DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

Introduction: There is growing concern over the impact that social media use by university students could have on their academic performance due to its effect on sleep. The study assessed the influence of social media use, sleep quality and academic performance of students of the School of Basic Medical Sciences of the University of Benin. Methods: A descriptive survey research design was utilized in the study. Stratified random sampling technique was adopted for selecting 344 undergraduates. The data collection instrument included a structured questionnaire, which contained SMUS, PSQI and academic performance measure (CGPA). Descriptive analysis of participants' profile was undertaken using simple statistics and Pearson correlation was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. Results: Amongst all the respondents, 60.5% were female. The average SMUS was 10.09 ± 1.72, implying high levels of social media engagement, while the mean PSQI score was 7.73 ± 4.14, depicting fair to poor sleep quality. With respect to academic performance, 55.8% of the respondents scored between 3.50 and 4.49 CGPA. A strong negative correlation between social media usage and academic performance (r = -0.244, p < 0.001) was found. There was, however, no significant association between social media usage and sleep quality (p = 0.813) nor between sleep quality and academic performance (p = 0.391). Conclusion: This study reveals that social media usage adversely impacts academic performance, and sleep quality does not act as a mediator in this relationship. The students are advised to adopt healthy social media practices and concentrate on academics. The institution should consider raising awareness about this issue through appropriate digital literacy programs. iv Keywords: Social media usage, sleep quality, academic performance, undergraduates, Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin.

Background: The success of physiotherapy is heavily reliant on patient adherence,
yet non-adherence remains a significant challenge, particularly among the growing
geriatric population in Nigeria. While the benefits of physiotherapy for older adults
are well-documented, there is a paucity of research investigating the specific barriers
that impede treatment adherence in older adults in the Nigerian tertiary healthcare
setting.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the level of adherence and identify the
primary barriers to physiotherapy treatment among geriatric patients at the
University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), a tertiary healthcare facility in
South-South Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 50 geriatric patients (24
male and 26 female) receiving physiotherapy at UBTH. Data was collected using the
Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS) to assess adherence and structured
Barriers to Treatment Adherence Questionnaire (BTAQ) to evaluate barriers related
to service access and quality. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.
Inferential statistics of Chi-square test were used to determine associations.
Significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The study revealed a high rate of non-adherence (74.0%) among the
participants. Barriers related to accessing physiotherapy services were significantly
associated with non-adherence, including having missed a session due to access
difficulties (p=0.015), using public transport (p=0.037), and having a travel time of
over one hour (p=0.010). In contrast, the perceived quality of physiotherapy services
was high and not significantly associated with adherence. A higher frequency of
weekly physiotherapy sessions was the only factor significantly associated with
better adherence (p=0.035).

Conclusion: Adherence to physiotherapy among geriatric patients at UBTH is
critically low, primarily driven by significant socioeconomic and logistical barriers
related to access, transportation, and cost, rather than dissatisfaction with the quality
of care. These findings underscore the urgent need for systemic interventions to
make physiotherapy services more accessible and affordable for the elderly
population in Nigeria.

Background: Home-based exercise programs (HBEPs) play a crucial role in physiotherapy rehabilitation by promoting recovery beyond clinical settings. Despite their proven benefits, patient adherence remains inconsistent. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and adherence to prescribed home- based exercise programs among physiotherapy outpatients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 184 physiotherapy outpatients selected through purposive sampling, across the following units (Orthopeadics, Neurosurgery, Neuromedicine, Geriatrics and Cardiopulmonary). Data were obtained using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS) and a structured Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized respondents’ characteristics, while inferential tests (Pearson’s correlation, t-test, ANOVA) assessed relationships and differences between variables, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Participants had a mean age of 60.8 ± 21.3 years, with 95 (51.6%) females and 89 (48.4%) males. Most respondents were married (65.8%) and self-employed (46.7%). The most common conditions managed were neurological (44.6%) and musculoskeletal disorders (43.5%). The predominant home exercise prescribed was strengthening exercises (75.0%), followed by stretching (58.7%) and balance training (28.3%). Nearly all participants (97.3%) received one- on-one exercise instruction from physiotherapists. Findings showed moderate levels of knowledge, attitude, and adherence to HBEPs. There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge and adherence (p < 0.05), and between attitude and adherence (p < 0.05). However, age showed a significant negative correlation with adherence (r = –0.189, p = 0.01), while gender, marital status, occupation, and health condition had no significant relationship (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Adherence to home exercise programs among physiotherapy outpatients at UBTH was moderate and significantly influenced by patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and age. Enhancing patient education, improving motivation, and developing age-tailored intervention strategies may strengthen adherence and rehabilitation outcomes.

Background: Functional decline during hospitalization is a major concern among older adults, as it can lead to loss of independence, increased morbidity, and longer recovery periods. Despite the growing elderly population in Nigeria, limited data exist on factors influencing physical functioning among hospitalized older adults.

