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Introduction Pulmonary function and functional capacity decline in chronic respiratory diseases, especially in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Physiotherapy is an integral part of treating respiratory patients since it helps combat muscle depletion and respiratory symptoms. Nevertheless, the knowledge about applying electromagnetic field (EMF) therapy as a therapeutic option in chronic respiratory patients is minimal. So, the aim of this review is to determine the effect of Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Pulmonary Function and 6-minute walk distance in chronic respiratory disease patients. Methods The PubMed, PeDRO, Scopus, COCHRANE, and Web of Science databases were searched and randomised control trials investigating EMF on pulmonary function and 6MWT distance in a chronic respiratory disease population, published before January 2022, were selected. Three reviewers assessed each study’s quality after data were extracted into a trial description form. Results Three studies met the inclusion criteria on pulmonary function and 6MWT distance. The sample size ranges from 10 to 37 for EMF. The improvement in pulmonary function was not significant in FEV1, FEV1/FVC and significant in PEF versus control. The change in 6MWT distance was 21.68 m, which is a clinically significant change. Conclusions EMF therapy has been shown to improve pulmonary function and 6MWT distance. The study was the first to examine and synthesise existing EMF data.

Abstract Background The results of recent systematic reviews have concluded that most exercise types are more effective than minimal treatment for improving outcomes in the management of non-specific chronic low back pain. However, exercise prescriptions are criticised for being prescribed without a clear rationale and with a high level of uncertainty. The preferred mode of exercise in this population is not outlined in clinical guidelines. The objective of this review is to describe the indications and dosimetry for the most common exercise interventions prescribed. Methods Literature was sourced from searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and PEDro databases until October 2021 using descriptors related to pain, exercise, and prescription, totaling 33 articles that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The first author independently selected studies and extracted data on study characteristics of interest. Any doubts were resolved through discussion with the other reviewers. Results The results of the review showed that a baseline assessment comprising the patient’s pain, thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours concerning physical activity or exercises may be undertaken, and specific exercises may be prescribed based on the indication to reduce pain, allay fear, or re-educate neuromotor control. Conclusion Based on the heterogeneity in the understanding, administration, and progression of exercises and the sub-optimal or poor reporting of exercise prescriptions or dosages and outcomes reported, we conclude that it may not be possible to synthesise any evidence to inform precision exercise prescription for CLBP. Future studies should be of higher quality for the development of effective exercise programmes.

IntroductionMechanical neck pain has become prevalent among computer professionals possibly because of prolonged computer use. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between neck pain intensity, anthropometric metrics, cervical range of motion, and related disabilities using advanced machine learning techniques.MethodThis study involved 75 computer professionals, comprising 27 men and 48 women, aged between 25 and 44 years, all of whom reported neck pain following extended computer sessions. The study utilized various tools, including the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain measurement, anthropometric tools for body metrics, a Universal Goniometer for cervical ROM, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). For data analysis, the study employed SPSS (v16.0) for basic statistics and a suite of machine-learning algorithms to discern feature importance. The capability of the kNN algorithm is evaluated using its confusion matrix.ResultsThe “NDI Score (%)” consistently emerged as the most significant feature across various algorithms, while metrics like age and computer usage hours varied in their rankings. Anthropometric results, such as BMI and body circumference, did not maintain consistent ranks across algorithms. The confusion matrix notably demonstrated its classification process for different VAS scores (mild, moderate, and severe). The findings indicated that 56% of the pain intensity, as measured by the VAS, could be accurately predicted by the dataset.DiscussionMachine learning clarifies the system dynamics of neck pain among computer professionals and highlights the need for different algorithms to gain a comprehensive understanding. Such insights pave the way for creating tailored ergonomic solutions and health campaigns for this population.

