Comparison of Self-Reported and Capacity-Based Measures of Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Nigeria: The Mediating Role of Age, Cognitive Status, and Chronic Conditions.

Background and Objectives: Although the association between self-reported and capacity-based mobility outcomes is prominently researched, the pathways through which self-reported measures affect capacity-based measures remains poorly understood. Therefore, our study examines the association between self-reported and capacity-based mobility measures and explores which mobility determinants mediate the association in Nigerian community-dwelling older adults. Research Design and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 169 older adults [mean age (SD) = 67.7 (7.0)]. Capacity-based mobility outcomes included the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and the 10-Meter Walk Test (10mWT), whereas the self-reported mobility outcomes included the Lower Extremity Functional scale (LEFS), the Life Space Questionnaire (LSQ), and the Mänty Preclinical Mobility scale (inability to walk 2 km, 0.5 km, or climb a flight of stairs). Spearman's correlations were conducted to examine the relationship between self-reported and capacity-based mobility measures, whereas structural equation modeling was used to determine the mediators. Results: The correlation between SPPB and LEFS (rho = 0.284) and 0.5 km (rho = -0.251) were fair, whereas the correlation between SPPB and inability to walk 2 km (rho = -0.244) and inability to climb a flight of stairs (rho = -0.190) were poor. Similarly, correlations between 6MWT and the LEFS (rho = 0.286), inability to walk 2 km (rho = -0.269), and 0.5 km (rho = -0.303) were fair. The 6WMT was poorly correlated with inability to climb one flight of stairs (rho = -0.233). The LSQ was not correlated with SPPB or 10mWT. Age was the only significant mediator, whereas the number of chronic conditions and cognitive status were not. Discussion and Implications: The correlation between self-reported and capacity-based mobility outcomes in older adults in Nigeria is lower than those in developed countries. Our analysis provides a foundation to explore mobility determinants that could be predictive mediators for mobility outcomes, making meaningful contributions to explaining mobility complexities.

Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise on Respiratory Functions and Vocal Sustenance in Apparently Healthy Vocalists.

BACKGROUND: Effective vocalization is dependent on breathing efficiency. Previous studies have reported the efficacy of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise (DBE) on the respiratory muscles and breath control of vocalists. There is a paucity of data on the effects of DBE on their vocal sustenance (VS), which is determined as Maximum Phonation Time (MPT). No known published study has considered physiotherapy as influencing voice dynamics amongst vocalists; evaluated the relationship between respiratory functions (Forced Vital Capacity - FVC, Forced Expiratory Volume in one second - FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and Peak Expiratory Flow - PEF) and VS in apparently healthy vocalists. Moreover, literature on the benefits of DBE to vocalists has not considered explicitly this aspect of vocalization skill, VS. METHODS: This is a pre-test - post-test experimental study involving a total of 37 participants (17 males and 20 females) selected by purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The subjects were grouped into DBE and control groups. Spirobank MIR spirometer was used to assess the respiratory function of the singers, while a stopwatch and keyboard were used in assessing the MPT. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 21.0. Alpha level set at 0.05. RESULTS: Significant improvement was found in respiratory functions (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF) of the DBE group when pre- and post-test results were compared. The DBE and control groups differed significantly. Respiratory values correlated significantly with the MPT values (FVC - r[p] - 0.416[0.011]; FEV1 - r[p] - 0.416[0.010]; PEF - r[p] - 0.566[0.000]), except for FEV1/FVC - r(p) - 0.248(0.138). Voice category did not correlate with respiratory parameters or MPT. While male singers showed more changes in respiratory function the female singers showed more improvement in MPT. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: DBE can improve respiration and VS (increased MPT). Therefore, it can be recommended for vocalists, and Physiotherapy can be relevant in trainings to improve vocal dynamics.

IGBO Version of the Older People's Quality Of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL-35) Is Valid and Reliable: Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation.

To translate, cross-culturally adapt, and psychometrically evaluate the Older People's Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL-35) among the Igbo older adult population in Enugu State. The original English OPQOL-35 (E-OPQOL-35) was translated into Igbo language, synthesized, back translated, and subsequently subjected to expert panel review, pre-testing and cognitive debriefing interview. The final Igbo version (I-OPQOL-35) was tested for internal consistency, concurrent, and structural validities in a cross-sectional study of 115 consenting apparently healthy older adults that were conveniently recruited from Enugu State, at 0.05 level of significance. The Spearman correlation coefficients between the participants' domain and total scores on the I-OPQOL-35 and E-OPQOL-35 (rho = .92-1.00) were excellent. The Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant difference between corresponding scores in the E-OPQOL-35 and I-OPQOL-35 (P = .65-.94). The internal consistency coefficient of the I-OPQOL-35 was 0.78. The ceiling and floor effects were 0% respectively. The I-OPQOL-35 is therefore a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of quality of life among Igbo older adults in Nigeria.

Evaluation of trunk muscle activities in response to three breastfeeding positions utilised by women.

BACKGROUND: High prevalence of breastfeeding (BF)-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in nursing mothers have been reported in previous studies. Studies are scarce on the biomechanical effects of the commonly utilized BF positions. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the electromyographic (EMG) activities of the trunk muscles in response to three BF positions commonly utilized by mothers globally. METHODS: 20 non-pregnant nulliparous females participated in this experimental study. EMG activities from erector spinae (ES) and external oblique (EO) muscles were recorded bilaterally in three BF conditions: cradle (C1); cross-cradle (C2); football (FB). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of one-way analysis of variance with alpha level set at 0.05. RESULTS: The activity levels of right EO and ES muscles significantly increased during the C2 hold, while the left EO and ES muscles revealed significantly higher EMG levels in the C1 trial. Asymmetrical activity between the right and the left parts of the EO muscle was significantly higher during the C2 hold. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that compared to C2 and C1 holds, FB hold may be more biomechanically efficient relative to its decreased muscular demands. The physical stresses associated with BF may be higher with the adoption of C2 and C1 holds, especially for prolonged periods.

Electromyographic activity of the neck muscles: Effects of varying standing height-derived teaching board heights.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing emergence of modern facilities, the ancient practice of writing on a teaching board is still common in the teaching profession. Ergonomic guidelines of this practice are required for the prevention of work-related neck musculoskeletal disorders inherent of teachers. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of varying teaching board heights on the activities of the neck muscles. METHODS: Thirty participants (15 males and 15 females) participated in this experimental study. Each performed writing tasks on a teaching board set at five different heights derived from their standing height (SH) [(D 10 = SH minus 10% of SH; Norm H = SH; Sum 10 = SH plus 10% of SH; Sum 20 = SH plus 20% of SH; Sum 25 = SH plus 25% of SH)]. Electromyographic (EMG) activities of both components of the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles were measured during each task. Asymmetry ratio of right and left muscle components were determined. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: EMG activities of the four muscles as well as their asymmetry ratios significantly (p< 0.01) increased with increasing board heights. CONCLUSION: Teaching board-related tasks have increased possibilities of inducing neck disorders when performed beyond Norm H vertical heights.