Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Journal

Background: Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITBFS) is a common overuse injury among runners and athletes, often presenting with lateral knee pain and reduced functional performance. While therapeutic ultrasound is widely used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, adjunctive strategies such as foam rolling and targeted muscle strengthening may enhance outcomes. This study compares the effectiveness of ultrasound combined with foam rolling versus ltrasound combined with adductor strengthening exercises in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with ITBFS. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 participants diagnosed with ITBFS. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A rece ived ultrasound therapy followed by foam rolling of the iliotibial band,while Group B received ultrasound therapy followed by adductor strengthening exercises. Both interventions were administered three times per week for four weeks. Outcome measures included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) o assess functional improvement. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain reduction and functional scores post-intervention (p < 0.05). However, Group B (ultrasound + adductor strengthening) showed a greater reduction in VAS scores and a higher increase in LEFS scores compared to Group A. Conclusion: Ultrasound therapy combined with adductor strengthening exercises is more effective than ultrasound combined with foam rolling in managing pain and improving functional activity in individuals with ITBFS. This supports the role of targeted muscle strengthening in the conservative management of ITBFS.

Background: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder affecting approximately 80% of individuals at some point in their lives, with a significant impact on functional capacity and quality of life. Objective: This study compared the effectiveness of core stability exercises (CSE) and trunk extensor endurance exercises (TEEE) in managing CNSLBP. Methods: Forty-six participants aged 30-50 years with CNSLBP were randomly allocated into two groups receiving either CSE (n=23) or TEEE (n=23), both combined with conventional physiotherapy for four weeks. Outcome measures included transversus abdominis (TrA) activation measured by the pressure biofeedback unit, trunk extensor endurance via prone isometric chest raise test, pain intensity using the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire-Gujarati version (FABQ-G), and global rating of change scale (GROC). Results: Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in all outcomes (p<0.001). Between-group analysis revealed that CSE showed superior improvements in TrA activation (p=0.001), pain reduction (p=0.009), fear-avoidance beliefs (p=0.026), and patient satisfaction (p=0.005), while trunk extensor endurance showed no significant difference (p=0.203). Conclusion: Core stability exercises demonstrated greater efficacy than trunk extensor endurance exercises in managing CNSLBP across multiple outcome domains.

Background: Patients with ataxia tend to have most issues with balance as people disturb the path of cerebellar or sensorial communication. Conventional treatment procedures primarily involve individual activities and cannot entirely deal with everyday functioning problems. To evaluate and compare the effects of Dual Task Training (DTT) and Task-Oriented Circuit Training (TOCT), both incorporated with Conventional Therapy (CT) on improving balance and quality of life in ataxic patients, the study was carry out a crossover clinical trial. Objective: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of dual task training and task-oriented circuit training combined with conventional therapy for enhancing balance in patients with ataxia. Methods: Fifty-eight subjects with ataxia were randomly selected and divided into two groups. Group A was given DTT conjoined with CT, whereas Group B was given TOCT with CT. Both groups had three sessions per week for 12 weeks. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), and EQ-5D-5L to measure quality of life were used at baseline, week 6, and week 12.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a significant musculoskeletal disorder that requires effective physiotherapy management strategies. This controlled clinical trial compared the effectiveness of Mulligan Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides (SNAGs) and the McKenzie Method as adjunct therapies to standard physiotherapy in patients with CLBP. Forty-two participants were randomly assigned to either the Mulligan SNAGs or McKenzie Method group and received standard physiotherapy for four weeks. The primary outcomes included pain intensity (NPRS), functional disability (ODI-G), and central sensitization (CSI-G). Secondary outcomes assessed psychological well-being (WHO-5 questionnaire). Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in all the measured outcomes. However, no significant differences were found between the groups, indicating comparable effectiveness. These findings suggest that both Mulligan SNAGs and the McKenzie Method effectively reduce pain, disability, and central sensitization while improving psychological well-being when combined with standard physiotherapy.

