International Journal of Physical Therapy Research & Practice

Injury Risk and Prevention Strategies Among Saudi and Irish Amateur Women Soccer Players – A qualitative study

Tahani A. Alahmad, Audrey C. Tierney, Pauline Boland, Amanda M. Clifford — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to explore how Saudi and Irish women amateur soccer players perceive soccer-related injury risk and prevention, including barriers and facilitators to the implementation of prevention strategies. Online interviews were conducted with 36 amateur women soccer players (20 Saudi and 16 Irish) of 18 years and older. Findings were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Three main themes were identified; (1) “we don’t have enough knowledge about injury prevention” (2) implementing injury prevention measures varies across players and teams, and (3) “we love the game…but we are undervalued”. The biopsychosocial characteristics of the players influenced their experiences on injury prevention in all three themes. Tailored educational programmes for women, their coaches, and parents of younger players, as well as provision of the required support for amateur teams are recommended to encourage participation and implementation of evidence-based injury prevention strategies, taking player’s biopsychosocial characteristics into account.

Comparative Analysis of Physical Therapy Outcomes in Acute Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke Rehabilitation

Amir Iqbal, Priyadarshani Bhat, Ganeswara R Melam — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Stroke rehabilitation demands an effective therapeutic approach to enhance functional recovery. This study aims to compare the outcomes of physical therapy in patients with acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke using the Motor Relearning Programme (MRP). Methodology: Based on stroke type, confirmed via CT thirty-eight participants were stratified into ischemic & hemorrhagic stroke group. Eligible participants were over 35 years old, had a Glasgow Coma Scale score above 5, and presented with hemiplegia. Exclusion criteria included trauma-induced hemorrhage, cerebellar or brainstem stroke, severe cognitive impairment, or pre-existing disabilities. The participants underwent a standardized four-week physiotherapy regimen based on the MRP, with assessments using the Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) to evaluate the outcomes. Results: These results underscore the significant improvements in the functional outcomes observed in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients following physical therapy, with hemorrhagic stroke patients showing more substantial gains in both MAS and FIM scores. Conclusion: Our study contributes to a nuanced understanding of stroke rehabilitation, emphasizing that while both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients significantly benefit from structured physical therapy interventions like MRP, the specifics of their recovery processes vary.

Exploring the Frontier of Digital Therapy: An In-Depth Analysis Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation in Alleviating Chronic Neck Pain

Mansi, Ankita Sharma, Sumbul Zaidi, Moattar Rizvi — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Chronic neck pain (CNP) affects individuals' functionality and quality of life. Telerehabilitation has emerged as a viable alternative to conventional therapy for managing CNP, especially in cases related to poor posture. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of telerehabilitation and conventional therapy in reducing functional disability, pain intensity, and improving craniovertebral angle in individuals with CNP due to poor posture. Methods: This study employed a pre-post experimental design with 40 participants suffering from CNP, divided into conventional therapy and telerehabilitation groups. Outcomes measured were functional disability (NPAD), pain intensity (NPRS), and craniovertebral angle before and after a 2-week intervention period. Results: Significant improvements were observed in both groups. In the conventional therapy group, NPAD scores decreased from 33.9±4.47 to 25.4±2.56 (t=2.91, p<0.001), and in the telerehabilitation group from 32.35±3.66 to 24.9±2.29 (t=2.46, p<0.001). NPRS scores in the conventional therapy group reduced from 6.15±0.81 to 4.05±0.83 (t=0.31, p<0.001), and in the telerehabilitation group from 6.05±0.94 to 3.85±0.93 (t=0.52, p<0.001). Craniovertebral angle showed a significant increase in the conventional therapy group from 33.16±5.77 to 42.43±4.81 (t=2.33, p<0.001) and in the telerehabilitation group from 33.27±5.56 to 38.55±5.62 (t=4.37, p<0.001). Conclusion: Both conventional therapy and telerehabilitation were effective in significantly reducing functional disability and pain intensity, with notable improvements in craniovertebral angle, suggesting that telerehabilitation can be a potent alternative to conventional therapy for managing CNP due to poor posture.