Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Journal

Most strokes cause severe gait impairments due to disruptions in the various mechanisms controlling gait.This narrativere view describes the classification and contribution of these mechanisms in stroke patients, synthesizing recent evidence published from 2014 through 2024. Central control mechanisms reviewed will include the roles of the motor cortex, corticospinal tract, basal ganglia, and cerebellum, focusing on how damage to these areas affects gait. It also covers peripheral mechanisms, including muscle weakness, joint contractures, spasticity, andsensorynervedamage, and their in uenceongait performance. Sensory feedback systems are also discussed, such as proprioceptive, visual, and vestibular inputs, inrelationtotheirin uenceongait stability and adaptation.This review collates findings fromr ecent research with a view to providing an over view of how such disruptions in these mechanisms contribute to gait abnormalities in stroke patients, with an emphasis on targeted rehabilitation strategies which could hope to address such issues.

Background: Neurorehabilitation plays a pivotal role in improving functional outcomes for individuals with neurological impairments. Physiotherapy, encompassing both active and passive approaches, is a cornerstone of neurorehabilitation. Understanding the efficacy and applications of these modalities is crucial for optimizing patient recovery. Aim: This narrativere view aims to explore the efficacy and clinical applications of active and passive physiotherapy techniques in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. Objective: To analyze and synthesize currentl iterature on the out comes, benefits, and limitations of active and passive physiotherapy techniques, discussing their integration into clinical practice for enhanced rehabilitation outcomes. Methods and Materials: A comprehensive review of published literature was conducted, focusing on studies evaluating active and passive physiotherapy interventions in neurorehabilitation. Relevant articles were sourced from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The review included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews that examined the effects of these physiotherapy approaches on functional recovery, neuroplasticity, spasticity management, and patient independence. Results: Active physiotherapy, characterized by patient-driven movements, was found to promote strength, motor control, and functional independence by enhancing neuroplasticity. Passive physiotherapy, which involves external assistance,was beneficial inpreventing joint contractures, reducing spasticity, and maintaining range of motion. Evidence suggests that a combination of both approaches leads to better rehabilitation outcomes, accelerating recovery and improving overall quality of life. Conclusion: Both active and passive physiotherapy techniques hold distinct yet complementary roles in neurorehabilitation. Active physiotherapy fosters neuroplasticity and functional recovery, while passive interventions provide essential support for maintaining mobility and reducing secondary complications. A tailored, patient-specific approach integrating both modalities enhances rehabilitation efficacy. Future research should focus on exploring the long-term effects of combined therapies on neuroplasticity and patient quality of life.

Background: Depression among elderly individuals is a prevalent concern, often leading to diminished quality of life. Progressive Resistance Exercise (PRE) has been identified as a potential intervention to all eviatede pressive symptomsinthis demographic. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of home-based Progressive Resistance Exercise in reducing depressive symptoms among community-dwelling elderly adults. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 30 communitydwelling elderly individuals (15 males and 15 females) aged 65-85 years, all exhibiting mild-to-moderate depression as indicated by a Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score between 11 and 19. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: • Experimental Group (n=15): Engaged in home-based Progressive Resistance Exercise. • Control Group (n=15): Participated in free active range of motion exercises. • Results: Both groups exhibited significant reductions inGDSscorespostintervention, indicating decreased depressive symptoms. The Experimental Group demonstrated a mean GDS reduction of 1.8 points, while the Control Group showed a mean reduction of 0.92 points. The difference between groups wasstatisticallysigni𿿿cant(p<0.000),suggestingthatPREwasmoreeffective in reducing depressive symptoms compared to ROM exercises. • Conclusion: The study concluded that both Progressive Resistance Exercise and free active range of motion exercises are effective in reducing depressive symptoms among older adults. The findings were highly significant in both groups, with the Experimental Group showing a more pronouced improvement. This suggests that Progressive Resistance Exercise may offer a more effective intervention for alleviating depression in elderly individuals.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent occupational health issue among professional drivers due to prolonged sitting and exposure to wholebody vibration, leading to musculoskeletal disorders, reduced quality of life, and productivity loss. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of motor control exercises (MCE) compared to standard back extension exercises in managing occupational low back pain (OLBP) among professional drivers. Objectives: 1. To determine the effect of motor control exercises (stabilization exercises) on pain and mobility in professional Drivers Occupational Low Back Pain. 2. To assess the reduction in pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) as an outcome measure. 3. To evaluate improvements in mobility and activity limitations using the Back Performance Scale (BPS). 4. To compare the effectiveness of motor control exercises combined with back extension exercises versus back extension exercises alone. 5. To provide insights into the practical applicability of motor control exercises for professional drivers. Material & Methods: A quantitative, experimental research design was employed, involving a purposive sample of professional drivers with a history of occupational low back pain (OLBP). Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A received motor control exercises combined with back extension exercises, while Group B performed only back extension exercises. The intervention lasted four weeks, with pain and mobility assessed pre, mid, and post-intervention using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Back Performance Scale (BPS). Supervised weekly sessions ensured adherence to the exercise protocol. Result: Bothgroupsshowedsigni𿿿cantreductionsinpainandimprovementsin mobility. In Group A (MCE + back extension), the mean VAS scores improved from 7.5 ± 1.2 at baseline to 3.8 ± 0.8 post-intervention, while BPS scores reduced from 12.5 ± 1.3 to 5.9 ± 1.0. In Group B (back extension only), the mean VAS scores improved from 7.6 ± 1.1 to 4.5 ± 1.0, and BPS scores reduced from 12.7 ± 1.4 to 7.5 ± 1.1. While Group A demonstrated slightly greater improvements in pain and mobility, thedifferencesbetweengroupswerenot statisticallysigni𿿿cant (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Motor control exercises are effective in managing occupational low back pain and can be considered a valuable intervention for professional drivers, providing comparable or slightly superior results to traditional back extension exercises.

