Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Correlation of Pulse Pressure Index and High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein as Predictors of Diastolic Dysfunction in Essential Hypertension - A Prospective Observational Study at a Tertiary Care Centre in Chengalpattu.","authors":"Taruguvandla Sandhya Rani, Ravi Teja Nalabothula, Subramaniyan Kumarasamy, Janardhana Subramonia Kumar, Shanmukha Sai Bolisetty","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_403_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_403_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pulse pressure index (PPI) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are potential markers for vascular compliance and inflammation, respectively, and may predict diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive individuals.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the association of PPI and hs-CRP with diastolic dysfunction in newly diagnosed essential hypertensive patients.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This prospective observational study included 82 patients aged >40 years with newly diagnosed hypertension. Baseline PPI and hs-CRP levels were measured, and two-dimensional echocardiography was performed to assess and grade DD. Patients received standard antihypertensive therapy, and follow-ups were conducted at 3 and 6 months to reassess parameters.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At baseline, 74.4% of patients had diastolic dysfunction, predominantly Grade 1 and 2. hs-CRP showed a strong positive association with diastolic dysfunction (β = 0.885, P = 0.025), while PPI had a moderate correlation (β = 0.475, P = 0.035). Antihypertensive therapy significantly improved diastolic function over 6 months (P = 0.032), though PPI did not show a significant change (P = 0.435).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>hs-CRP is a strong indicator of inflammation-driven diastolic dysfunction, while PPI serves as a surrogate for vascular stiffness. Early identification using these markers can enhance clinical assessment and guide timely intervention in hypertensive patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 2","pages":"207-212"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of the Likelihood of Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on Serum Resistin Status among Nigerians.","authors":"Johnbosco Chidozie Okafor, Ehimen P Odum, Henry C Okpara, Collins Amadi","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_458_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_458_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Raised serum resistin is adjudged to increase the likelihood of insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through multiple biochemical pathways.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>The current study assessed the likelihood of IR and T2DM among Nigerians based on serum resistin status.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This case-controlled study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in southern Nigeria, among 100 T2DM patients matched with age/gender controls. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory data, including serum resistin status, were collected using standard protocols. T2DM diagnosis was made using recommended guidelines. Statistical analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics, logistic regression models, and area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver-operating characteristic curve at a 95% confidence level (CI) and an alpha value of <0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>T2DM patients had higher mean values of body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting serum insulin (FIN), homoeostatic model assessment of IR values (HOMA-IR) and serum resistin compared to controls (P < 0.05). Compared to the lowest quartile of serum resistin among T2DM patients, the likelihood of attaining IR status and T2DM risk increased with increasing quartiles of serum resistin, independent of matching factors (age/gender), occupation, BMI, FPG, FIN and HOMA-IR (Ptrend < 0.001). Increasing serum resistin had good predictive value on the likelihood of attaining IR status (AUC: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.72-0.85; P < 0.001) and T2DM risk (AUC: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.83-0.93; P < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Current findings indicate a likelihood of IR and T2DM in association with increasing serum resistin, corroborating the role of resistin in T2DM through IR.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 2","pages":"192-198"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Dermatophytes among Tinea Capitis-infected Pupils and Associated Risk Factors in Some Southwestern States of Nigeria.","authors":"Oluchi Miriam Ukhureigbe, Samuel Oluwasegun Ajoseh, Zenas Chisom Agubata, Hafiz Awofe Akinyele, Tennny Obiageli Egwuatu, Kabiru Olusegun Akinyemi, Daughin Dighittoghi Moro","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_323_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_323_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tinea capitis, also called dermatophytosis of the scalp, is the most common tinea infection in children within pre-pubertal age. The causative agents, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum spp., are highly predominant in Africa, Asia and Europe.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study investigated the prevalence of tinea capitis among public primary school children and ascertained the epidemiological risk factors.