Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Journal

Background: Palsy of the peripheral facial nerve, unilateral, acute, idiopathic, and peripheral, is the case with Bell lectures leads to facial asymmetry and weakness. Even though a significant percentage of patients will recover on their own,partial recovery is still very frequent, especially in the more extreme cases. Low-level laser physiotherapy rehabilitation can be done using therapy (LLLT) and electrical stimulation (ES), although.comparative evidence on their effectiveness in combination with mime therapy, remains limited.1-3 Purpose: To compare the therapeutic benefit of LLLT and mime therapy and ES and mime. patients with acute Bell’s palsy therapy with the Facial Disability Index (FDI) was used to measure the situation before and after the therapy as primary outcome measure. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, comparative study involving 30 participants who were aged 18-40 years with acute unilateral Bell’s palsy. The random sequence was produced with the help of a computer-based random number method, using an independent researcher, and was allocated.hided in sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes that were opened after baseline assessment. A blinded assessor performed the outcome assessment. Participants were randomly allotted to two equal groups (n = 15 each). LLLT was administered to Group A (795 nm, 4)J/cm2 of eight points of the facial nerve (plus mime therapy) and Group B galvanic ES (3 30 ms pulse duration at 11 motor points) and mime therapy. Both groups received three times weekly during 6 weeks and a total of 18 sessions. FDI scores were captured at the baseline and upon the intervention being completed. Result: Findings revealed a significant increase in the FDI scores of both groups following treatment (p ≤<|human|>Results: The results showed that both groups experienced significant improvement in FDI scores following treatment (p ≤ 0.001). The mean score of post intervention FDI in Group A (45.60 ± 5.60) is higher than that of Group B (37.40 ± 5.38) and the difference between groups was significant (t =4.08, df = 28, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: In this sample, LLLT, in combination with mime therapy was linked to increased temporary enhancement of facial functioning as compared to ES with mime therapy. These results indicate that LLLT can be an effective complement in physiotherapy rehabilitation in patients with acute Bell’s palsy, but larger studies with more years of follow-up are required to establish the result.

Background: Less than 25 minutes of regular exercise each day is considered a sedentary lifestyle. It is linked to metabolic syndrome and obesity, both of which raise the risk of cardiovascular illnesses and impaired cardiopulmonary function. This study assessed the impact of combination of resistance and aerobic exercise on cardiopulmonary fitness in office workers who maintain sedentary lifestyles. Methodology: Subjects between the ages of 25 and 50 were evaluated, chosen at random, and given their informed consent based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants were divided into two groups. They were assessed and assigned at random to one of two groups: group A received an intervention consisting of a combination of resistance and aerobic exercises under supervision, while group B received aerobic exercises under supervision. The aerobic exercise programme was given for 12 weeks (3 times a week) respectively. A pre test and post test data for the two groups were evaluated for cardiopulmonary fitness using body mass index, waist hip ratio, harward step test by using International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Category score 1-inactive. The data was collected, compiled and analysed. Conclusion: Both the groups showed significant differences on comparison and they have found to be effective in addressing cardio pulmonary fitness. Therefore, study concludes, that 6 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance exercises demonstrated more expected outcomes in improving cardiopulmonary fitness in office workers leading sedentary lifestyle and decrease body mass, Waist hip ratio in office workers.

Aim: the aim of study was to evaluate the effect of low frequency ultrasound therapy (LFUST) in treatment of venous ulcers compared with standard wound care. Study Design: A single centre, prospective randomized clinical trial. Study setting: This study centre was Department of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Telangana. Study participants: Total 20 samples were included in this study. Patients with venous ulcer of >6 months duration. Study group were received low frequency ultrasound therapy delivered 3 MHz, continuous mode and applied treatment 10 minutes duration per day to 6 weeks plus standard care. Results: This study started in January 2026 and the follow-up period ended in June 2026, during which time, forty patients were selected as potential participants, of whom 30 were included in the study.There was a significantly reduce the wound size compared with standard care (p<0.05). Conclusion: Low frequency ultrasound therapy is effective, significantly reduce the wound size and improve blood circulation in venous ulcer. These findings indicate that LFUST serves as an effective adjunctive therapy for VLUs, improving the outcomes of standard treatment protocols.

