South African Journal of Physiotherapy最新文献

{"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}

{"title":"The minimal clinically important difference of the Participation Measurement Scale in chronic stroke.","authors":"Oyéné Kossi, Soraia M Silva, Francesco Lena, Mendinatou Agbetou, Thierry Adoukonou, Peter Feys, Félix Nindorera","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.1999","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.1999","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Participation Measurement Scale (PM-Scale) is an International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-based and Rasch-built scale developed specifically to assess participation in people with stroke.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Our study aimed to estimate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the PM-Scale.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We performed a secondary analysis of data from the 'Circuit walking, balance, cycling and strength training' trial. Participants underwent mixed and collective physical activities or sociocultural activities for 12 weeks, and participation data were collected before and after the interventions. The activity limitations (ACTIVLIM)-Stroke scale was used as the anchor of importance. The MCID for the PM-Scale was estimated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the Youden index.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data were collected from 46 people with chronic stroke, of which 22% were female, with median (Percentile 25, Percentile 75) age of 54 (44; 60) years, and time since stroke is 24 (11; 37) months. For all participants, the PM-Scale measures range from -2.98 logits to 5.02 logits. The area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-analysis was 0.74 yielding an estimated MCID of 1.98 logit for the PM-Scale.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study estimated the MCID of the PM-Scale at 1.98 logit, enabling a more precise interpretation of the outcome in the clinical and research settings.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>An improvement of at least 1.98 logit on the PM-Scale is required to induce a clinical change in the independence in activities of daily living in people with chronic stroke.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"81 1","pages":"1999"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830879/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450739","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":"Health-related quality of life of individuals dealing with cancer in the Free State: A survey.","authors":"Roline Y Barnes, Karen Bodenstein, Mariëtte Nel","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2094","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajp.v81i1.2094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cancer is the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its symptoms can affect an individual's life holistically.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Our study aimed to determine the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of individuals dealing with cancer in the Free State, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A descriptive, cross-sectional study design utilising the standardised Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G) questionnaire as well as a self-developed sociodemographic and general health information questionnaire was used in this study. The study was conducted at the Universitas Annex Oncology Clinic.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 507 participants were conveniently sampled. The median age was 53 years with 73.8% being female. The FACT-G's overall score ranged from 11.7 to 108, with a median of 76.7 (interquartile range [IQR] 63-89.5). The Social or Family Well-Being subscale indicated the highest median of 22.2 and the Emotional Well-Being subscale the lowest of 18. The Physical Well-Being subscale found that 61.8% of individuals felt forced to spend time in bed and 53.4% experienced nausea. The Functional Well-Being subscale showed that 70.3% of individuals accepted their illness and 51.6% enjoyed their life.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study highlights the importance of using a clinical assessment tool to determine the influence of cancer on the individual's HRQoL. Involvement of the individual's family and friends during management, as well as identifying the need for psychosocial support, is crucial for positively influencing HRQoL.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>The FACT-G is a valuable tool in guiding physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals with patients' cancer-related treatment experiences.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"81 1","pages":"2094"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830907/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450737","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":"Acute exacerbation of COPD: Physiotherapy practice and factors that influence management.","authors":"Motheo Phalatse-Taban, Heleen van Aswegen","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v80i1.2106","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajp.v80i1.2106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in South Africa. Physiotherapy practice and factors that influence management of patients with AECOPD are unknown.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore physiotherapy practice in the management of patients with AECOPD in South African private healthcare settings and to identify and describe factors that influence physiotherapy patient management.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The study adopted a qualitative descriptive design using semi-structured interviews. