ADEBISI HAMMED

Background Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune neuropathy, with limited data on its prevalence and characteristics in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, risk factors, demographic profile, and demographic-prevalence relationships of GBS at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State, Nigeria, from 2019 to 2024. Methods A retrospective review of 20 Neurology ward patient records was conducted. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, antecedent events, comorbidities, neuropathy subtypes, and outcomes were analyzed using SPSS v26. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression assessed associations. Results GBS was diagnosed in 5 patients (25%, 95% CI not calculated due to small sample), with neuropathy subtypes including diabetic (45%), idiopathic (20%), multiple/mononeuropathy multiplex (15%), demyelinating polyneuropathy (10%), and peripheral neuropathy (10%). Mean age was 52.05 ± 15.4 years; 60% were male, 65% rural, and 60% Benin ethnicity. Diabetes (55%) and alcohol exposure (35%) were common, but no significant associations with GBS were found (e.g., diabetes: χ²=3.3, p=0.069; age: B=0.034, p=0.326). Ascending weakness (25%) and chronic symptoms (60%) predominated. Outcomes included 75% independent walking and 5% mortality. Diagnostic limitations included no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing and 80% missing nerve conduction studies (NCS). Conclusion The 25% GBS prevalence likely reflects sampling bias, with diabetic neuropathy dominant due to Nigeria’s diabetes burden. Diagnostic gaps highlight the need for improved EMG/CSF access. Larger, multi-center studies are recommended to clarify GBS epidemiology and enhance neuropathy management in Nigeria.

Background: Stroke often results in significant motor impairments, affecting the quality of life and independence of survivors. Conventional physiotherapy is effective but sometimes limited by patient engagement and intensity. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising intervention that provides immersive, interactive environments to enhance motor recovery. Aim: This study evaluated the effectiveness of virtual reality therapy on motor recovery among stroke survivors in University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Methods: Forty stroke survivors undergoing rehabilitation were randomly and equally assigned to either the experimental and control groups. Interventions were conducted three times a week for eight weeks, with each session lasting 20 minutes. Motor recovery was assessed through muscular strength, muscular endurance, joint range of motion, balance, and coordination using validated and reliable instruments. Descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to summarize the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants while inferential statistics of one-way ANOVA was used to test the hypotheses. Results: Participants in the VR group showed statistically significant improvements in all motor recovery parameters (muscle strength, muscle endurance, range of motion, balance and coordination) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Notably, upper and lower limb strength, endurance, range of motion, and balance improved more in the VR group. Conclusion: Virtual reality therapy is an effective treatment modality in stroke rehabilitation to enhance motor recovery after stroke. Thus, VR should be regarded as a cornerstone in the management of stroke survivors. Keywords: Stroke, Virtual Reality, Motor Recovery, Hemiparesis

Background: Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain (HSP) is a prevalent and disabling complication for stroke survivors, significantly hindering rehabilitation efforts and diminishing their quality of life. While conventional therapies exist, their efficacy is often limited, highlighting the need for safer and more effective non-invasive interventions. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has shown potential for pain management due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of LLLT in reducing hemiplegic shoulder pain among stroke survivors in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Methods: This study employed a randomized controlled trial design involving 42 participants with post-stroke HSP (24 males, 18 females). Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=21), which received LLLT combined with conventional physiotherapy, or a control group (n=21), which received conventional physiotherapy alone. The intervention period lasted for six weeks. The primary outcome measure, pain intensity, was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after the treatment period. Results: The experimental group experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain scores following the intervention (p < 0.001). Conversely, the control group did not show any significant change in pain levels (p = 0.366). The between-group analysis confirmed that the pain reduction in the LLLT group was significantly greater than that in the control group (p < 0.001), demonstrating the superior effect of the adjunctive LLLT treatment. Conclusion: LLLT, when used as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy, is an effective intervention for managing hemiplegic shoulder pain in stroke survivors. The findings provide evidence for incorporating LLLT into standard rehabilitation protocols as a non-invasive modality to enhance pain relief, potentially facilitating greater participation in therapeutic exercises and supporting overall functional recovery.

