ABSTRACT
We explored the association of sociodemographic and anthropometric factors with self-reported physical activity (PA) and sleep quality in Arab and non-Arab individuals of both sexes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, 638 participants (those recovered from COVID-19 = 149, and non-infected = 489) of both sexes aged 18-55 years were recruited. Their sociodemographic and anthropometric information, PA (self-reported using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-form [IPAQ-SF)]) and sleep quality (self-reported using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]) were documented. The association between participants' characteristics, PA levels, and sleep quality were determined using the chi-squared test. Variables significantly associated with IPAQ and PSQI in bivariate analyses were included in a multivariate binary logistic regression model. Men were more active than women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.66, p = 0.010), and non-Arab participants were more active than Arab ones (OR = 1.49, p = 0.037). Participants ≥40 years, men, non-Arab participants, and those who were working were more likely to have a good sleep quality than those ≤40 years (OR 1.70, p = 0.048), women (OR 1.10, p = 0.725), Arab individuals (OR 1.95, p = 0.002), and unemployed people (OR 2.76, p = 0.007). Male and non-Arab participants seemed to have a better self-reported PA and sleep quality compared to female and Arab participants, during the pandemic.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Evidence based practice (EBP) is widely used by cardiopulmonary physical therapists worldwide. Therefore, it is important to identify whether the therapists have the required knowledge, skills and resources in order to deliver the best evidence-based practice. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this cross-sectional study is to analyse the self-reported characteristics of behaviour, knowledge, skills and resources, opinion and barriers related to evidence-based practice among cardiopulmonary physical therapists of United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS: An electronic questionnaire was circulated among 60 licensed cardiopulmonary physical therapists, of either gender, practicing in UAE with a minimum experience of 1 year via e-mail. The response was further subjected to descriptive analysis. RESULTS: The rate of response was 55% (33/60). The physical therapists of cardiopulmonary disciple reported that they understand the term Evidence Based Practice and frequently update themselves through scientific papers obtained via accessing various databases. Respondents also believe that the exposure in undergraduate or postgraduate course was not sufficient. However, they were also satisfied with amount of discussions taking place regarding EBP at their work place. The barriers commonly reported were difficulty in obtaining full-text papers, lack of time and lack of evidence-based training. CONCLUSION: Thus, concluding that physical therapists from UAE who practiced in cardiopulmonary subdiscipline believe that they have knowledge and skills to use evidence-based practice. Although, they have favourable opinions regarding its application and they still encounter difficulties in implementing it successfully.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) measurements assist in determining the respiratory muscle strength and endurance. These determinants of respiratory muscles vary significantly by age, gender, height, and ethnic origin. Normative values for maximum respiratory pressures (MRPs) and MVV would aid in evaluating respiratory muscle function in athletes, estimating performance, and assisting in rehabilitation. In addition, the reference values may aid in determining the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in young people with chronic respiratory diseases. The purpose of this study was to see how respiratory muscle strength indices correlated with anthropometric and physical activity characteristics in young Arabs. METHODOLOGY: The study included 80 male volunteers and 85 female volunteers ranging in age from 18 to 30 years. MicroRPM was used to measure MIP and MEP, and pulmonary function test data, including MVV values, were recorded. All subjects completed the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and anthropometric measurements. Unpaired t-tests or Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to determine male-female differences. Using the Pearson correlation coefficient and Spearman Rho correlation coefficient tests, MIP and MEP values were correlated with body composition and physical activity. Using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, the relationships between respiratory function (MVV, MIP, and MEP) and PFT values (FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC), physical activity, and sedentary behavior were investigated. RESULTS: MIP, MEP, and MVV values were significantly lower in females than in males. MIP, MEP, and MVV values had a moderate correlation with forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and height, but not with weight, BMI, or GPAQ. Age, gender, and body mass index were found to be significant predictors of maximal respiratory pressures in a young Arab population. CONCLUSION: Maximum respiratory pressures and maximal voluntary ventilation were significantly lower in young Arabs than in other ethnic groups; these values were influenced by gender and height but not by levels of physical activity.