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to identify physiotherapists working in private healthcare in three South African provinces. Individual interviews were conducted face-to-face or via telephone and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was done using an inductive approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants (<i>n</i> = 9) working in private hospitals reported that their management is based on patient-specific needs assessment. Treatment interventions included various respiratory physiotherapy techniques and exercise rehabilitation strategies. Patient education on self-management of disease symptoms featured prominently. Enablers of physiotherapy management included supportive workplace relations, conducive work environment, physiotherapists' competence, familial support and patient cooperation. Barriers identified included limited communication, nurses' attitudes, work environment, disease burden, mental health challenges and limited professional development opportunities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Physiotherapists provide individual needs-based care to patients with AECOPD. Various enablers and barriers to physiotherapy patient management have been identified.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>Advocacy for physiotherapy, better communication between multidisciplinary team members and recognition of the need for psychological support are important factors to address to enhance the care provided to patients with AECOPD.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"80 1","pages":"2106"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11736466/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143013670","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":"Low back pain treatment adherence barriers in Eswatini private physiotherapy practices: A pilot study.","authors":"Tapiwa Chikaka, Monique M Keller","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v80i1.2077","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajp.v80i1.2077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adherence to management regimes is pivotal to successfully managing patients with low back pain (LBP). Barriers decrease adherence, resulting in disability.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Our pilot study aimed to determine barriers associated with physiotherapy treatment attendance and home exercise programme adherence among patients with LBP and treating physiotherapists in Eswatini.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive pilot study using a self-developed Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) survey was conducted with 62 LBP patients. Descriptive, regression and bivariate statistical analyses with odds ratios (OR) were used to identify adherence barriers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-two (35.5%) participants missed appointments because of feeling better. Twenty-one participants (33.9%) missed scheduled appointments due to painful sessions, cost and the burden of changing their routines. Home exercise adherence was positively associated with understanding the condition (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and negatively with too many exercises (<i>p</i> = 0.005).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study identified patient barriers to physiotherapy adherence, particularly females aged 40-69 years. Although doctor referrals improved adherence, time constraints and pain remained significant barriers. Barriers to prescribed home exercise programme adherence included pain during exercises, fear, no time, forgetting/no reference and too many exercises. While most participants understood their condition, some lacked understanding, underscoring the need for better education. Addressing these barriers could enhance adherence and reduce the impact of LBP.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>To overcome the barrier of adherence to keeping appointments, prioritising health education and providing reasons for exercises should be empathised. Exercise programme adherence could be improved by providing reference material, less and more meaningful and/or functional exercises.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"80 1","pages":"2077"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11736531/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143013713","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":"Efficacy of aerobic exercise for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders receiving ART: An RCT.","authors":"Martins Nweke, Nombeko Mshunqane","doi":"10.4102/sajp.v80i1.2104","DOIUrl":"10.4102/sajp.v80i1.2104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) affects an individual's capacity for independence and engagement in everyday activities, posing challenges in environments with limited resources and low social support.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To ascertain the efficacy of exercise (AE) for activity and participation (AP) level in people with HAND.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This is a randomised controlled trial that is parallel-group in nature, with intention-to-treat analysis and disguised allocation. Seventy-three people with HAND in total were randomised at random to the AE and control groups. Three 20-60-min sessions of moderate-intensity AE training on a cycle ergometer were included of the 12-week intervention. Individual tolerability served as the basis for progression. Three months after the intervention, at the conclusion of the intervention, and at the baseline, outcomes were measured. The AP constitutes the main outcome variable. To investigate the impact of AE on AP level, rank analysis of covariance was performed after log-transformation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>When comparing the AE to the control group, there were significant increases in social wellbeing AP (Cohen <i>d</i> = 0.550; <i>p</i> = 0.021), emotion AP (Cohen <i>d</i> = 0.641; <i>p</i> = 0.007) and overall AP level (Cohen <i>d</i> = 0.896; <i>p</i> < 0.001). There was no discernible variation in AP across the groups three months following AE (Cohen <i>d</i> = 0.437; <i>p</i> = 0.067).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>AE induces a small increase in AP among individuals with HAND.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>For people with HAND, regular AE is a good way to manage AP restriction. Increasing AE participation may improve AP restriction.</p>","PeriodicalId":44180,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Physiotherapy","volume":"80 1","pages":"2104"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11736550/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143013690","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}