DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

Background: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is a recurrent health concern among university students and can be facilitated by ergonomic and environmental factors, including sleeping surfaces. Poor mattress quality, inappropriate firmness, or prolonged use may expose individuals to spinal discomfort and reduced sleep satisfaction. Despite the significance of this relationship, limited research has explored the role of sleeping surfaces in MSP among Nigerian university students. Aim: This study investigated the correlation between sleeping surfaces and musculoskeletal pain among residents of campus hostels within the University of Benin.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted involving 346 participants (60.2% females, 39.8% males) selected through stratified random sampling from five hostels. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Boston Mattress Satisfaction Questionnaire (BMSQ). Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS version 26. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: The most frequently reported regions of pain were the lower back (50.7%), neck (47.3%), and upper back (43.6%). Foam mattresses were predominantly used (95.7%) with a mean thickness of 7.12 ± 2.61 cm and average sleep duration of 5.76 ± 1.31 hours. Significant associations were found between mattress type and pain in the wrist/hands, upper back, and ankles, and between duration of mattress use and pain in the neck, shoulder, elbow, upper back, and hips/thighs (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study concluded that the type and duration of mattress use significantly influence musculoskeletal pain among hostel residents. Prolonged use of substandard or worn-out foam mattresses contributes to pain and reduced sleep satisfaction. It is recommended that students and hostel management prioritize ergonomic education, regular mattress replacement, and physiotherapy-led interventions to improve spinal health and sleep quality.
Keywords: Sleeping surface, Musculoskeletal pain, Hostel residents, Mattress, University of Benin.

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major occupational health problem globally and are particularly common among individuals in physically demanding professions. Hairdressers are at increased risk due to prolonged standing, repetitive hand use, awkward postures, and poor ergonomic practices, which often lead to pain, disability, and reduced productivity. Despite these risks, there is limited evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of WMSDs among hairdressers in semi-urban areas of Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WMSDs and to examine the sociodemographic, occupational, and ergonomic risk factors among hairdressers in Egor Local Government Area of Benin City.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. Participants included hairdressers registered under the National Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists (NASHCO), Egor chapter. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire addressing musculoskeletal symptoms, occupational exposures, and ergonomic practices. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics, with chi-square tests applied to assess associations between sociodemographic characteristics, occupational/ergonomic risk factors, and the prevalence of WMSDs.
Results: The results revealed a high prevalence of WMSDs among hairdressers, with 78.4% of respondents reporting musculoskeletal symptoms in at least one body region over the past 12 months. The lower back (76.3%), shoulders (62.1%), and neck (58.7%) were identified as the most commonly affected sites. Significant associations were observed between WMSDs and occupational factors such as prolonged standing (p < 0.05), daily work duration exceeding 8 hours (p < 0.05), and poor postural habits (p < 0.05). Sociodemographic variables, including gender and work experience, were also found to influence the occurrence of WMSDs.
Conclusion: In conclusion, WMSDs are highly prevalent among hairdressers in Egor Local Government Area, largely due to occupational and ergonomic risk factors. Preventive strategies such as ergonomic training, workplace modifications, and increased awareness of occupational health risks are recommended to reduce the burden of WMSDs and enhance the well-being and productivity of hairdressers.
Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, hairdressers, occupational risk factors, ergonomic risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Keyboard instrumentalists are highly susceptible to Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (PRMDs). PRMDs affect keyboard players, especially in the wrists, hands, and neck. Despite existing global research, data on hand dimensions and hand grip strength (HGS) among keyboard instrumentalists in Benin City remain limited, necessitating further study.
AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the upper extremity musculoskeletal complaints, hand dimension and HGS of keyboard instrumentalists in Benin City. METHODS: Consecutive technique was utilized to select Participants, and 115 keyboardists participated in this research. Data collection involved completing the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) which was used to assess their musculoskeletal complaints and physical measurements were also conducted. Hand dimensions, including length, span, width, circumference, and shape, were measured using a measuring tape. While HGS was assessed using a digital hand grip dynamometer. Body weight, height, and BMI were also measured. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage were used to summarize the data. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was used to test the relationship between variables at p < 0.05.
RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints, particularly in the neck (86.1%). Hand grip strength showed significant correlations with hand length (r=0.817 p=0.000), hand span (r=0.813, p=0.000), hand circumference (r=0.782, p=0.000), hand width (r=0.852, p=0.000), hand shape (r=0.306, p=0.001), and wrist circumference (r=0.765, p=0.000) for dominant hand. Then for the Non dominant hand HGS showed significant correlations with hand length (r=0.840 p=0.000), hand span (r=0.823, p=0.000), hand circumference (r=0.808, p=0.000), hand width (r=0.862, p=0.000), hand shape (r=0.296, p=0.001), and wrist circumference (r=0.792, p=0.000). Participants reported poor ergonomic practices, including awkward postures (73%) and prolonged playing (93%), contributing to physical strain. symptoms like fatigue and stiffness were alleviated by rest (98.2% and 98%).
CONCLUSION: The study revealed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among keyboard instrumentalists in Benin City, with neck pain being the most common. Hand grip strength showed significant correlations with Hand dimensions.
KEYWORDS: Musculoskeletal complaints, Hand dimensions, Hand grip strength, Keyboard instrumentalists.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, and caring for stroke survivors often places a significant burden on family members or informal caregivers. This burden may adversely affect their physical health, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life. Aim: To assess the level of caregiving burden among caregivers of stroke survivors and to examine its association with their quality of life and depression level. Method: A purposive sampling technique was used. Data were collected from caregivers of stroke survivors in the wards and out-patient departments in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) using standardized questionnaires such as the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) for caregiver burden, Adult Carer Quality of Life Questionnaire (AC-QoL) to measure quality of life and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression. Results: Females constituted 57.6% of the informal caregivers, whereas males accounted for 42.4%. 75.2% of the caregivers had significant level of burden, and 59.5% had depression, with demonstrable association between the two conditions (χ2 = 99.3, p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between the scores for caregivers’ burden and depression (r = 0.75, p < 0.001). The severity of caregiver burden correlated positively with the severity of depression (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The caregiver burden among caregivers of stroke survivors in Benin City is moderate. They also have moderate overall quality of life and experienced mild to moderate depressive symptoms.