Car and motorcycle drivers frequently experience neck pain, which may have an impact on their quality of life and productivity at work. Understanding the prevalence of neck pain in this population and identifying effective interventions was essential for developing targeted healthcare strategies. The purpose of this review was to determine the prevalence of neck pain among car and motorcycle drivers and assess the effectiveness of primary, secondary, and tertiary care interventions in managing and preventing this health issue. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to gather relevant studies on neck pain prevalence and interventions among drivers. The collected data was analysed and synthesised to provide an in-depth understanding of the issue. The result of this review reveals a significant prevalence of neck pain among car and motorcycle drivers, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Primary, secondary, and tertiary care strategies are essential in addressing neck pain in this population. Primary care interventions focus on preventing the onset of neck pain, while secondary care aims to manage existing symptoms and prevent their worsening. Tertiary care interventions involve rehabilitation and long-term management of chronic neck pain. The present review concluded that a multi-faceted approach, encompassing primary, secondary, and tertiary care interventions, is necessary to prevent and manage neck pain in drivers. However, the current evidence base has limitations, and further research is required to enhance our understanding of effective interventions for this population.

Abstract Background The role of pain sensitivity in the development and maintenance of chronic pain states, impaired executive functioning, and patient recovery is being investigated. Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) is widely used to measure musculoskeletal pain associated with central sensitization (CS). Despite the recommendations of many reviews and clinical practice guidelines that exercise programs reduce pain and disability, the overall confidence in these results is considered “critically low.” The “active ingredient” of exercise programs and the dominant factor influencing CPM remain largely unknown. The objectives of this trial are to determine: • If different exercises cause different results on the CPM in a subgroup of people with chronic low back pain (CLBP) who are labeled as having CS pain, • If a program of exercise interventions for 12 weeks would alter executive functioning, quality of life (QoL), disability, and pain in persons with CLBP. • The relationship between patient characteristics, executive functions, CPM, and QoL Methods The trial is a randomized, controlled, multi-center study with four experimental groups and one healthy control group. Both the researchers and the people in the study will be blinded to the results. This paper describes the protocol for a trial examining the effects of 12-week individualized, twice-weekly exercise sessions lasting 30 to 60 min in persons with CLBP, who are positive for CS. Participants will be randomized to receive either patient education with motor control exercises (MCE), superficial strengthening (SS), aerobic exercises (AE), or patient education alone. Another group comprised of healthy volunteers will serve as controls. The primary outcomes are changes in CPM outcomes as measured by the cold pressor test (CPT). The secondary objectives are to evaluate executive functioning, pain, disability, quality of life, and spine muscle strength. The outcomes will be measured at 3 months and at a 6-month follow-up. Discussion The outcomes of the study will help in gaining more information and evidence about exercise-induced analgesia from the perspective of CPM. Measuring exercise outcomes will aid in scientifically prescribing exercise prescriptions in people with CLBP. The study outcomes will also assist in identifying the characteristics of individuals who will respond or respond indifferently to exercises. Investigating the relationship between the study’s various outcomes could provide information for future trials. Trial registration Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI) identifier: CTRI/2022/03/041143. Registered on 16 March 2022.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate and compare the prevalence of Forward Head Posture (FHP) in car and bike drivers, and its potential correlation with neck and cardiopulmonary parameters.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 400 participants from urban and suburban areas around Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, including 200 car drivers and 200 bike drivers aged 18-65 years with a minimum five-year driving history. Neck health was assessed using measurements such as cervical range of motion and Neck Disability Index (NDI), cardiopulmonary parameters were evaluated through resting heart rate, blood pressure, and pulmonary function tests using the spirometry test, and FHP was assessed using Surgimap application. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software (version 26.0) and included descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, Chi-square or Fisher's exact test for binary data, and correlation analyses.ResultsThe result show that difference in the mean FHP between car and bike drivers was statistically significant (p = 0.0001), indicating a higher prevalence of FHP among car drivers than among bike drivers. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between FHP and neck health metrics, especially cervical flexion (r = 0.71, pConclusionWe observed a higher incidence of FHP in car drivers, indicating that a prolonged static posture may lead to greater postural deviation than dynamic movement during biking. This association suggests that FHP could have wide-reaching implications for systemic health, beyond musculoskeletal issues. These findings have the potential to influence preventative strategies and interventions aimed at improving the overall health outcomes for drivers.

