South African Journal of Physiotherapy最新文献

{"title":"Early gross motor development: Agreement between the AIMS and the BSID-III.","authors":"Marlette Burger, Esme R Jordaan, Dana Niehaus","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2168","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2168","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Early gross motor development is a crucial indicator of overall neurodevelopment. In low- and middle-income countries, lack of accessible assessment tools poses challenges for healthcare professionals evaluating infant neurodevelopment.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine the agreement between the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III (BSID-III) gross motor domain at 6 months and to evaluate the predictive validity of the AIMS at 6 months for identifying severe gross motor delays at 18 months.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This nested subgroup study assessed 112 full-term infants using both AIMS and BSID-III at 6 months and BSID-III at 18 months. Agreement between measures was determined using Bland-Altman plots, while predictive validity was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with various cut-off scores.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Bland-Altman analysis showed strong agreement between AIMS and BSID-III in the lower-performance range, with bias only in scores above 33. The traditional 10th percentile AIMS cut-off had low sensitivity (27.3%) but high specificity (98%) for predicting delays at 18 months. A modified 23rd percentile cut-off improved sensitivity to 63.6% while maintaining acceptable specificity (81.6%), with a 95.2% negative predictive value (NPV).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The AIMS demonstrates strong agreement with BSID-III when identifying potential developmental delays. The proposed 23rd percentile cut-off offers a more balanced screening threshold for this population.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>The AIMS presents a viable alternative to the BSID-III for initial screening in resource-limited settings. The high NPV at the 23rd percentile cut-off makes it useful for ruling out developmental delays.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"81 1","pages":"2168"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135733/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Current state of evidence-based practice in clinical physiotherapy.","authors":"Ronel Roos","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2139","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2139","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a process that a clinician undertakes, implementing his or her clinical expertise while collaborating with the patient or client in the sociocultural context of care using the best available research evidence to inform practice. The approach has evolved over time in relation to its name, definition, scope and specific steps. In October 2001, member organisations of World Physiotherapy (then the World Confederation for Physical Therapy) gathered in London to discuss the status of EBP in the profession and to gain buy-in from regions to ensure that EBP would become a culture of practice in all regions. The purpose of this article is to describe the current state of EBP during physiotherapy as presented in the literature. Two decades have passed since this meeting, with noteworthy developments in clinical practice, education and research synthesis. Physiotherapists' opinions and attitudes towards EBP are favourable but do not always ensure good implementation and execution during clinical practice. Standardised outcome measures to evaluate the EBP of physiotherapists are available. Barriers remain, which are multifactorial, and facilitators such as time, support and education are integral to optimise implementation. The launch of the Physiotherapy Evidence Database is one strategy that facilitates EBP in physiotherapy.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>A culture of EBP exists upon reflection of published literature from different world regions. Consistent, quality implementation of EBP, including shared decision making with patients and evaluation of evidence implemented during clinical practice remain necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"81 1","pages":"2139"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135705/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Student and educator perspectives on clinical reasoning: A qualitative study.","authors":"Danelle Hess, Jacqueline Hendricks, José Frantz, Michael Rowe","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2161","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2161","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>When students and educators understand a skill like clinical reasoning (CR) differently, attempting to develop it becomes challenging. Miscommunication in how different stakeholders understand this essential skill can potentially harm patients.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Our study explores how physiotherapy students and educators (both lecturers and clinical educators [CEs]) in a physiotherapy department understand CR. The research aimed to identify any potential gaps in the stakeholders' understanding of CR and explore strategies for better alignment.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with 27 undergraduate physiotherapy students, 10 physiotherapy lecturers, and 8 CEs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: cognitive process, evidence-based practice, and clinical approach. Significant differences emerged between experts (lecturers and CEs) and novices (students) in conceptualising CR. The experts demonstrated a more holistic understanding, focusing on hypothesis generation and interconnected reasoning. In contrast, students focus on information collecting and justification of actions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings highlight a gap in CR understanding that could potentially impede reaching expected learning outcomes.