Study aim: To assess the effect to fone term of stretching exercise on primary dysmenorrheal in high school students. Material and methods: 60 single girls aged 18-22 years with moderate-to-severe primary dysmenorrhea are select from school of physiotherapy, R.K. University. The students are non-athletes and volunteered for the study. The participants are randomly divided into 2 groups: an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). In the intervention group, the subjects are requested to complete an active stretching exercise for 8 weeks (3 days per week, 2 times per day, 10 minutes each time) at home. In the pre-test, all of subjects were examined for pain intensity (10-point scale), pain duration, and the use of sedative tablets in 2 continuous menstruation cycles. The post test was examined 8 weeks later. Results: After 8 weeks, pain intensity is reduced from 7.65 to 4.88, pain duration is decreased from 7.48 to 3.86 hours, and use of sedative tablets is decreased from 1.65 to 0.79 tablets in the experimental group (p<0.05). In the control group, a significantdeclineisonlynotedforpainduration(p<0.001). Conclusions: Stretching exercises are effective in reducing pain intensity, pain

Introduction: Globally, ensuring social inclusion for individuals with disabilities requires a comprehensive strategy that involves active cooperation among health, socialwelfare, rural andurbandevelopment, and legal fields. This approach highlights the significance of community social participation. Despite the recognized importance of social engagement, there is limited information available about thesocialparticipationof thisdemographicandthefactorsthat in uence it. Consequently, the objective of this scoping review is to examine the existing literatureonsocialparticipationanditsdeterminantsspecificallyforindividuals with locomotor disabilities. It also aims to identify any gaps in the current research, indicating where additional studies are needed to enhance support quality and social involvement for this population. Methods: This scoping review will follow the methodological framework for scoping reviews outlined by Arksey & O’Malley and Levac. The study will involve searching three electronic databases: MEDLINE, SPORTD iscus, and grey literature. The scope of the search will encompass studies published in English from the establishment of each database up to the current date. The reference lists of all included articles ite rature, generating insights that will guide future research and inform policy decisions. The results of this study will assist in identifying priority areas for individuals with locomotor disabilities.

Objective: Lower cross syndrome is a musculoskeletal imbalance characterized by specific patterns of muscle weakness i.e. abdominals and gluteal and tightness f hip flexors and thoracolumbar extensors that crosses between dorsal and ventral side of the body. This postural imbalance among young individuals can lead to low back pain in future. Hence, this study’s aim is to find out prevalence of lower cross syndrome in college going students between age group of 18-23 yrs. Methods: A total of 100 students between age group 18-23 yrs were taken with consent form. Each student underwent for assessment of strength of abdominal and gluteal muscle with the use of Manual Muscle Testing and measurement of hip flexors tightness and deformity with Harris Hip Functional Scale. Conclusion: Only 14% of the total subjects were found to be prevalent for lower cross syndrome. so, there is very low prevalence of lower cross syndrome.

Original Article English P. 125-128