Background: Craniovertebral angle (CVA) alteration is a causative factor for the neck, shoulder, and temporomandibular joints disorders. Therefore, as an outcome measure for therapeutic intervention, measuring the craniovertebral angle with the Surgimap smartphone app is a cost-effective, easily accessible, and reliable tool. This study's objective was to assess the clinimetric properties of the Surgimap smartphone application with Surgimap system software to measure the Craniovertebral Angle in different age groups and positions. Method: Ninety subjects with neck pain were randomly allocated to aged between 18 and 30 years (Group A; n = 45) and 45–60 years (Group B; n = 45). Using the Surgimap smartphone application and Surgimap system software, the craniovertebral angle was measured objectively in the sagittal plane. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to determine validity and reliability. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curves (AUC) were determined to distinguish participants with and without forward head posture. Result: The result of this study shows that Smartphone Surgimap Application and Surgimap System Software correlate 0.95 and have p-values of 0.01 for diverse positions and ages. CVA measurement in the sitting position was significantly lower than in the standing position, regardless of methodology or age. Both positions demonstrated high intra-rater reliability, as evidenced by Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) between 0.972 and 0.991. The minimum detectable change (MDC) values ranged from 1.3 to 1.733, indicating high measurement accuracy. The smartphone application demonstrated outstanding diagnostic sensitivity (100.00% for Group A standing) and specificity (93.55% for Group B standing). Conclusion: The Surgimap smartphone application is a reliable and accurate method for craniovertebral angle measurement and is useful for measuring outcomes. Also standing posture was found to be better than sitting posture while measuring the CVA.

Patellofemoral pain can lead to knee pain, mobility and muscle performance deficits. It is caused by mechanical and chemical imbalances within the patellofemoral joint. Physiotherapeutic intervention plays an important role in managing these deficits. In this case, physiotherapeutic interventional prescription was used on the basis of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model. Assessment based on the ICF is a framework for describing and organising information on functioning and disability. A 55-year-old female with right peripatellar pain was examined using the ICF model for patellofemoral pain and muscle performance deficits. The components observed were correlated with the ICF model. On the basis of ICF-based assessment results, body function diminished in the form of decreased muscle strength and knee Range Of Motion (ROM) with the presence of pain. Functional activity limitations are present in the form of squatting and stair climbing. Other associated findings are mild patellofemoral swelling and quadriceps wasting. This case study found that muscle performance deficits caused by patellofemoral pain can be managed by eight weeks of ICF-based physiotherapeutic intervention that follows physiotherapeutic elements of prescription.

Digital technology has affected practically every aspect of modern life. Sitting is something that humans do for a number of purposes, including work (particularly for those who work in the computer industry), and for enjoyment. Daily computer use causes frequent neck and back pain. Flexed head and neck postures might cause neck pain during work. Pauses and postural modifications help avoid pain and sickness. Recent wearables can sense spinal alignment and provide immediate feedback on improper posture. Posture monitoring can help treat or change a user’s posture. In this narrative review, Google Scholar, PubMed, Cross-Ref, Cochrane, and ResearchGate were searched for English-only papers using review-specific keywords and fifty-one items were found. The search was narrowed by using more particular terms, such as “wearable postural correction sensors,” “forward head posture,” “neck discomfort in smartphone or computer users,” and “neck workouts.” Only current papers from 2015 onwards were considered. After filtering for relevancy, twenty-five articles were included. Researcher should identify intervention functions, policy categories, and tactics for behaviour change. Researchers have also examined neck discomfort, forward head posture in young individuals while using smartphones and computers, and posture correction using a wearable postural correction sensor. And also appropriate arrangement and support to administering a home and workplace fitness programme that eliminates pain and impairment while enhancing Forward Head Posture (FHP) and endurance. This review aimed to thoroughly examine existing literature for evidence concerning prevalent problems among smartphone and computer users such as neck discomfort and forward head position, postural correction sensor, and impact of exercises on neck discomfort.

