Knowledge and utilization of manual therapy in the management of knee osteoarthritis by physical therapists in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The knowledge and utilization of manual therapy in treating knee osteoarthritis (OA) may help explain the effective utilization of manual therapy for managing knee OA. Little is known about the knowledge and utilization of manual therapy in the management of knee OA by physical therapists (PTs) in Saudi Arabia. The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and utilization of manual therapy by PTs in Saudi Arabia via a survey method.

Differences in the stride time and lower limb joint angles and their variability during distance running between treadmill and over-ground: a crossover study.

Background: Treadmills have been used in laboratories to assess various measures related to walking and running. However, there has been some skepticism regarding their reliability as a representation of outdoor running. While marathon running has gained popularity as a form of physical activity, there have been few studies examining stride-to-stride variability after distance running, especially in relation to the duration and surface of running.

Comparison of muscle activity in school students while carrying backpacks and trolley bags.

Background: Trolley bags have gained popularity among students, but there is limited research comparing them to backpack-style school bags.

Objective: This study aimed to compare how carrying a backpack versus a trolley bag affects the activity of trunk and lower limb muscles in secondary school students.

Methods: Electromyographic activity was measured in 25 students (13.

Short-term effects of tactile stimulation of facial skin on hamstring muscle flexibility in healthy young males.

Background: Inhibition of the suboccipital muscle group is shown to increase the flexibility of hamstring muscles. Reversely, stretching of the hamstring muscles is shown to change the pressure pain thresholds over the masseter and upper trapezius muscles. There appears to be a functional link between the neuromuscular system of the head and neck, and lower extremities.

Correlation of Percentage Body Fat, Waist Circumference and Waist-to-Hip Ratio with Abdominal Muscle Strength.

Sedentary lifestyle and consumption of high-fat foods have become widespread, especially in the urban population. This leads to a reduction in lean body mass and increased body fat. The correlation between body fat indices and low back pain has been less explored and documented.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among information technology professionals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background: This study was done to see the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among information technology (IT) professionals in Saudi Arabia, the risk factors associated with them, their consequences, and to propose some preventive measures.

Material And Methods: A self-administered online questionnaire that included questions on the demographic data, job nature, medical history, work-related pain after joining information technology profession and distribution and severity of pain was sent to 250 information technology professionals working in Saudi Arabia.

Results: Out of 250, 202 (81%) IT professionals participated in the study.

Attitude, Beliefs, and Use of Herbal Remedies by Patients in the Riyadh Region of Saudi Arabia.

Background: The consumption of herbal medicines (HMs) is increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries. This study attempts to investigate and evaluate the patient's perception with regard to the security of HMs, their attitudes towards the concomitant use of HMs with modern medicines, and counseling about their use.

Design: Self-administered questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey study.

The Relationships of Watching Television, Computer Use, Physical Activity, and Food Preferences to Body Mass Index: Gender and Nativity Differences among Adolescents in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Adolescents and ethnic subgroups have been identified at high risks of overweight and its associated complications. Although some studies have investigated overweight, obesity, nutritional status, physical activity, and associated factors among Saudi students, no studies have examined these characteristics among non-Saudi students or compared non-Saudi to Saudi adolescent students. The objective of this study was to compare differences between Saudi and non-Saudi adolescent students regarding time spent watching television, using computers, engaging in physical activity, and their food preferences.

Effect of Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Training Using Pressure Biofeedback on Pain and Forward Head Posture in School Teachers with Neck Pain: An Observational Study.

Background: Teaching is one of the professions where incidence and prevalence of neck pain is high. Prolonged use of computers, which has further increased due to online teaching amid pandemic, is known to cause neck pain and alter posture, while people with forward head posture (FHP) are prone to develop neck pain and related disability. Research has shown that impairment of deep cervical flexor (DCF) muscles leads to insufficiency in coordination, activation, overload, and poor support on cervical structures that further lead to development of neck pain and altered neck posture.

Efficacy of Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Training on Neck Pain, Functional Disability, and Muscle Endurance in School Teachers: A Clinical Trial.

Background: Neck pain (NP) is a common work-related disorder, with high prevalence in the profession of teaching. The daily duties of a school teacher involve head-down postures while reading and writing, which expose them to the risk of developing NP. Deep cervical flexor (DCF) muscles have been reported to have lower endurance in patients with cervical impairment, which has additionally been associated with disability.

Can jaw position affect the fine motor activity of the hand during writing?

Background: Jaw and neck systems have been shown to be functionally related and changes in either system can modulate gross motor functions, such as posture control. It remains to be seen if any change in jaw position can affect fine motor skills. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of resting, open and clenched jaw positions on various handwriting parameters while standing on firm and unstable surfaces.

Effect of Passive Stretching of Respiratory Muscles on Chest Expansion and 6-Minute Walk Distance in COPD Patients.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hyperinflation of the lungs leads to a remodeling of the inspiratory muscles that causes postural deformities and more labored breathing. Postural changes include elevated, protracted, or abducted scapulae with medially rotated humerus, and kyphosis that leads to further tightening of respiratory muscles.