Background: Stroke is a major cause of motor impairment, death and disability globally. It often results in spastic hemiplegia due to upper motor neuron lesions, hindering activities of daily living. Clinical evidence shows that functional electrical stimulation facilitates neuromuscular re-education through electrical impulses, thus, enhancing motor recovery, improving muscle strength and promoting functional independence post-stroke. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation on spasticity among spastic hemiplegic stroke survivors in UBTH. Methods: Simple random sampling technique was used to select 2 groups of participants; experimental and control group. A sample size of 40 participants was recruited for this study, and the FES device, MAS, MRS, FIM and demographic questionnaire was used to obtain data. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage distribution and inferential statistics of one way anova was used to summarize the data. Alpha level was 0.05. Results: The study demonstrated a significant reduction in upper limb spasticity following Functional Electrical Stimulation, with participants in the experimental group showing better spasticity reduction and improves activities of daily living than those receiving conventional therapy alone. Thus, confirming the clinical effectiveness of FES in modulating abnormal muscle tone among post-stroke survivors. Conclusion: The integration of FES into physiotherapy practice enhanced ADL and upper limb spasticity. Hence, is a reliable tool in post stroke rehabilitation, fostering neuro plasticity recovery and improved quality of life. Key words: Functional electrical stimulation, spasticity, stroke.

worldwide, requiring standardized assessment tools to ensure accurate evaluation and effective rehabilitation. Despite their clinical importance, the knowledge and utilization of stroke assessment scales among neurological physiotherapists in Nigeria remains inconsistent. This study sought to address this gap by assessing the knowledge and clinical application of stroke assessment scales among neurological physiotherapist in Benin City, Edo State. Aim: This study evaluated the knowledge and utilization of stroke assessment scales among neurological physiotherapists in Benin City, Edo State. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 43 licenced neurological physiotherapists was conducted using a validated questionnaire. Data were analysed with SPSS (v27) using descriptive and Chi-square statistics at a 0.05 significance level. Results: Most respondents showed fair knowledge (55.8%) and moderate utilization (46.5%) of stroke assessment scales. A significant association existed between knowledge and utilization (p = 0.010). Gender was found to influence knowledge level although educational qualification and professional cadre showed no significant relationship. Conclusion: Neurological physiotherapists in Benin City possess moderate knowledge and usage of stroke assessment scales, yet a critical gap persists between awareness and practice. Strengthening continuous professional development and institutional support is essential to bridge this gap and foster evidence based standardized stroke rehabilitation.

Background: Stroke remains one of the leading causes of adult disability worldwide, requiring standardized assessment tools to ensure accurate evaluation and effective rehabilitation. Despite their clinical importance, the knowledge and utilization of stroke assessment scales among neurological physiotherapists in Nigeria remains inconsistent. This study sought to address this gap by assessing the knowledge and clinical application of stroke assessment scales among neurological physiotherapist in Benin City, Edo State. Aim: This study evaluated the knowledge and utilization of stroke assessment scales among neurological physiotherapists in Benin City, Edo State. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 43 licenced neurological physiotherapists was conducted using a validated questionnaire. Data were analysed with SPSS (v27) using descriptive and Chi-square statistics at a 0.05 significance level. Results: Most respondents showed fair knowledge (55.8%) and moderate utilization (46.5%) of stroke assessment scales. A significant association existed between knowledge and utilization (p = 0.010). Gender was found to influence knowledge level although educational qualification and professional cadre showed no significant relationship. Conclusion: Neurological physiotherapists in Benin City possess moderate knowledge and usage of stroke assessment scales, yet a critical gap persists between awareness and practice. Strengthening continuous professional development and institutional support is essential to bridge this gap and foster evidence based standardized stroke rehabilitation

Background/Purpose of Study: Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in upper extremity dysfunction that limits independence. Rehabilitation strategies such as Mental Imagery (MI) and the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) have been developed to enhance motor recovery. This study evaluated the comparative and combined effectiveness of MI and GRASP on upper extremity function in stroke survivors. Methods: A total of forty-eight (48) stroke survivors were randomly assigned into four groups of twelve participants each: Mental Imagery (MI), GRASP, combined MI + GRASP, and a control group. The intervention lasted for eight weeks and was conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) was used to assess upper extremity function pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), and post-hoc comparisons were performed with Bonferroni correction at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The results revealed that the MI group showed no significant improvement in upper extremity function compared to the control. However, participants in the GRASP and MI + GRASP groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in grasp, grip, pinch, and gross movement components of the ARAT. The GRASP group showed the most notable gains, followed by the combined intervention group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that GRASP, alone or in combination with Mental Imagery, enhances upper extremity function in stroke survivors, while Mental Imagery alone may not produce measurable benefits within an eight-week period. These results support the inclusion of structured GRASP protocols, with or without imagery practice, in stroke rehabilitation to improve upper limb recovery.

Background: Musculoskeletal pain is a major health concern worldwide. In modern universities, students rely heavily on technology for their studies, which leads to long hours spent on computers. This extended use, especially when combined with bad posture, contributes to MSK pain. Engineering students face an even greater risk as they often need to use specialized software for long hours. However, research on how this issue affects university students in Nigeria is still limited. The aim of this study was to determine the interdependence of prolonged computer usage and musculoskeletal pain among University of Benin Engineering students. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 378 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Benin was conducted. Data was collected using adapted versions of the NMQ and SLUMP Questionnaire. Descriptive of frequency and percentage were used to summarize the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents while inferential statistics of Spearman’s rank correlation, Kruskal–Wallis test and Chi square were used to test the hypotheses. Alpha level was set at 0.05. Results: The findings showed that there was a high level of MSK pain among engineering undergraduates. Most symptoms were reported in the neck and lower back, with severe pain being most common in the lower back. Conclusion: MSK pain is very common among engineering students at the University of Benin, primarily affecting their necks and lower backs. The importance of taking breaks indicates that behavioral habits play a crucial role in managing this issue among this population.

Background/Purpose of Study:
Stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in upper extremity dysfunction that limits independence. Rehabilitation strategies such as Mental Imagery (MI) and the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) have been developed to enhance motor recovery. This study evaluated the comparative and combined effectiveness of MI and GRASP on upper extremity function in stroke survivors. Methods:
A total of forty-eight (48) stroke survivors were randomly assigned into four groups of twelve participants each: Mental Imagery (MI), GRASP, combined MI + GRASP, and a control group. The intervention lasted for eight weeks and was conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) was used to assess upper extremity function pre- and post-intervention. Data were analysed using one-way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), and post-hoc comparisons were performed with Bonferroni correction at a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: The results revealed that the MI group showed no significant improvement in upper extremity function compared to the control. However, participants in the GRASP and MI + GRASP groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in grasp, grip, pinch, and gross movement components of the ARAT. The GRASP group showed the most notable gains, followed by the combined intervention group.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that GRASP, alone or in combination with Mental Imagery, enhances upper extremity function in stroke survivors, while Mental Imagery alone may not produce measurable benefits within an eight-week period. These results support the inclusion of structured GRASP protocols, with or without imagery practice, in stroke rehabilitation to improve upper limb recovery

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of occupational disability worldwide, particularly among manual laborers such as bricklayers who are frequently exposed to physical stressors like lifting, bending, and awkward postures. Despite its impact on productivity and health, there is limited local data on LBP among bricklayers in Egor Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 222 active bricklayers in Egor LGA using a structured, validated questionnaire adapted from the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized prevalence data, while Chi-square tests and logistic regression were applied to determine associations between LBP and occupational/personal factors at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that the 12-month prevalence of LBP among bricklayers was high. Significant occupational factors associated with LBP included prolonged bending, lifting heavy materials, poor posture, and long working hours. Personal factors such as age, smoking, and elevated body mass index (BMI) also contributed significantly. The majority of affected workers reported recurrent pain episodes that interfered with daily work performance and overall well-being. Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP among bricklayers in Egor LGA is substantial and largely attributable to preventable ergonomic and behavioral factors. Strengthening ergonomic education, enforcing rest breaks, and promoting the use of mechanical aids can reduce the burden of LBP and enhance worker productivity.