Background and Objectives: Chronic low back pain, frequently attributed to Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SIJD), remains a prevalent concern in orthopedic and physiotherapy arenas. Despite the recognition of motor control exercises (MCEs) and balance training (BT) as potential rehabilitative measures, studies elucidating their combined efficiency for SIJD are scarce. This research study aimed to ascertain the combined and individual efficacies of MCE and BT in alleviating SIJD symptoms. Methods: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted, enrolling 120 SIJD-diagnosed patients aged 30–60 years. Participants were randomly allocated into four groups: MCEs alone, BT alone, combined MCEs and BT, and a control group receiving usual care. Interventions spanned 12 weeks, with evaluations at the start and end and a 24-week follow-up. Primary outcomes encompass pain intensity (assessed via Visual Analog Scale), functional disability (utilizing the Oswestry Disability Index), and life quality (using the Short Form-36). Results: Post a 12-week intervention, participants receiving combined MCE and BT demonstrated substantial improvements in VAS (Median: 3.5, IQR: 2–5; p = 0.0035), ODI (Median: 15%, IQR: 10–20%; p = 0.0035), and SF-36 scores (Median: 70, IQR: 65–75; p = 0.0035) compared to baseline. In contrast, standalone MCE or BT and control groups exhibited lesser efficacy. By the 24-week follow-up, the combined group maintained their gains, outperforming the other groups. The research tools employed showed high reliability with Cronbach’s alpha >0.85. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the superior efficacy of integrating motor control exercises (MCEs) and balance training (BT) for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SIJD)-related chronic low back pain. This combined approach promises enhanced patient outcomes, highlighting its potential as a primary strategy in SIJD management. Future studies should further explore its long-term benefits and integration with other therapeutic modalities.

Despite achieving remarkable progress, food insecurity remains a major public health challenge in Bangladesh, and severe food insecurity status has not been reduced in susceptible areas and vulnerable regions in Bangladesh. Wetlands that are susceptible to flooding can be found in Bangladesh's north-eastern Sylhet division. Suchana, a large-scale nutrition programme, implemented nutrition-specific and sensitive interventions in poor and very poor households in Sylhet and Moulvibazar districts in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh. The aim of this article is to assess the association between the Suchana intervention and household food security status among poor and very poor households in north-eastern rural Bangladesh using the Suchana baseline and endline survey databases. The baseline survey was conducted between November 2016 and February 2017, while the endline survey was undertaken 3 years later, during the same months. The outcome variable in this analysis was household food security status, which was measured using the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance's Guideline. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data; after controlling for the union as a cluster and relevant covariates, a multiple multinomial logistic regression model was used to estimate the independent effect of the Suchana intervention as an exposure. Overall, 14.0% of households were food secure at the baseline survey (intervention: 14.1%, control: 14.0%) and 22.0% were food secure (intervention: 26.6%, control: 20.2%) at the endline survey. For households in the intervention area in comparison to the control area, the odds of being moderately food insecure [aOR: 1.36 (1.05, 1.76), p < 0.05], mildly food insecure [aOR: 1.83 (1.33, 2.51), p < 0.001], or food secure [aOR: 2.21 (1.47, 3.33), p < 0.001] compared to being severely food insecure was significantly higher. Thus, we infer that the 3 years of Suchana intervention marginally increased household food security status among the socio-economically disadvantaged population in north-eastern rural Bangladesh. If concerns regarding gender equity, women's education, and income-generating activities are addressed, the population could experience even greater benefits in food security. In order to overcome these challenges, all stakeholders including programme implementers and policymakers should work together to implement the appropriate measures.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common inner ear disorder, characterized by brief episodes of vertigo caused by changes in head position. The condition can cause significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. BPPV is especially common among diabetic patients. The Epley–canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) and vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) are two commonly used interventions for the treatment of BPPV. The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Epley–canalith repositioning procedure (ECRP) and Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) therapy in the management of vertigo among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. A total of 30 subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged between 40 and 65 years, were randomly allocated to either the ECRP or VR therapy groups using a lottery method, and then underwent Epley–canalith repositioning procedure or vestibular rehabilitation therapy, respectively. The outcomes measured by the study were Vertigo Symptom Scale–Short Form (VSS–sf) score and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score, assessed pre-treatment (pre) and 4 weeks post-treatment (post). The results demonstrated that both ECRP and VR therapy led to improvements in VSS–sf and BBS scores. However, VR therapy was found to be more effective, resulting in a 13.6% higher improvement in VSS–sf scores (p = 0.03) and a 5.1% higher improvement in BBS scores (p = 0.51) compared to ECRP. Both Epley–canalith repositioning procedure and vestibular rehabilitation therapy are effective in managing BPPV in diabetic patients. Although the differences in BBS scores are not statistically significant, VRT demonstrated a trend towards greater improvement. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy can be used by clinicians as another rehabilitation technique for improving vertigo, postural stability, and activity of daily living in diabetic patients with BPPV.

