Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Journal

Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (the most common form of motor neuron disease) is a progressive and devastating disease involving both lower and upper motor neurons, typically following a relentless path towards death. Occupational therapists are involved in end of life care to improve the quality of life. Adaptive and assistive technology which is other wise a rehabilitative approach is always helpful in improving quality of life. Case report: We present cases of two 51-year-old women with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the use of assistive and adaptive devices to improve their quality of life. Conclusion: Assistive and adaptive devices prescribed and provided were effective in improving quality of life in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Keywords: Lateral Sclerosis; Occupational Therapy Case Report

  Food is the most basic prerequisite of living organisms. Food builds the body, provides energy for living and working, and regulates the mechanisms essential for health and survival of life. It therefore constitutes the foundation of health of humans and animals. According to a report on health for all: an alternative Strategy [1]. human health is a function not any of medical care but of the overall integrated development of society, culture, economic, education, social, and political. It also depends on a number of supportive services, nutrition, improvements in environment, and health education. Food being the basic vehicle of satisfying man’s hunger, it is intimately woven into the physical, economic, psychological, intellectual, and social life of human beings. Our food has several dimensions, the most obvious being the quantitative one. Insufficiency of food leads progressively from mild discomfort to severe hunger and ultimately to health hazards. There can be atrophy of joints, muscles and increase fatigue. Its qualitative dimension is equally important, because low-quality or improper diets lead to malnutrition and diseases. Food affects health, life span, physical fitness, body size, and mental development. Food also has a cultural dimension. The food habits of people are part of their cultural and emotional life, and preferences for food are ingrained [2]. People may cling for generation to their food habits, which may become rituals and patterns of daily routine life. A satisfying meal soothens both the body and mind and determines quality of human life. 

Keywords: Nutrients; Muscles; Joints

Introduction: Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability among adults, and hemiparesis is the most common impairment after stroke. Longitudinal studies of recovery after suggest that only 50% of patients with significant arm paresis recover useful function [1]. Impaired or lack of sensation in the hemiplegic upper limb, its spasticity or flaccidity, and neglect of hemiplegic arm contribute equally to a non-functional upper extremity in the stroke victim [3]. The use of kinesio taping in conjunction with regular therapy program may assist with improving joint stability with subsequent improvement of voluntary control and coordination of the upper extremity [6]. Need of the study: As there is decreased functional activity of upper extremity among stroke subjects so this study being done to improve the functional activity of upper extremity and to improve the quality of life in hemiplegic subjects. Aim of the Study: To determine the effectiveness of kinesio taping in improving the functional activity of upper limb in hemiplegics. Methodology: Ten subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Five subjects in group A i.e. experimental group and five subject in group B i.e. placebo group. Group A –Kinesio taping was applied to shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist & hand of post stroke hemiplegic subjects. Pre and post tapping scoring was done via UEFI. Group B: In placebo group, one strap of shoulder, forearm tape and lumbrical taping were missed. Scoring was done in the same manner as done in group A. Future Research: 1. This study can be done on large sample. 2. Scapular component can also be included while taping. 3. Longer duration follow up under supervision can be done. Limitation of Study: 1. Some patients was drop out from the study due to three days follow up. 2. Lack of supervision for 3 days. Conclusion: The present study concluded that there is significant improvement in functional activity of upper extremity in hemiplegic subjects after kinesiotaping. On comparing group A and group B the results were significant in group A and there is not significant improvement was seen in group B when some components of taping were missed.

Kyewords: Cover Rolls Kinesio Tape; Scissor; Chair; Comb; Medium Size Ball; Jar & Small Suitcase