Effect of Chronic Ankle Sprain on Pain, Range of Motion, Proprioception, and Balance among Athletes.

: Ankle sprains are common among physically active individuals, especially among athletes. Majority of those who suffer ankle sprains have residual symptoms including pain, episodes of giving way, compromised proprioception and neuromuscular control, and re-injury leading to chronic ankle instability. The aim of this study was to see the effect of chronic ankle sprain on pain, range of motion, proprioception, and, static and dynamic balance among athletes.

Effect of Antenatal Exercises, Including Yoga, on the Course of Labor, Delivery and Pregnancy: A Retrospective Study.

: Delivering a child is a very stressful experience for women. Pregnancy and labor entail complex events that are unique to each individual female. The management of labor pain is often done using analgesics and anesthesia, which have been shown to have some side effects.

Effect of Gender, Physical Activity and Stress-Related Hormones on Adolescent's Academic Achievements.

Background: Physical activity (PA) has been shown to develop better fitness and body function in children. Various studies have shown that as the age of students increases, its correlation with school achievement decreases. Different hormonal changes during adolescence make it difficult to adjust in his/her environment, causing stress.

Experiences of Overseas Trained Physical Therapists Working in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Study.

Health professionals, including physical therapists (PTs), are known to migrate for better jobs, as well as for personal and professional development. However, this involves risks of maladjustment, discrimination, and exploitation. We conducted this study to investigate the experiences of overseas trained PTs in Saudi Arabia (SA) and their perceptions about physical therapy practice and problems regarding the profession in the country.

Comparison of simultaneous bilateral versus unilateral total knee replacement on pain levels and functional recovery.

Background: Total knee replacement is a common operative procedure to improve pain, function, and quality of life in patients with end stage knee osteoarthritis. The current study aimed to compare simultaneous bilateral versus unilateral total knee replacement on pain intensity and recovery of function.

Methods: A total of 80 patients (bilateral 50, unilateral 30) aged 63.

Efficacy of Combination Therapies on Neck Pain and Muscle Tenderness in Male Patients with Upper Trapezius Active Myofascial Trigger Points.

Myofascial pain syndrome, thought to be the main cause of neck pain and shoulder muscle tenderness in the working population, is characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). This study aimed to examine the immediate and short-term effect of the combination of two therapeutic techniques for improving neck pain and muscle tenderness in male patients with upper trapezius active MTrPs. This study was a pretest-posttest single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Differences among Saudi and Expatriate Students: Body Composition Indices, Sitting Time Associated with Media Use and Physical Activity Pattern.

: Being overweight at a young age is a predictor of developing obesity and related complications later in adulthood, posing a high risk to public health. Various ethnic subgroups have been identified as having a higher prevalence of overweight or obese. Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, where the expatriate population comprises 33% of its total population.

Influence of different jaw positions on dynamic balance using Y-balance test.

Background: Jaw sensory-motor system has been shown to affect static balance of the body. It would be interesting to know whether it can influence dynamic balance as well. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of different jaw positions on dynamic balance using the Y-balance test.

Postural stability in people with visual impairment.

Background: The visual system enables the brain to assess information regarding the position of the body in space. Congenital or acquired blindness leads to the development of abnormal sensory-motor interactions that results in development of typical musculoskeletal deformities and gait patterns that cause disability. Diabetes and related complications are expected to increase exponentially in the next 10 years; thus, the number of people with visual impairment is expected to increase.

Association of physical activity, vitamin E levels, and total antioxidant capacity with academic performance and executive functions of adolescents.

Background: Although various studies have shown the effect of vigorous physical activity on academic achievements, no studies have investigated the effect of vitamin E levels on academic performance. The present study aimed to assess the association between physical activity, vitamin E levels and total antioxidant capacity on the academic performance and executive functions of adolescents aged 15-18 years.

Methods: The physical activity of participants was assessed according to the time spent engaging in moderate and intense exercise programs.

Effect of jaw functional status on neck muscle endurance.

Objective: To investigate the effect of resting jaw and maximum voluntary clenching on neck flexor and extensor muscle endurance.

Design: Neck flexor and extensor endurance was measured in a college health clinic in 85 male college students in two test positions: resting jaw (control) and maximum voluntary clenching.

Results: Mean neck flexor muscle endurance values during resting jaw and maximum voluntary clenching were 70.

Patient satisfaction with outpatient physical therapy in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Patient satisfaction (PS) is a key measure of the quality and outcome of healthcare systems which reflects patients' experiences. The purpose of this study was to assess overall PS with outpatient physical therapy (PT) care in Saudi Arabia and identify associated characteristics and components.

Methods: Four hundred patients who received PT treatment during 2017 were invited to participate in this study.

Effect of Different Head-Neck Postures on the Respiratory Function in Healthy Males.

Normal respiration is a very intricate function that comprises mechanical as well as nonmechanical components. It is shown to be affected by various factors including age, lifestyle, disease, and change in posture. With the increased use of hand held devices, everyone is prone to poor sitting postures like forward head posture.