Objective: To investigate and compare the effect of topical application of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on the pain of osteoarthritic knee (s) with the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Participants: A convenient sample of thirty patients with knee(s) osteoarthritis (16 females and 14 males) were randomly assigned to three groups; Group A (n=10) treated with topical application of EVOO and exercise, group B (n=10) received topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ketoprofen gel) over the knee(s) and exercise, and group C received therapeutic exercise only. Method: Treatment was carried out in physical therapy outpatient clinic for 5 days a week for two weeks. Group A received topical EVOO (3ml) and group B received topical ketoprofen gel (3 cm2) three times a day followed by therapeutic exercise. Group C received therapeutic exercise only three times a day. Pain visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMC) universities index measurement were taken at baseline and after two weeks of treatment. Results: All groups showed significant improvement (p<0.001) in VAS and WOMC index after two weeks of treatment compared to the baseline. Group comparison showed no significant difference in both scales between groups A and B (p>0.05), however, both groups significantly experienced less pain than group C (p<0.001). Conclusion: Topical application of EVOO showed to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis compared to topical application of NSAID.
BACKGROUND: There is a lack of information regarding the availability of work and the appropriateness of work to people with disabilities (PWD) in Jordan. Therefore, this research was initiated and it was hypothesized that work is available and it is appropriate to PWD abilities. OBJECTIVES: To explore the availability of work and the appropriateness of working conditions to PWD abilities. METHOD: Thirty-five individuals completed the “People with Disabilities Working Condition Scale” (PWDWCS). Descriptive and nonparametric statistical analyses including Chi square, Pearson correlation, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests were used, and content analysis was used for the open-ended questions section to identify the availability of work in terms of opportunities and competition as well as to identify the work fitness to PWDs’ abilities. RESULTS: Sixty percent of the participants had difficulties finding a job, with a high competition on the available ones. Several work conditions do not fit PWDs’ abilities including improper fitness of work assignment to their capabilities and relatively inappropriate wages. In addition, a higher percentage of the participants reported: A) availability of written job descriptions and procedure manuals B) lack of work-related training and continuing education (CE) programs C) PWD are not being promoted D) availability of relative social acceptance at work E) a relatively comfortable work environment F) finally, work areas which require several modifications to boost accessibility. CONCLUSION: Initial hypotheses could not be confirmed. Several challenges face PWD in Jordan pertaining to the availability and fitness to work. Rehabilitation for all sectors of work is necessary as well as for PWD to improve their employability and work appropriateness to PWD abilities.
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