Breast size, thoracic kyphosis, and thoracic spine pain: a correlational survey of Nigerian postpartum mothers.

Background: Thoracic spine postural dysfunctions are common postpartum-related health problems, compromising breastfeeding efficacy and quality of life among women. Previous studies have particularly associated these conditions with increased breast sizes in several populations. However, such empirical evidence is scarce in the Nigerian population.

Variations in abdominal muscle activities of obese females during abdominal bracing exercise in different body positions.

Aims: This study evaluated the activities of the Rectus Abdominis (RA) and Transversus Abdominis (TrA) muscles during abdominal bracing exercises (ABE) in different body positions.

Methodology: Electrical activities of both components of the RA and TrA muscles were assessed respectively in 25 obese females via surface electromyography during ABE in four (4) different body positions (crook lying, side lying, standing, and sitting). Each trial lasted for five (5) seconds with an hour rest period between trials.

Assessment of diastasis recti abdominis: Clinimetric properties of four measuring instruments.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of palpation technique, digital calipers, and diastometer, as well as their concurrent validity against ultrasound imaging.

Methods: Ninety consenting parous women (20-45 years), recruited from a postnatal clinic in Enugu, Nigeria, participated in this observational study. Two physiotherapists and a sonographer measured their inter rectus distance at the level of the umbilicus, 4.

Comparison of self-reported ability to perform Kegel's exercise pre- and post-coital penetration in postpartum women.

We compared the self-reported ability to perform Kegel's exercises pre- and post-coital penetration in postpartum women. A cross-sectional design. Twenty-seven postpartum women with mild urinary incontinence were recruited.

Effects of abdominal girdle belt on pulmonary function variables of postpartum women in Enugu, Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study.

This quasi-experimental study was aimed at investigating the effects of wearing an abdominal girdle belt on pulmonary function variables of postpartum women. 40 consenting postpartum women aged between 18 and 35 years were recruited from a post-natal clinic in Enugu, Nigeria. The participants were conveniently assigned into girdle belt and control groups (20 each).

Breastfeeding-related neck pain: prevalence and correlates among Nigerian lactating mothers.

Background: Breastfeeding (BF) is a physically demanding task and is predominantly performed in a head-down position as the mother attempts to maintain eye contact with the infant. There are possibilities of BF-related neck pain (BFRNP) that have not been widely studied. This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of BFRNP in Nigerian lactating mothers.

Comparative effects of selected abdominal and lower limb exercises in the recruitment of the pelvic floor muscles: Determining adjuncts to Kegel's exercises.

Purpose: This study evaluated the electrical activities of the pelvic floor muscles in response to selected abdominal and hip adductor exercises, using the Kegel's maneuver as a gold standard, to compare the efficacies of these maneuvers in pelvic floor muscles recruitment to guide their informed utilization as adjuncts for Kegel's exercises.

Method: Twenty-one postpartum mothers with recent vaginal deliveries performed six trials, including the typical Kegel's exercise; two abdominal exercises (curl-up and abdominal hollowing); two hip adductor exercises (adductor ball squeeze and auto-resisted hip adduction); and a combination of abdominal, hip adductor and pelvic floor muscle contractions (combo). Pelvic floor muscles activities were monitored via surface electromyography during each 5-s trial.

Evaluation of trunk muscle activities in response to three breastfeeding positions utilised by women.

Background: High prevalence of breastfeeding (BF)-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in nursing mothers have been reported in previous studies. Studies are scarce on the biomechanical effects of the commonly utilized BF positions.

Objective: This study evaluated the electromyographic (EMG) activities of the trunk muscles in response to three BF positions commonly utilized by mothers globally.

Determining safe teaching board heights through electromyographic analysis of the shoulder muscles.

Background: Adjustable teaching boards have been recommended as an ergonomic practice geared at reducing the incidences of teaching-related shoulder musculoskeletal disorders among teachers. However, there are no standards guiding choice of appropriate teaching board heights. This study was aimed at evaluating shoulder muscle activities in response to five teaching board heights.

Pulmonary functions and associated risk factors among school teachers in a selected Nigerian population.

This study aimed to determine pulmonary functions and associated risk factors among school teachers. This cross-sectional ex-post facto study included 121 participants (20 males and 101 females). The setting for this study included 11 private schools and eight government schools.

Biomechanical analysis of the three recommended breastfeeding positions.

Background: For maternal and infant benefits, cradle, cross-cradle and football hold positions have been recommended and widely utilized by mothers during breastfeeding (BF) tasks. There is paucity of data on the biomechanical costs of these BF positions.

Objective: This study evaluated the trunk lean angles and electromyographic (EMG) activities of the trunk muscles during these BF positions.

Electromyographic activity of the neck muscles: Effects of varying standing height-derived teaching board heights.

Background: Despite the increasing emergence of modern facilities, the ancient practice of writing on a teaching board is still common in the teaching profession. Ergonomic guidelines of this practice are required for the prevention of work-related neck musculoskeletal disorders inherent of teachers.

Objective: This study investigated the effects of varying teaching board heights on the activities of the neck muscles.

Infant-carrying techniques: Which is a preferred mother-friendly method?

Infant carrying is still trendy among African mothers than in other climes, however, carrying techniques vary mostly along cultural divides. Using a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, the authors evaluated the effect of three types of infant-carrying techniques on cardiopulmonary function, metabolic expenditure, fatigue demand, and locomotion. Front wrap infant-carrying technique led to a marginally higher cardiopulmonary demand.

Evaluation of selected cardiopulmonary and perceived exertion responses to four infant carrying methods utilised by African Mothers.

Various infant carrying methods (ICMs) are utilised for childcare. Effects of these ICMs on the cardiopulmonary system are not known. This study evaluated cardiopulmonary and perceptual responses to four ICMs (back, front, side and in-arms) among 30 young females (18-35 years) while walking with a 6 kg simulated infant.

Prevalence, pattern and correlates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among school teachers in Enugu, Nigeria.

. There is insufficient literature on the prevalence of and risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among teachers in Nigeria. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of work-related MSDs and their associations with occupational and socio-demographic factors of Nigerian-based school teachers.

Prevalence and associated factors of work related musculoskeletal disorders among commercial milling machine operators in South-Eastern Nigerian markets.

Background: Milling machine operators perform physically demanding tasks that can lead to work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), but literature on WRMSDs among milling machine operators is scarce. Knowledge of prevalence and risk factors of WRMSDs can be an appropriate base for planning and implementing ergonomics intervention programs in the workplace.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern and associated factors of WRMSDs among commercial milling machine operators in Enugu, Nigeria.

Correlation between Foot Arch Index and the Intensity of Foot, Knee, and Lower Back Pain among Pregnant Women in a South-Eastern Nigerian Community.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the arch height index of pregnant women and its correlation with foot pain, anterior knee pain, and lower back pain.

Subjects And Methods: Two hundred and fifteen consenting pregnant women participated in this cross-sectional study. The arch height index was assessed from their foot prints, while pain intensity was rated on a numerical rating scale.

Infant carrying methods: Correlates and associated musculoskeletal disorders among nursing mothers in Nigeria.

Infant carrying is an integral part of the mothering occupation. Paucity of data exists on its correlates and associated musculoskeletal injuries. In this study, factors and musculoskeletal injuries associated with infant carrying were investigated in 227 nursing mothers, using a structured questionnaire.