10 research outputs found
The Effects of Wearing Headscarves on Cervical Spine Proprioception and Range of Motion
No full textBackground: Wearing the headscarf is a part of an essential religious practice by females in Islamic cultures. Regular wear of the headscarf might have an influence on cervical proprioception and range of motion (ROM). The cervical spine is unique in providing multidirectional movement as well as providing the sense of awareness of movement of the head and neck in space. Impairments in cervical mobility and proprioception have been reported in subjects with whiplash-associated disorder as well as subjects having neck pain. Objectives: 1) To determine the effects of wearing the headscarf on cervical spine ROM and joint position error (JPE), 2) To analyze the influence of age at onset of wearing the headscarf and duration of hours per day wearing the headscarf on cervical ROM and JPE. Methods: Fifty-two females with mean age of 28.1±3.1 years were divided into two groups: Headscarf group (n=26) and control group (n=26). Cervical range of motion (CROM) device was used to measure cervical mobility in a seated position for flexion, extension, right lateral flexion, left lateral flexion, right rotation and left rotation. JPE was measured using the head-mounted laser method. Results: The headscarf group reported a significant limitation in cervical ROM in all six directions. JPE test revealed no significant difference between groups. Moreover, females in the headscarf group who wore the headscarf for more than 6 hours per day had significantly less left rotation compared to those who wear it for less than or equal to 6 hours (71.3±2.1 vs. 64.5±2.1, η2=2.2; p=0.045). Additionally, there was significantly more JPE when relocating from flexion (5.1±0.6 vs. 8.0±1.0, η2=1.5; p=0.048) compared to those who wear the headscarf for less than or equal to 6 hours. Conclusion: Wearing of the headscarf may result in cervical ROM limitation. The duration of wearing the headscarf daily is a key factor to limited cervical ROM an increase in cervical JPE. Key words: Cervical spine, range of motion, neck pain, mobility, proprioception, movement, joint position error test, headdress, headscarf, and Hijab
The pilot study of the effect of six-week robot-assisted ankle training on mobility and strength of lower extremity and life habits for children with cerebral palsy
No full textBackground: Children with cerebral palsy often have weak ankle muscles and reduced ankle dorsiflexion, which leads to activity limitations and eventually affects quality of life. Robotic ankle training was recently developed to facilitates muscle function through a high repetition of exercises. This study investigated the effect of six-week ankle training using the Anklebot device to improve lower limb structural and functional impairments and the resulting impact on quality of life. Methods: Five children with spastic cerebral palsy aged between 4 and 11 years participated in six weeks of bilateral ankle assistive training using the Anklebot device. All lower limb muscle strength was measured with a hand-held dynameter, and range of motion was measured with a goniometer, at four different time points. Muscle architecture was assessed using a portable diagnostic ultrasound device, and quality of life was assessed using the Life Habits for Children scale, at two points in time only. Results: Muscle strength and range of motion for all lower limb joints demonstrated significant improvement on both sides after training. The ankle muscle architecture showed non-significant improvement, while an overall significant improvement in the total score of the Life Habits for Children scale was detected after training. Conclusion: Robot-assisted task-specific ankle training provides promising effects by allowing the required repetition to improve structural and functional muscle and joint impairments, which has a positive influence on the children’s quality of life. However, due to a limited sample size, these results should be considered as preliminary; further study is needed
Digital-based physical activity interventions implemented across the League of Arab States: a scoping review.
