy in monitoring the effect of load or treatment on tendon structure. CONCLUSIONS: The included studies had participants from different sports. Tendon irregularities at baseline on ultrasound were related to increased risk and future occurrence of both patellar and Achilles' tendinopathy. .

Effectiveness of ultrasound guided dry needling in management of jumper's knee: a randomized controlled trial.

Jumper's knee is highly prevalent condition in athletes. Very limited evidence is available on clinical effects of tendon dry needling. Therefore, the objective of this study is to compare the effects of ultrasound-guided dry needling (UG-DN) combined with conventional physical therapy and conventional physical therapy alone in patients with jumper's knee. A total of 96 patients with pre-diagnosed jumper's knee were randomly assigned to experimental group (UG-DN + CPT) and conventional group (CPT alone) with 48 participants each. Pain intensity and functional disability were recorded using visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Patellar Tendinopathy (VISA-P) questionnaire, Lysholm Scale, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) respectively at baseline, at 1st, 2nd, and 4th week. Whereas ultrasonographic features of patellar tendon were measured through musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) at baseline and 4th week. Total 8 sessions of treatment were provided. Mann Whitney U test and Friedman test were used to compute between and within group differences respectively. P value was significant at 0.05. Results showed that patients in both groups had improvement in signs of jumper's knee but the improvement in UG-DN + CPT group was more significant (p ≤ 0.05). Significant difference was seen after 4 weeks of intervention in UG-DN + CPT group in VAS (Median ± I.Q.R = 3 ± 1, p = 0.000), VISA-P (Median ± I.Q.R = 83.5 ± 7, p = 0.000), KOOS (Median ± I.Q.R = 83.5 ± 8, p = 0.000), , Lysholm (Median ± I.Q.R = 84 ± 5, p = 0.000) than CPT group VAS (Median ± I.Q.R = 1.5 ± 1, p = 0.000), VISA-P (Median ± I.Q.R = 92 ± 2, p = 0.000), KOOS (Median ± I.Q.R = 92 ± 3, p = 0.000), Lysholm (Median ± I.Q.R = 92 ± 4, p = 0.000) and ultrasonographic features of jumper's knee were more significant in experimental group(p-value ≤ 0.05). The Ultrasound guided dry needling with conventional physical therapy of patellar tendon had been found an effective treatment for jumper's knee and helps in reducing pain intensity, improving function and ultrasonographic features in patients with jumper's knee. UG-DN + CPT group showed more significant results as compared to CPT.Trial registration: (IRCT20210409050913N1). Dated: 17.04.2021.

Effect of physical therapy treatment in infants treated for congenital muscular torticollis - a narrative review.

Congenital muscular torticollis is a problem that arises at birth or immediately after birth in which the sternocleidomastoid muscle is shortened on the afflicted side, leading to an ipsilateral rotated of the head and a contralateral rotation of the face and jaw. To determine the effectiveness of physical therapy treatment in infants treated for congenital muscular torticollis, relevant articles published between 2011 and 2020 were located using electronic databases. A total of 9 studies out of 24 potentially relevant articles were reviewed. All studies were randomised controlled trials with 6-8 score on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale (Pedro scale) which showed high quality of methodology. The studies typically found significant statistical effects in the management of congenital muscular torticollis. Additionally, most of the studies reported increased adherence to exercise as another essential advantage. Conservative physical therapy management showed positive outcomes, and early physiotherapy referral showed significant reduction in treatment duration.

Efficacy of ultrasound guided dry needling as an adjunct to conventional physical therapy for patients with jumper's knee: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Jumper's knee is a degenerative condition among athletes, and it has been treated with conventional physical therapy (CPT). Ultrasound guided dry needling (USG-DN) is a relatively new technique to explore clinical outcomes in patients with tendinopathy. Methods: This parallel group, single-blinded randomized controlled trial was carried out involving 94 athletes with clinically diagnosed jumper's knee, divided into an intervention group (USG-DN + CPT, n = 47) and a control group (CPT, n = 47). Participants received a 4-week programme; the intervention group received ultrasound guided patellar tendon dry needling (DN) in conjunction with CPT. The control group received only CPT. The visual analog scale (VAS), Victorian institute of sports assessment-Patellar tendinopathy (VISA-P) questionnaire, Lysholm scale, Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and ultrasonographic features of patellar tendinopathy were evaluated at baseline,1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. The data were analyzed through SPSS-26. Results: The study found statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) regarding VAS, Lysholm, VISA-P, and KOOS scales at baseline, 1st, 2nd, and 4th week post-intervention. Within-group differences also showed statistically significant results after the intervention. There were significant results observed in ultrasonographic outcomes between both groups at 1 month post-intervention (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the current study suggest, ultrasound guided DN of patellar tendon in combination with CPT reduced pain, improved function, and showed a tendency to decrease tendon thickness in patients with patellar tendinopathy. Clinical Trial Registration Number: (IRCT20210409050913N1). Dated: 17.04.2021. https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/55607/view.