Background: Many older adults struggle with poor movement, loneliness, depression, and daily activities. Many older people cannot access physiotherapists due to illness, long distance, and lack of transportation. Tele-physiotherapy gives them care online, helps them move well, feel less lonely and stay independent. Aim: This research investigated the impact of tele-physiotherapy in improving the quality of life for aged persons in Nigeria. Its objective is to propose solutions regarding the use of available technologies to improve mobility, happiness, and social participation at the local level. Methodology: The research used a single-group pretest - posttest quasi- experimental design. Fifty-eight participants were recruited, took part in tele- physiotherapy (guided virtual exercises) and assessed before and after the intervention. Pre and posttest differences were analysed using paired test. The data collection tools were; Time Up and Go, University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale 15 and Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living. Pretest and posttest scores were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Result: For mobility, the time reduced from 20.41 seconds pretest to 17.14 seconds in the posttest. The social solitude scores reduced from 55.09 pretest to 44.90 posttest. There was significant drop in depression scores from 9.03 pretest to 5.47 posttest. While the participants’ independence increased from 64.43 to 73.93. Conclusion: These results imply that tele-physiotherapy is an effective approach for supporting better health and daily living for the elderly

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a global health challenge with a lifetime prevalence of 60-85%, being the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide and significantly affecting African populations, including Nigeria. Physiotherapy is a crucial non-invasive treatment option for LBP management, offering various evidence-based interventions including exercise therapy, manual therapy, and electrotherapy. Nigeria's healthcare system faces significant challenges, with over 70% of healthcare expenses paid through out-of-pocket (OOP) payments due to limited insurance coverage and underfunding. This study aims to examine the out-of-pocket expenditures on physiotherapy for LBP in Benin City, Edo State, and its implications for healthcare access and policy. Method: A cross-sectional study design was used recruiting 99 participants. A non- probability purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants. The sample size was determined using an online calculator with an 80% confidence level. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, with ethical approval obtained from UBTH’s Medical Advisory Committee. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0, employing descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, standard deviation) and chi-square test of independence, with significance level set at p<0.05. Result: The study involved 99 participants, predominantly female (58.6%), married (83.8%), and businesspersons (35.3%), with a mean age of 63.65 ± 17.59 years and 27.56 ± 9.72 years of work experience. The average total out-of-pocket expenditure was ₦127,527.58 ± 18,712.44, comprising direct medical costs (₦72,363.64 ± 15,048.53), direct non-medical costs (₦20,315.45 ± 6,006.12), and indirect costs (₦34,848.48 ± 8,638.26). Disability levels were moderate, with mean scores of 31.08 ± 2.61 (Oswestry Disability Index) and 31.06 ± 2.07 (Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire). Gender comparisons showed females had slightly higher expenditures (₦130,051.72 ± 18,924.06) than males (₦123,956.83 ± 18,034.77), but differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial economic burden of managing low back pain in tertiary healthcare facilities in Benin City, Edo State, with significant out-of-pocket expenditures for both direct and indirect costs. Despite these challenges, no significant gender differences in costs were observed.

Introduction: Dysphagia is a prevalent and life-threatening condition after an acute stroke. It causes under-nutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia. Besides, while swallowing therapy is conventional, other therapies such as electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) are being researched on how they can boost swallowing recovery. Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish the impact of EMS in conjunction with swallowing therapy and routine swallowing therapy among patients with dysphagia who had undergone acute stroke. Methods: This research involved a quasi-experimental study done at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Thirty-two patients who had undergone an acute stroke with dysphagia were chosen purposively into either the intervention group (n=22) or the control group (n=10). The intervention group underwent EMS treatment and routine swallowing therapy (swallowing exercises, positioning, and diet modification) for four weeks, while the control group had routine swallowing therapy alone. Evaluation of swallowing function before and at the end of four weeks was done using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Results: Highly significant improvement was observed among the intervention group participants (p < 0.001) as compared to the improvement among the control group participants (p = 0.011). Nonetheless, the Mann-Whitney U-test indicated a statistical significance between the final FOIS scores of both groups (U = 64.00; p = 0.043). In terms of their final FOIS scores, the intervention group had a mean score of 5.55 ± 1.47 while the control group had a mean score of 3.80 ± 2.25. Conclusion: From the results of this research, it can be concluded that routine swallow therapy is effective while the use of EMS yields significantly better results for swallowing function among patients with stroke-related dysphagia. Key Words: Stroke, Dysphagia, EMS, Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS).

