Understanding the Perspectives of Paediatric Physicians on Physiotherapy in Paediatric Rehabilitation in Chennai, India: A Qualitative Approach.

OBJECTIVES: Children with disabilities may exhibit a multitude of symptoms, and treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach for a satisfactory outcome. Lack of awareness among physicians, lack of referral, and lack of inter-sectoral coordination have hindered paediatric practice in Tamil Nadu, a state in India with a striking childhood disability rate that warrants a timely interdisciplinary approach. However, the perspectives of paediatricians on paediatric physiotherapy are unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the perspectives of practicing paediatric physicians in Chennai on the role of physiotherapy in paediatrics. METHODS: For an in-depth exploration, qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted in person with 10 paediatricians. Audio from the sessions was recorded and transcribed, and data saturation was achieved through iterative analysis. RESULTS: A grounded theory analysis of the results yielded 5 domains under which the perspectives and expectations of the physicians were described, along with the barriers experienced by patients' parents as explained by their paediatrician. The responses highlighted deficits in awareness, structural support, accessibility and direct communication between physicians and physiotherapists. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric physicians have different opinions, and some ignorance persists concerning paediatric physiotherapy. This study warrants a proper structure of the paediatric rehabilitation unit and regular interdisciplinary meetings and focus group discussions to increase access for parents and improve patient outcomes.

Hermeneutic Phenomenological Approach to the Experiences of the Individuals Living with Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Schizophrenia affects various spheres of life causing so many difficulties and burden, but the studies focusing on the experience of individuals living with schizophrenia with reference to the Tamil Nadu context are sparse. Material and Methods: A qualitative interview based on a hermeneutic phenomenological approach was conducted with 10 individuals living with Schizophrenia and was recorded. The responses were transcribed and coded. Based on codes, domains and subdomains were identified. Results: Six themes were identified, under which the participant's burden was described. Participants expressed a deep longing for love and care. They were deprived of family's affection. Participants felt economically insecured, which was owing to their unemployment. Participants had many physical complaints including sleep disturbance and fatigue. Participants expressed that they had failing memory, concentration issues, and difficulty in planning. Most of the participants felt isolated by family and kin. They did not participate in much social activities due to the fear of judgment and stigmatization. Conclusion: The experience of individuals living with Schizophrenia revealed that they experienced a series of burdens owing to their illness and its impacts that were categorized into various themes including physical, vocational, cognitive, psychological, personal, and social factors.

Efficacy of Balloon Blowing Exercise on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Young Adult Smokers.

BACKGROUND: Smoking cigarettes which progressively impairs the lung functions is a leading risk factor for early death and disability worldwide. Alternate use of the tobacco products along with some exercise practicing behaviour help to prevent the impairment of lung function because most smokers fail to cease smoking. The objective of this research was to find out the effectiveness of the balloon blowing exercise among the young adult smokers using the peak expiratory flow meter. METHODS: A quasi- experimental study in which 100 male participants were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pre-test and Post-test was taken using Peak expiratory flow meter, after intervention is provided. RESULTS: The mean appraise of the Group A pre-test was 287.1 and the post-test was 283.2, and the mean appraise of the Group B pre-test was 279.7 and the post-test was 367.2. The significant appraise was .581 for Group A and .000 for the Group B since the p < 0.05. The study shows the significant result as the p appraise is less than 0.05. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that there was a significant increase in the peak expiratory flow rate in the post test of Group B.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Sewing Machine Workers in a Leather Industry.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are the group of disorders which affects the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, peripheral nerves and supporting blood vessels in the body. Sewing machine involves continuous, repetitive tasks like cutting, assembly, pressing and finishing. These works are performed in a sitting posture with upper back curved forwards and the head is bent towards the sewing machine. Working in this faulty posture for a long time increases the chance of developing work related musculoskeletal disorder among them. The objective of study is prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among sewing machine workers in leather industry. METHODS: A non- experimental study with 100 subjects according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using the NORDIC QUESTIONNAIRE musculoskeletal pain have been analysed. RESULTS: The statistical analysis of this study show 88% of sewing machine workers had a lower back pain in the last 12 months, 82% sewing machine workers had a lower back and knee pain that has been prevented them over last 12 months during normal activity, 86% sewing machine workers had lower back pain in the last 7 days. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that the 86% experienced low back pain, 84% experienced knee pain and 74% of experienced neck pain in past 7 days. 88% of experienced low back pain, 86% experienced knee pain, 76% experienced neck pain in past 12 months.82% experienced pain in lower back and knee pain and 72% experienced neck pain among sewing machine manual workers that has impacted over last 12 months during normal activity.

To Compare the Effect of Eccentric Exercises and Isometric Exercises for Achilles Tendinitis in Skaters.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendinitis is one of the commonest injuries that happen to skaters. Roller skates traditionally have four wheels onto axles, one under the ball of the foot and one under the heel. Skaters have to maintain a closed kinematics chain which involves continuous trunk and hip flexion along with knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion. It creates angular tension and strain in the muscles and tendons which can lead to different types of musculotendinous injuries. As not many studies has not been done on the prospect in India this study was done with a objective to compare the effect eccentric exercise and isometric exercise on Achilles tendinitis for skaters. METHODS: A Quasi-experimental study with 40 subjects of the age group between 15 and 25 was administered the VISA-A Questionnaire and VAS as outcome measures. A sample size of 40 was separated into two groups of 20 participants each into Group A (eccentric) and Group B (isometric). Pre-test and post-test were done using the VISA-A questionnaire and VAS Scale in the Study period- 4 weeks. RESULTS: There was a significant difference during the comparison between pre-test and post-test values (p < 0.005) of isometric exercise and eccentric exercise by VISA-A questionnaire and VAS scale but there was insignificance during the comparison of post-test values (p > 0.005) of the same. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that there is a significant improvement in Achilles tendinitis when assessed with VISA-A questionnaire and VAS Scale for both the exercise; that is, eccentric and isometric, individually but it isn't statistically significant enough to choose one method of intervention over the other.

Prevalence of Work Related Psychological and Musculoskeletal Problems among Business Process Outsourcing Workers.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are mainly caused due to static work which includes sitting and standing for a prolonged time and sedentary unhealthy lifestyle lead to physical related health problems and may affect one's psychosocial, physical and mental health. The purpose of the study is find out the prevalence of work related psychological and musculoskeletal problems among business process outsourcing workers. METHODS: An observational study in which 100 participants were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria with 50 males and 50 females. Participants with age of 20-35 years and minimum 1 year of work experience with alternative working shifts were selected for the study. Stress and burnout questionnaire, Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire and body mass index calculator were used as an outcome measure in the study. RESULTS: Musculoskeletal problem was higher in neck region and wrist region and 2% participants had burnout stress syndrome. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder found over neck region, hip/buttocks, wrist and low back and 2% of the population had burnout stress syndrome and no significance correlating body mass index and musculoskeletal disorder.