Translation and validation of stroke impact scale-16 in Urdu for Pakistan.

Objective: To translate and validate the Urdu version of stroke impact scale-16 for Pakistani society. METHODS: The prospective cohort study was conducted from February 2018 to February 2020 after approval from the ethics review board of The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan, and copmprised patients with mild to moderate stroke who were recruited from five public and two private hospitals of the Punjab province. Established guidelines were followed to translate the Stroke Impact Scale-16. The patients were concurrently evaluated on Barthel Index, Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement, Modified Rivermead Mobility Index, Modified Rankin Scale, Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess the validity of Stroke Impact Scale-16, and spearmen correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation among the scales. Analysis of variance was employed to determine the discriminant validity. Intraclass correlation coefficient, weighted kappa, Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation were calculated to establish the stability and consistency of Stroke Impact Scale-16. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: Of the 90 patients, 50(55.5%) were females and 40(45.5%) were males. The subjects were aged 50-80 years. The correlation of Stroke Impact Scale-16 was strong with the established tools and ranged from 0.78 to 0.91. The discriminant validity was also significant (p<.001) across all Modified Rankin Scale levels. The Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.94 and Cronbach's alpha was 0.91 for test-retest reliability and internal consistency, respectively. All corrected item-total correlation values exceeded the priori minimum standard (>0.40) and ranged from 0.51 to 0.68. The weighted kappa for item reliability also achieved priori criteria (>0.40) and ranged from 0.53 to 0.88. Conclusion: With slight modifications, the Urdu version of Stroke Impact Scale-16 was found to have satisfactory psychometric properties and can be used in clinical and research settings for stroke survivors in Pakistan.

Reliability of modified-modified Schober's test for the assessment of lumbar range of motion.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the intra-rater reliability of modified-modified Schober's test for measuring lumbar flexion and extension in patients of lumbar radiculopathy. METHODS: The case-control reliability study was conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from March to September 2020, and comprised lumbar radiculopathy patients of either gender aged 35-60 years in group A and healthy controls in group B. Lumbar flexion and extension were measured by the same examiner on three different occasions. A non-stretching measuring tape was used in which the first two measurements were taken using the modified-modified Schober's test on the same day with a difference of 5 minutes, and the third measurement was taken three days later to assess reliability. To assess the test-retest reliability, intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated through two-way random analysis of variance. Standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were also calculated. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: Of the 40 subjects, 20(50%) were in group A with a mean age of 45.00±6.72 years, and 20(50%) were in group B with a mean age of 49.60±6.65 years. Overall, there were 16(40%) male and 24(60%) female subjects. Within-day lumbar flexion and extension measurements were highly reliable in controls (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.93 for flexion and 0.96 for extension) as well as in patients (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.94 for flexion and 0.95 for extension). The high values of intraclass correlation coefficient 0.91 for flexion and 0.94 for extension in the controls and 0.83 for flexion and 0.92 for extension in the patients showed high reliability also for between-days measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The modified-modified Schober's test appeared to be a highly reliable technique for the measurement of lumbar flexion and extension in patients of lumbar radiculopathy as well as in healthy controls.

