International Journal of Physical Therapy Research & Practice

Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of Nintendo Switch-Based Exergaming for Enhancing Physical Activity in Children with Down Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Afaf A. M. Shaheen, Safia Darweesh Halwsh, Samiah Alqabbani, Maha F. Algabbani — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: Nintendo Switch-based exergaming is increasingly used in therapeutic settings. This study aimed to determine whether selected Nintendo Switch games are feasible and engaging for children with Down syndrome (DS). Methods: This interventional pilot study included a convenience sample of 11 children diagnosed with DS. it involved a 40-minute exergaming session using a Nintendo Switch console with ten games (two sports and eight Family Trainer) that required weight shifting and stepping tasks based on previous studies. After the session, the validated Video Game Applicability Questionnaire was used to evaluate usability, engagement, and enjoyment of the selected games using a five-point visual Likert scale. Results: Data from 11 children (7 females), aged 10.45 ± 1.75 years, were analyzed. Games such as Timber Trail (M = 4.96, SD = .07), Log Leaper (M = 4.94, SD = .12), Jump Rope (M = 4.92, SD = .12), Sprint Challenge (M = 4.90, SD = .18), and Head on Hurdler (M = 4.90, SD = .18) received consistently high ratings for usability, engagement, and enjoyment, while others such as Mine Cart Adventure (M = 1.16, SD = .40), Mountain Boarder (M = 1.32, SD = .28), Mole Madness (M = 1.77, SD = .97), Golf (M = 1.77, SD = .76), and Soccer (M = 2.19, SD = .44) were rated lower scores across all domains. Conclusion: Several games showed potential for therapeutic exergaming in children with DS, emphasizing the need for further research and long-term trials.

Association Between Patient Lifting Systems and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ebtihal E. Tamboosi , Mohammad E. Tamboosi, Sara E. Tamboosi — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: This cross-sectional study investigated the association between the use of patient lifting systems and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among nurses in Saudi Arabia. It also examined the influence of lifting frequency, ergonomic knowledge, and sociodemographic factors. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to 51 nurses between January and June 2023. The survey collected data on sociodemographic, patient lifting system usage frequency, and MSDs using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Chi-square tests assessed associations, and logistic regression identified significant MSD risk factors. Results: Among the 51 nurses (mean age = 35.64 years), 35.3% used lifting systems sometimes, 37.3% rarely, and 15.7% never. A total of 25.5% reported insufficient ergonomic training. Frequent use of hoists was significantly associated with lower MSD prevalence (p < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that younger age (OR = 1.628, p = 0.020) and female gender were predictors of higher MSD risk. Lower back pain was the most reported issue (63%), but its severity was lower among nurses who regularly used lifting devices. Conclusion: Frequent use of patient lifting systems was associated with a lower prevalence and severity of MSDs, particularly lower back pain. However, inconsistent use and inadequate ergonomic training may limit their protective benefits. Healthcare facilities should prioritize training and encourage routine use of lifting systems to mitigate MSD risk among nursing staff.

Optimizing Osteoarthritis Care: A Review of Multimodal Physical Therapy on Long Term Patient’s Outcome

Sohrab Ahmad Khan — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent, chronic musculoskeletal condition and a leading cause of pain, functional limitation, and reduced quality of life, especially among older adults. Traditional physical therapy (PT) for OA typically emphasizes exercise routines and symptom relief strategies. However, growing attention is being directed toward multimodal physical therapy (MPT)—an integrative approach that combines manual therapy, structured exercise, and patient education. This comprehensive model seeks to address not only the physical impairments associated with OA but also the behavioural and educational components that influence long-term disease management. Method: A systematic review was conducted using the Semantic Scholar database. Studies were included if they involved adult populations with OA, used MPT interventions, had a comparator group receiving standard PT or usual care, included a follow-up of at least six months, and reported outcomes related to pain, function, or quality of life. Ten eligible studies were identified, including randomized controlled trials and one systematic review. Result: Of the ten studies, five reported that MPT led to significant short-term improvements in pain and function compared to standard care. However, long-term findings were mixed. Only three studies showed sustained benefits beyond 12 months, while four reported no significant differences between MPT and standard PT over time. Manual therapy was found to be particularly effective in the short term but showed inconsistent long-term value across studies. Conclusion: MPT appears to offer superior short-term outcomes in OA management compared to standard PT. Nonetheless, its long-term benefits remain inconclusive. More high-quality, long-term studies with adherence tracking and patient subgroup analysis are needed to fully assess the sustained value of MPT and to determine which individuals are most likely to benefit from this multimodal approach.