Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic joint disease that results in pain and disability in many people. Cultural practice may influence patients' views about their condition, its related issues and management. The aim of our study was to explore the perspective about knee OA and its related issues among Malaysian patients with knee OA. Twelve patients diagnosed with knee OA (8 females and 4 males) attending physiotherapy sessions at a University Hospital, mean age (SD): 67.1(9.4) years and median visual analog scale score of 5/10 participated in this qualitative study. One to one indepth interviews were conducted, audio recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Three main themes were identified from the transcribed data; knee pain and its' related issues (reason and aggravating factors of knee pain, coping strategies), impact of knee pain (impact on daily activities and emotions) and physiotherapy management (effects and expectations of physiotherapy, compliance and adherence towards home exercises). Most participants expressed that their knee pain was aggravated by certain movements that had an effect on their daily activities namely squatting. The findings also suggested that physiotherapy management was perceived as secondary prevention rather than a cure. Findings from this study provides information about the perceptions and related issues of patients with knee OA. This information may help health professionals in tailoring patient-centered care and provide better management. ABStRAKOsteoarthritis (OA) sendi lutut adalah penyakit sendi kronik yang kerap menjadi punca kesakitan dan kurangupaya di kalangan ramai orang. Amalan budaya boleh mempengaruhi pandangan pesakit tentang keadaan mereka, isu-isu yang berkaitan dan pengurusan. Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk meneroka perspektif tentang OA sendi lutut dan isu-isu berkaitan di kalangan pesakit OA sendi lutut di Malaysia. Dua belas orang dewasa dengan diagnosis OA sendi lutut (8 perempuan dan 4 orang lelaki) yang menghadiri sesi fisioterapi di Hospital Universiti, purata usia (SD): 67.1 (9.4) tahun dan skor median skala analog visual 5/10 telah menyertai kajian kualitatif ini. Temubual mendalam telah dijalankan secara individu, audio direkodkan dan kemudian diterjemahkan verbatim. Tiga tema utama telah dikenalpasti dari data transkripsi; kesakitan lutut dan masalah yang berkaitan dengannya (sebab dan faktor-faktor yang menyebabkan sakit lutut, strategi mengatasi), impak sakit lutut (kesan terhadap aktiviti harian dan emosi) dan pengurusan fisioterapi (kesan dan jangkaan fisioterapi, pematuhan terhadap latihan senaman di rumah). Kebanyakan peserta menyatakan bahawa kesakitan lutut mereka telah diperburuk oleh pergerakan tertentu yang mempunyai kesan ke atas aktiviti harian mereka iaitu mencangkung. Penemuan ini juga mencadangkan bahawa pengurusan fisioterapi lebih dianggap sebagai memberi kesan pencegahan sekunder berbanding mengubati. Penemuan dari kajian ini memberikan maklumat tentang persepsi dan isu berkaitan pesakit yang mengalami OA sendi lutut. Pe...

Aging is associated with alterations in thoracolumbar curvatures and respiratory function. Research information regarding the correlation between thoracolumbar curvatures and a comprehensive examination of respiratory function parameters in older adults is limited. The aim of the present study was to examine the correlation between thoracolumbar curvatures and respiratory function in community-dwelling older adults. Thoracolumbar curvatures (thoracic and lumbar) were measured using a motion tracker. Respiratory function parameters such as lung function, respiratory rate, respiratory muscle strength and respiratory muscle thickness (diaphragm and intercostal) were measured using a spirometer, triaxial accelerometer, respiratory pressure meter and ultrasound imaging, respectively. Sixty-eight community-dwelling older males and females from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with mean (standard deviation) age of 66.63 (5.16) years participated in this cross-sectional study. The results showed that mean (standard deviation) thoracic curvature angle and lumbar curvature angles were −46.30° (14.66°) and 14.10° (10.58°), respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between thoracic curvature angle and lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second: r=−0.23, P<0.05; forced vital capacity: r=−0.32, P<0.05), quiet expiration intercostal thickness (r=−0.22, P<0.05) and deep expiration diaphragm muscle thickness (r=−0.21, P<0.05). The lumbar curvature angle had a significant negative correlation with respiratory muscle strength (r=−0.29, P<0.05) and diaphragm muscle thickness at deep inspiration (r=−0.22, P<0.05). However, respiratory rate was correlated neither with thoracic nor with lumbar curvatures. The findings of this study suggest that increase in both thoracic and lumbar curvatures is correlated with decrease in respiratory muscle strength, respiratory muscle thickness and some parameters of lung function. Clinically, both thoracic and lumbar curvatures, respiratory muscles and lung function should be taken into consideration in the holistic management of respiratory function among older adults.