No full textThis scoping review investigates the use and impact of digital-based physical activity (PA) interventions in Arabic-speaking countries. These technologies have dramatically transformed healthcare management and offer a valuable tool for managing non-communicable diseases. Despite challenges such as limited healthcare access and cultural norms, these tools enable health promotion, preventive care, and personalized health plans. The aim of this scoping review is to evaluate the effectiveness of digital-based PA interventions, such as mobile apps, used across the League of Arab States. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were applied to conduct this scoping review across 10 databases using pertinent search terms for relevant studies published between 2010 and December 2024 to identify publications conducted across Arab countries. Sixteen studies on digital-based PA interventions in four Arab countries were analyzed. The most effective interventions blended various digital and educational strategies, leading to significant increases in PA levels and associated anthropometric outcomes. Despite promising results, there was no evidence that the interventions' effects were sustained over the long term, and the studies' geographical coverage was limited, emphasizing the need for larger-scale, diverse studies to assess long-term effectiveness of digital-based PA interventions
A qualitative comparison of healthcare practitioners’ perceptions regarding fatigue as a symptom in neurological conditions: insights from a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia
No full textIntroductionFatigue as a symptom severely affects individuals with neurological diseases, but its understanding and management remain limited, especially in the unique healthcare context of Saudi Arabia. While it has been extensively studied in stroke, its manifestations in neurological conditions and the perceptions of health professionals have not been thoroughly explored in this specific setting. Given the profound impact of fatigue on patient outcomes, understanding the attitudes of health professionals is crucial to identifying targeted interventions and significantly improving patient care in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis qualitative study, conducted in collaboration with a diverse group of Saudi healthcare professionals, used Semi-structured interviews to explore their perspectives on fatigue in neurological diseases. The 24 participants included physiatrists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists, all of whom played a crucial role in treating and managing individuals with neurological conditions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Arabic and translated into English. Data analysis involved thematic analysis using NVivo software, with themes identified iteratively until data saturation was achieved.ResultsThree overarching themes emerged from the data analysis. (1) “Fatigue is a common symptom of a neurological disorder” highlights clinicians’ recognition of the prevalence and manifestations of fatigue in various neurological disorders. (2) “Adaptive fatigue management” emphasizes the importance of individual strategies for managing fatigue, including improving endurance and environmental adaptation, and emphasizes the relationship. (3) “Fatigue and Other Conditions” explored the complex relationship between fatigue and other common neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury.ConclusionThe study provides useful information about Saudi healthcare professionals’ perceptions of fatigue in neurological illnesses. Key findings stress the significance of fatigue and the need for unique designs to manage its diverse forms. While admitting limitations such as limited generalizability and inherent biases, the study advances our understanding of fatigue management in Saudi Arabia. It advocates the development of targeted therapies to improve patient care and outcomes in neurological illnesses
Influence of an 8-Week Exercise Program on Physical, Emotional, and Mental Health in Saudi Adolescents: A Pilot Study
No full textBackground and Objectives: Physical activity is essential for adolescents to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of an 8-week exercise program and motivation on physical activity levels, self-motivation, and mental well-being of adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the impact of virtual coaching on physical, emotional, and mental health after an eight-week exercise program was examined. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven participants, 18 females (67%) and 9 males (33%), with a mean age of 14 ± 2.38 years, were enrolled in eight weeks of pre- and post-intervention between June and August of 2021. The physical activity scale, situational motivation scale, mental health continuum short form, and baseline assessments were completed before and after the eight-week program. The program recommended that adolescents practice aerobic, resistance, and weight-bearing exercises for 60 min daily. Paired mean t-tests were used to compare pre-and post-test results. Results: Participants showed an acceptable physical activity level (5.5 ± 1.4) on a 10-point scale with a significant improvement after the eight-week program (7 ± 1.5; p = 0.013). The situational motivation scale improved from 38.1 ± 16 to 26 ± 19.6 (p = 0.042). The mental health continuum (social and psychological well-being) also significantly improved. Participants who received weekly phone calls showed similar improvement patterns but were not significantly different from those who did not receive calls. Conclusions: A virtually delivered 8-week exercise program for adolescents improved their physical, motivational, and mental health. Providing additional weekly phone calls does not provide additional improvement. Providing adolescents with the needed supervision and motivation enhances their physical activity and mental health
Disability of Neck and Shoulder among Female Dental Students: A Pilot Study
No full textBackground: The dentistry profession may lead to musculoskeletal pain. Although the literature highlights the high rates of neck-shoulder pain in dentists, clear evidence about the prevalence of musculoskeletal disability among female dental students is lacking. This study aimed to assess the disability level of neck and shoulder pain among dentistry students, to compare the disability level between clinical and pre-clinical dentistry students, and to assess the association between neck-shoulder pain, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH). Methods: This pilot study included 46 female dentistry students aged 19–26 years. Participant’s demographics were recorded. Pain intensity was obtained using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Neck and shoulder disability were measured by the NDI and the QuickDASH score, respectively. Results: 46 female dentistry students aged (21.3 ± 1.58) were included. Neck and shoulder pain occurrence were higher in clinical students compared to pre-clinical students. Pain and related disability were significantly and positively correlated. Conclusion: This study demonstrates high rates of neck-shoulder pain in female dentistry students and a significant difference in the prevalence rate between clinical and pre-clinical students
Physical activity interventions promoted in the Arabic-speaking region: A review of the current literature.
No full textThe Arabic-speaking region suffers from insufficient levels of physical activity (PA). Assessing the effectiveness of PA interventions presents a scientifically evaluated method to reduce and prevent the current high burden of noncommunicable diseases affecting this region. This review examined implemented PA interventions and corresponding measured health outcomes in this region. The review was limited to studies prior to January 2020 using nine electronic academic databases. Only intervention-focused articles incorporating PA as the primary intervention or as a component of a multibehavioural intervention were included. Thirty-nine PA intervention studies were identified. Published PA interventions were implemented among 50% of the countries in the region. Seventy percent of the studies were conducted in the Gulf region and 25% in North Africa. A third of the studies was designed for children and adolescents. Accordingly, 40% of interventions were for patients living with comorbidities. Seventy percent of the studies included PA as part of a multidisciplinary intervention. Most studies included body mass index as an outcome parameter. Significant improvement (P < .05) in measured health outcomes was seen in 97% of studies. Thorough analysis includes social and culturally congruent aspects of the PA interventions and discussion of resultant health outcomes. This information furthers the understanding of effective PA interventions that can be adapted to target sedentary lifestyle behaviours in this region
EFFECTS OF WEARING HEADSCARVES ON CERVICAL SPINE MOBILITY
No full textBackground: Cervical spine provides three-dimensional movements of the head on the body while keeping the horizontality of visual gaze. Thus, cervical range of motion (ROM) is an important assessment that is commonly used in clinical practice. The headscarf is commonly used attire by females in Islamic cultures. The study aimed to investigate the effect of wearing headscarves on cervical ROM in females who wear headscarves compared with females who don’t wear headscarves.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on fifty-two females with mean age 28.1±3.1 years were divided into two groups: Headscarf group (n=26) and no-scarf group (n=26). Cervical Range of Motion Device was used to measure cervical spine range of motion in a seated position for flexion, extension, right lateral flexion, left lateral flexion, right rotation and left the rotation.
Results: The headscarf group reported a significant limitation in cervical ROM in all six directions. Moreover, females in the headscarf group who wore the headscarf for more or equal to 6 hours had significantly less left rotation compared to those who wear it for less than 6 hours (71.3±2.1 vs. 64.5±2.1, η2=2.2; p=0.045). No significant differences in mean ROM by age at onset of wearing a headscarf (≤12 years vs. > 12 years) or a number of years worn (≤15 years vs. > 15 years) were detected (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Wearing the headscarf may influence cervical ROM. Also, six hours or more of daily wear may result in further decline of cervical ROM
Gaming through the pain: psychological flow and self-efficacy amid musculoskeletal challenges in eSports
No full textIntroductionThe rapid expansion of eSports has highlighted concerns regarding the physical and psychological well-being of professional gamers, which have intensified.MethodsThis study examined the prevalence of Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and its association with flow states and self-efficacy among two hundred and thirty-two male professional gamers registered with the Saudi eSports Federation. Participants completed validated tools: the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Flow 4D16, and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE-3). Descriptive and multivariate analyses were used.ResultsMSK pain was highly prevalent (72%), especially in the neck (38.4%), lower back (31.5%), and wrists/hands (24.1%). Logistic regression identified input tool and device category as significant predictors of shoulder pain (p < 0.05). Despite widespread pain, flow and self-efficacy scores remained moderate to high, with no significant associations between psychological outcomes and MSK pain (MANCOVA, Pillai's Trace = 0.044, p = 0.069).DiscussionThese findings suggest a degree of psychological resilience among eSports athletes, underscoring the complexity of physical-psychological interplay in gaming contexts. Future studies should explore mediating factors such as pain coping, motivation, and recovery behaviors
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Neck and Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Disabilities Among Postpartum Women
No full textBackground: Postpartum women often experience musculoskeletal pain due to physiological and biomechanical changes during pregnancy and childbirth, which can result in disability. This study assessed the prevalence of neck and upper limb pain and disability in postpartum women, as well as the factors associated with these conditions. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from postpartum women through an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included items on the demographic variables, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptoms Questionnaire, the Neck Disability Index, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scale, as well as the Pain Intensity Numeric Rating Scale. Results: Among a sample of 400 postpartum women aged 20–50 years, 82.5% reported experiencing pain in at least one part of their upper body. Neck pain was the most prevalent (65.5%), followed by pain in the shoulders (63.3%), arms (58.3%), and hands (57.0%). Cesarean section delivery and moderate-to-severe pain intensity were identified as significant risk factors for developing mild disability among women who reporting neck pain. Upper limb pain and being aged 41–50 years were significant risk factors for mild disabilities among postpartum women. Conclusions: Disability was prevalent among the sample of postpartum women, highlighting the importance of healthcare providers in addressing this issue
