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Physical activity and its relationship with national-based examination results among adolescents
No full textIntroduction
This study investigated the longitudinal relationship between self-reported physical activity and national examination results among adolescents in an upper-middle-income country.
Methods
This study engaged in a secondary data analysis derived from a closed prospective cohort consisting of 579 students, who were recruited at the age of 13 in 2012 and followed up at ages 15 (2014) and 17 (2016) as part of the Malaysian Health and Adolescents Longitudinal Research Team (MyHeART) study, which was conducted across three states in Peninsula Malaysia. Physical activity levels were evaluated using the Physical Activity Questionnaire, and outcomes were assessed based on the National-Based Examinations at ages 15 (Form 3, Year 9) and 17 (Form 5, Year 11) in Malaysia. A multivariate ordinal regression employing complex sample analysis was applied to ascertain the relationship between physical activity and national examination results.
Results
In Form 3 (Year 9), those physically active performed better in Malay Language, English Language, Mathematics and Science. Those physically active in Form 5 (Year 11), performed better in Modern Mathematics, Chemistry, and Principles of Accounting. Longitudinally, there was an increase in the overall percentage of those who were overweight and obese and an increase in those with suboptimal dietary and iron intake.
Conclusions
This study has shown that those physically active students fared better in several subjects in the national-based examinations. Suitable physical activity intervention should be tailored accordingly to support adolescents’ optimum achievement in academia
Acculturation and healthcare access among labour migrants: A systematic review
No full textAcculturation plays a significant role in migrant health. However, there has been little synthesis of the relationship between migrants’ acculturation and healthcare access. This systematic review examines how acculturation is measured and its relationship with healthcare access among labour migrants. A systematic search of primary research studies (January 2000-July 2024) was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science using predefined MeSH terms and keywords. Records were screened by two independent reviewers and data were extracted on study characteristics, the measures of acculturation, healthcare access outcomes, and covariates. Assessment of study quality was done using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Results were reported following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number CRD42024532204). Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria for final analysis. Four main acculturation proxies influencing labour migrants’ access to healthcare were identified: length of stay, proficiency in local languages, country of origin, and immigration status. Longer residency and higher local languages proficiency were associated with better healthcare access. The influence of the origin country varied by migrant group. Irregular immigration status negatively affected healthcare access, with undocumented migrants having the poorest access. The identification of key acculturation proxies suggests targets for inclusive policies that improve specific areas of acculturation to increase equitable healthcare access for labour migrants. Future research is needed in low-and middle-income destination countries, incorporating validated instruments of acculturation, longitudinal studies, and the exploration of other contributing factors for a greater understanding of the acculturation process
Placebo effects in osteopathy and other manual therapies - What they are and why they matter to clinical practice, education and research
No full textPlacebo effects are measurable changes in health outcomes arising from treatment context, driven by learning and expectancy mechanisms. While increasingly well documented and understood, their role in osteopathic and other manual therapies remains underexplored. Given the inherently complex and interpersonal nature of these interventions, understanding placebo and nocebo effects is essential for refining clinical practice, education, and research.
This narrative review synthesises current research on placebo mechanisms and their implications for osteopathic practice, education, and research. A non-systematic literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, structured by pre-defined learning outcomes, and prioritising high-quality studies and systematic reviews where available. Contradictory findings were sought and critically appraised to provide a balanced perspective.
Beginning with a historical overview and up-to-date summary of placebo-related concepts and mechanisms, the review highlights how expectancy, contextual factors, and psychobiological processes contribute to treatment effects in manual therapy. On this basis, the article advocates for a person-centred, biopsychosocial approach that leverages positive expectations while minimising nocebo effects. It also underscores the need for education models that incorporate placebo science to enhance clinical practice. Future research should prioritise well-designed efficacy trials, while also advancing knowledge of how expectancy and learning mechanisms influence treatment outcomes in manual therapies
Investigating the trustworthiness of randomised controlled trials in osteopathic research: a systematic review with meta-analysis
No full textObjective
To systematically investigate trustworthiness (methodological rigour, transparency, good governance, research integrity, and absence of misconduct) in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of osteopathic manual therapy.
Methods
This prospectively registered review (PROSPERO-ID: CRD42023457697) searched MEDLINE®, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro, ostmed.dr, and Chiroindex for RCTs evaluating osteopathic treatments (January 2021-June 2024). Risk-of-bias was assessed using Cochrane tool 2, while trustworthiness was assessed with the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Screening Tool and the REAPPRAISED checklist. Journal trustworthiness, misleading representations in abstracts (‘spin’), and results plausibility (via meta-analysis) were also assessed. Findings were synthesised descriptively.