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>Our study recommends seeking alignment of students' and educators' perspectives through structured dialogue and intentionally designed educational strategies. This includes developing holistic assessment rubrics that acknowledge both foundational and advanced CR skills and implementing case-based learning approaches. And creating opportunities for educators to make their reasoning processes explicit and visible to students.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"81 1","pages":"2161"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135713/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144227082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physical activity profile of hypertensive adults living in rural South Africa.","authors":"Kganetso Sekome, Hellen Myezwa, F Xavier Gómez-Olivé, Lauren B Sherar, Dale Esliger","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2134","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Understanding the physical activity behaviours of adults at risk of poor health is important to inform targeted interventions. We profiled the frequency, intensity, duration and domain (work or non-work) of self-reported physical activities of rural South African adults living with hypertension.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to provide a profile of the frequency, intensity, duration and domain of self-reported physical activities over a 7-day period in adults with hypertension from a rural sub-district in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A total of 429 adults diagnosed with hypertension aged 40 years and above completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Long-Form via telephone interview. Data were summarised using means and standard deviations or medians and interquartile ranges. The Mann-Whitney U test and Krustal-Wallis rank test were used to assess physical activity differences by sex and work status. Statistical significance was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the participants was 65.1 (standard deviation [s.d.] ± 10.9 years), 58% were women and 52% had paid or unpaid work. Men reported greater (duration and frequency) vigorous physical activity at work compared to women (<i>p</i> = 0.003 and <i>p</i> = 0.002). Walking frequency as a mode of transport was higher for working men and women (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Women reported higher frequency of moderate-intensity physical activity inside the house (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and outside the house (<i>p</i> < 0.001) compared to men. Non-working men and women spent more time sitting during the week compared to their working counterparts (<i>p</i> = 0.009).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The physical activity profile of hypertensive adults varied by sex and work status.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>Contextual factors such as gender roles are also related to the physical activity profile of hypertensive adults living in rural South Africa and should be considered when designing specific interventions targeted at improving hypertension control for this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"81 1","pages":"2134"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067500/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144054289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A protocol for delivery of prehabilitation in lower limb arthroplasty in South Africa.","authors":"Prithi Pillay-Jayaraman, Verusia Chetty, Stacy Maddocks","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Worldwide, musculoskeletal disorders represent a global threat, and primary replacement arthroplasty is the preferred surgical treatment for late-stage arthritis. In South Africa, the waiting lists for arthroplasty are extensive and physiotherapists can have an impact on this situation by implementing prehabilitation; hence, the need to conduct research on the efficacy of such a programme.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Develop a prehabilitation programme for a resource-scarce community in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Our study consisted of three phases wherein the first step entailed conducting a scoping review. The second phase was a consultation of stakeholders through semi-structured interviews and self-administered questionnaire, and the final stage was an evaluation of the effects of the prehabilitation programme by a pilot, single-blinded study on a convenient sample of patients.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The scoping review identified several gaps in existing programmes such as duration, mode and content of the prehabilitation programmes. Stakeholder surveys revealed a lack of knowledge and understanding of physiotherapy and prehabilitation. This highlighted the need to investigate the efficacy of a hybrid model of prehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study is novel within the South African public healthcare system, as it envisages a hybrid approach; and to construct a programme that is contextually relevant.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>Our study aims to deliver the services in a hybrid way using telerehabilitation and face-to-face therapy which will improve access and reduce waiting times.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"81 1","pages":"2037"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067549/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144040784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pectoralis minor index range of healthy 18-24-year-old students from a Kenyan public university.","authors":"Eugene C Agweyu, Joseph M Matheri, Benita Olivier, Elzette Korkie","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2096","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The pectoralis minor muscle (PMM) length is critical for shoulder movement and stability, often implicated in dysfunction and pain. The pectoralis minor index (PMI) quantifies this muscle's length relative to body dimensions. Typical PMI values range from 10.0 cm to 12.5 cm in healthy adults, with data for Kenyan populations.