International journal of health sciences

The effectiveness of partial body weight support treadmill training on walking in people with cerebral palsy

Fri, 24 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: People with Cerebral Palsy (CP) face daily motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments that significantly impact their quality of life. This systematic review aimed to investigate RCTs regarding the effectiveness of treadmill walking with partial body weight support (PBWSTT) in individuals with CP. Methods: A search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Research Gate. The study selection process was conducted by two separate reviewers. The quality of the final studies included in the systematic review was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: Out of the 673 studies initially identified, 6 studies were included. The results showed that (PBWSTT) leads to an increase in scores on the GMFM scale, as well as improvement in walking pattern, speed, endurance, and rhythm. The method of PBWSTT in comparison to conventional physiοtherapy did not show better results, as the included studies in this review showed conflicting results. Conclusion: The effect of therapeutic exercise with partial body weight support has a positive impact on improving the gross motor function of patients with Cerebral Palsy. However, the question of whether PBWSTT is more effective than conventional physiotherapy and over-ground walking exercise cannot be conclusively answered yet, highlighting the importance of conducting further research in this field.

Curricular assessment of pain science education in an entry-level doctor of physical therapy program

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: Institutions should evaluate the current curricula and level of DPT student’s pain-related knowledge to allow for strategic implementation and modifications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate entry-level DPT) students' knowledge of pain neurophysiology spanning the curriculum to assist in guiding strategic modifications. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of students from eight different campuses within the same institution. Students completed the Revised Neurophysiology Pain Questionnaire (rNPQ) in the first week of the following courses, spanning three terms within the curriculum. Analysis included descriptive statistics and a comparison of means. Results: A total of 838 students completed the rNPQ. The overall mean score was 71.9% (8.6+1.6). An incremental increase in the rNPQ was noted later in the curriculum. A difference was noted between campuses (p=0.005) when not separated by course. A statistically difference in delivery format (p=0.002) was found, more specifically between T4 and T6 (p<0.001). Conclusion: This data will guide the optimal integration of modern pain science curricular recommendations. Further research in the quantity, quality, and delivery of pain science education can guide future curricular development to include modern pain science concepts.

Malaysian Hospitals on the web: A multi-criteria assessment of official websites

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study thoroughly examines and assesses hospital websites in Malaysia according to a predefined list of indicators and sub-indicators, based on four criteria: Technology Features, Content, Services, and Community Interaction, as defined in the Health Sector Website Assessment Index (HSWAI). A total of 107 Malaysia hospitals were assessed. Private and university hospitals outperform public ones, especially in online appointment management and patient care automation areas. Most hospital websites perform well in the technology features criterion and satisfactorily on content, but show shortcomings in accessibility, reliability, research and teaching, participation, and community interaction elements, and most of them fall short in quality metrics data. Malaysian hospitals should adopt best practices to improve their websites concerning accessibility, reliability, services, and community interaction. The website design should endeavour to include multiple stakeholders, considering people with disabilities, in line with the sustainable development goals of leaving no one behind. Additionally, websites should ensure the dissemination of evidence-based information while taking advantage of social media to reach a wider audience.