Results
Sixty-one RCTs were included (median sample size 45, IQR 30-76), largely studying healthy volunteers (29%). Most had high risk-of-bias (74%), and only 7% acknowledged potential conflicts from authors’ professional ties. No journals appeared on cautionary lists, although 23% of articles were published within two months of submission. Only 27% of contactable authors engaged with reviewers. Seven abstracts (12%) were free of spin. Methodological concerns included poor missing data handling (31%), selective analyses (38%), unacknowledged multiple testing (36%), and outcome switching (12%). Meta-analysis found two outliers and five further with very large effects, while 19% provided inadequate data for pooling.
Limitations
Limitations include incomplete reports and lack of validated trustworthiness assessment tools.
Conclusion
Adherence to best practices in osteopathic RCTs needs improvement to enhance evidence-based decision making, reduce research waste, and enhance reproducibility. Further research should explore whether these findings apply to other small, under-resourced fields
Relationships Between Muscle Activation and Thoraco-Lumbar Kinematics in Direction-Specific Low Back Pain Subgroups During Everyday Tasks
No full textBackground/Objectives: The assessment of relationships between trunk muscle activity and thoraco-lumbar movements during sagittal bending has demonstrated that low back pain (LBP) subgroups (flexion pattern and active extension pattern motor control impairment) reveal distinct relationships that differentiate these subgroups from control groups. The study objective was to establish whether such relationships exist during various daily activities. Methods: Fifty participants with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) (27 flexion pattern (FP), 23 active extension pattern (AEP)) and 28 healthy controls were recruited. Spinal kinematics were analysed using 3D motion analysis (Vicon™,Oxford, UK) and the muscle activity recorded via surface electromyography during a range
of activities (box lift, box replace, reach up, step up, step down, stand-to-sit, and sit-tostand). The mean sagittal angles for upper and lower thoracic and lumbar regions were
correlated with normalised mean amplitude electromyography of bilateral transversus
abdominis/internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), superficial lumbar multifidus (LM), and erector spinae (ES). Relationships were assessed via Pearson correlations (significance p < 0.01). Results: In the AEP group, increased spinal extension was associated with altered
LM activity during box-replace, reach-up, step-up, and step-down tasks. In the FP group, increased lower lumbar spinal flexion was associated with reduced muscle activation,
while increased lower thoracic flexion was associated with increased muscle activation.
The control group elicited no significant associations. Correlations ranged between −0.812
and 0.754. Conclusions: Differential relationships between muscle activity and spinal kinematics exist in AEP, FP, and pain-free control groups, reinforcing previous observations
that flexion or extension-related LBP involves distinct motor control strategies during different activities. These insights could inform targeted intervention approaches, such as movement-based interventions and wearable technologies, for these groups
AI-assisted abnormal CXR findings and correlation with behavioral risk factors: A Public Health Radiography approach to formulating policies and effective interventions
No full textIntroduction: cardiovascular, respiratory and related diseases (CVRDs) constitute over 40 % cause of death worldwide, mostly reported in low-and-middle-income countries. The catastrophic effect of this spans across poor health outcomes, severe economic loss and significant societal consequences. Responding to this situation necessitates collective strategy to prevent further deterioration as these conditions are closely related, share common risk factors as well as control measures at the clinical, population and policy levels. Thus, this study is aimed at understanding the distribution of AI-assisted abnormal adult chest X-ray (CXR) and examine relationship with behavioral factors; to lay foundation for planned interventions. Method: prospective mixed-methods research, cross-sectional in nature, conducted across six top-rated hospitals in Nigeria, representing the six geopolitical zones of the country via purposive sampling technique. Quantitative aspect involved data collection on demographics and abnormal findings from AI-assisted technology, while Qualitative aspect explored individual’s behavioral choices in relation to risk factors. Informed consent and ethical approval were obtained; SPSS software utilized for descriptive and correlation analysis. Results: cardiomegaly (15,35 %), pleural effusion (14,03 %), fibrous opacities (10,43 %), pleural capping (8,51 %), pulmonary mass (7,91 %), apical opacities (7,55 %), consolidation (6,59 %), infiltration (5,88 %) among the sixteen abnormal findings in decreasing order of magnitude. An early onset of these anomalies at 30 years was noted, hitting peak values at 40-44 years. A significant percentage of the population engages in unhealthy lifestyle, found to positively correlate with these anomalies in varying degrees; low education levels, health education gaps, poor income and environmental challenges clearly seen. Conclusions: a Public Health Radiography approach- AI assisted, engaging with empirical evidence provides a novel and valuable strategy in designing effective interventions and policy making to address CVRDs burden
Development of a national osteopathic Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN): the NCOR Research Network
No full textThis original research details the development of the UK’s first osteopathic Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN), the NCOR Research Network, which represents a significant advancement in research capacity. This intellectually coherent framework provides essential baseline data on
practitioners, their clinical activities, and patient demographics, with significant potential to influence
