DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

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.

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: Stroke is a major public health problem and a leading cause of adult disability. The incidence, prevalence, and mortality rate of stroke have been increased worldwide, with most of the burden being in low and middle-income countries. A global survey reported that only 18% of low-income countries had stroke units, compared to 91% of high-income countries. Given the importance of stroke unit care to the prognosis of the disease in stroke patients, it is necessary to describe the current state of stroke units in the country, focusing on availability, capacity, and capability. Methods: This research involved a mixed study design of a Cross-sectional and In-Depth interview. The instruments used were questionnaire administered to 45 stroke MDTs. The In- depth interview involved 10 selected stroke MDTs. The quantitative analysis data was summarized using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. For the qualitative analysis, thematic analysis and visualization were carried out with the aid of Nvivo 14 Software. Result: Participants (26 males and 19 females) in this study were aged 21-56 years. Referral rate for physiotherapy was relatively high. There was a good utilization of physiotherapy. There was a significant association between referral rate, utilization and relevance of physiotherapy among stroke multidisciplinary team. Conclusion: Stroke care has advanced and more patients are surviving the acute-stage. In stroke care model, rehabilitation is now considered an integral component of all levels of stroke care.This research has identified a good utilization of physiotherapy and itsrelevance among multidisciplinary team.However,there is a need to improve the knowledge,awareness andeducation regarding physiotherapy and rehabilitation for all cadres of health care workers. Physiotherapist need to be proactive in this area and need the support of health services, training institutions and the government.

Background: Diabetes accounts for increased mortality from comorbid diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, and cancer. Diabetic patients are exposed to chronic stress due to issues such as anxiety about diabetic complications. Diabetic patients are exposed to chronic stress due to issues such as anxiety about diabetic complications. little is known about spirituality, self-management activities, health-related beliefs, and lived experience with type 2 diabetes (T2D) especially in Benin City Nigeria
Aim: This study aims to explore the spirituality and beliefs of patients who are self-managing their type 2 diabetes to further understand the unique cultural factors influencing diabetes self- management. Methods: Purposive sampling technique was used to select two (2) hospitals in Benin City. The total of Benin Teaching Hospital and 100 Edo Specialist Hospital. The Tao Yamane formula was used to derive a sample size of 170 participants. Convenient sampling method was used to recruit participant. The use of Spirituality Questionnaire (SQ) and was Diabetes Self-Management Instrument Short Form(DSMI-20) used to obtain information from the respondents. Inferential statistics was used to summarize the data. Alpha level was 0.05. Results: There was significant correlation between spirituality and betes self-management
(r=0.205, p=0.007). there was no significant correlation between gender and comorbidities with spirituality and self management of T2DM. Conclusion:. In conclusion, prayers, belief connected to a higher being, helps the diabetic patient rise above the limitations of the diabetic disease. This study showed that the tendency of individual practicing self-care, usually increases as they become more spiritually inclined

Background: Physiotherapy is an essential component of healthcare, yet public understanding of its role remains limited. In Nigeria, physiotherapy remains underutilised partly due to poor awareness and misconceptions about what the profession entails. Many adults in various communities may not seek physiotherapy because they do not know what it is, do not believe it works, or associate it with limited conditions.Purpose: The aim was to assess awareness, perceptions, misconceptions, sources of information, and the relationship between demographic factors and understanding of physiotherapy, by members of the public.Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was employed. Quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire administered to 400 participants, while qualitative insights were obtained from interviews with 10 participants. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and thematic analysis.Results: Findings showed that awareness of physiotherapy was moderate, with many respondents unable to clearly define its scope. Perceptions were generally positive, as participants recognized physiotherapy’s role in stroke rehabilitation, pain management, and mobility restoration. However, misconceptions were widespread, including equating physiotherapy with massage therapy or bone setting and believing that physiotherapy must be painful to be effective. The dominant sources of information were informal (radio/TV, family and friends, community gatherings), while health professionals were less frequently cited. Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between demographic factors (age, gender, education, occupation, religion) and either perception or misconception of physiotherapy. Conclusion: Physiotherapy is moderately known but poorly understood among residents of Egor LGA, with misconceptions cutting across all demographic groups. There is urgent need for structured public education campaigns and increased visibility of physiotherapists in healthcare. It is recommended that health authorities, professional associations, and physiotherapists themselves actively engage in awareness creation to correct misconceptions and promote physiotherapy as a vital part of healthcare delivery in Nigeria

The World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) defined Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) as a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels. CVDs include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, and other conditions. And are the leading cause of death globally, causing, -an estimated 17.9 million deaths in 2019 alone, which represents 32% of all global deaths. Heart attacks and strokes account for more than four out of five deaths from CVDs, about of which one-third of these deaths happen prematurely among adults under the age of 70 years (World Health Organization, 2021). In Africa, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), particularly CVDs, are highly prevalent (Minja et al., 2022). In addition to contributing to 22.9 million Disability- Adjusted Life Years (DALY) and 38.3% of fatalities associated with NCDs, CVDs have the highest burden among those under 30 years. Currently, the burden of CVDs has increased by about 50% in Africa (Ka et al., 2024). Similarly, NCDs remains a leading cause of death, with an age-standardized rate of 567 deaths per 100,000 people in Nigeria. This figure has surpassed deaths from infectious diseases, maternal issues, new-born conditions, and malnutrition (Bollyky et al., 2017).