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to establish baseline PMI values among healthy 18-24-year-old university students in Kenya, examining variations by side dominance and sex to support clinical assessments.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive study recruited 289 healthy young adults from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) using stratified and simple random sampling. Data were collected through a self-developed, interviewer-administered questionnaire, achieving a 93.4% response rate. PMI values were measured in three postures: supine, relaxed, and standing.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the standing relaxed position, the PMI mean was 10.6 cm on the dominant side and 11.2 cm on the non-dominant side, with significant variation indicated by a 95% confidence interval. A paired <i>t</i>-test revealed a significant difference between dominant and non-dominant sides (<i>p</i> < 0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Baseline PMI values for Kenyan young adults show significant differences by dominance and sex. These findings provide a foundational reference for assessing PMI in clinical settings, supporting physiotherapists and clinicians in evaluating and treating shoulder dysfunction using precise muscle length data.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>Establishing baseline PMI values assists physiotherapists in identifying deviations, enabling targeted interventions for shoulder dysfunction.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"81 1","pages":"2096"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11886557/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143587629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The 'Bounce Back' rehabilitation programme for stroke survivors in South Africa - a case report.","authors":"Laeeqa Sujee, Sacha Hildebrandt, Amy Harrison, Christa Matjekane, Thabiso Mmoledi, Sonti Pilusa, Kganetso Sekome, Adedayo T Ajidahun","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2117","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Stroke is one of the global leading causes of disability, with a higher prevalence at a younger age in sub-Saharan Africa. Returning to functional status is a primary goal of rehabilitation for stroke survivors. However, the cost of intensive rehabilitation is often a barrier for the under-resourced in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Patient presentation: </strong>This article describes the individualised 'return-to-function' approach to rehabilitation and its outcomes for five stroke survivors delivered through a non-profit public-private partnership in a low-income community in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Management and outcome: </strong>A retrospective case series of stroke survivors who participated in the Bounce Back Journey (BBJ) programme between 2019 and 2021 was conducted. The beneficiaries' ages ranged from 21 to 55 years; two were females and three were males. The goals and outcomes of five stroke survivors with impairments, functional limitations and participation restrictions admitted into the BBJ programme were evaluated through standardised outcome measures. All the beneficiaries required financial support and extensive rehabilitation to return to a functional life. All showed improved outcomes in functional independence and health-related quality of life at discharge. Depressive symptoms clinically deteriorated in one patient. At discharge, all participants faced challenges finding opportunities to return to work.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The case series demonstrates how an alternative community-based rehabilitation programme has the potential to improve functionality, health-related quality of life and mental health.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>A low-cost, community-based, intensive rehabilitation programme can improve functionality, but return to work and community re-integration opportunities remain limited.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"81 1","pages":"2117"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11886577/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143586890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physical activity and ageing: The role of physiotherapy in promoting healthy ageing.","authors":"Shane Naidoo, Nirmala Naidoo","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2114","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The global rise in the older population, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, has heightened the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for 74% of global deaths and the leading cause for years lived with disability. Physical activity (PA) has proven to manage NCDs; however, 80% of older adults in sub-Saharan Africa engage in low-to-moderate PA levels.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This literature review explores current evidence on the effects of PA on ageing and NCDs in older people in sub-Saharan Africa. Insights gained will enable physiotherapists to refine their PA prescriptions, aligning short-term rehabilitative goals with the broader scope NCD management while fostering principles of healthy ageing.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Electronic searches were conducted in: PubMed, EBSCOhost (Academic Search Premier - Africa-Wide Information, CINAHL, Health Sources Premier), Scopus and Google-Scholar to identify peer-reviewed studies published after 2010 related to PA, ageing, NCDs and older people (OP) in sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A structured PA protocol, comprising aerobic activity at 60% - 79% of maximal heart rate and resistance training at 50% - 60% of one-repetition maximum (3 weekly sessions each), proved effective in reducing NCDs. Integrating lifestyle behaviour changes further enhanced outcomes, notably improving blood sugar management and cardiac health.