DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disorder characterized by joint
pain, stiffness, and limited mobility (Zhang et al., 2020). Knee osteoarthritis (OA)
is a degenerative joint disease of the knee characterized by progressive loss of
articular cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and functional limitations (Felson et
al., 2000). It is one of the most common chronic conditions, affecting an
estimated 13.5% of adults aged 60 and over (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention [CDC], 2021). Knee OA is the most common type of OA, accounting for
significant disability and healthcare costs (Cross et al., 2014). Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk
factors of knee OA in postmenopausal women. Methods:This study employed a retrospective study design, examining existing
data from case notes and medical records.This study was conducted using all case
notes and medical records of postmenopausal women, with knee osteoarthritis
who received physiotherapy treatment at UBTH between 2019 and 2024.Data
extraction forms were used to collect information on demographics, menopausal
status, knee osteoarthritis diagnosis, risk factors, pain intensity and comorbidities. Data was extracted by the researcher and verified for accuracy and completeness. Descriptive statistics of Chi square was used to summarise the data, Alpha level
was 0.05
Results:Over 1000 case notes dating back to 5 years prior were reviewed by the
researcher. A total of 503 case notes of postmenopausal women were identified, among which 183 cases of knee OA were identified. 36.4% of the postmenopausal
women recorded in study had knee OA. 131 (26.0) had bilateral knee OA, 122
(24.3%) had crepitus. 80 (15.9%) had onset of knee OA for duration of 1 – 5 years
before being assessed. Among those with knee OA, the mean pain rating ranged
between 4.37 (± 2.86). Conclusion: The prevalence of knee OA in postmenopausal women in Nigeria is a
significant public health concern. Several risk factors, including age, BMI, parity, family history, and previous trauma, contribute to the high prevalence of knee OA
in this population. Keywords: Osteoarthritis, postmenopausal, retrospective, prevalence.

Background: Sports-related injuries among young athletes remain a major concern in school sports programs, often resulting from inadequate preventive measures and insufficient coaching knowledge. Coaches play a vital role in ensuring athlete safety; hence, understanding their knowledge, attitude, and practices toward injury prevention is essential. This study assessed the level of knowledge, attitude, and injury prevention strategies among coaches of school sports teams, and examined the associations between selected demographic factors and these variables. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used involving 50 coaches with at least one year of experience. Data on sports team KAP were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to school sports coaches across the institution. The instrument assessed respondents’ knowledge of sports injuries, attitudes toward injury prevention, and the strategies they implement. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics of frequencies, and valid percentages, while Chi-square test was employed to determine associations between KAP variables and selected socio-demographic factors at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that most coaches possessed moderate knowledge of sports injury prevention, although gaps were identified in specific domains of injury risk awareness. Significant associations were observed between years of coaching experience and attitudes toward preventing head and knee injuries (p = 0.024 and p = 0.043, respectively), as well as between years of experience and the use of FIFA 11+ and flexibility training on the pitch (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001). Additionally, the type of sport coached was significantly associated with attitudes toward preventing other injuries (p = 0.025) and the adoption of the FIFA 11+ program (p = 0.048). Conclusion: Although coaches demonstrated positive attitudes toward injury prevention, their knowledge and practical application of standardized prevention protocols remain inadequate. Strengthening capacity through continuous education, certification, and evidence-based workshops is recommended to enhance coaches’ competence and ensure safer sports participation among students. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Injury Prevention, Coaches, School Sports.

This study investigated the barriers and facilitators of physical activity among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus(T2DM) attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 participants recruited via purposive sampling.Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ), and Facilitators of Physical Activity Questionnaire (FPAQ), alongside clinical data such as Body Mass Index (BMI). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 60.2±11.43 years and was predominantly female (62.0%). Most participants were classified as engaging in a moderate level of physical activity (73.3%). The most significant barriers to physical activity were lack of willpower (56.7%), lack of energy (54.7%), lack of resources (54.0%), and lack of time (53.3%). Key facilitators, rated as "very important," included improved blood sugar control (49.3%), advice from healthcare providers (43.3%), and having a safe neighborhood for walking (44.7%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between age group and the perception of "flexible work schedule" as a facilitator (χ²=31.336, p=0.008), indicating age-related differences. Conversely, no significant gender differences were found in perceived barriers (χ²=0.860, p=0.835) or facilitators (χ²=3.869, p=0.276). The presence of co-morbidities was significantly associated with reporting "lack of time" as a barrier (χ²=9.709, p=0.021). Conclusion and Implications: The engagement in physical activity among T2DM patients is shaped by a complex interplay of psychological,social, environmental, and health-related factors. The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive, tailored interventions that target motivational enhancement, improve resource accessibility, and foster supportive environments to improve physical activity adherence. The research also emphasizes the critical role healthcare providers play in promoting active life style

