Awareness and knowledge of breast cancer rehabilitation among Saudi Arabia physical therapists.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the physical therapists' knowledge and awareness of breast cancer, treatment modalities, contraindications, and clinical guidelines. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2020 to May 2021 in Saudi Arabia. The sample size was determined using the Raosoft sample size calculator, which indicated the need for 67 participants. All physical therapists of both sex in private and public hospitals in Ha'il and non-Ha'il regions were included in the study. Data was collected by a structured Google form questionnaire, consisting of 4 main domains with a maximum score of 43. RESULTS: 57 physical therapists participated in the current study, out of which 31 were from the Ha'il region (42.1% male, 57.9% female) with a mean age of 29±7 years and a mean experience 6±7years. The referral of breast cancer patients was only 22.8%. Interestingly only 22.8% of the hospital has specific setups for oncology rehabilitation, and 12.3% have reported positive about continuing professional development (CPDs) workshops for breast cancer organized by their hospitals. 5.3% of patients with breast cancer are aware of the benefit of oncology rehabilitation, while 22.8% of patients come for follow-up sessions in the rehabilitation department. According to multiple regression, only gender was statistically significant for prediction, p<0.05. Females increased the mean score by 5.996 more than males. Female therapists are 38.2% more aware than males. CONCLUSIONS: Although physical therapists have a low level of knowledge and an average level of awareness, with a higher number of women than men, attitudes toward physical therapy are quite high, and the profession is practiced exceptionally well.

Effect of twelve-week concurrent aerobic and resisted exercise training in non-dialysis day on functional capacity and quality of life in chronic kidney disease patients.

OBJECTIVE: Several researchers have evaluated the impact of exercise training on patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, few studies have evaluated the impact of concurrent training (aerobic and resisted exercise) on non-dialysis days on the functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) of such patients. Our current study evaluated the effects of concurrent training on functional capacity and QOL of patients with CKD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-three patients, aged ≥ 25 years, were recruited in this randomized study. They were divided into intervention and control groups (22 per group). The intervention group received concurrent aerobic and resistance exercises (three sessions per week for twelve weeks on alternative days). The control group continued their regular lifestyle practices and medical treatment without any exercise intervention. Before and after twelve weeks of training, the participant's functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) were measured. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the intervention group displayed a significant improvement in the distance walked in the 6-minute walk test and sit-to-stand test (STS1/s and STS-60) with p<0.001; furthermore, a significant improvement was observed in physical function, body pain, general health, role functioning/physical, vitality, and social functioning (p<0.05) of QOL assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The twelve-week concurrent aerobic and resistance exercise training had a positive impact on functional capacity and QOL in CKD patients. Concurrent exercise training should be recommended as an interventional modality in physical therapy and rehabilitation protocols in CKD patients.

A Conceptual Framework for the Progression of Balance Exercises in Persons with Balance and Vestibular Disorders.

There is little information in peer-reviewed literature to specifically guide the choice of exercise for persons with balance and vestibular disorders. The purpose of this study is to provide a rationale for the establishment of a progression framework and propose a logical sequence in progressing balance exercises for persons with vestibular disorders. Our preliminary conceptual framework was developed by a multidisciplinary team of physical therapists and engineers with extensive experience with people with vestibular disorders. Balance exercises are grouped into six different categories: static standing, compliant surface, weight shifting, modified center of gravity, gait, and vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). Through a systematized literature review, interviews and focus group discussions with physical therapists and postural control experts, and pilot studies involving repeated trials of each exercise, exercise progressions for each category were developed and ranked in order of degree of difficulty. Clinical expertise and experience guided decision making for the exercise progressions. Hundreds of exercise combinations were discussed and research is ongoing to validate the hypothesized rankings. The six exercise categories can be incorporated into a balance training program and the framework for exercise progression can be used to guide less experienced practitioners in the development of a balance program. It may also assist clinicians and researchers to design, develop, and progress interventions within a treatment plan of care, or within clinical trials. A structured exercise framework has the potential to maximize postural control, decrease symptoms of dizziness/visual vertigo, and provide "rules" for exercise progression for persons with vestibular disorders. The conceptual framework may also be applicable to persons with other balance-related issues.