Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology

Deivendran Kalirathinam ¹, Manoj Abraham Manoharlal ², ChongLi Mei ³, Chong Kar Ling ³, Thomas Wong Yong Sheng ³, Albin Jerome ⁴, U. S. Mahadeva Rao ⁵

Affiliations
1 School of Rehabilitation, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, MY
2 Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha University, Saveetha Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, MY
4 School of Physiotherapy, AIMST University, Semeling, MY
5 Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, MY

Abstract

Background: The usage of smartphone played a significant role in everyday life especially among students. Concern has risen universally of possible musculoskeletal symptoms among smartphone users due to excessive use. Objective: To determine the prevalence of neck and upper extremity symptoms among University students who were using a smartphone. Methods: A cross - sectional survey using self - administered questionnaires were conducted on 250 undergraduate students from one of the leading university in Malaysia. Six out of 250 participants (2.4%) were excluded as they were not a smartphone user. The number of participants from two faculties, namely Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (FMHS) and Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) were determined with stratified random sampling using Kish Leslie sample size formula. Results: The frequency of six measures of smartphone use was ranked from highest to lowest in order: Internet browsing and E - learning (85.20%), making phone calls (78.30%), texting and emails (77.00%), music, video, and pictures (75.40%), gaming (51.20%) and scheduling (32.80%). Out of 244 participants, 49 (20.1%) of the smartphone users were found to have developed some degree of upper extremity and neck symptoms. The prevalence of neck symptoms was the highest with 44 (18.03%) sufferers, followed by right shoulder symptoms (13.93%) and left shoulder symptoms (11.07%). Despite the symptoms experienced, only 5 (10.20%) participants received treatment while 30 participants (61.22%) claimed that they continued using the smartphone during these episodes. Conclusion: It is postulated that there is a positive relationship between smartphone usage and prevalence of upper extremity and neck symptoms. Recommendation: It is high time to disseminate the basic education on proper usage related to ergonomics is warranted to the university students to increase their awareness.

Keywords

Prevalence, Upper Extremity, Neck, Symptoms, Smartphone, Students, Six Measures Of Smartphone Use.

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Deivendran Kalirathinam ¹, Albin Jerome ², Bhagyashri Bhagwan Vichare ³, Naresh Baskar Raj ¹, U. S. Mahadeva Rao ⁴

Affiliations
1 School of Rehabilitation, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, MY
2 School of Physiotherapy, AIMST University, Semeling, MY
3 Breach Candy Hospital, 60 A, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, IN
4 Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, MY

Abstract

BACKGROUND OF STUDY: Novel locomotor training strategies for individuals with disorders of the central nervous system have associated with the improved locomotor function. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to find the effects of treadmill-based locomotor training with leg weights in individuals with chronic stroke. We assessed impairment and gait parameters in functional ambulation persons with chronic stroke. METHODS: We used a Pretest-posttest design. Twenty individuals with chronic stroke who were community ambulatory were recruited. Participants underwent 30-minute treadmill-based locomotor training sessions three times per week for four weeks. The training program involved treadmill walking for 30 minutes with partial body weight support as needed. Leg weights, equivalent to 5% of body weight affixed around the paretic leg. Gait parameters such as cadence, step length, and stride length and the Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile (mEFAP) as an outcome measures used. RESULTS: Improvements were more significant in cadence than other gait parameters such as step length and stride length. The more significant improvement was seen in step length than in stride length. In mEFAP, 5.98% improvement was seen showing enhanced the functional ambulatory capacity of participants. In Chedokemcmaster Stroke Assessment Activity Inventory, 4.27% improvement was seen. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that treadmill-based locomotor training combined with leg weights could be a feasible approach for improving the ability to perform complex walking tasks, such as stair climbing, in individuals with chronic stroke.

Keywords

Stroke, Weight Load, Treadmill, Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile.

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