Background/Purpose of the study: Football-related injuries remain prevalent among professional players, particularly in the lower limbs, where inappropriate footwear and lack of orthotic use contribute significantly to performance decline and increased injury risk. This study investigated the influence of footwear and orthotics usage on sports engagement among male professional footballers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. It addressed the gap in empirical data regarding equipment choices and their biomechanical implications for injury prevention and sustained performance in low-resource football settings. Methods: A cross-sectional analytic design was adopted, involving 91 male professional footballers from clubs registered with the Nigerian Professional Football League and National Nationwide League. Data were collected using standardized instruments, including the Footwear Assessment Tool, Orthotic Satisfaction Survey, and the Sport Engagement Scale. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, while chi-square was used to determine associations between footwear and orthotic usage, players’ demographics, and sports engagement, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that most participants (63%) used firm-ground football boots designed for natural grass surfaces, with 68% reporting limited access to high-quality footwear due to cost and availability constraints. Among 91 male footballers, 59.3% wore shoes with 0–2.5 cm heels and 64.8% semi-curved lasts. Good shoe fit was reported by 67%, and 30.8% used orthoses, 80% of which reduced pain. Significant associations (p < 0.05) existed between shoe age, upper/outsole materials, and training persistence; lateral midsole hardness affected enthusiasm and immersion. Conclusion: The study concluded that appropriate footwear and orthotic usage positively influenced performance, comfort, and injury prevention among male professional footballers in Benin City. It recommended increased awareness, access to affordable orthotic devices, and inclusion of podiatric assessments in sports medicine programs to enhance player safety and career longevity in Nigeria’s professional football landscape.

Background / Purpose of the Study Caring for a child with Cerebral Palsy (CP) imposes substantial emotional and physical strain on caregivers, often leading to mental health issues like chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. In resource-limited settings such as the South-South region of Nigeria, these vulnerabilities are exacerbated by inadequate social support and financial constraints. This descriptive cross- sectional study investigated the specific factors influencing the mental well-being of caregivers of children with CP receiving care at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), with a focus on assessing mental health status, caregiving burden, and coping mechanisms. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving a purposive non-probability sample of 30 caregivers of children with CP at the UBTH Physiotherapy pediatric clinic. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that included the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42), and the Social Support Questionnaire for Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy (SSQ-CP). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and Multiple Regression Analysis to test the relationship between caregiving factors and mental health. Result A total of 30 caregivers participated in the study, of whom 22 were women and mothers, and the sample showed a clear skew toward lower income groups. Findings revealed a moderate to strong positive correlation between caregiving burden measured by the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and all indicators of psychological distress—depression, anxiety, and stress—with the overall relationship between ZBI and Mental Health Total being r = 0.712, p = 0.000, indicating a statistically significant association. Perceived social support measured by the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ) demonstrated a significant negative correlation with mental health symptoms (r = −0.456, p = 0.011), suggesting that higher support functions as a protective or mitigating factor against psychological distress. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis confirmed that caregiving-related variables collectively and significantly predicted variations in mental health outcomes (F = 5.605, p = 0.001; Adjusted R² = 0.588). However, the severity of the child’s condition, represented by mobility status, did not show a statistically significant effect on caregivers’ mental health in this sample (F = 0.475, p = 0.627). Conclusion The study concluded that caregiving burden and the availability of emotional/social support are significant factors influencing caregiver mental health. Interventions should prioritize reducing the caregiving burden, enhancing formal and informal support systems, and addressing socioeconomic barriers to improve the overall well-being of these vulnerable caregivers in lowresource settings.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and disability worldwide, resulting in frequent motor impairment that affects patients‘ independence and quality of life. Method: This study employed a retrospective study design, examining existing data from case notes and medical records. Data were collected from hospital physiotherapy records of stroke survivors managed between 2018 and 2024. Information collected include demographics, stroke type, pre and post treatment scores using the NIHSS and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA). Data analysis was conducted with IBM SPSS version 26 using descriptive and Chi-square statistics, with significance set at p < 0.05. Result: The study of 82 stroke survivors demonstrated that physiotherapy intervention led to statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) in motor function. Post-treatment results showed marked increases in upper and lower limb muscle strength, with the proportion of patients rated as having "good" coordination rising from 39.0% to 64.6%, balance from 35.4% to 67.1%, and range of motion from 18.3% to 62.2%. Conclusion: Comprehensive physiotherapy is highly effective in promoting motor recovery after stroke. A multifaceted rehabilitation approach, rather than reliance on a single technique, is recommended to maximize patient outcomes in strength, balance, and coordination. Keyword: Physiotherapy intervention, motor recovery, stroke. UBTH