Aim: This study investigated the predictors of physical functioning among hospitalized older
adults at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State, Nigeria.
Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study involving 548 hospitalized older adults
aged 60 years and above admitted between January 2020 and December 2024. Data were
obtained from patient case notes using a structured data extraction form, including demographic,
clinical, and functional variables. Physical functioning was assessed using the Barthel Index.
Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson correlation and Chisquare
tests were applied, with the level of significance set at p<0.05.

Results: The mean age of participants was 74.49 ± 9.61 years, with 53% males and 47% females.
There was a significant negative relationship between age and physical functioning (r = −0.085,
p = 0.046) and a significant positive relationship between length of hospital stay and physical
functioning (r = 0.229, p < 0.001). Comorbidities (p < 0.001), primary diagnosis (p < 0.001), and
cognitive status (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with physical functioning, while pain
level showed no significant association (p = 0.291). Age, gross muscle power, range of motion,
and length of hospital stay emerged as significant predictors of physical functioning at discharge.

Conclusion: Age of hospitalized older adults is inversely related with their physical functioning,
while length of hospital stay is directly related to the physical functioning of older adults.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pain is increasingly prevalent among undergraduate students, largely due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and sedentary lifestyles. These factors, often overlooked, can significantly affect students’ health, academic performance, and overall quality of life. Understanding the pattern of musculoskeletal discomfort and related postural habits is
essential for effective prevention and early intervention.

AIM: This study comprehensively investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP),
the associated demographic factors, and the common posture profiles among university
undergraduates.

METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 undergraduates
using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Random sampling was used to select three
departments from seven faculties and three departments each from the selected faculty. A selfadministered
questionnaire adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and
Postural Behavioural Questionnaire was used to collect data including Socio- Demographic Data.
Descriptive and inferential statistics of Pearson’s correlation and Chi-square were used to
summarize the data. Alpha level was 0.05.
RESULTS: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among respondents was highest in the lower
back (45.5%), followed by the neck (37.9%) and shoulders (27.3%). Most participants reported
moderate pain (49.4%) lasting 1–3 days. While 78.2% demonstrated good postural practices, no
significant associations was found between posture and gender (p= 0.805), similarly, there was
no significant association between prevalence of low back pain in 7 days and postural profile
(p=0.083), similarly, no significant association was found between training on proper posture
habits and postural profile (p=0.722).

CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal pain is prevalent among undergraduates, particularly in the
lower back. Despite a high level of posture knowledge and good postural practices among
respondents, awareness alone may not be sufficient to reduce pain without behavioral changes.
Interventions focusing on active prevention strategies and sustained ergonomic education are
essential.

Background/Purpose of the Study: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and most times, this condition is accompanied by hypertension which challenges the cardiovascular system’s regulation. Hypertensive stroke survivors frequently experience impaired hemodynamic control and as such, upper limb elevation exercises have been suggested to influence the cardiovascular parameters of this stated population but the available evidences on the acute effects on the hemodynamic parameters are limited. This study investigates to bridge the knowledge and empirical gap in order to wholesomely understand the acute effects of these exercises on hypertensive stroke survivors

Aim: This study aims to compare the acute effects of sustained bilateral upper limb elevation exercise protocols on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate in hypertensive stroke survivors.
Methods: A cross-over repeated measure experimental design employing a simple random (ballot) sampling technique was conducted to compare the acute effects of sustained bilateral upper limb elevation exercises at 90° and 180° on SBP, DBP, MAP and HR in hypertensive stroke survivors. 31 participants (mean age = 56.71 ± 12.05years) were recruited. Each participants performed both exercise protocols and cardiovascular parameters were recorded before and immediately after each exercise. Data was analyzed using paired and independent sample T-tests at a significance level of ≤ 0.05.

Results: Significant reductions were observed in SBP (p= 0.001) and MAP (p= 0.011) following the 90° protocol, while the DBP and HR showed no significant change. After the 180° protocol, SBP (p< 0.001), DBP (p= 0.034) and MAP (p= 0.002) significantly decreased, with HR significantly increasing (p= 0.014). No significant differences were found between the two protocols or genders (p> 0.05).

Conclusion: Both exercise protocols produce mild, acute and transient reductions in blood pressure, suggesting potential short-term hemodynamic benefits for hypertensive stroke survivors.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a significant public health concern globally, affecting individuals across various occupations, and academic staffs are at risk of Work related musculoskeletal disorders due to the nature of their work which involves prolonged sitting, repetitive tasks, and ergonomic challenges in their workplaces. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Musculoskeletal symptoms and identify the key determinants contributing to these symptoms among academic staff in university of Benin, Edo state. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to select 14 faculties in UNIBEN, and 180 lecturers were randomly selected from each faculty. An adapted version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic data and MSK symptoms, while descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Chi square were used to summarise and analyse data respectively. Alpha level was 0.05. Results: This study showed that musculoskeletal symptoms were most prevalent in the upper back (50.3%), closely followed by knee (41.3%), lower back (40.2%) and neck (37.4%). Gender and BMI status had significant association with Musculoskeletal symptoms (P<0.05). Conclusion: The burden of musculoskeletal disorders among academic staff of the University of Benin was common, with gender and BMI having significant association with Musculoskeletal symptoms. Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, Musculoskeletal symptoms, Prevalence , Determinant