BACKGROUND: Health Science graduates are increasingly in demand for improving and providing life services among the ageing population. Having substantial knowledge and positive attitude towards ageing will be a key step towards better care giving. However, to date there is limited published literature regarding knowledge and attitude towards ageing among health science students in Malaysia. The objective of our study was to assess knowledge and attitudes towards ageing among health science students. METHODOLOGY: A total of 786 (120 male, 666 female) health science undergraduates participated in this study. This cross-sectional study was conducted using Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz I (FAQ I) and Kogan's Attitudes towards Older People (KAOP) to assess knowledge of ageing and attitudes towards older adults respectively. RESULTS: Majority of students in clinical (69.6%) and non-clinical programmes (65.6%) showed moderate knowledge towards ageing. More than two-third of students in clinical (77.2%) and non-clinical programs (75.8%) demonstrated a slightly positive attitude towards ageing. A significant moderate positive correlation (r=.308, p< 0.05) was found between knowledge of ageing and attitudes towards older adults. Clinical type of programme (t =-1.97, p <0 .05) and Malay ethnicity (t = 2.37, p < 0.001) were significant factors that influenced both knowledge and attitudes towards ageing. CONCLUSION: Health science students demonstrated a moderate knowledge and positive attitude towards ageing. Refining the current geriatric care curriculum with integration of experiential learning may further enhance knowledge and attitude towards ageing in health science students.

Enhancement of physical function had been shown in older adults who actively participate in physical activities, particularly in the form of aerobic training with addition of progressive resistance training (PRT). However, it is quite challenging and risky for most older adults to exercise in standing position without any support. Chair Based Exercise (CBE) is an alternative mode of exercise for older adult to facilitate exercise participation and increase safety. Its effect when combined with resistance training is unknown to date. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of CBE with PRT on physical performances among older adults. A total of 18 older adults (13 females (72%)) and 5 males (28%)), aged 60 to 83 years with mean age (SD) 72.67 (6.17) years completed the study. All subjects performed CBE with PRT intervention twice weekly for 8 weeks, with individually-tailored exercise progressions. Pre and post measurements of physical performance were performed using Six MinutesWalk Test (6MWT), Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSTS) and Hand Grip Strength (HGS) test. Significant improvement in 6MWT (p < .001), HGS Right hand (p = .043), HGS Left hand (p < .001), FTSTS (p < .001) was shown after the eight-week intervention. Adding PRT into seated exercises results in further improvement in physical performance of older adults. CBE-PRT may be recommended as an exercise routine for older adults living in the community.

There is limited information regarding gender differences in spinal morphological attributes among healthy young adults although alterations have been reported to influence postural changes, mainly with forward-bending and extension postures. The aim of this preliminary study was to examine gender differences in spinal morphological attributes of lumbar extensor muscles that includes its muscle fibre angles, thickness, endurance and thoracolumbar curvature among young adults. Nineteen male and 26 female healthy young adults (aged 21-24 years) matched for age, body mass index and physical activity levels participated in this preliminary study. Fibre angles and thickness of lumbar extensor muscles were examined using ultrasonography. Lumbar extensor muscle endurance and thoracolumbar curvatures were assessed using Sorenson's test and a flexible ruler respectively. Paired t-test showed a significant mean difference (p < 0.01) between the right and left fibre angles. However, no significant mean difference (p = 0.50) was found between the right and left muscle thickness. Results of independent t-test showed a significant difference (p < 0.01) in muscle thickness between males and females. No significant differences were shown in right fibre angle (p = 0.12), left fibre angle (p = 0.89), muscle endurance (p = 0.46), thoracic curvature (p = 0.76) and lumbar curvature (p = 0.06) between genders. There were no gender differences in spinal morphological attributes except for lumbar extensor muscle thickness in young adults age between 21 to 24. This study data may be useful as an initial reference norm of spinal morphological attributes among young adults. Further studies may be required to examine the factors that may influence changes in spinal morphological attributes among healthy adults.