Kinesiophobia and associated factors among patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

PURPOSE: This study determined the association between kinesiophobia and age, body mass index, highest educational status, self-efficacy, pain intensity, and disability in chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) patients. Predictors of kinesiophobia were also assessed. METHODS: This cross-sectional design utilised 224 CNSLBP patients in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Oswestry Disability Index, Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and Numerical Pain Rating Scale were used to assess kinesiophobia, disability, self-efficacy, and pain intensity respectively. Spearman's correlation and multiple regression analysis determined the association between the variables of interest and the predictors of kinesiophobia, respectively. RESULTS: Most of the participants reported a high level of kinesiophobia (92%), low level of self-efficacy (68.8%), moderate pain intensity (58.0%), and moderate disability (57.1%). A significant positive weak correlation was observed between kinesiophobia and pain intensity (r = 0.138, p = 0.040). Gender, self-efficacy, pain intensity, and disability significantly predicted the extent of kinesiophobia (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The increased levels of kinesiophobia are a cause for concern and highlight the need for kinesiophobia and related factors to be closely monitored and incorporated into preventive and curative rehabilitation programmes for CNSLBP patients to minimise the negative impact on rehabilitation outcomes.Implications for RehabilitationPatients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) have high levels of kinesiophobia, which could predispose them to avoidance behaviours, physical inactivity, and deterioration of health, all of which, if not addressed, may result in poor rehabilitation outcomes, setting off a viscious cycle.Regular kinesiophobia assessments could indicate areas of rehabilitation concern, allowing health care providers to better target rehabilitation programs and improve rehabilitation outcomes.Pain severity, self-efficacy, and disability should be frequently assessed and included when planning rehabilitation programs, to reduce the detrimental impact on kinesiophobia.In patients with CNSLBP, graded exposure therapy to movement is necessary to prevent and reduce kinesiophobia, thereby increasing compliance during rehabilitation programs.

Relationship between the development of musculoskeletal disorders, physical activity level, and academic stress among undergraduates students of University of Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Academic stress is a common experience among university students. It can affect the body composition of the students through behavioral changes, which further affect their physical activity level (PAL). Musculoskeletal disorders could arise from the interaction of these factors. This study aimed to determine the relationship between PAL, academic stress, selected anthropometric indices, and the development of MSDs among a selected Nigerian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 256 (129 females and 127 males) undergraduates of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus aged 15-30 years using Student's Stress Inventory to evaluate academic stress, the short-form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to determine the PAL, and a Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to assess MSDs. RESULTS: The results showed a high PAL with the male students having more PAL (61.4%) than female students. Secondly, the prevalence of MSDs among the population was high (66.02%) and the students faced moderate academic stress with the prevalence being more among the female students (75.2%). A significant difference was observed between academic stress and the development of MSDs (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: This study's findings support the hypothesis that increased academic stress and low level of physical activity are linked to increased risks of MSDs among students. Thus, it is warranted that the University curriculum is re-adjusted and incorporate public enlightenment programs on possible causes and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, stress management, and coping strategies.

Factors affecting the use of mobility aids devices among young adults with mobility disability in a selected Nigerian population.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the interaction of people living with mobility disability (PLWMDs), mobility aid devices (MADs), and their environment. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This was a cross-sectional institution-based survey with 51 participants (33 males and 18 females) aged between 18 and 50 years old. Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling method with snowballing. Data were collected using modified socio-cognitive and psychological impacts of the device self-administered questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency count, mean, percentages and standard deviation and Pearson's chi-square. Alpha level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The results showed diagnosis around the lower limb leading to disabilities implicated the use of MADs. The results showed the psychological factors and combined effect of psychological, socio-cultural and environmental factors were found to be significantly associated with the use of MADs at a significant level of p = .011 and .011, respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study suggest a negative effect associated with lack of proper use of MADs as well as the importance of MADs for promoting participation, inclusion, and productivity of PLWDs. However, the effectiveness of a specific type of MADs should be assessed in future studies.Implications for rehabilitationMobility aids devices are designed to help people achieve independence, reduce pain, increase confidence and self-esteem.Individuals with mobility disability are often encouraged to make use of the mobility aids devices.The type of mobility aid device required for each individual will depend on the mobility disability or injury.

Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors among domestic gas workers and staff of works department in Enugu, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSS) permeates various occupations. OBJECTIVE: To compare WMSS and associated risk factors among domestic gas workers (DGWs) and staff of Works Department (SWD) in Enugu. METHODS: One-hundred adults (DGW = 50, SWD = 50) participated in this cross-sectional study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and a demographics questionnaire were used to assess the prevalence of WMSS and related risk factors. Data were analysed using independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and logistic regression at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The DGWs (86%) had a significantly (χ2 = 24.45, p < 0.001) higher WMSS than the SWD (38%). Lower-back (54%) and shoulder (52%) were the most affected body parts among the DGWs in comparison to the hips/thighs (20%) among the SWD. Work-related factors such as daily work-duration (χ2 = 75.44, p < 0.001), lifting training (χ2 = 96.24, p < 0.001), and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) of facemask (χ2 = 100.0, p < 0.001) and gloves (χ2 = 96.09, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with general WMSS among the DGWs. However, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (OR = 1.29, p = 0.018), work duration > 8 h/day (OR = 0.001, p = 0.028), female gender (OR = 6.98-10.26, p < 0.05), sleep duration < 6 h/day (OR = 0.56-0.73, p < 0.05) and poor exercise behaviour (OR = 0.15, p = 0.013) were the identified independent risk factors of WMSS among DGWs, while DBP (OR = 0.99, p = 0.012) and female gender (OR = 6.47, p = 0.032) were the only identified independent risk factors for SWD. CONCLUSION: WMSS is significantly higher among DGWs than the SWD. High DBP, female gender, working beyond 8 h per day, sleeping less than 6 h per day, and insufficient exercise increase the risks of WMSDs, especially among the DGWs. To mitigate the adverse effects of WMSDs, SWD and DGWs require break and leave periods, PPE and assistive devices, exercise, medical check-up, and workplace ergonomics.

Physiotherapist-patient communication in entry-level physiotherapy education: A national survey in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Clinical communication impacts on physiotherapy treatment outcome and its competence warrants being assessed during training for physiotherapists given the increasing need to improve patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the assessment of clinical communication in entry-level physiotherapy programs in Nigeria. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey, questionnaires were sent by e-mail or hand-delivered to the heads of physiotherapy programs, asking them to consult with faculty members involved in the assessment of clinical communication in undergraduate education. RESULTS: Six of seven physiotherapy programs responded (an 86% response rate). Assessment of clinical communication and methods of assessing clinical communication by the programs showed wide variation. There was an average of two assessments per year. The objective structured clinical examination with patients (21; 38%) and written communications (report/chart) (13; 23%) were the most commonly used assessment methods. Perceived challenges included a lack of facilities, validity, inexperienced examiners, and difficulties in integrating processes and content. CONCLUSION: A variety of assessment methods are being used in entry-level physiotherapy programs in Nigeria, which target different components of clinical communication skills acquisition. More effort is needed to improve limited facilities and human resources training to enhance clinical communication assessment in Nigerian physiotherapy programs.

Correction to: Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the Management of PostInjection Sciatic Pain in a non-randomized controlled clinical trial in Nnewi, Nigeria.

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Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the Management of Post-Injection Sciatic Pain in a non-randomized controlled clinical trial in Nnewi, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Many studies on transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) had been undertaken to explore its pain relieving efficiency on several medicals/surgical conditions but none, specifically, had been carried out to determine the effect it has on post-injection sciatic pain (PISP) which comes about from wrong administration of intramuscular pain. This study aims to assess the effects of TENS in the management of PISP. METHODS: A total of 72 PISP subjects comprising 40 test subjects and 32 control subjects participated in a non-randomized controlled clinical trial in the current study. Participants were recruited from Department of Physiotherapy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi and Landmark Physiotherapy Services, Nnewi. The participants were however blinded to the intervention method they will receive before being allotted conveniently to test/experimental group (TG) or control group (CG). A written informed consent was obtained from participants before enrollments in the study. TENS and sham TENS (STENS) was applied to 40 test and 32 subjects respectively, 3 times a week, and 1 hour per session for the 10 weeks the study lasted. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to collect baseline data as well as those of 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th weeks after TENS and STENS interventions. The data analysis was performed with the Descriptive statistic of Mean ± SD, mean comparison test, repeated analysis of variance and paired wise t-test. Statistical level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULT: Results of repeated measure ANOVA showed that the pain level among participants in the treatment group at the end (after 10 weeks) of the intervention was significantly lower than that of their counterparts in the control group (F = 16.26; p = 0.01); with the intervention accounting for the 19% of the variance. The effect size (partial eta squared) = 0.19. CONCLUSION: The outcome of this research has proved the effectiveness of TENS in the management of PISP and is being recommended in the management of PISP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pan Africa Clinical Trial Registry ( PACTR201805003408271 ). The study was registered retrospectively on the 29th May, 2018.