Aim: The aim of study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured plyometric exercise training program in improving ankle instability among Indian Volleyball Players.Design: A pre and post-test quasi-experimental study using standardized assessment tools. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 Indian Volleyball Players were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups: 15 participants in the experimental group underwent a plyometric training program, while the remaining 15 in the control group did not receive this intervention. The study assessed ankle instability using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) and pain perception using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after the intervention. The experimental group followed a supervised plyometric training protocol over a designated period. Results: Data analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) in the experimental group compared to the control group. The CAIT scores increased,indicating improved ankle stability, and VAS scores decreased, reflecting reduced discomfort. Conclusion: The findings suggest that plyometric training is effective in enhancing ankle stability and reducing instability-related symptoms among Indian Volleyball Players. Implementing such training could be beneficial for injury prevention and performance enhancement in sports involving dynamic lower limb activity

Background: Hamstring tightness is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition, especially among young adults, leading to reduced flexibility, altered biomechanics and increased injury risk. Traditional management approaches include static stretching, while post-isometric relaxation (PIR) and myofascial release have gained attention for their potential synergistic effects. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of static stretching combined with remote myofascial release versus post-isometric relaxation combined with remotemyofascial release on hamstring flexibility in young adults with hamstring tightness. Methods: A total of 46 participants aged 18–25 years with hamstring tightness were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A (Static Stretch + Remote Myofascial Release) and Group B (PIR + Remote Myofascial Release). Outcome measures included the Sit and Reach Test, Active Knee Extension (AKE) Test, and goniometric measurement of hip flexion. Assessments were taken at baseline, after intervention, and at follow-up. Data were analyzed using paired and unpaired t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in hamstring flexibility post-intervention (p < 0.05). Group B demonstrated a slightly greater improvement in AKE and Sit and Reach scores compared to Group A, though differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Both static stretching and PIR, when combined with remote myofascial release, are effective in improving hamstring flexibility in young adults. PIR may provide a marginal advantage in functional outcomes.

The rapid integration of digital technologies into healthcare, commonly referred to as e-health, has fundamentally reshaped the delivery, accessibility, and management of health services. Innovations such as electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, wearable health monitoring devices, and artificial intelligence (AI) have improved efficiency, enhanced patient engagement, and supported better clinical outcomes. This article presents a concise and publication ready overview of e-health systems, highlighting their core components, benefits, challenges, and future prospects, while maintaining the original scientific intent in a format suitable for a national magazine.

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic functional vestibular disorder characterized by persistent dizziness, unsteadiness, and non-spinning vertigo exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, and exposure to complex visual stimuli. PPPD may arise as a primary functional disorder or develop secondary to an identifiable precipitating vestibular, neurological, or medical event. This review synthesizes current evidence differentiating primary and secondary PPPD, focusing on pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, precipitating factors, assessment strategies, and rehabilitation implications. Emphasis is placed on neuro-vestibular maladaptation, visual dependence, and psychosomatic interactions that underpin symptom persistence. Understanding these distinctions is essential for early diagnosis and individualized neurorehabilitation strategies.

Physiotherapy education is increasingly moving away from traditional lecturedominated approaches toward teaching models that prioritise active learning, clinical reasoning, and the effective use of educational technology. This shift reflects growing recognition that contemporary physiotherapy practice requires graduates to integrate theoretical knowledge with complex decision-makingin diverse clinical contexts. Evidence-based teaching (EBT) offers a structured approach to curriculum design by drawing on educational research to support thedevelopment of professional competence, reflective practice, and patient-centredreasoning.This review examines current evidence related to evidence-based teaching inphysiotherapy, with particular attention to curriculum frameworks, instructional strategies, and the evolving role of educators. Educational models that emphasise process-oriented learning, such as structured curriculum planning and explicit demonstration of expert thinking, are discussed alongside commonly used teaching strategies, including flipped classrooms, simulation-based education, collaborative learning, and concept mapping. Collectively, these approaches are associated with improved learner engagement, deeper conceptual understanding, and enhanced preparedness for clinical practice. Although examination outcomes are often comparable to those achieved through traditional methods, evidence suggests that evidence-based teaching supports greater confidence, autonomy, and clinical reasoning ability among students. Persistent challenges including time constraints, limited research literacy, and resource demands continue to influence implementation. Overall, the literature supports evidence-based teaching as a necessary foundation for preparing physiotherapy graduates to meet the demands of modern healthcare practice.

The integration of information and communication technologies into healthcare has led to the emergence of e-health systems, transforming the way health services are delivered, accessed, and managed. E-health encompasses electronic health records, telemedicine, mobile health applications, health information systems, and advanced data analytics, all aimed at improving efficiency, quality, and equity in healthcare. This article presents a refined and concise overview of e-health systems derived from the original academic assignment, carefully adapted for publication in a national magazine. The scientific meaning and intent of the original work have been preserved while improving readability and public relevance.