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Scalp lesions were collected from 102 pupils with suspected cases of dermatophytosis between March 2017 and August 2017 in Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti States. A structured pretested questionnaire was designed to gather data on sociodemographic and potential risk variables, followed by analysis using IBM SPSS version 20. Scalp lesion samples were analysed using culture and biochemical assay. The polymerase chain reaction was performed using the primer pairs 'DERM' F1 and 'DERM' R2 gene markers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 102 samples, 95 (93.1%) were positive by microscopy and 75 (78.9%) by culture. Three fungal genera, Microsporum (65.3%), Trichophyton (29.3%) and Epidermophyton (5.3%) were identified. Amongst the dermatophytes isolated, Microsporum canis constituted 28%, followed by 9.1% Trichophyton rubrum and 9.1% Trichophyton verrucosum. All the isolates were confirmed to possess 'DERM' genes 1 and 2. Gender, age and place of hair shaving were among the risk factors that predisposed the participants to tinea capitis. A substantial statistical difference (P < 0.05) was seen between male and female learners who were infected with dermatophytes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study revealed a high prevalence of dermatophytes, with M. canis being the most predominant fungal pathogen. Risk factors such as gender and age predispose subjects to infections. Accurate and prompt surveillance of the burden of tinea capitis is essential to prevent further transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 2","pages":"219-226"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147327060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Balancing Work and Personal Life for Frontline Workers Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.","authors":"Deljo Puthur, Benita S Monica","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_285_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_285_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the work-life balance of frontline workers by increasing workload, stress and exposure risks. Despite their crucial role, limited research has examined the specific factors influencing this balance, hindering the development of evidence-based interventions.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study explored the challenges frontline workers faced during the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 112 frontline workers recruited through convenience sampling. Work-life balance, mental health and recreational activities were assessed using validated instruments. Data were analysed using factor analysis, multiple regression and ANOVA to identify determinants of work-life balance and evaluate the mediating role of recreational activities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three key factors-responsibility, flexibility and hierarchical culture-were identified as significant influences on work-life balance. Regression analysis showed that the pandemic accounted for approximately 50% of the variance in balance scores, while ANOVA further confirmed its substantial disruptive effect. Recreational activities played a mediating role, with flexibility and supportive organisational culture contributing positively to both mental health and overall well-being.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings underscore the importance of organisational policies that promote flexible work arrangements, supportive supervisory structures and opportunities for recreational engagement. Such interventions are essential for protecting the well-being and resilience of frontline workers during health crises.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 2","pages":"246-250"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nutritional Status as a Predictor for Length of Stay of Patients with Respiratory Ailments in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.","authors":"Shreya Maheshwari, Hanniyah Khwaja, A R Rajan, Deepak Joshi, Prisha Chordia","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_335_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_335_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malnutrition is a major public health problem in India. Approximately 80% of the world's undernourished children are concentrated in 20 countries. In India, nearly 60 million children are underweight. Children with malnutrition contribute more to paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions, and their outcomes may be affected by the degree of malnutrition. Malnutrition is also a risk factor for both, increase in length of stay in the PICU and higher Paediatric Respiratory Severity Score (PRESS) scores, thus increasing the need for respiratory support.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess the impact of the nutritional status of children admitted with respiratory illnesses on the duration of stay at the PICU in a tertiary care hospital catering to suburban population.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A prospective descriptive study carried out over a period of 6 months analysed 49 children admitted with respiratory illness to PICU in a tertiary care hospital. All Data collected was entered in Excel sheet. All data analyses were performed using IBM Corp. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows [computer software]. Version 21. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.; 2012.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During the study period, a total of 134 children were admitted to the PICU. Among them, 49 children (36.5%) were admitted due to respiratory tract infections, forming our study group. Based on the IAP weight-for-age growth charts, it was found that 30 (61.2%) of these children exhibited some degree of malnutrition. In our study, 63.3% of the study population were infants. The male gender was predominant (59.2%) in the demographic pattern. The mean hospital stay for all patients was 8.3 days. Mean hospital stay in malnourished patients was 10.85 days, whereas in normally nourished children, it was 4.33 days. The average duration of PICU stay was 4.46 days overall. For malnourished patients, the average stay in PICU was 5.82 days, compared to 2.29 days for patients with normal weight. A significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) was found between malnutrition and prolonged PICU stay, hospital stay and severity of PRESS score.