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Structured aerobic and resistance PA, combined with lifestyle education, significantly reduces NCD risk factors in older adults, supporting healthy ageing.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>The current research base in the field of ageing in SSA is limited, indicating the need for non-pharmacological interventions to manage the prevalence of NCDs, including in mental/cognitive health, where PA has a direct influence.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"81 1","pages":"2114"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11886570/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143587674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early mobilisation in Windhoek intensive care units: Practices, attitudes and barriers.","authors":"Ilse du Plessis, Savarna Francis, Brenda Morrow","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2118","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2118","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Early mobilisation (EM) of critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) has gained significant attention because of its potential to improve patient outcomes. Despite the recognised benefits of EM, implementation remains inconsistent.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals regarding EM of critically ill patients in Windhoek.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A descriptive, cross-sectional design using a self-administered survey was conducted in Windhoek, Namibia, targeting nurses, doctors and physiotherapists working in private ICUs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 174 surveys were distributed, with a response rate of 24.1% (<i>n</i> = 42). Respondents included 21 nurses, 5 doctors and 13 physiotherapists. Most participants underestimated the incidence of ICU-acquired weakness and reported unfamiliarity with EM literature (<i>n</i> = 19, 51.4%). Furthermore, 25 respondents (67.6%) reported that patients were not automatically assessed for mobilisation, the majority reported requiring a doctor's referral (<i>n</i> = 31, 83.8%). Mobility practices were conservative, especially when patients were intubated or in the presence of radial and femoral catheters. Major patient-level barriers included medical instability (<i>n</i> = 24, 72.7%) and excessive sedation (<i>n</i> = 18, 54.5%); whereas institutional barriers were the requirement for a doctor's referral (<i>n</i> = 22, 64.7%) and no written guidelines or protocols for mobilisation (<i>n</i> = 16, 47.1%). Provider level barriers were that mobility is not perceived as important by some individuals (<i>n</i> = 18, 78.3%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study revealed knowledge gaps, conservative mobility practices and numerous barriers to EM implementation at the patient, provider and institutional levels.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>The findings highlight the need for targeted education, training programmes, standardised mobility protocols and the establishment of a dedicated mobility champion to promote EM in Windhoek ICUs.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"81 1","pages":"2118"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830905/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450670","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiology of spinal cord injuries in three selected counties in Kenya.","authors":"George M Muli, Veronica Ntsiea, Natalie Benjamin-Damons, Nassib Tawa","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2097","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2097","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents a significant health challenge, characterised by damage to the spinal cord resulting from trauma, inflammation, tumours or other aetiologies. This injury often leads to a range of debilitating consequences, including loss of motor function, sensation, sphincter control and autonomic nerve function below the site of injury, as well as challenges with self-care and performance of instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs).</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors and characteristics of SCI among adult patients in three selected counties in Kenya.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A population of 213 patients from three counties in Kenya was used for this study. Then, a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilised to evaluate the prevalence of SCI.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings reveal a predominant prevalence in male patients, accounting for 84.04% of occurrences, with the highest incidence observed among individuals aged 26-35 years (36.15%). Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause, accounting for 45.07% of cases, followed by falls from height accounting for 42.25% of cases and violence, specifically gunshot injuries, which account for 7.04% of incidents.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings of this study provide a comprehensive epidemiology of SCI in three counties in Kenya with male patients recording high prevalence in motor vehicle accidents and falls from height as well as in severity and associated SCI complications.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>This finding provides significant information on safety awareness and a platform to develop rehabilitation programmes for patients with SCI in Kenya.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"81 1","pages":"2097"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830909/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}