professional development, education, and healthcare policy. Data were collected through a crosssectional online survey study conducted between September 2023 and December 2023. The study included 570 osteopaths registered with the General Osteopathic Council who consented to participate
in the NCOR Research Network. We examined demographic characteristics of osteopaths, details of their clinical practice, patient demographics, common presenting complaints, treatment approaches, and attitudes towards evidence-based practice. The median age bracket of participants was 50–59 years, with 55% identifying as women. Participants had a median of 17 years of clinical experience. Most worked in private practice (71% as principals, 32% as associates), seeing 20–39 h of patients
per week. The majority (87%) regularly treated adults aged 65 or older. Low back pain was the most common complaint seen daily (56%). Spinal articulation/mobilization (79%) and soft tissue massage (78%) were the most frequently used techniques. Participants reported positive views towards
evidence-based practice but cited lack of research skills and time as barriers to engagement. The NCOR Research Network provides a foundation for future osteopathic research in the UK. While the sample was not fully representative of UK osteopaths, it offers insights into current osteopathic practice. The network aims to foster collaboration between clinicians and academics, potentially bridging the gap between research and practice in osteopathy. Protocol registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/HPWG
Leadership and Capacity Building in International Osteopathic Research: introducing Strengthening Osteopathy Leadership and Research (SOLAR) Program
No full textResearch evidence has become the foundation of modern health services. Health professionals rely on sound research to provide safe and effective care for patients, for the development of innovative diagnostic and treatment practices and to develop policies supporting the provision of optimal healthcare. Osteopathy is an established profession with an emerging research evidence base. The Strengthening Osteopathic Leadership and Research (SOLAR) program is a recent international initiative aiming to further build the evidence base and research capacity of the osteopathy profession. The program was developed by The Australian Research Consortium in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM) at the University of Technology Sydney (Sydney, Australia) and funded primarily by Osteopathy Australia, with the support from the Osteopathic Foundation (UK), Osteopaths New Zealand (NZ), Unite Pour l’Osteopathie (France), and Svenska Osteopatförbundet (Sweden). This paper describes the origins, objectives and features of the SOLAR program and outlines the importance of the program for future research and practice in the osteopathy profession. From its beginnings in 2022, to date, the SOLAR program has been highly successful, producing a substantial collection of concrete research and presentations, while enhancing the Fellows’ capacity and confidence as leaders, both in osteopathy and the broader healthcare environment
Kainate Receptors Trafficking Signalling and Functional Roles
No full textKainate receptors (KARs) regulate glutamate-mediated ion flow in the brain, influencing neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. KARs are comprised of primary and secondary subunits, forming tetramers with diverse functions based on their composition. Precise trafficking and localisation, modulated by splicing, post-translational modifications and protein interactions, are crucial for synaptic modulation and plasticity. Dysregulation of KARs is implicated in many neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders such as temporal lobe epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder and major depressive disorder. Understanding the KAR function offers insights into therapeutic interventions for these conditions. This chapter explores KARs role in synaptic balance, neural network integrity and the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets
Evaluation of queue management system (QMS) use in chest x-ray for tuberculosis screening: a case study
No full textBackground Tuberculosis (TB) remains a threat to public health globally and is one of
the top infectious killer diseases in Africa and Asia. The government and international
partners have strategically intervened by cascading chest radiography (CXR) to
identify, manage, and monitor treatments outcomes. However, patient have reportedly been dissatisfied with the quality of CXR screening services provided, raising
complains that spans across quality of care, waiting times, communication levels, staff
attitudes, and treatment outcomes.
Aim, Settings, and Design Coming at this present time when the major focus in
health care is on improving patients’ care and experience, this study aims to ascertain
the performance of queue management system (QMS) use for CXR-TB screening in
Nigeria as well as its acceptability; adopting quantitative research design.
Materials and Methods Questionnaires were administered face-to-face to the three
categories of respondents (radiographers, radiology assistants, and patients) who
meet the specific set of inclusion criteria, following a brief explanation about the
research aim. Consent was gotten by way of a signed consent form and ethical approval
obtained. A Likert 5-point scale was utilized in analyzing the responses, undergoing
descriptive statistics using SPSS (version 25) software.
Results QMS is extremely useful in workflow, accuracy, communication, combatting
work stress, and maintaining privacy, but with accompanying occasional technical
challenges. A remarkable preference for QMS to manual in CXR-TB screening was noted
among all research subjects, with strong level of agreement (close mean values of 4.06,
3.81, 3.91; standard deviation of 0.70, 0.73, 0.60).
Conclusion Findings from this study uncover the vital role the QMS plays in improving
the quality of CXR-TB screening services, demonstrating great acceptabilit