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The grade of malnutrition was associated with greater severity of respiratory illness and a longer length of stay in PICU and Hospital. The assessment of grades of malnutrition at the time of admission can predict the impact on the length of stay in PICU and hospital.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 2","pages":"251-255"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147327007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors Associated with Hypertension and Predicted 10-year Cardiovascular Diseases Risk: A Cross-sectional Study of Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Calabar, Nigeria.","authors":"Uduak Effiwatt, Nnette Ekpenyong, Innocent Alenoghena, Akpet Obaji, Nkese Mkpanam, Eshan Henshaw, Iwasam Elemi Agbor, Soter Ameh","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_428_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_428_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Over 85% of NCD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), particularly Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where marked increases from preceding decades have been recorded. Physical inactivity and consumption of unhealthy diets are major precursors for hypertension, which has been reported as the most prevalent and important Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk factor. There are several reports on increased prevalence of hypertension, physical inactivity, and consumption of unhealthy diets among commercial vehicle drivers.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>The study aimed to determine factors associated with hypertension and predict 10-year CVD risk in commercial vehicle drivers in Calabar, southern Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was a cross-sectional investigation of 380 commercial drivers, recruited using systematic sampling. Data were collected using an adapted World Health Organization STEP instrument. Binary logistic regression analysis was done at 5% significance level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of hypertension was approximately 40%. Age >44 years (odds ratio [OR] = 4.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9, 5.4), high body mass index (OR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.9, 5.3), years of professional driving (>5 years) (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.5, 3.0), and fasting blood sugar >7 mmol/L (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.5, 2.9) were associated with developing hypertension. The long-distance drivers had nearly two-fold increased odds (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.9, 2.7) of a 10-year CVD risk compared to the short-distance drivers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The high prevalence of hypertension and a two-fold increase in the 10-year predicted risk of CVD events found among the study population necessitate frequent health awareness campaigns and periodic health screening among the higher-risk group. This will aid in the early detection of CVD risk factors and prompt treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 2","pages":"170-179"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147327057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Poikilodermatous Change of Skin: Diagnostic Insights from Clinical and Histopathological Examination.","authors":"Abhishek Ghose Biswas","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_413_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_413_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Poikilodermatous skin changes represent a diagnostic challenge due to their non-specific clinical features and broad differential diagnoses. This report presents the case of a 29-year-old female with symmetrical, variably pigmented macules and patches over sun-exposed areas, including the neck and upper limbs. Histopathological examination revealed epidermal atrophy, pigment incontinence, basal layer pigmentation, dermal telangiectasia and a mild lymphocytic infiltrate - findings consistent with poikilodermatous change. No features suggestive of interface dermatitis, atypical lymphoid cells or basal vacuolar alteration were observed, effectively ruling out conditions such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, connective tissue disease and lichen planus pigmentosus. In the absence of systemic symptoms or alarming histological features, a diagnosis of benign acquired poikiloderma, likely actinic in origin, was favoured. This case underscores the critical role of histopathological correlation in accurately diagnosing poikilodermatous lesions and guiding appropriate clinical management.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 2","pages":"276-279"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147327032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Prognostic Value of Serum Amylase in Patients with Paraquat Poisoning: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.","authors":"Xianqin Zeng, Shifeng Zhong, Xifan Zheng, Zeming Li","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_565_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_565_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective was to assess whether amylase (AMY) and other laboratory parameters have a prognostic value for patients with Paraquat (PQ) poisoning.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods this systematic review followed prisma guidelines a comprehensive literature search was performed in multiple databases two investigators independently extracted data on study characteristics and outcomes the methodological quality was assessed using the newcastleottawa scale: </strong>Standard mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare the endpoints.