Effects of task oriented rehabilitation of upper extremity after stroke: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the current scientific evidence on the effects of task-oriented rehabilitation programme of upper extremity post-stroke. METHODS: The systematic review comprised studies from 2012 to August 2020 which were both Hand-searched and explored on Cochrane, PubMed, PEDro and MEDLINE databases with authentic search techniques using population-intervention-control-outcomes format and Boolean operator. Randomised controlled trials on the use of task-oriented training for the improvement of upper extremity functional outcomes in subjects with stroke were shortlisted and reviewed. The risk bias tool was used to evaluate the biasness in the studies and the PEDro scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. RESULTS: Of the 28 articles assessed, 16(%) were included for detailed review. All studies varied significantly with PEDro scores between 6 and 10. There were 12(75%) high-quality studies and 4(25%) fell in fair category. All the studies showed significant results in the improvement of upper extremity after stroke through task-oriented training rehabilitation (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence supports the beneficial effects of task-oriented rehabilitation for the improvement of upper extremity functions post-stroke.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric properties of the Urdu version of Rand Short Form 36-item survey (SF-36) among patients with lumbar radiculopathy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although Rand Short Form 36-item (SF-36) questionnaire is a frequently used tool for evaluating a patient's quality of life in both clinical and research settings, but its translation into Urdu language and its psychometric properties has not been tested before, in accordance to the pre-established guidelines. This study aimed to translate and assess the psychometric properties of Urdu version of SF-36 (SF-36-U) in lumbar radiculopathy patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, one hundred and eight patients of lumbar radiculopathy filled SF-36-U questionnaire, Urdu version of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI-U) and visual analogue scales for pain (VAS pain) at baseline and after 7 days. Two types of reliability i.e. internal consistency and test-retest reliability while three types of validity i.e. face, content, and construct validity were evaluated. Psychometric properties were assessed contrary to the a priori hypothesis and alpha level was kept at < 0.05. RESULTS: SF-36-U presented good to excellent test-retest reliability for all eight domains (ICC2,1 = 0.75-0.92). Internal consistency was also acceptable for all domains (Cronbach's alpha = 0.73-0.90). Face and content validity were found to be good. Pearson correlation revealed moderate to strong correlations of SF-36-U domains with ODI-U (r = 0.43-0.54), VAS pain (r = 0.32-0.49) and each of its own question (r = 0.37-0.88) which shows good construct validity. CONCLUSION: SF-36-U revealed acceptable psychometric properties and is considered as a reliable and valid questionnaire for assessing the health-related quality of life in Urdu-speaking patients having lumbar radiculopathy.

Effects of visual scanning exercises in addition to task specific approach on balance and activities of daily livings in post stroke patients with eye movement disorders: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Impaired vision is one of the commonest and most disabling consequence following stroke. Among all visual impairments, eye movement disorders are found in 70% of stroke patients which include nystagmus, strabismus, gaze palsies, disconjugate eye movements and cranial nerve palsies. They have a wide ranging impact on balance and activities of daily livings by creating difficulties in maintaining normal alignment and appropriate movement of eyes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of visual scanning exercises in addition to task specific approach on balance and activities of daily livings in post stroke patients with eye movement disorders. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial and was conducted in the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital from May 2019 to October 2020. A sample of 64 patients was recruited and randomly allocated into experimental and control group. 32 patients in experimental group were treated with visual scanning exercises along with task specific approach and 32 patients in control group were treated with task specific approach alone. Pre and post assessment of balance and activities of daily livings was assessed on BERG BALANCE SCALE and BARTHEL INDEX SCALE at baseline and at 4th week. RESULTS: Intra-group analysis of BERG BALANCE SCALE in experimental group showed statistically significant result (p < 0.05) in all items except in items 4, 13 and 14 respectively. Intra-group analysis of BERG BALANCE SCALE in control group showed statistically significant result (p < 0.05) in items 3, 5, 8 and 12 respectively, whereas remaining all items showed statistically insignificant result. Intra-group analysis of BARTHEL INDEX SCALE in experimental group showed statistically significant result in all items (p < 0.05) except in items 9 and 10 respectively. Intra-group analysis of BARTHEL INDEX in control group showed statistically significant result (p < 0.05) in items 1, 3, 4 and 8 respectively whereas remaining all items showed statistically insignificant result. Inter-group analysis showed statistically significant result in total scores of BERG BALANCE SCALE (p = 0.000) and BARTHEL INEX SCALE (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Visual scanning exercises along with task specific approach were found to be more effective in comparison to task specific approach alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: [IRCT20190717044237N1], trial registration date: 10/11/2019.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of Urdu version of upper limb functional index; a validity and reliability study.

