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Background: Treatments that combine both elastic and rigid taping in knee osteoarthritis have not yet been investigated in the literature. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to investigate how the combination taping technique affects functional status, disability, and quadricep isokinetic torque in cases of knee osteoarthritis. Patient Methods: A total of fifty-four patients were assigned to the experimental group or control group. Conventional physical therapy was provided to both groups, in addition, participants in the experimental group also received combination taping. Disability, functional status, and isokinetic quadriceps torque were assessed at baseline, six weeks (post-intervention), and twelve weeks (follow-up). Results: MANOVA showed that post-intervention measurements were significantly better than baseline measurements of both groups, except for isokinetic quadriceps torque, which showed a nonsignificant difference in the control group. The control group's follow-up measurements revealed nonsignificant differences from those taken after the intervention, whereas the experimental group's differences were significant excluding isokinetic quadriceps torque. Measurements taken at post-intervention and follow-up revealed that the experimental group had significantly improved compared to the control groups. Conclusions: Combination taping was found to be more beneficial when used in addition to conventional physical therapy than when used alone in knee OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy offers a promising approach to treating inflammatory diseases. Its notable anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects and enhancement of microcirculation in the nasal mucosa make it a valuable treatment option. Despite its potential, the use of PEMF for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is still in its early stages, with limited exploration of its effectiveness. This study aimed to assess the impact of PEMF on alleviating symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, sinus opacifications, and ostiomeatal complex issues associated with CRS. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven patients of both genders with CRS, aged 19 to 40 years, were involved in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to either a magnetic or a control group. The magnetic group underwent a 10 min PEMF session with a 20-gauss magnetic field strength at 7 Hz thrice a week for a month. The control group received the same PEMF application as an inactive device. Before and after the intervention, researchers assessed fatigue levels with a visual analog fatigue scale (VAFS), headache intensity via a numerical pain-rating scale, and the status of sinus opacifications and ostiomeatal complex obstructions by computerized tomography (CT). Results: The study findings showed a significant reduction in fatigue and headache scores in the magnetic group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a notable improvement in sinus opacifications and ostiomeatal complex obstructions among participants who received PEMF therapy. Conclusions: PEMF therapy effectively reduces fatigue, headaches, and sinus opacifications in CRS patients, suggesting its potential for inclusion in CRS management guidelines to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The results of this study indicate that PEMF represents a noninvasive and cost-effective approach for treating adults with mild-to-moderate CRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Hamstring shortening is a significant musculoskeletal condition affecting the posture and mobility of the spine and lower extremities. This study examined the impact of incorporating neurodynamic slump stretch and suboccipital muscle inhibition into passive static stretching on hamstring flexibility in individuals with short hamstrings. Methods: 117 female participants were classified into three groups: the control group, which received passive static stretch of the hamstring muscle; the neurodynamic slump group, which received neurodynamic slump stretch with passive static stretch; and the suboccipital muscle inhibition group, which received suboccipital muscle inhibition with passive static stretch, for three sessions a week, 10 min each, for four weeks. The outcome measures were the popliteal angle test (PAT), straight leg raising (SLR) test, and forward bending test (FBT) at baseline, immediately following the first session and after four weeks. Results: Statistically significant differences were found within groups (p < 0.001) for all outcome measures. Between the groups, there was a more significant improvement in the PAT and the SLR tests, favoring the neurodynamic slump and suboccipital muscle inhibition groups in comparison with the passive static stretch group (p < 0.001) with no significant difference between the two groups after the first session and at four weeks of treatment. However, the FBT showed no significant differences immediately following the first session or at four weeks of treatment (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study found that incorporating neurodynamic slump stretch and suboccipital muscle inhibition into passive static stretch techniques effectively treats short hamstrings in healthy individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Lean body mass loss after bariatric