Survey of the clinical practices of physiotherapists for the management of post-stroke fatigue.

OBJECTIVE: Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common condition among stroke survivors. However, evidence supporting the effective clinical management of PSF is insufficient. Our objectives were to examine the clinical practices of physiotherapists for the management of PSF and evaluate their clinical knowledge and confidence in managing PSF. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey of the sociodemographic profiles of participating physiotherapists, their current clinical practices, clinical knowledge, confidence in their clinical management of PSF, and the types and intensity of the exercises used in the management of PSF. RESULTS: A total of 160 physiotherapists completed the survey: 86 (53.8%) were women, 148 (92.5%) were Saudi nationals, 126 (78.7%) were employed by the Ministry of Health, and 34 (21.3%) worked in the private sector. The majority (60%) of physiotherapists did not routinely assess their patients for the presence of fatigue. Likewise, 93 (58.1%) did not provide any PSF-related educational material to their patients; however, 67 (41.9%) did provide these materials. The preferred exercises of the physiotherapists for their patients were bed and chair exercises (59.5%), followed by functional training (51.4%), and resistance training (23.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that while physiotherapists practicing in Saudi Arabia have a sound theoretical understanding of PSF management, their knowledge does not necessarily translate into practice. Interventions used to treat PSF include bed and chair exercises, functional training, and resistance training.

Relationship between body mass index and health-related physical fitness: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Physical fitness is seen to be a sign of overall health and happiness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between female Saudi student's body mass index (BMI) and health-related physical fitness. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 48 participants (mean age=19.60 years) were chosen for this cross-sectional study design, and their BMI, health-related physical fitness and physical fitness testing were all analyzed (cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition). RESULTS: The physical activity score (total-MET)-minutes/week was 1,533.88. 18.8% of the participants were underweight, 52.1% were normal weight, 27.1% were overweight, and 2.1% were obese, as per BMI. The correlation between total-MET and other physical parameters revealed a statistically significant negative correlation with muscle strength (ϼ=-0.293, p=0.043), BMI (ϼ=-0.562, p=0.0001), waist circumference (ϼ=-0.524, p=0.0001), and fat mass index (FMI) (ϼ=-0.589, p=0.0001). The relationship between BMI and physical measurements was positively correlated with waist circumference (ϼ=0.877, p<0.0001), fat mass index (ϼ=0.944, p<0.0001), muscular strength (ϼ=0.501, p<0.0001), and curls per minute (ϼ=0.510, p<0.0001) in statistically significant ways. When total-MET was compared to BMI, age, waist circumference, fat mass index (FMI), and muscular strength, the regression was statistically significant (F=3.954, p=0.005). Age, waist size, activity level, fat mass index, muscular strength, and curls per minute all had a significant connection with BMI (F=106.26, p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Physical exercise may be related to changes in BMI. Physicians and other stakeholders putting forth strategies to increase physical activity and control weight may find the data useful.