BACKGROUND: The upper limb functional index is broadly used outcome measure for musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb. The main objective of the study was to translate and validate the upper limb functional index (ULFI) outcome measure in the Urdu language. METHODS: Upper limb functional index was translated into Urdu language using Beaton et al. guidelines through forward and backward translation along with the expert committee reviews. Two fifty (n = 250) Urdu-speaking patients with sub-acute or chronic conditions of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders were included in the study. The mean age was 32.33 ± 4.67 years. The data were collected from the physical therapy department of The University of Lahore Teaching hospital. All participants completed the upper limb functional index-Urdu (ULFI-U), Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Quick Disability of arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDash), and (health survey) SF-12 at baseline while only ULFI-U at day three. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability by intra-class correlation (ICC). Content validity was measured by Lynn and Lawshee method. Spearman's correlation has been used to measure criterion validity. The construct validity was measured through hypothesis testing. The structural validity has been explained through factor analysis by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using Maximum likelihood extraction (MLE) with Promax rotation. RESULTS: The English version of ULFI was translated into the Urdu language with minor alterations. The Urdu version ULFI has demonstrated high levels of reliability with intra-class correlation (ICC2,1= 0.91) and Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.94). The content validity index found as 0.808, the criterion validity for ULFI-U correlating with quick Dash was found excellent (r = 0.845) and ULFI-U established strong correlation with 6 domains of SF-12(r = 0.697 to 0.767) and weak correlation with its 2 domains and NPRS(r = 0.520). A two-factor structure was obtained using EFA. CONCLUSIONS: The ULFI-U is a valid and reliable patient-reported outcome (PRO) that can be used to assess upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in Urdu-speaking patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the U. S National Library on clinicaltrial.gov under registration no. NCT05088096 . (Date: 21/10/2021).

Interobserver agreement on the sonographic severity grading of shoulder impingement syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder impingement syndrome is the painful entrapment of the soft tissues between the acromion and the humeral head. The severity of shoulder impingement could be graded according to the limitation of shoulder joint moment. The reliability of sonographic findings in the grading of shoulder impingement severity grading is required to be evaluated by the consistency of findings between the observers. PURPOSE: To assess the interobserver agreement in the sonographic severity grading of shoulder impingement syndrome with the help of a ratio between acromion-to-greater tuberosity distance in the abduction and neutral arm position. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were examined by two independent observers in the coronal approach with neutral arm position. Acromion-to-greater tuberosity distance was measured in abduction and neutral shoulder position. The ratios of the distances in the abduction and neutral position were calculated to grade the severity of shoulder impingement syndrome. RESULTS: A total of 78 shoulders were included in this study. A strong agreement was found for the grading of shoulder impingement severity grading between the two independent observers with Kappa value of 0.94. And correlation between the results of the two observers for the severity grading of shoulder impingement syndrome was significant at 0.01 level. CONCLUSION: Severity grading of the shoulder impingement syndrome was performed based on the ratio of acromion-to-greater tuberosity distance in abduction and neutral arm position. However, the sonographic findings were consistent and a strong interobserver agreement was seen in this sonographic severity grading.

Virtual Reality Training Using Nintendo Wii Games for Patients With Stroke: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of disability. It is difficult to devise an optimal rehabilitation plan once stroke survivors are back home. Conventional rehabilitative therapies are extensively used in patients with stroke to recover motor functioning and disability, but these are arduous and expensive. Virtual reality (VR) video games inspire patients to get involved in their therapeutic exercise routine in a fun way. VR in the form of games provides a fruitful, secure, and challenging learning environment for motor control and neural plasticity development in rehabilitation. The effects of upper limb sensorimotor functioning and balance are the main focus of this trial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of VR training and routine physical therapy on balance and upper extremity sensorimotor function in patients with stroke. METHODS: It was a single assessor-blinded randomized clinical trial. A total of 74 participants with their first chronic stroke were included and rehabilitated in a clinical setting. The lottery method was used to randomly assign patients to either the VR group (n=37) or the routine physical therapy group (n=37). The VR group received a 1-hour session of VR training for 3 weekdays over 6 weeks, and the routine physical therapy group received different stretching and strengthening exercises. The outcome measuring tools were the Berg Balance Scale for balance and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (upper extremity) scale for sensorimotor, joint pain, and range assessment. The assessment was done at the start of treatment and after the 6 weeks of intervention. Data analysis was done using SPSS 22. RESULTS: The trial was completed by 68 patients. A significant difference between the two groups was found in the Berg Balance Scale score (P<.001), Fugl-Meyer Assessment for motor function (P=.03), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment for joint pain and joint range (P<.001); however, no significant difference (P=.19) in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity sensation was noted. CONCLUSIONS: VR training is helpful for improving balance and function of the upper extremities in the routine life of patients with stroke; although, it was not found to be better than conventional training in improving upper limb sensation. VR training can be a better option in a rehabilitation plan designed to increase functional capability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials RCT20190715044216N1; https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/40898/view.