Introduction: The term “muscle lag” and the more specific term “extensor lag” and “quadriceps lag” have been in use for at least 40 years. Muscle an inability to actively move a joint to its passive limit [5]. Extensor lag accompanying knee lesions is a function of great loss in mechanical advantage of the quadriceps during the last 15 degrees of the extensor range, 60 percent increase inforce being needed to complete the extension [3]. Straight leg raising for increasing quadriceps strength was unable to isolate the vastus medialis from the vastus lateralis muscle [8, 10,12]. Aim and Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the effect of SLR and isometric quadriceps exercise on quadriceps lag of normal health individual. Need of Study: To best of our knowledge no studies have been done on to determine the effect of SLR and isometric quadriceps exercise on quadriceps lag of normal health individual. Methodology: A Total of 60 normal healthy young subjects were recruited for the study. The subjects were divided into two groups. Group A and Group B. Group A 30 subjects were included with their mean age (24.76+3.38) year. Group B 30 subjects were included with their mean age (27.16+3.94) year. A subject was given isometric exercise and Group B subjects were given SLR for 3 weeks. Results: Independent t-test was used between the group A and B before and after exercise. It showed that there was no significant difference between the group A and B before exercise. But there was significant difference between the group A and B after exercise (P < 0.05). Future Research: The present study was done on small sample size. So, future research on large sample population can be done & Present study duration was 3 weeks, so a study of long duration can be done. Limitation of the Study: 1. Since the study was conducted with healthy subject the results can not be readily generalized to a patient population without further research. 2. Since the instrumentation used is a universal protractor goniometer (360o) there are some probabilities of errors in the reading as compared to the method incorporating video imaging technique. 3. The sample size is small. Conclusion: The study has shown that the quadriceps lag can be greater reduce on isometric exercise compare to SLR exercise. So, the study concluded that the Isometric exercise have more effect on quadriceps lag compare to SLR exercise.

Kyewords: Universal Goniometer; Isometric Exercise & Slr Exercise.

Introduction: The scapula is a flat blade lying along the thoracic wall. It is central in proficient shoulder activity providing a stable base from which glenohumeral (GH) mobility occurs [1]. Any abnormal biomechanics and physiology occurring around the shoulder create abnormal scapular position and motions termed as scapulothoracic dyskinesis [13,8] ‘floating scapula’ or lateral scapular slide [4]. As rotator cuff functions to depress the humeral head within the glenoid cavity where as scapula rotators position the glenoid in proper place for stability with arm motion [6,4]. Fatigue represents the decline in muscle tension(force) capacity with repeated stimulation hence muscular fatigue worsen or impair joint position sensibility and deterioration in muscle conductivity, contractile and elastic properties [8]. Need for the study: The study was undertaken to determine the effect of fatigueness on scapular positioning after exercise and to understand the importance of using fatigue as rehabilitation tool for safe return of athlete to competitive performance level. Methodology: There are two groups Group A- Right side Dominant shoulder of the same 30 individuals assessed with LSST, MVIC and were given exercise in D2 flexion pattern i.e. shoulder flexion, adduction and external rotation till fatigueness. Group B- left side non-dominant shoulder of the same 30 individuals assessed with LSST, MVIC and given exercise in D2 flexion pattern i.e. shoulder flexion, adduction and external rotation till fatigueness. Limitations: 1. The study comprises of a small sample size. 2. The study could not be able to do over the overhead throwing athlete. 3. In my study I checked the lateral scapular slide immediately 1min. after the exercise but could not recheck it again after few min or hours in the same day. 4. I neither compare nor correlate the results with the actual muscle activity and power of the muscular, which are responsible for abnormal scapular position. Scope of Future Study: 1. Further studies can be done in a well set up laboratory with the usage of Biodex dynamometer for accurate estimation of isometric strength at various degrees 2. Future study can be done on population having proprioceptive loss due to some injury or degeneration. 3. The effect of exercise on scapular stability can be seen for longer period of time i.e., 30 min-1hr or any particular time of the day. 4. Further studies can be done to correlate among larger group of subjects. Conclusion: The study concluded that a fatigue induced strength deficit of the shoulder musculature can have an adverse affect on scapular positioning by allowing the scapula to glide more laterally during functional activities. It also come to the conclusion that increase displacement of scapula as a result of fatigue of the shoulder girdle could interfere with normal coordination and joint stability thus can impair function around the shoulder girdle. Thus rotator cuff strengthening has been an obvious treatment for various pathologies. 

Keywords: LSST; MVIC and D2 Flexion Pattern; Strain Gauge; Goniometer; Wrist Cuff; Stationary Frame; Hooks And Inch-Tape.