Background: University students often face challenges such as poor dietary habits, irregular physical activity, and academic stress, which can adversely affect their health and quality of life (QoL). Nutritional status, physical activity, and QoL are key interrelated health determinants, but limited evidence exists among Nigerian university populations. Understanding these relationships is essential for promoting healthy lifestyles and better well-being among young adults.
Aims: This study aimed to determine the association between nutritional status, physical activity, and quality of life among non-clinical undergraduate students of the University of Benin. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 330 non-clinical undergraduates selected through multistage random sampling. Data were collected using a self- administered questionnaire comprising the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson’s correlation and Chi-square tests, were used, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Among the 330 participants, 54.8% were male and 45.2% female, mostly aged 18–25 years. The mean BMI was 24.13 ± 14.18 kg/m², with 53.3% having normal weight, 19.4%
overweight, 12.1% obese, and 11.2% underweight. Most students (76.1%) practiced healthy eating habits. Physical activity levels were moderate in 48.8%, low in 30.9%, and high in 20.3%. Regarding QoL, 62.7% had moderate scores, 32.7% high, and 4.5% low. A significant association was found between nutritional status and physical activity (p = 0.037), but not between nutritional status and QoL (p = 0.096) or physical activity and QoL (p = 0.697).
Conclusion: This study found a significant association between nutritional status and physical activity, but not with quality of life among non-clinical students in the University of Benin. Most students maintained normal BMI and moderate physical activity levels, though some displayed poor nutrition and lifestyle habits. These findings highlight the importance of university-based health programs to improve nutrition, activity levels, and overall well-being.

Background: Chest expansion and cough function are essential in managing critically ill patients. Chest expansion reflects respiratory muscle strength and lung compliance, assessed non-invasively using simple measurements. Cough function clears airway secretions and prevents complications like pneumonia, but it is often impaired in critically ill patients due to immobility and weakened respiratory mechanics. Exploring the relationship between chest expansion and cough function could enable better, non-invasive methods to assess and improve respiratory health in this population.Methods:This study employs a cross-sectional design to explore the relationship between chest expansion and cough function in critically ill patients. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique based on specific inclusion criteria.A sample size of 34 was determined through a power analysis, ensuring adequate statistical power to detect significant correlations. Results:This study included 34 participants (58.8% female, 41.2% male) with a mean age of 53. No significant correlations were found between cough function and chest expansion at any level (p > 0.05). However, a significant negative correlation was observed between age and cough function (r = -0.906, p = 0.021). Hypothesis testing confirmed no significant relationship between chest expansion and cough function but identified a decline in cough function with increasing age. Conclusion:This study explored the relationship between chest expansion and cough function in critically ill patients. Chest expansion, a non-invasive measure of respiratory mechanics, and cough function, essential for airway clearance, were evaluated in 34 participants with an average age of 53 years. While no significant correlation was found between chest expansion at any level and cough function, a negative correlation between age and cough function was observed, indicating a decline in cough effectiveness with advancing age. Gender differences were noted in chest expansion at the axilla and xiphoid levels, with males showing greater values, but no gender-based differences were observed in cough function.

Background / Purpose of the Study: Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Prolonged waiting in physiotherapy clinics may aggravate pain and influence treatment outcomes. This study examined the effect of waiting time on clinical outcomes of pain intensity and coping strategies (catastrophising, diverting attention, reinterpretation of pain, cognitive coping) in patients with NSCLBP attending physi therapy sessions at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria. Methods / Procedures: Sixty patients diagnosed with NSCLBP participated in this prospective study. Standardized instruments were used, including the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ-24), and a 0–100 satisfaction score. Waiting time was measured as the interval between patient arrival and treatment start, using a Digital stopwatch. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to summarize participants’ characteristics, while inferential statistics of paired t-tests, MANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and chi-square tests were used to analyse data at p < 0.05. Results: Most participants (73.3%) waited less than 30 minutes. Pain intensity slightly increased during waiting (p < 0.001) but significantly decreased post-treatment (p < 0.001). Waiting time had no significant effect on pain, catastrophizing, or cognitive coping but influenced reinterpretation of pain (p = 0.006). A strong association was found between shorter waiting periods and higher satisfaction levels (χ² = 51.74, p < 0.001). Longer waits showed weak but positive correlations with post-treatment cognitive coping (r = 0.285, p = 0.027).
Conclusion: Brief waiting times increased pre-treatment pain slightly but did not adversely affect overall outcomes. Physiotherapy effectively reduced pain and improved adaptive coping. Efficient scheduling, patient education, and supportive communication during waiting are recommended to enhance satisfaction and treatment success

Background/Purpose: Sports injuries are common among football players and can negatively impact performance and participation. Injury-prevention strategies such as warm-up routines, strength training, and flexibility exercises are proven to reduce injury risk, yet their application among amateur players in Nigerian universities remains unclear. This study assessed the level of awareness and practice of sports injury prevention strategies among amateur football players in
the University of Benin.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. A structured, self-administered
questionnaire adapted from a previous study was distributed to 298 amateur football players selected through consecutive sampling. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency distributions and Chi-square tests to determine associations between socio-demographic variables and prevention practices, with a significance level set at p< 0.05.
Results: Findings revealed that most participants were males (60.4%) aged 18–25 years. General warm-up programme was commonly performed three to five times weekly (15.4% each), while 17.4% reported no participation. Flexibility and strength training were the most commonly practiced preventive measures, while the FIFA 11+ programme was infrequently used. No
significant association was found between age and practice of injury-prevention strategies (p >
0.05). However, male players showed higher engagement in general warm-up (x2= 14.088, p = 0.029), and specific prevention (x2= 15.163, p = 0.019) routines compared to females. Playing position was not significantly associated with either awareness or practice of injury-prevention strategies (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Amateur football players at the University of Benin demonstrated moderate awareness and practice of injury-prevention strategies. Despite recognizing the importance of prevention, adherence to structured programmes remained low. There is a need for enhanced education, structured preventive training, and improved access to physiotherapy services to promote safer participation in university football.