Digital technologies in management of chronic pain - a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of digital health technologies in the management of chronic pain. METHODS: The systematic review comprised search for randomised controlled trials and controlled clinical trials involving patients with chronic pain published between 2010 and 2020. The search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, National Centre for Biotechnology Information, and National Library of Medicine databases. Risk bias tool was used to evaluate the biasness in the studies and Pedro scale was used to assess the quality of the included articles. RESULTS: Of the 33 articles fully assessed, 14(42.42%) were analysed. All the studies analysed were randomised controlled trials and scored 6-10 on the Pedro scale which showed high quality of methodology. The studies typically reported statistically significant benefits of digital health technologies in the management of chronic pain. One of the main benefits was enhanced pain coping skills of the patients. Additionally, majority of the studies included increased adherence to exercise as an essential advantage. CONCLUSIONS: All the studies analysed reported favourable conclusions regarding the use of digital intervention for chronic pain management.

Impact of Refractive Errors on the Academic Performance of High School Children of Lahore.

Introduction: The process of learning begins in childhood and accurate vision can greatly affects a child's learning capacity. It is documented that visual impairment in children can have a significant impact on their performance at school as well as their social interaction and development. Objective: This research aimed to study the impact of refractive corrections on the academic performance of high school children in Lahore. Methodology: A total of 2,000 students with equal distribution of gender, public, private school, and locality were included in the study. All students were screened for defective vision. The academic performance before and after corrections was recorded on the prescribed proforma. Results: The prevalence of refractive error was high among the public high schools 244 (59.2%) as compared to the private schools 168 (40.8%). The area-based prevalence was higher among the students in urban settings 255 (62%) while in rural it was 157 (38%). It was found that in the public sector, the average score of academic results before the intervention was 56.39 ± 13.24 which was increased to 60.27 ± 14.94 after the intervention while in the private sector, before the intervention, the average score was 63.53 ± 17.50 which was improved to 67.12 ± 18.48. It was found to be statistically significant at p-value < 0.05. Conclusion: A significant impact was observed in the average academic scores of the results after refractive corrections.

Inter-rater reliability of pressure biofeedback unit among individuals with and without chronic low back pain.

Objectives: To determine the inter-rater reliability of pressure biofeedback unit among individuals with and without chronic low back pain. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 2021 to March 2021 at the Physiotherapy Department of the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Sixteen subjects which were recruited with and without chronic low back pain.(CLBP). During the test, abdominal drawing in movement was monitored by measuring a change in pressure detected in PBU. Each test was performed once by two trained assessors with period of seven days. Reliability indices of Pressure Biofeedback (PBU) measures including the Intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] and Band Altman plot were analyzed. Results: This study found an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.94 [95% confidence interval (CI) (0.37, 0.99] for inter-rater reliability in healthy individuals, and an ICC of 0.97 (95% CI 0.97, 0.98) for inter-rater reliability in CLBP. The interrater agreement (Limits of Agreement-LOA=5.92, -3.9 mmHg) in CLBP and the interrater agreement (LOA=5.75, -3.25 mmHg) in healthy individuals were within the limits of agreement on 95% of occasions. Conclusion: Pressure Biofeedback Unit has showed excellent inter-rater reliability in measuring Transverse Abdominis muscle activity for individuals with and without chronic LBP.

Effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on pain and functional disability in patients with early-stage lumbar spondylolysis: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) is beneficial in accelerating fracture recovery, enhancing their capacity to execute tasks of daily life and, as a result, their autonomy. OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of routine physical therapy and routine physical therapy along with LIPUS in patients with early-stage lumbar spondylolysis. METHODS: Thirty-four (29 males and 5 females) patients exhibiting symptomatic low back pain for at least four weeks were recruited and randomly divided into control group (CG) and intervention group (IG) group. Randomization was done by using goldfish bowl method and allocation was done by using sealed envelope method. Parallel assignment was done. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was utilized for the measurement of pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional disability. Patients were assessed at baseline, at the end of 12th and 20th week. Interventions were applied by two physical therapists (one male and one female) having more than eight years of clinical experience for 10 weeks on alternate days. RESULTS: Intervention group reported significant percentage change of 47% at 12th week and 65% at 20th week for pain and 42% at 12th week and 81% at 20th week for functional disability compared with 40% at 12th week and 37% at 20th week for pain and 3% at 12th week and 25% at 20th week follow-up for functional disability from baseline in control group. CONCLUSION: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound has significantly reduced pain and functional disability in patients with early-stage lumbar spondylolysis by using following parameters; 1.1-MHz oscillation frequency, 1-kHz pulsed frequency, 100-mW/cm2 spatial intensity, 2 ms pulse duration, 100Hz pulse repetition rate, 20% pulse duty cycle, and 20-min duration on alternate days.