No abstract

No abstract

Digital health intervention (DHI) can solve the patient's problem, such as geographical inaccessibility, delayed provision of care, low-level adherence to clinical protocols, and financial burden. DHI does not necessary to work as a substitution for a functioning health system but helps strengthen its function. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the awareness, perception, and acceptability of digital physiotherapy intervention (DPI) among Malaysian physiotherapists. A total of 209 practicing physiotherapists representing all the regions in Malaysia participated in this online self-reported questionnaire, including demographics profile, continuous professional development, awareness, perception and acceptability of DPI. Analyzed the collected data to determine the knowledge of DPI by using descriptive statistical methods. A 75.1% of the Malaysian physiotherapist aware of digital physiotherapy intervention, 69.38% perceived it reduces the cost for face to face, reduce the time for traveling 47.85%, improve adherence to exercises 42.58%, 78% of them agree with the DPI and 75.1% of them accepted to recommend the digital tools to their patient. Malaysian physiotherapists are aware, agree and recommend the digital physiotherapy intervention to their treatment plan. However, it should still raise awareness about digital physiotherapy intervention to lead them to the future. Developing new digital tools, utilization, and overcoming the various healthcare institutions' low acceptability considering the cost, conventional interventions, and time-consuming should be strategized in Malaysia.

<b>Aim: </b>Prolonged use of electronic devices (EDs) and adopting poor posture during ED usage might lead to musculoskeletal disorders among young adults and adolescents. Hence, this study compares neck muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), and craniovertebral angle (CVA) among Malaysian young adults using different EDs.<br /> <b>Methods: </b>A cross-sectional study using a quantitative study design was applied to compare neck muscle strength, ROM, and CVA between laptop and tablet users of Malaysian young adults. The population of this study covers young adults residing in Selangor, Malaysia. Among them, 30 laptop users and 30 tablet users were selected using the selection criteria and criterion-based sampling method. The data analysis was carried out with SPSS 20.0 at a 5% level of significance.<br /> <b>Results:</b> There was no significant difference between the laptop and tablet users concerning neck muscle strength and CVA. However, a significant difference was observed only in the neck extension ROM between laptop and tablet users. The mean neck extension ROM is lower in tablet users than in their counterparts. The mean CVA of laptop and tablet users was less than 50 degrees, indicating severe FHP. Most laptop users (73.3%) were categorized into severe FHP than tablet users (53.3%).<br /> <b>Conclusion:</b> The mean neck extension ROM is lower in tablet users than in laptop users. Most laptop users had severe FHP than tablet users. Hence, Malaysian young adults should adhere to the appropriate duration of ED usage, ergonomics while using ED. and postural correction exercises to prevent and reduce musculoskeletal problems.

No abstract

No abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common but often under-reported medical condition that laid a significant impact in one's quality of life (QoL). Studies have highlighted that there is strong association between UI and lower back pain (LBP). However, there is limited evidence on clinician incorporating UI assessment and treatment as a part of LBP management. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate physiotherapy knowledge in understanding the association of lower back pain and urinary incontinence. A cross sectional study design was adopted to a randomly selected sample. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtained detailed information on the awareness of risk factor of LBP, understanding the associated problem of LBP, common LBP management and evaluating knowledge level of LBP and UI. A total of 60 participants has participated in this survey. The results demonstrate almost more than 50% of physiotherapist is not fully aware of the association between lower back pain and urinary incontinence. About 57% of physiotherapist did not incorporate bladder management as part of LBP care. However, when compared between genders, female populations had better knowledge and understanding of the association of LBP and UI. The results show there is still a lack of knowledge on the association of lower back pain and urinary incontinence among Physiotherapists. In the future, more of education talk about the association between lower back pain and urinary incontinence would help in increasing the knowledge level of Physiotherapist thus incorporating UI assessment and treatment as a part of lower back care.

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of knee pain which contributes to adults’ disability. Females have an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis. However, little is known about the gender influence in pain perception, quality of life (QOL), and physical activity. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the influence of gender on pain perception, QOL, and physical activity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A cross-sectional study design with a total of 186 patients(mean age of 56.64 ± 6.49) with knee osteoarthritis were recruited. Pain intensity, level of physical activity, and QOL of patients were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Among the studied patients, 52% of patients with knee osteoarthritis had a relatively low level of physical activity with females representing the majority of them. Lower mean was observed in QOL and physical activity whereas pain intensity was higher in females compared to males (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation demonstrated a strong negative correlation between physical activity and pain (r = -0.77, n = 186, p <0.01), and a weak correlation exist between physical activity and all domains of QOL except for the functional capacity and body pain. Majority of female participants with knee osteoarthritis exhibit poor QOL, physical activity, and increased pain intensity as compared to males. Clinicians need to be aware of the influence of gender in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis.