DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY,

Background: Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting adults all over the world. It often leads to disability, reduced quality of life, and high health care costs. In the absence of a specific pathological cause, lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, poor posture, stress, and unhealthy habits have been identified as key contributors. Lifestyle interventions targeting these factors are increasingly recognized as effective, non-invasive approaches to managing NSCLBP and improving overall well-being. Aim of study: The aim of this study is to synthesize the best available evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of lifestyle and related non- pharmacological interventions for improving pain, disability and functional outcomes in adults with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain. Methods: A systematic online search was conducted on PUBMED, Cochrane, PEDro, PsychInfo, Science Direct and Google Scholar. All steps of the process followed the recommendation of the PRISMA guidelines. The review included RCTs that evaluated lifestyle interventions such as exercise (e.g. core stabilization, strength training, Tai Chi), complementary and alternative medicine e.g. acupuncture, cupping therapy and biopsychosocial/behavioural approaches, manual therapy and technological based interventions for adults with NSCLBP. Methodological quality of included studies was appraised using the JADAD scale. Results: A total of 27 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The majority (88.89%) were of high methodological quality. Exercise-based interventions (51.85%) of studies including core stabilization and high intensity training consistently demonstrated significant improvements in pain and disability. Complementary/alternative medicine (33.33%) of studies such as acupuncture and osteopathic manipulation showed promising results for pain relief. Technology based and biopsychosocial interventions were also effective with the latter particularly successful in addressing fear-avoidance behaviours. However, a significant geographical skew was noted with 70.37% of the evidence originating from high income countries. Conclusion: A diverse range of lifestyle and non-pharmacological interventions are effective for managing NSCLBP, with exercise serving as a corner stone of care. Biopsychosocial and Technological based approaches represent promising, modern strategies. To optimize patient outcomes, a personalized, multimodal management plan is recommended. Future research should address the identified evidence gap in low and middle-income countries and focus on longer term outcomes. Registration: A review protocol was developed and registered with the PROSPERO database, with the ID: 1123743

Background: Bedridden patients confined to bed for prolonged durations due to severe systemic illnesses or post-surgical recovery are at high risk of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which leads to impaired regulation of cardiovascular parameters such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Physiotherapeutic interventions such as bridging exercises, though beneficial for muscle activation and postural control, have not been adequately studied in relation to their effects on autonomic responses among bedridden patients. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the autonomic responses of bedridden patients to a bridging exercise protocol. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 50 participants (25 bedridden and 25 non-bedridden) recruited from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Baseline cardiovascular parameters (SBP, DBP, HR, and MAP) were measured at rest using an automated sphygmomanometer. Participants in the experimental group performed a structured bridging exercise protocol (three sets of 10 repetitions, holding each bridge for 5 seconds). Post-exercise measurements were recorded immediately. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (ANCOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, and independent t-tests) with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The results showed significant increases in SBP, DBP, HR, and MAP among bedridden patients after the bridging exercise session (p < 0.001), indicating improved autonomic activity and cardiovascular stimulation. However, no significant differences were observed between the bedridden and non-bedridden groups after exercise (p > 0.05). This suggests that bridging exercises can transiently normalize cardiovascular responses in bedridden patients to levels comparable to non-bedridden individuals. Conclusion: The study concludes that bridging exercises significantly influence autonomic responses among bedridden patients, demonstrating positive cardiovascular and autonomic adjustments. Bridging exercises are beneficial, safe, and effective for inclusion in rehabilitation programs to enhance autonomic function and prevent cardiovascular deconditioning in bedridden individuals.

Background/Purpose of the Study: Stroke remains one of the leading causes of
death and long-term disability globally, with its burden particularly high in low
and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. It requires a comprehensive
multidisciplinary approach for effective management. Physiotherapy plays a vital
role in restoring mobility, promoting functional independence, and improving
quality of life for stroke survivors. However, awareness and perception of its
importance among students in other health-related disciplines may remain
inadequate. Understanding these perceptions is crucial in promoting
interprofessional collaboration and strengthening patient-centered rehabilitation
practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of awareness and
perception of the roles of physiotherapy in stroke management among College of
Medical Sciences students, University of Benin. The study also explored the
influence of gender, department, and academic level on awareness and perception.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 295
undergraduate students (300 level and above) from seven departments within the
College of Medical Sciences. A self-administered structured questionnaire adapted
from validated instruments was used to collect data on knowledge, awareness, and
perception of physiotherapy in stroke management. Data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, and percentage, while chi-square
tests were used to determine associations at a 0.05 level of significance.
Results: Over half of the respondents (52.2%) demonstrated good knowledge of
physiotherapy, and 84.7% showed good understanding of both medical and
physiotherapy aspects of stroke management. The majority acknowledged that
physiotherapists are essential in restoring mobility and functional independence in
stroke survivors. No statistically significant associations were found between
knowledge and gender, department, or academic level. The major sources of
information on physiotherapy and stroke management were social media (16.6%),
lectures (14.3%), and online medical articles (12.4%).
Conclusion: The study concludes that most college of medical science students at
the University of Benin possess a good level of awareness and positive perception
of the role of physiotherapy in stroke management. However, some
misconceptions persist, highlighting the need for improved educational exposure
and interprofessional learning opportunities. Integrating physiotherapy awareness
into medical curricula and leveraging digital health education platforms could
foster better collaboration among future healthcare providers and enhance stroke
rehabilitation outcomes.

Background: Promoting health literacy (HL) at an early age is a key intervention strategy to reduce disease burden and health disparities. Active transport on the other hand involves a form of physical activity for everyday transportation either by walking or cycling. With the benefits of physical activity, leading a physically active life and avoiding long episodes of sedentary behavior, can help prevent non-specific health complaints and improve overall well-being among adolescents. Both HL and active transport are important determinants of health however studies on their relationship are limited. Aim: This study aimed to influence of health literacy on active transport among secondary school students in Benin City, Edo State. Method: This study utilized a cross-sectional study design. A total of 354 students were recruited from 11 secondary schools across Egor local government area, Benin City. The association between health literacy and active transport was determined by linear or logistics regression models. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. All analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for windows version 24. Results: 331 (93.5%) of the respondents had inadequate level of health literacy. A total of 153 (43.2%) of the respondents engage in active transport with 86 (24.3%) commuting on foot and 67 (18.9%) on bicycle. There was no significant influence of health literacy on active transport. Conclusion: This study found that secondary school students in Benin City spend little time on active transportation and possess an inadequate level of health literacy, but has a high frequency of active transportation. Health literacy does not influence time spent using active transport among secondary school students in Benin-City. Keywords: Health literacy, active transport, secondary school, students