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 17 studies comprising 1673 patients were enrolled, 731 patients (43.69%) were defined as survivors, while 942 patients (56.31%) were considered non-survivors. The levels of AMY and plasma PQ were significantly higher in non-survivors when compared to subjects in the survival group. The white blood cell count, concentration of C-reactive protein, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase and asparagine transaminase were significantly increased in the non-survivor group, while serum potassium, pH and PaCO2 were decreased in the non-survivor group. In addition, PaO2 values were similar between the two groups. Notably, heterogeneity was a key feature across the analyses: most primary and secondary prognostic indicators exhibited high to extreme heterogeneity (I² range: 0.0%-96.7%), with the highest heterogeneity observed for CRP (I²=96.7%) and PaO2 (I²=90.1%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A lower level of AMY and plasma PQ in poisoning patients might have a good prognosis value.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 2","pages":"159-169"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correlation of Kidney Injury Molecule-1 and Renal Lipotoxicity among Adult Obese Individuals with Asymptomatic Kidney Function.","authors":"Adaeze Njideka Onyekwena, Ifeyinwa Dorothy Nnakenyi, Emeka Francis Nnakenyi","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_309_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_309_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Obesity is a chronic metabolic condition characterised by excessive fat deposition with deleterious effects on human health. Obesity can adversely affect renal function by causing defective lipid build-up and increased deposition of fat in the renal sinus.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between serum Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) concentration and renal lipotoxicity, using serum free fatty acid (FFA) level as its surrogate marker, among asymptomatic adult obese individuals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study of adult obese outpatients in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, without signs and symptoms of kidney damage, assessed for levels of serum KIM-1 and FFA, as well as anthropometry parameters and other markers of renal damage. Non-parametric tests were used for variables that were not normally distributed. ρ <0.05 was statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two hundred and twenty-seven participants with a mean age of 40 ± 11 years were recruited, of whom 112 were obese subjects and 115 non-obese controls. The median (interquartile range) serum KIM-1 level among the obese participants (545.7 [469.3-608.2 pg/mL]) was significantly lower than that of the non-obese controls (672.6 [579.8-807.4 pg/mL]) (ρ <0.01), even though FFA was not significantly different between the two groups (ρ = 0.991). Among the obese subjects, there was a positive correlation between serum KIM-1 and FFA (r = 0.232, ρ = 0.014), but a negative correlation with waist circumference (WC) (r = -0.236, ρ = 0.013) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (r = -0.315, ρ = 0.001) which were statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Serum KIM-1 levels were lower in the obese subjects than in the non-obese controls, even though there was no difference in serum FFA levels among the two groups. The obese group showed an inverse relationship of serum KIM-1 with WC and WHR, respectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 2","pages":"239-245"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Biomechanical Analysis of Knee Valgus and Knee Flexion Angle during Hop Test and Step-down Test among Badminton Players.","authors":"Swaroopdhan S Gaikwad, Deepak Kumar Pradhan, P Mohankumar, Sumukh N Pandith, Mansi A Chaudhary, Chirag S Dastikop, H Prajwal, Sumit Kumar Pati, Anshuman Mishra","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_383_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_383_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The knee joint plays a crucial role in various badminton-related functional movements for both stability and mobility. Specifically, an optimal flexion and valgus angle upon landing tasks ensures less injury risk.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>Thus, the study aimed to investigate the prevalence and biomechanical analysis of knee joint flexion and valgus angle among badminton athletes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sixty players were included in this study. The study conducted a two-dimensional biomechanical analysis using the Kinovea software to measure the knee flexion and valgus angle while hop and step-down tests, respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study found that for the 13-17 age group, the mean knee flexion angle is 109.8° ± 8.0° (right) and 112.9° ± 8.7° (left), whereas for the 18-25-year age group, it is 110.4° ± 10.1° (right) and 111.7° ± 9.6° (left). The knee valgus angle for 13-17 years is 11.0° ± 5.5° (right) and 11.1° ± 5.7° (left), and for 18-25 years, it is 12.6° ± 6.1° (right) and 11.9° ± 4.0° (left). The difference in knee flexion and valgus angle between legs or the age groups did not find statistically different (P > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings conclude that there was a high prevalence of increased valgus angle among badminton players. However, the flexion angle was found to be optimal. There was no meaningful differences in the knee joint alignments neither between both the legs and the age groups. The study findings can underscore the potential mechanisms and necessary training modifications by emphasising certain neuromuscular control trainings and optimal landing mechanics to ensure a safe and effective badminton-related mechanics, thereby reducing injury risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 2","pages":"256-261"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}