Background and Objectives: To investigate the effect of whole-body stretching (WBS) exercise during lunch break for reducing musculoskeletal pain and physical exertion among healthcare professionals. Methods: Full-time healthcare professionals working in hospitals with more than one year of experience were invited to participate. Sixty healthcare professionals (age 37.15 ± 3.9 Years, height 1.61 ± 0.04 m, body mass 67.8 ± 6.3 kg, and BMI 26.5 ± 2.1 kg/m2) participated in this single-blinded, two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants were divided into WBS (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The WBS group performed a range of stretching exercises targeting the entire body during a lunch break period for 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The control group received an education program. Musculoskeletal pain and physical exertion were assessed using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and Borg rating of perceived exertion scale, respectively. Results: The 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort among all healthcare professionals was highest in the low back region (46.7%), followed by the neck (43.3%), and then the knee (28.3%). About 22% of participants said that their neck discomfort impacted their job, while about 18% reported that their low back pain impacted their job. Results indicate that the WBS and education program had a beneficial impact on pain and physical exertion (p < 0.001). When comparing the two groups, the WBS group experienced a significantly greater decrease in pain intensity (mean difference 3.6 vs. 2.5) and physical exertion (mean difference 5.6 vs. 4.0) compared to an education program only. Conclusions: This study suggests that doing WBS exercises during lunchtime can help lessen musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, making it easier to get through the workday.

Background and Objectives: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune disease in which the body mistakenly considers some parts of its own system as pathogens and attacks them. Prevalence is approximately 0.75% in India. About 40% of the diseased become work disabled within 5 years from the onset of symptoms. The objective of this paper is to assess the sign/symptoms, joints’ involvement, difficulties in daily activities and screening accuracy of serology tests of clinically suspected RA patients. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional cohort study design was conducted on two hundred ninety clinically suspected subjects who were referred by different OPDs of hospitals for screening. The profiles of study subjects were carried through a semi-structured, pre-tested schedule method. About 2 mL of blood samples were collected in a plain vial from each patient and tested for diagnostic tests RF, CRP and AntiCCP by using RF-Latex, CRP Latex and ELISA method, respectively, by the laboratory persons. Results: Joint pain shows to be a leading problem in RA as compared to other signs and symptoms. The majority of the study subjects suffer from knee problems (62%). Approximately equal numbers of RA-positive cases were screened by RF and AntiCCP tests. The CRP test screened about one-third of cases. CRP+ AntiCCP, RF+ AntiCCP and RF + CRP all have good sensitivity, and RF+ AntiCCP + CRP has a very high sensitivity for diagnosing RA. Conclusions: This study found that a substantiation of a major proportion of clinically suspected RA patients were suffering from knee pain. Predication of AntiCCP increased the possibility for the diagnosis of RA. However, RF was also moderately related to the diagnosis of RA, and the combination of both tests was more valuable.