Background/Purpose: Neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder among computer-based desk workers; however, its interaction with sedentary behaviour and sleep quality in the Nigerian context remains underexplored. This study investigated the prevalence of neck pain and its associations with sleep quality and prolonged sitting among computer-based staff of the University of Benin, Nigeria. The overarching aim was to elucidate occupational and behavioural determinants of neck musculoskeletal disorders and inform integrated ergonomic interventions.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical design was employed involving non-academic desk workers engaged in prolonged computer use. Standardized self-administered instruments were utilized, including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Oswestry Neck Disability Index (ONDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ), and an ergonomic self-assessment checklist. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27, with descriptive statistics summarising prevalence and exposure variables. Pearson’s correlation tested associations between continuous variables, while Chi-square analyses examined categorical relationships. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 281 participants were analysed. The 12-month prevalence of neck pain was 51.2%, and the 7-day prevalence was 41.3%. Mean PSQI scores (≈15.5) indicated very poor sleep quality, while average sedentary time was ≈345 minutes per day (≈5.75 hours). Neck pain severity correlated strongly with poor sleep quality (r = 0.799, p < 0.001) and modestly with sedentary time (r = 0.170, p = 0.004). Poor sleep was associated with short-term neck pain prevalence (p = 0.002). Despite access to ergonomic equipment, only 34.5% practiced proper posture and 23.1% took regular breaks.

Conclusion: Neck pain, poor sleep quality, and prolonged sitting constitute a multifactorial occupational triad among Nigerian desk workers. Interventions should prioritise ergonomic behaviour modification, structured movement breaks, and sleep-hygiene education to mitigate neck pain and enhance workplace wellbeing

Background of study: Musculoskeletal disorders can affect different parts of the body, upper and lower back, neck, shoulders and extremities. Driving involves routine muscular efforts, awkward sitting postures, long distance driving and exposure to whole body vibrations which are recognized as factors that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders.
Aim: To determine the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders among intra campus commercial drivers in University of Benin
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 male intra campus commercial drivers. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to assess lifetime, 12 months and 7 days prevalence of low back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the obtain data. Chi square and spearman rho correlation test were used to assess the association and correlation between driving hours, age, BMI, driving duration with prevalence of low back pain, neck pain and shoulder with p value set at 0.05.
Results: The overall lifetime prevalence of low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain were 50%, 15% and 33.8%. BMI and driving hours were associated with lifetime prevalence of low back pain (p<0.05) while driving duration was associated with 12 month prevalence of neck pain (p=0.03). Driving hours was also associated with life time prevalence of shoulder pain (p=0.04)
Conclusion: The Intra-campus commercial drivers in University of Benin have high prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders with low back pain taking the highest percentage, but low prevalence of shoulder pain and lastly neck pain in this study. It was also established from the findings of this study that BMI, driving hours, duration of driving contributes to the risk of experiencing MSDs

Heart rate recovery (HRR) following exercise serves as a simple, noninvasive indicator of autonomic function and cardiovascular fitness. Impaired HRR has been linked with increased cardiovascular risk, even in apparently healthy individuals. However, there is limited data on HRR among young adults in the Nigerian population. This study aimed to characterize typical HRR values among undergraduate students of the University of Benin and to examine their relationship with key lifestyle and stress-related factors, including physical activity and perceived academic stress. A total of 346 apparently healthy male and female undergraduate student aged 18 – 25 years with a mean age of 21.09 ± 1.87 years participated in this cross sectional observational study. Of the total respondents, 167 (48.3%) were male and 179 (51.7%) were female. Resting and exercise heart rate, and blood pressure were
recorded. HRR was determined at 1, 2, and 5-minutes post-exercise. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), while perceived stress was evaluated with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Data was
summarize using descriptive statistics. Independent t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and linear regression, with significance set at p < 0.05 were used to test the hypothesis. Results: The participants had mean HRR values of 50.34 ± 19.61 bpm (1-minute),
65.32 ± 21.27 bpm (2-minute), and 75.35 ± 22.72 bpm (5-minute). No significantgender differences were observed in HRR (p > 0.05). Physical activity showed a significant negative correlation with 5-minute HRR (r = –0.15, p = 0.005), while perceived academic stress showed no significant relationship with HRR across time points. HRR significantly predicted maximum heart rate (B = 0.737, p < 0.001), but not resting cardiovascular parameters. Conclusion: The findings suggest that HRR after 6MWT among healthy young adults at the University of Benin reflects generally normal autonomic recovery patterns, independent of gender and academic stress levels. However, reduced physical activity may influence delayed autonomic recovery. Regular physical activity and preventive cardiovascular screening are recommended to promote optimal autonomic health.