Background: Physiotherapy plays a significant part in prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and health promotion in various medical fields including cardiorespiratory and obstetrics & gynaecology (OBG). Still, the general population is primarily unaware of its expanding scope. Aim: To assess the awareness and understanding of the role of physiotherapy in cardiorespiratory and OBG health among non-medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 non-medical students (18-25 years) for Teerthanker Mahaveer University. Participants were drawn in through random sampling. After obtaining informed consent, a structured questionnaire on awareness questions of cardiorespiratory and OBG was administered. Data were looked at by SPSS software and were expressed as percentages and frequencies. Result: In a list of the 200 participants, 107 (53.5%) were females and 93 (46.5%) were males. Mean age was 20.15 ± 1.63 years. 73.2% of the participant was aware concerning cardio respiratory physiotherapy along with 26.8% was unaware concerning it. In the same method, 73.2% demonstrated awareness regarding physiotherapy in OBG health whereas 26.8% did not appear aware. Topics that included respiratory rehabilitation, post-cardiac surgery rehabilitation and the role in physiotherapy in breathing disorders had an elevated level of awareness. However, knowledge gaps remained with respect to the management of urinary incontinence, pelvic redevelopment, and specific women’s health physiotherapy interventions. Conclusion: The findings suggest a high level of awareness of physiotherapy among non-medical students. Still, important knowledge gaps persist, particularly in the area of physiotherapy for women’s health. But we continue to have large knowledge gaps, in particular in relation to women’s health physiotherapy. Educational programs, awareness campaigns and integration of physiotherapy related knowledge into the academic curricula may help to improve understanding and effective utilisation of the physiotherapy services.

Background: Numerous studies have examined the vital role that Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs) play in the education of physiotherapists. Colleges and universities that focus on paramedical and allied health are among the numerous institutions in India that provide physiotherapy courses. IHEs’ are actively engaged in research, helping to advance the area of physiotherapy by developing novel interventions, technology, and therapies. Students are taught to critically assess research findings and apply them to clinical decision-making by IHEs, which place a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the role of Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) in Physiotherapy education, to improve the standard of Physiotherapy education in both public and private institutions Conclusion: The present study concluded that vital role of institutes of higher education (IHEs) in physiotherapy education improve the standard of physiotherapy education in both public and private institutions and to offer patients complete service. Although progress has been slow, we anticipate significant advancements in physiotherapy in the upcoming years in India. IHEs ensure that future physiotherapists are ready to embrace the future of physiotherapy.

Background: The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a bidirectional communication network between the central nervous system (CNS) and enteric nervous system that influences digestion, emotion, cognition, and pain perception through neural, hormonal, immune, and microbial pathways. Central sensitization (CS), characterized by amplified CNS nociceptive signaling, intersects with GBA dysregulation, exacerbating chronic pain conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fibromyalgia. Visceral mobilization (VM), a manual therapy that restores organ mobility, can modulate these pathways. Objective: This narrative review synthesizes recent literature on GBA mechanisms, central sensitization pathophysiology, and the therapeutic potential of visceral mobilization in chronic pain management. Key Findings: This review explores the GBA mechanisms, including microbiotaderived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and support neuroprotection. The pathophysiology of CS involves N-methyl-Daspartate receptor (NMDA) receptor activation, glial inflammation, and neural plasticity, with significant interplay with GBA. Dysbiosis heightens visceral hypersensitivity via cytokine signaling and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis disruption. Evidence for VM is mixed but promising, showing benefits in low back pain and IBS by improving motility and autonomic tone, and potentially alleviating CS through reduced afferent input. Clinical Implications: The Physiotherapists should integrate VM with exercise and dietary education to address comorbid gut pain disorders holistically. Understanding this nexus empowers clinicians to refine their assessments and interventions, thereby enhancing the outcomes of chronic visceral pain management. Conclusion: Further randomized trials are required to validate these findings and establish evidence-based protocols for visceral mobilization in physiotherapy.

