DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

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.

Background: stroke remains a major health concern worldwide, often resulting in long term disability that demands continuous care and support. In Nigeria, family members usually serve as the primary caregivers of individual that have suffered from stroke and their family functioning may strongly affect their beliefs, attitude and adherence to rehabilitation. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the connection between family functioning and health beliefs of stroke survivors receiving treatment in the University of Benin Teaching hospital , Benin City.
Methods: A descriptive cross sectional design was carried used and 86 stroke survivors’ was selected using convenience sampling. Data was gathered using a demographic form, an adapted short form family assessment device (FAD-GFS), and the health belief model stroke based questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used for data summarization. Inferential statistics of Pearson’s Chi Square was used to assess the connection between family functioning and health beliefs in patients with stroke.
Results: A large population of the respondent (87.2%) had a good family functioning and 68% demonstrated strong health beliefs to stroke recovery. Family functioning was shown to have a significant connection with health beliefs (x 2=11.187 a , p=0.004). marital status, religion, ethnicity and living arrangement significantly influenced family functioning while health beliefs was significantly influence by religion and stroke duration with p=<0.05.
Conclusion: Family functioning influence the health beliefs of stroke survivors in Benin City. Also families and stroke survivors who experienced supportive family system demonstrated a stronger and positive health belief about their stroke recovery. Therefore, incorporating family centered interventions and education into stroke rehabilitation programs is vital for improving the health outcomes of stroke survivors.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a long-term condition that tends to get worse gradually, and the symptoms can differ in how serious they are from one person to another. It mostly affects people who are over the age of 50 and has a major impact on their quality of life. One of the most effective ways to manage it is through exercise therapy, which helps reduce pain and
improves how the joints work. Strength exercises focus on building weak muscles, while aerobic workouts can help lessen discomfort. Recently, more attention has been given to non-surgical approaches like resisted active exercises (RAEs). These exercises help stabilize the joint, make the muscles stronger, and improve how well older adults can move around and stay independent. Methods: 19 participants with knee osteoarthritis 60 years and above were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using the Functional independence measure (FIM) and patient specific functional scale (PSFS) before and after the intervention was given. Resistance exercises were given to the participants 2-3 times a week for the next 6 weeks. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, while Paired T test was used to determine the correlation between variables. Significance was set at an alpha level of 0.05. Result: The mean FIM (functional independence measure) score improved from 114.68 ± 7.72
to 118.26 ± 5.85, and PSFS(patient specific functional scale) score from 5.21 ± 1.99 to 7.47 ± 1.26 post-intervention. Paired t-test showed significant improvement in functional status (FIM: p = 0.001; PSFS: p = 0.001) following six weeks of resisted active exercises. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated significant improvements in both general, functional status functional independence and task-specific abilities, as evidenced by statistically significant increases in FIM and PSFS scores. These results support the effectiveness of resisted active exercises as a simple, low-cost, and non-pharmacological intervention for improving functional
status in older adults with knee OA.

Background/Purpose of the study: Lower extremity strength, quality of life and movement performance capacity are some of the clinical features that can be affected in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between these clinical features and their significance. Methods: A total of 167 male and female type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with age 65 years and above participated in this correlational study. Quality of life, movement performance capacity and lower extremity muscle strength (LEMS) of the participants were measured using WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, Short Physical Performance Battery and an improvised leg dynamometer respectively. Obtained data were summarized with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to analyze the relationship between LEMS and movement performance capacity, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test was used to analyze the relationship between LEMS and quality of life. All inferential analyses were performed at 0.05 alpha levels. Results: 90 (53.9%) of the respondents were female, 119 (71.3%) of the respondents were married. Right and left LEMS had significant positive correlation with QOL and movement performance capacity (ρ<0.001). There were positive significant relationships between movement performance capacity and the domains of WHOQOL; physical health (ρ<0.001), psychological (ρ<0.001), social relationships (ρ = 0.009) and environment (ρ<0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between lower extremity strength, quality of life and movement performance in patients with type 2 DM. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Lower extremity strength, Quality of life, movement
performance capacity.

Background: Chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain poses a significant healthcare challenge, affecting millions of individuals worldwide and imposing significant burdens on both patients and healthcare systems. Physiotherapy plays a role in the management of Musculoskeletal pain, despite the role played there remain a scarcity of information regarding patient satisfaction
specifically in the domain of physiotherapy within the Nigerian context
Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the level of satisfaction of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain with physiotherapy treatment in two major hospitals in Benin City. Methods: It was a cross sectional design study where 46 Respondents (female=27, male=19)
were recruited via simple random sampling technique. Patient satisfaction with outpatient physiotherapy treatment was assessed using a validated multidimensional physiotherapy outpatient satisfaction scale (PTOPS) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to summarized data while inferential statistics of Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis test was used to determine the differences in satisfaction scores between sociodemographic variables. The significance level was set at < 0.05. Results: The most common site of chronic MSK pain was low back pain 19 (41.3%). The
'PTOPS' questionnaire categorised and scored satisfaction items under four domains, Enhancer, Detractor, Location and Cost. The mean score ± S.D, for each domain were: 'Enhancer' 40.93 ± 4.03; 'Detractor' 27.65 ± 6.25; 'Location' 22.26 ± 4.80; 'Cost' 19.67 ± 2.44." Majority of the Respondents reported an overall general satisfaction score (110.52 ± 5.70). Male (median=115.00) had a higher level of satisfaction compared to female (median=108.00), however there was no significant difference in satisfaction score across age, educational status, marital status, and socioeconomic status (p = >0.05)
Conclusion: The study found high satisfaction levels among patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain undergoing physiotherapy treatment in Benin City hospitals. Although satisfaction levels varied by gender, there were no significant variations in satisfaction based on
education, age, or socioeconomic statuss. Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain, patient satisfaction, outpatient, physiotherapy.

BACKGROUND OF STUDY: The concept of low back pain has attracted interest due to its prevalence and association with quality of life . Despite it recognition, there is still a lack of understanding regarding correlation between physical activity level and their preferences with patients experiencing non- specific low back pain in University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Military Hospital, Benin.. Aim(s): The aim of this study is to ascertain the physical activity of patients with non- specific LBP and also to determine the correlate of their physical activity preference and identify the impact of physical activity preference on their level of physical activity. Methodology: A cross sectional study of 64 patients with non-specific low back pain participated in this study. Instruments such as the Liangjin measuring tape, mechanical weighing scale, and Life Care Centers of America retractable body measuring tape were employed to measure the respondents' height (in meters), weight (in kilograms), and waist and hip
circumferences (in meters) respectively. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and a questionnaire on the selection of 13 leisure-time sports and physical activity were used to assess physical activity and Physical activity
preferences respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS) was use for pain rating. Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics, with the significance level set at p<0.05. Results: The study’s findings revealed that the most preferred physical activity among the respondents was walking (56.3%). Cycling was the most prevalent second of choice (26.6%). Running was the most prevalent third activity of choice (18.8%). The least preferred activity III was korfball. A considerable portion (60.9%) of the respondents exhibited a high degree of physical activity , (18.8%) demonstrated minimal active while (20.3%) were physically inactive. Notably, a significant connection was observed between physical activity preferences and level of physical activity ( x 2=9.37, p=0.900), (x2=25.025, p=0.200), (x2=16.936, p=0.767) were the physical activity level and the first, second and third preferred physical activity respectively. The least preferred physical activity (x2=26.613, p=0.087). CONCLUSION: The result of this study indicated that patient with non-specific low back pain had walking as the most preferred physical activity, cycling and running are the second and third most preferred physical activity receptively, the least preferred activity was korfball. The study also reported that there is no significant association between physical activity preferences and the level of physical activity among patients experiencing non-specific low back pain. keywords: Non-specific low back pain, Physical activity preferences

Background/Aim of study: Epilepsy remains a stigmatized disease due to lack of information and illiteracy has been blamed as the cause of the stigmatization. This stigmatization stems from the fact that the traditional African belief views epilepsy as a spiritual disease. There had been studies to assess the Knowledge, attitude, and perception towards epilepsy. However, there is limited research on the knowledge, attitude and perception of undergraduates of the University of Benin towards epilepsy. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude of Undergraduates of University of Benin towards Epilepsy. Methods: This cross sectional study recruited 398 participants via purposive sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data from the participants. The data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics. Mann- Whitney and spearman correlation tests was used to assess the variables. The alpha level was at 0.05. Results: The findings revealed 68.9% of the respondents had good knowledge of epilepsy, 250(71.4%) of the respondents had positive attitude towards epilepsy and patients with epilepsy. A positive significant correlation between the knowledge and the attitude (rho=0.310, p=<0.001), a positive significant correlation between the knowledge and the age of the respondents (rho=0.355, p=<0.001*). There was also a positive significant correlation between the knowledge and the level of the respondents (rho=0.896 p=<0.001*). Conclusion: The good knowledge of epilepsy demonstrated by the respondents has translated to a positive attitude towards patients with epilepsy. The finding may have reported good knowledge and positive attitudes among the respondents, however, there is still an obvious need for an improvement in knowledge and attitude among the respondents. Further studies are misconception

The six-minute walk test is an easy and affordable method used to measure functional capacity. It uses the distance walked in six minutes, or the six-minute walkdistance(6MWD), at their normal pace on a hard surface, like a 30-meter hallway. This studywas x aimed at evaluating the effect of functional exercise (six minute walk test–6MWT) onblood glucose level in obese and normal weight young adult individuals. Measuredparameters included body mass index (BMI), Blood glucose level, and distance covered(m) during the 6-minute walk test. The design required the subjects to walk backandforth on a 30-meter hallway at their normal pace for six minutes. Measurements weretaken of the subjects blood glucose level before and after the six-minute walktest. Thetotal number of meters walked was calculated by multiplying the counted andrecordednumber of laps traveled by 60 meters. The statistical analysis was performed withGraphPad Prism Version 8.1. The standard error of mean (SEM) was used in graphs todisplaythe results. The dependent and independent variable means were compared usingthestudent t-test. P

Background: The number of persons suffering from low back pain will rise in the future, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The treatments available for low-back pain are not sufficient enough to cause an effective change in the long-term. Hence, there is a growing recognition of the need for a more comprehensive, patient-centered and behavioral-changing approach.
Objective: To determine the effectiveness of motivational interview on patients with low back pain. Method: Included in this review were study population of adults aged 18 and above. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Non-Randomized Controlled Trials (non-RCTs) that explored the effectiveness of Motivational Interview on Low Back Pain. A detailed search of 7 databases was conducted. Data were selected and extracted using the Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet 2010 version following the eligibility criteria. To assess the potential risk of bias in each study, two assessors independently assessed the eligible studies using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for parallel RCTs. A review protocol was developed and registered in the PROSPERO database (ID CRD42023444806). A narrative synthesis was used to present findings.
Results: 2 RCTs and 1 non-RCT was eligible from the narrative synthesis. Motivational interview
interventions included counselling, motivational programs and group/individual discussion sessions. Motivational interview had a significant effect on pain among patients with low back pain relative
to the control interventions. All the studies had a good methodological quality.
Conclusion: Motivational Interview shows a beneficial effect in reducing low back pain and in
increasing functional status in patients with low-back pain in comparison with other interventions used in the systematic review. However, current evidence is insufficient on the effect of motivational interview on pain in patients with low back pain. More large scale RCTs are needed to evaluate motivational interview on pain in patients with low back pain.
Keywords: Low back pain, motivational interview, quality of life, functional status.

background: The increasing population of older adults worldwide has heightened the demand for caregiving, especially in tertiary healthcare settings. Caregivers, both formal and informal, face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. These burdens can negatively impact their quality of life (QoL) and increase the risk of depression, especially when caring for hospitalized older adults with complex needs. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between care burden, QoL, and depression among caregivers in a tertiary health institution.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 80 primary caregivers of hospitalized older adults at the University ofBenin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and completed structured questionnaires, including the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) to measure caregiver burden and the WHOQOL-HIV BREF to assess quality of life across multiple domains. Descriptive statistics summarized sociodemographic variables, while Spearman’s rho analysis assessed the relationships between care burden, QoL, and depression. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Of the 80 participants, 73.8% were female, and 61.3% were married. The mean age was 37.56 ± 1 1.36 years. The mean Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) score was 10.35 ± 1.65 out of a maximum obtainable score of 13, indicating a high level of strain. QoL scores varied across domains, with the psychological health domain scoring the lowest (14.48 ± 2.37) and the level of independence domain scoring the highest (15.38 ± 2.97). Spearman’s rho analysis revealed a negative correlation (rho = -0.027, p = 0.814) between care burden and total QoL and a negative but non-significant correlation (rho = -0.196, p = 0.081) between care burden and psychological health.
Conclusion: Caregivers of hospitalized older adults experience moderate levels of care burden,which influence specific domains of their quality of life, such as social relationships and psychological health. However, no statistically significant relationships were found between care burden, overall QoL, and depression in this study. These findings suggest that while caregiving presents challenges, coping mechanisms like spirituality may mitigate its negative impacts. Targeted interventions are needed to enhance caregiver support systems, focusing on mental health, stress management, and social connections to improve caregivers’ overall well-being and quality of life.
Keywords: Care burden, quality of life, depression, caregivers, hospitalized older adults