Background and Objective: This study investigated the barriers and facilitators of physical activity among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus(T2DM) attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 participants recruited via purposive sampling.Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire (BPAQ), and Facilitators of Physical Activity Questionnaire (FPAQ), alongside clinical data such as Body Mass Index (BMI). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 60.2±11.43 years and was predominantly female (62.0%). Most participants were classified as engaging in a moderate level of physical activity (73.3%). The most significant barriers to physical activity were lack of willpower (56.7%), lack of energy (54.7%), lack of resources (54.0%), and lack of time (53.3%). Key facilitators, rated as "very important," included improved blood sugar control (49.3%), advice from healthcare providers (43.3%), and having a safe neighborhood for walking (44.7%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between age group and the perception of "flexible work schedule" as a facilitator (χ²=31.336, p=0.008), indicating age-related differences. Conversely, no significant gender differences were found in perceived barriers (χ²=0.860, p=0.835) or facilitators (χ²=3.869, p=0.276). The presence of co-morbidities was significantly associated with reporting "lack of time" as a barrier (χ²=9.709, p=0.021). Conclusion and Implications: The engagement in physical activity among T2DM patients is shaped by a complex interplay of psychological,social, environmental, and health-related factors. The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive, tailored interventions that target motivational enhancement, improve resource accessibility, and foster supportive environments to improve physical activity adherence. The research also emphasizes the critical role healthcare providers play in promoting active life style

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. Keywords: Home-based exercise, physiotherapy outpatients, knowledge, attitude, adherence.

Background/Purpose of Study: High-heeled shoes are widely used among females for aesthetic, social, and cultural reasons. However, empirical studies examining the effects of high- heeled shoes on biomechanical alterations and energy expenditure of different body somatotypes are scarce. Aim: The study investigated the effect of 3-inch high-heeled shoe on selected biomechanical parameters (lumbar flexibility (LF), quadriceps angle (QA), limb length discrepancy (LLD), quadriceps muscle length (QL) and gastrocnemius muscle length (GL) and aerobic capacity (total lap covered (TLC), oxygen saturation rate (SPO2), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse rate (PR)) in female undergraduate's body somatotypes (ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph) in the University of Benin. Method: A single-blind randomized controlled trial of 75 female undergraduates recruited through consecutive sampling and blocked randomized into ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph using Sheldon’s body types classification questionnaire. Participants biomechanical parameters (LF, QA, LLD, QL and GL) were measured using standardized procedures. Aerobic capacity of TLC was assessed using the 6-minute walk test, while SBP, DBP, SPO2 and PR were measured using Omron digital blood pressure. All measurements of biomechanical parameters and aerobic capacity of participants were taken under two footwear conditions: normal heel and 3-inch high-heeled shoes. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages were used to summarise data. Inferential statistics of Wilcoxon’s test, paired t-test, Kruskal Wallis, Mann Whitney-U, ANOVA were used to analyse data at p<0.05. Results: Biomechanical parameters (LF, QA, LLD, QL and GL) and aerobic capacity of TLC were significantly (p<0.001) reduced following the application of 3-inch heel shoe in the three body types, whereas aerobic capacity of SBP, PR, and SPO2 were significantly (p<0.001) increased. Only DBP of mesomorph was significantly (p<0.001) increased. Conclusion: This study indicates that 3-inch high-heeled shoe has significant effects on biomechanical parameters and aerobic capacity of female undergraduate’s body somatotype. Keywords: High-heeled shoes, biomechanical parameters, aerobic capacity, body somatotypes, female undergraduates