This literature review examines the evolution of neuro rehabilitation with a specific focus on neuro physiotherapy as an evidence-based practice. The review traces the historical development of neuro rehabilitation approaches, evaluates current evidence supporting various therapeutic interventions, and explores emerging trends shaping the future of this field. Key traditional approaches such as Neuro Developmental Treatment (NDT), Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), and more recent innovations including Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and robotic-assisted rehabilitation are critically analyzed for their theoretical foundations and empirical support. The evidence reveals a paradigm shift from purely technique-oriented approaches toward more taskspecific, goal-oriented, and technology-enhanced interventions. Future directions point toward increased integration of neuroplasticity principles, personalized medicine approaches, advanced technologies including virtual reality, robotics, and neuromodulation, and greater emphasis on telerehabilitation and home-based care models. This review highlights the importance of continuing to strengthen the evidence base for neuro physiotherapy while embracing innovative approaches that leverage technological advancements for improved patient outcomes.

Neurological disorders are now the leading cause of disease burden worldwide, affecting billions of people and placing unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems. Traditionally viewed as a post-acute intervention focused on recovery, neurological rehabilitation is increasingly being recognised as a strategic component of sustainable healthcare delivery. This perspective explores how rising neurological disease burden, ageing populations, workforce challenges, community-based care models, and digital innovation are reshaping neurorehabilitation. Using contemporary policy and service developments as examples, the article argues that neurorehabilitation should evolve beyond a recovery-focused service to become an integral element of health-system planning. The implications for physiotherapy practice, workforce development, and education are discussed, highlighting the need to prepare future physiotherapists for increasingly complex, communityoriented, and digitally enabled models of care.

Background: Hospitalized patients frequently have their SpO2 levels monitored using fingertip pulse oximetry. Although it is a practical, non-invasive tool, things like nail polish can compromise its accuracy. It is unclear whether and to what degree changing nail paint colors alter readings. Objective: Using a fingertip pulse oximeter, determine how nine dark nail polish colors—black, yellow, brown, red, orange, pink, green, blue, and purple—affect SpO2 values. Methods: A total of one hundred hospitalized women, with an average age of forty-two, were included. Each fingernail received one of nine different nail paint colors; the tenth nail was kept naked as a control. A BPL OXYlite oximeter was used to measure SpO2. Dunnett’s multiple comparisons test (p < 0.01) and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Results: The largest decrease in SpO2 was caused by black nail polish (mean reduction 2.00 ± 0.93; p < 0.0001). Second place went to Red (1.81 ± 1.02; p <0.0001). They were both statistically significant. The remaining colors showed no discernible changes: pink (0.17 ± 0.59), yellow (0.20 ± 0.57), orange (0.23 ± 0.58), purple (0.45 ± 0.59), brown (0.47 ± 0.73), blue (0.56 ± 0.69), and green (0.70 ± 0.94). Conclusion: SpO2 measurements were considerably lowered by black and red nail paint. To avoid erroneous readings and potential mistakes in clinical care, nail polish—especially deeper shades—should be removed before to pulse oximetry.

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder commonly associated with significant non-motor symptoms, including anxiety and sleep disturbances, which substantially impair quality of life. Aim: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effect of laughter yoga exercises on anxiety levels and sleep quality among patients with Parkinson’s disease. Methods: A pre-test post-test experimental design was employed. Ten male patients aged 50–70 years with Hoehn and Yahr stages 1–3 were selected and divided into experimental and control groups (n=5 each). The experimental group participated in 45-minute laughter yoga sessions (warm-up, laughter exercises, meditation, and relaxation) over 18 weeks (approximately 6 months). Anxiety was measured using the Parkinson’s Anxiety Scale (PAS) and sleep quality using the Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Scale-2 (PDSS-2) before and after the intervention. Results: In the experimental group, there was a statistically significant improvement in anxiety scores (pre-test mean = 32.5, post-test mean = 40.5; t = 8.45, p < 0.05) and sleep quality (pre-test mean = 45.7, post-test mean = 33.2; t = 9.67, p < 0.05). The control group showed only minimal improvement in anxiety (pre 34.1 to post 31.1) and a slight worsening in sleep scores (47.4 to 50.9). Conclusion: Laughter yoga is a promising, safe, low-cost, and enjoyable complementary intervention that appears to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease. These preliminary findings support its potential as an adjunct therapy in the holistic management of PD and warrant larger randomized controlled trials.