surgery (BS) is remarkable, despite an effective long-term mass reduction and significant declines in comorbidities. A person's functional capacity is adversely affected when their skeletal muscle strength declines by up to 30%. This study aimed to assess the isokinetic trunk muscle strength and fatigue rate in individuals after BS. Materials and Methods: This study included fifty-eight patients, both male and female, ranging in age from 19 to 45. Twenty-seven individuals had BS and twenty-seven healthy people served as the control group. The primary outcomes were the measurement of the concentric and eccentric isokinetic muscle strength of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles. An isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Rehabilitation and Testing System 3) was used for the assessment of the isokinetic muscle strength. Noraxon EMG was used to determine a secondary outcome, which was the median frequency slop (MF/time) and root mean square slop (RMS/time) of the lumbar erector spinea muscle at 50% of the Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC). Outcome measures were assessed for both groups. Results: Compared to the control group, the bariatric group showed a lower mean value of both concentric and eccentric isokinetic muscle strength for the flexor and extensor trunk muscles (p < 0.05). In terms of the EMG fatigue rate, the RMS slope increased significantly more than that of the control group, while the MF slope decreased (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The current study found that, in comparison to the healthy subjects, the BS group showed reduced levels of fatigue and isokinetic strength in the trunk muscles. Based on these results, it is recommended that individuals who underwent BS take part in tailored rehabilitation programs to avoid potential musculoskeletal issues in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study are to compare hip muscle strength, hip joint proprioception, and functional balance between individuals with unilateral hip OA and asymptomatic individuals and to examine the relationships among these variables in the hip OA population. In a prospective cross-sectional study, 122 participants (unilateral Hip OA: n = 56, asymptomatic: n = 56) were assessed at the CAMS/KKU musculoskeletal Physical Therapy laboratory. Ethical standards were upheld throughout the research, with informed consent obtained. Hip muscle strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer, hip joint proprioception with a digital inclinometer, and functional balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Hip OA individuals exhibited significantly lower muscle strength and proprioceptive accuracy, and poorer functional balance than controls (p < 0.003). Correlation analyses revealed a positive correlation between muscle strength and BBS scores (r = 0.38 to 0.42) and a negative correlation with TUG test times (r = -0.36 to -0.41). Hip joint reposition sense (JRS) in flexion showed a negative correlation with balance (r = -0.46), while JRS in abduction was positively correlated (r = 0.46). The study highlights the clinical importance of muscle strength and proprioception in functional balance among individuals with unilateral hip OA. The results support the incorporation of muscle strengthening and proprioceptive training in interventions to improve balance and mobility in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a debilitating disease that resists medical treatment. Photobiomodulation therapy is one of the promising treatment modalities for CRS. The purpose is to investigate the effect of photobiomodulation therapy on headache, fatigue, sinus opacification, and ostiomeatal complex obstruction in patients with CRS. Thirty-one patients with CRS were randomly divided into photobiomodulation therapy and control groups. The photobiomodulation therapy group received photobiomodulation therapy (2.5 J, frequency 9.12 Hz, and 904 nm for 10 min for 12 sessions) on eight rhinosinusitis sites, and the control group received a sham laser. Headache, fatigue, and sinus opacification outcomes were measured before and after treatment. There was a significant improvement in headache, fatigue, and sinus opacification in the photobiomodulation therapy group in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Photobiomodulation therapy is an effective physical therapy treatment modality for the management of CRS. Clinical trial registry: NCT05861817 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective was to assess static trunk balance after recovery from COVID-19. Patients and Methods: 145 recovered COVID-19 university students between the ages of 19 and 25 participated in this single-blinded, randomized controlled trial study. The participants were divided into a Pilates group and a control group, each of which received a home exercise program. Core muscle endurance was measured using the five basic endurance tests and static balance using the Prokin system with open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE) at baseline and after three months of treatment. Results: All measured parameters showed improvement within the groups after treatment. Group comparison revealed a significant increase in the Pilates group in all core endurance tests (P< 0.001). The Prokin system results showed improvement in the Pilates group after treatment, while perimeter with OE, CE, and ellipse area with EC decreased (P< 0.001), but there was no significant difference in ellipse with OE between the groups. Conclusion: Pilates exercises positively improved core muscle endurance and trunk balance in people infected with COVID-19, which will be reflected in their quality of movement patterns and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multidrug-resistant infections are becoming a major source of in-hospital mortality and morbidity in ICU patients, numerous independent risk factors for infections by MDR bacteria have been identified, ICUs are often considered the epicenter of development, amplification and dissemination of drug-resistant microorganisms Aim and Objectives: To determine the prevalence, possible risk factors and outcome in critically ill patients in ICU with multidrug resistant urinary tract infections in Ain Shams University Hospitals. Subjects and Methods: This was cross-sectional study that included 383 patients who were admitted to different intensive care units in Ain Shams university hospitals during a period of Six months (March 2022 - August 2022). Patients were identified by review of urine specimens sent to the microbiology laboratory for urine cultures, for patients suspected clinically of UTI or in those with urinalysis demonstrating increased white blood cells count, Multidrug resistant (MDR) was defined as isolates that were resistant or intermediate susceptible to≥3 of the following antimicrobial categories: (a1) penicillin (b) cephalosporins (c) carbapenems; (d) fluoroquinolones; (e) gentamicin or amikacin; (f) TMP-SMX; and (g) nitrofurantoin Results: The prevalence of multi-drug resistant UTI was about 45.2%. Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus were the most common medical comorbidities. The presence of chronic indwelling urinary catheters was the most common healthcare-associated risk factor for MDR UTI. Klebsiella and enterococcus were significantly more prevalent among MDR cases (41.6 % and 46.8% respectively). Penicillin had the most common antimicrobial resistance in our study. 59% of the patients with MDR UTI presented with septic shock, 18.5% presented with AKI as the second most common cause of hospital admission in MDR UTI patients. MDR UTI patients had higher mean serum creatinine and lower eGFR in comparison to non-MDR group. Conclusion: Multi-drug resistant UTI had 45.2% prevalence among critically ill patients in Ain Shams university hospitals with many risk factors. In addition, higher CRP, lower eGFR and lower haemoglobin level are associated with MDR urinary tract infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Functional nonretentive fecal incontinence (FNRFI) is an extremely embarrassing and psychologically frustrating shameful problem with bad impact on children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of biofeedback training in the treatment of FNRFI in children and its impact on the quality of life (QoL). Patients and methods This prospective randomized controlled study included 100 children with FNRFI, who were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A was treated using Kegel exercises and dietetic regulation, while group B was treated by biofeedback training. Follow-up was planned for 24 months for manometric findings, incontinence score, frequency of incontinence episodes, and the QoL. Results There was a statistically significant decrease in incontinence episodes and scores in both groups when compared with the initial record at 3, 12, and 24 months with better outcome in group B. There was statistically significant improvement in QoL domains in group B when compared with group A (P<0.001). Conclusion Biofeedback is an effective method for the treatment of FNRFI and its effect is maintained over time with satisfactory improvement of QoL. Level of evidence: Level I. Type of study: Treatment study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Electronic media have become integral parts of modern life, in which prolonged screen viewing time (SVT) by children is nearly unavoidable. Prolonged use of smartphones could lead to musculoskeletal problems. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of SVT on head and neck posture during and after using smartphones for various periods of time in either standing or sitting postures. METHODS: This observational study included 34 male children aged 5–12 years who were assigned to one of two groups based on average smartphone use duration per day: group A comprised 18 children averaging > 4 hours per day (h/day) of smartphone use, and group B comprised 16 children with < 4 h/day of smartphone use. The children's postures were photographed in standing and sitting positions while using a smartphone and 30 min after ceasing smartphone use. The head flexion, neck flexion, gaze, and craniocervical angles were measured using the software program Kinovea. RESULTS: Significant increases were found in head flexion, neck flexion, and gaze angles. Furthermore, both groups saw a significant decrease in craniocervical angle when sitting compared to when standing, both during and 30 min after smartphone use. The head flexion, neck flexion, and gaze angles of group A were significantly higher than those of group B, and the craniocervical angle of group A was significantly lower than that of group B in both postures (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SVT is associated with increased neck and head flexion posture in children, especially in a sitting position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Burn injury with pre-existing diabetes has poorer outcomes and complications. Balance and functional mobility are disturbed in diabetic patients with burn injury which increase the risk of total morbidity. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of vibrational training as an additional intervention on postural balance, balance confidence and functional mobility in type 2 diabetic patients with lower limb burn injury. Patients and Methods: Thirty-eight type 2 diabetic patients of both sexes with healed lower limb burn were randomly assigned into two equal groups: the vibration group and the control group. The vibration group received whole body vibration (WBV), 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks, in addition to the selected exercise program (balance exercises and resisted exercises), while the control group only received the selected exercise program. Biodex Balance System was used to assess the dynamic balance score, the Activities-specific Balance Scale to assess balance confidence and the timed up and go test to assess the functional mobility. All measurements were obtained before and at the end of the study after 8 weeks of treatment. Results: Marked improvement in all dynamic balance indices; overall stability index, antero-posterior stability index and medio-lateral stability index, balance confidence and the functional mobility were obtained in both the vibration and the control groups (P< 0.05), whereas post-treatment comparison between groups revealed a statistically significant difference in favor of the vibration group in all measured variables. Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, it is possible to conclude that adding WBV training for an 8-week duration to a selected exercise program (balancing and resisted exercises) seems to be effective; in improving postural balance, balance confidence, as well as improving the functional mobility in type 2 diabetic patients with lower limb burn injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed this meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a physiotherapy modality with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, in the management of mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We searched PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Cochrane Central, and Virtual Health Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of LLLT with or without splinting versus placebo on functional and electromyographic outcomes in CTS. All outcomes were pooled as mean differences (MD) under the inverse variance or random effects model, using the statistical add-in (MetaXL, version 5.0). Eight RCTs (473 patients/631 wrists) were eligible for the final analysis. The overall effect estimates did not favor LLLT therapy group over placebo in all primary outcomes: visual analogue scale (MD -1.11, 95% CI [-2.58, 0.35]), symptom severity scale score (MD -1.41, 95% CI [-5.12, 2.29]), and functional status scale score (MD -1.33, 95% CI [-3.27, 0.61]). However, LLLT was superior to placebo in terms of grip strength (MD 2.19, 95% CI [1.63, 2.76]) and inferior to placebo in terms of sensory nerve action potential (MD -2.74, 95% CI [-3.66, -1.82]). Laser therapy is superior to placebo in terms of improving the grip strength; however, no significant difference was found between both groups in terms of functional status improvement, pain reduction, or motor electrodiagnostic evaluations. Further high-quality trials with longer follow-up periods are required to establish the efficacy of LLLT for CTS treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Management of abnormal cervical somatosensory input in cervical spine disorders is important for improving postural stability. Objective: To determine the effect of craniocervical flexion training on postural stability when combined with conventional physical agents and post-isometric technique in patients with the cervical discogenic lesion. Materials and Methods: Thirty cervical discogenic lesion patients participated in the study, divided randomly and equally into study and control groups. Neck Pain and Disability Scale was used to measure neck pain intensity and its effect on vocational, recreational and social aspects. Cervical kinesthetic sensibility was measured by the cervical position sense Test and overall stability index was measured using the Biodex balance system. Selected physical therapy program in the form of TENS current, ultrasonic waves, post-isometric relaxation technique were performed for all patients. In addition to the prescribed program the craniocervical flexion exercise was done for the study group only. Results: There was a disturbance in the cervical sensorimotor control function in the patients participated in the study and a significant correlation between neck pain & altered cervical sensorimotor function (P<0.005). The study group showed more improvement than the control group in relieving neck pain and enhancing the cervical sensorimotor function (P<0.05). Conclusion: Neck pain, cervical muscle's imbalance and weakness have a major contribution to the sensorimotor deficits of the cervical spine. Craniocervical Flexion exercises could be an integral method if added to the conventional physical therapy program in treating cervical discogenc patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]