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Objective: Aging causes major changes in body composition which is related with lower muscular strength and endurance, as well as mobility and walking. Increase in accumulation of adipose tissue and increase in body fat can cause a reduction in body balance, which is a key contributing factor to falls. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to find the influence of skin fold thickness on dynamic balance in older adults. Methods: A total of 49 community dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Skin fold calliper and time up and go (TUG) test was used to measure the skin fold thickness and dynamic balance respectively. The Karl Pearson’s coefficient was used to estimate the relationship between the variables. Results: The Karl Pearson correlation co-efficient showed moderate positive correlation between skin fold thickness and TUG (r=0.395), which was found to be statistically significant (p

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique (INIT) for treating Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle on outcomes of pain, Range of Motion (ROM) and disability. Methods: 18 patients mean age 27± of 14.78 years were screened for inclusion/exclusion criteria. The INIT was administered three times a week for 4 weeks. The verbal Numerical Pain Rating scale (NPRS), cervical lateral flexion ROM and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were recorded at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks. Results and Conclusion: There were positive changes in all outcome measures for all eighteen participants. An increase in ROM and reduced levels of pain and disability were noted. This case series suggests that a short-term multimodal therapy would be beneficial for individuals with upper trapezius MTrPs. Important preliminary data was collected that will inform more rigorous research in this field of research.

Background: Support for dynamic stretching has grown in recent years, because several investigations show the potential for acute static stretching to degrade athletic performance.The hamstring muscle is the most frequent and disabling musculotendinous strain among athletes. Hence, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Static Stretching (SS) and Dynamic Stretching (DS) in acutely improving hamstring flexibility among recreational college athletes. Methodology: 72 male recreational athletes of mean age 23.59 ± 1.55 years with limited hamstring flexibility were randomly assigned to either SS or DS groups. Athletes in the SS group performed one single static stretch for 30 seconds and those in DS group performed six dynamic stretches for 30 seconds. Results and Conclusion: A significant difference in hamstring flexibility was found between SS group (3.60°) and DS group (8.12°) (p< 0.001). Hence, indicating that one session of DS through a full range of motion improved hamstring flexibility, better than SS.

Normal aging results in alterations in the structure and function of the brain, causing impairment in cognitive function and dependency in performing activities of daily living. A multicomponent physical activity program has been recommended to maintain physical and cognitive function in elderly individuals. The present study aimed at measuring the effect of such an exercise program on the cognitive function and activities of daily living(ADL) function in community dwelling elderly individuals. 52 elderly adults living in the community and ambulating independently were selected purposively and underwent a 10-week multi-component exercise program which included aerobic exercise, strength training, balance exercises and functional training. The participants were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Barthel Index(BI) at baseline and every two weeks up till 10 weeks. The data obtained was analysed usind descriptive statistics and t-test for finding the effect of the intervention program on the outcome measures. The results showed a significant difference in the pre- to post-intervention scores of both the outcome measures. A multicomponent exercise program was seen to be effective in improving the cognitive function and level of ADL activity in community dwelling elderly individuals. Such an exercise program should be recommended to all elderly adults in order to maintain their cognitive and overall functioning and to improve their productivity.

Introduction: In this era of smartphone revolution, the users are prone to get addicted to the convenience provided by it. The youth are the most vulnerable group for smartphone addiction. The smartphone revolution since 2000 is bringing noticeable changes in daily lives of people as it is providing more convenience in day to day life but along with that, there are many adverse-effects in interpersonal relationships, psychological well-being and physical health. Aim: To measure smartphone addiction, assess sleep quality and assess physical activity among young adults and to establish the relationship among the three. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 113 students recruited from a health science college in Mangaluru. Smartphone addiction was measured using Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale-short version (SAPS) which classifies the users as high risk, potential or dangerous risk and no risk users, sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and physical activity assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQSF). Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to find the correlation between the three. Results: The correlation coefficient of smartphone addiction and sleep quality was 0.473 indicating a moderately significant positive correlation and that of smartphone addiction and physical activity was -0.335 indicating a negative significant moderate correlation. Conclusion: From the present study it can be concluded that in high risk and dangerous or potential risk users of smartphones the quality of sleep and physical activity tends to decrease. Young adults showing insomnia symptoms should be attentively monitored for smartphone addiction.

Introduction: Older people have limitations in their functional and regenerative abilities, and are more prone to diseases and infirmities, when compared to younger adults. Ageing is seen to decrease physical fitness, which includes the components of endurance, strength, flexibility and agility. This decrease can lead to difficulties in functioning normally and carrying out activities of daily living. Exercise training has been seen to have positive effects on fitness levels, cardio-respiratory functions, fall risk and cognitive function in elderly individuals. Aim: To study the effect of a multi-component exercise program on functional mobility, functional exercise capacity and quality of life in elderly individuals. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 older adults above the age of 65 years, who were able to ambulate independently and able to understand instructions, and who did not suffer from severe musculoskeletal, neurological or cardiopulmonary disease were given an exercise program of 10 weeks duration which comprised of aerobic, resistance, functional and balance training components. The subjects were assessed using the 8-foot up and go test (8 UG) for functional mobility, Six Minute Walk Test (6 MWT) for functional exercise capacity and short form 36 scale (SF-36) for quality of life at baseline and every two weeks up to the end of the intervention. Results: Paired t-test results for the three outcome measures namely 8 UG, 6MWT and SF-36 showed a significant difference in all three measures when post-intervention scores were compared with pre-intervention scores (p