Background/Purpose of Study: High-heeled shoes are widely used among females for aesthetic, social, and cultural reasons. However, empirical studies examining the effects of high- heeled shoes on biomechanical alterations and energy expenditure of different body somatotypes are scarce. Aim: The study investigated the effect of 3-inch high-heeled shoe on selected biomechanical parameters (lumbar flexibility (LF), quadriceps angle (QA), limb length discrepancy (LLD), quadriceps muscle length (QL) and gastrocnemius muscle length (GL) and aerobic capacity (total lap covered (TLC), oxygen saturation rate (SPO2), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse rate (PR)) in female undergraduate's body somatotypes (ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph) in the University of Benin. Method: A single-blind randomized controlled trial of 75 female undergraduates recruited through consecutive sampling and blocked randomized into ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph using Sheldon’s body types classification questionnaire. Participants biomechanical parameters (LF, QA, LLD, QL and GL) were measured using standardized procedures. Aerobic capacity of TLC was assessed using the 6-minute walk test, while SBP, DBP, SPO2 and PR were measured using Omron digital blood pressure. All measurements of biomechanical parameters and aerobic capacity of participants were taken under two footwear conditions: normal heel and 3-inch high-heeled shoes. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages were used to summarise data. Inferential statistics of Wilcoxon’s test, paired t-test, Kruskal Wallis, Mann Whitney-U, ANOVA were used to analyse data at p<0.05. Results: Biomechanical parameters (LF, QA, LLD, QL and GL) and aerobic capacity of TLC were significantly (p<0.001) reduced following the application of 3-inch heel shoe in the three body types, whereas aerobic capacity of SBP, PR, and SPO2 were significantly (p<0.001) increased. Only DBP of mesomorph was significantly (p<0.001) increased. Conclusion: This study indicates that 3-inch high-heeled shoe has significant effects on biomechanical parameters and aerobic capacity of female undergraduate’s body somatotype. Keywords: High-heeled shoes, biomechanical parameters, aerobic capacity, body somatotypes, female undergraduates.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in impaired upper limb function that limits independence in activities of daily living. Physiotherapy interventions play a crucial role in rehabilitation, with Task-Specific Training (TST) and Conventional Physiotherapy (CP) being commonly employed approaches. However, the comparative effectiveness of these interventions on upper limb recovery remains a subject of interest. Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate and compare the effects of Task-Specific Training and Conventional Physiotherapy on upper limb function among stroke survivors. Methods: A systematic search of relevant electronic databases was conducted to identify studies comparing Task-Specific Training with Conventional Physiotherapy in stroke rehabilitation. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and experimental studies involving adult stroke survivors. Data regarding study characteristics, intervention protocols,outcome measures, and findings related to upper limb function were extracted and synthesized.Results: The reviewed studies demonstrated that Task-Specific Training generally resulted in greater improvements in upper limb motor function, dexterity, coordination, and performance of daily activities compared to Conventional Physiotherapy. The repetitive practice of meaningful, goal-directed tasks promoted neuroplasticity and functional recovery. While Conventional Physiotherapy contributed to improvements in muscle strength, range of motion, and general mobility, its effects on functional upper limb use were often less pronounced than those observed with Task-Specific Training. Nevertheless, both interventions showed positive outcomes in stroke rehabilitation. Conclusion: Evidence from the reviewed literature suggests that Task-Specific Training is more effective than Conventional Physiotherapy in enhancing upper limb function among stroke survivors. Incorporating task-oriented activities into rehabilitation programs may optimize functional recovery and improve patients' quality of life. Further high-quality studies are recommended to establish standardized treatment protocols and determine long-term outcomes.

Background: Physiotherapy plays a significant role in the health care system, the selection of career in Physiotherapy at the secondary school level is a difficult decision based on the information available to the students about the practice of Physiotherapy. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the level of awareness and perception of physiotherapy as a career among senior secondary school students in Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study was used to select eight (8) schools within Egor local Government area and 278 students were selected from each class with the use random selection sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was used to get information on scio- demographic data, awareness of physiotherapy, perception of physiotherapy as a career choice and factors influencing awareness and perception. Descriptive and Inferential statistics of Chi- square tests and Man Whitney U was used to summarize the data. Significance level was p < 0.05 Results: 64.4% of respondents demonstrated good awareness. 175(62.9%) had heard of the term physiotherapy, indicating a moderate level of awareness among the students. 125(45.0%) knew who a physiotherapist is, 124(44.6%) understood what physiotherapists do. 184 (66.2%) had never interacted with a physiotherapist, which shows limited practical exposure to the profession. 65.5% of respondents demonstrated a good perception of physiotherapy. 150(54.0%) agreed that physiotherapy is a respected profession in Nigeria, 133(47.8%) believed it offers good job opportunities and income. 157(56.5%) rated physiotherapy as very important in healthcare. Conclusions: The study's participants showed a moderate level of awareness of physiotherapy, though their understanding of the profession is limited. Despite the general awareness, misconception and lack of structured career counselling continue to hinder interest in physiotherapy

Background: Ergonomics, the science of aligning work environments with human capabilities, remains underemphasized in Nigeria’s informal auto-mechanic sector, where over 96% of workers train through apprenticeships that prioritize speed over safety. This study therefore assessed the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of ergonomic principles among auto-mechanic workmen in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used involving 384 auto-mechanic workmen with at least one year of experience, selected purposively from informal workshops in Benin City. Data on ergonomic KAP were obtained using an adapted questionnaire from a previous study. Participants sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric parameters were collected. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics of means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages, while Chi-square test was employed to determine associations between KAP variables and selected socio-demographic factors at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Respondents were overweight (26.13 ± 4.01 kg/m²), while more than a third (44%) of respondents were aged 35–44 years). Most (88.5%) of the respondents lack knowledge of ergonomics, 80.5% lacked formal training, though 83.6–88.3% identified risks from awkward and repetitive tasks. Attitudes were positive with 74.1% of respondents agreeing that ergonomics should be part of practice. Most (93.8%) respondents valued stretching, while practices were moderate (81.0%) changed positions regularly; 90.1% ensured good lighting). Significant associations were observed between each of KAP variables (p < 0.05), with select demographics (Age, Years of work experience and Job type). Conclusion: Although ergonomic knowledge remains limited, most auto-mechanic workmen display positive attitudes and fair ergonomic practices. The associations among KAP domains underscores the potential of targeted ergonomic education, low-cost tool adaptations, and integrated apprenticeship training to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders and enhance occupational health in Nigeria’s auto-mechanic sector in Benin City.