South African Journal of Physiotherapy最新文献

Background: Globally, there is a significant gap in detailed neurodevelopmental data for infants under 3 months, despite 6 weeks being identified a critical milestone for neuro-behavioural development. Normative values and optimal scores for healthy infants at 6 and 10 weeks postnatally are lacking in many settings. In South Africa, the statutory neurodevelopmental assessments at these ages exclude notable characteristics of central nervous system maturation and limit opportunities to collect data of early developmental progress.

Objectives: Our study aimed to assess developmental characteristics of healthy term infants aged 6 and 10 weeks using the Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE).

Method: A prospective longitudinal study was performed on 35 healthy term-born infants from low-risk pregnancies at 6 and 10 weeks' postnatal age in the Tshwane district. The statuses of infants' neurodevelopment in six domains were recorded using the HNNE. Optimality scores were derived from the raw scores of 34 items, using the 10th and 5th percentiles as cut-off points.

Results: Evidences of neurodevelopmental advancements, particularly in posture, muscle tone and visual behaviour between 6 and 10 weeks were illustrated, and total examination optimality scores of 29.5 in 91% and 31.5 in 94% of infants were recorded at 6 and 10 weeks, respectively.

Conclusion: This article provides data on the neurodevelopment characteristics of infants at and between 6- and 10-weeks post term ages.

Clinical implications: The findings support the viewpoint to identify important milestone characteristics during early screening.

Background: The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic irrevocably influenced our lives, yet research in a diversity of countries is lacking. Cardiorespiratory fitness may be impaired for up to a year post-COVID-19 infection.

Objectives: Our study aimed to compare acute and exertional symptoms, fatigue, and exercise performance in masters-age endurance athletes according to their return-to-sport status.

Method: A cross-sectional survey-based observational study of long-distance runners and cyclists was conducted. Data were stratified into two groups: those who returned to their pre-illness level of sport and those who did not and were compared statistically.

Results: A total of 308 survey responses were included in the analysis. The mean age of the athletes was 44.9 + 10.2 years, with 55.2% being male. The group that did not return to their pre-illness level of sport (31.5%) had more post-COVID sequelae, worse illness severity, with a higher frequency of resting and exertional symptoms, notably fatigue and dyspnoea. Decreased exercise capacity was correlated with increased physical fatigue scores.

Conclusion: Almost one-third of endurance athletes suffered protracted exercise tolerance post-COVID-19. Long-term symptoms may be more consequential in this athlete population.

Clinical implications: Symptoms that may indicate cardiopulmonary consequences in recreational athletes should be investigated in order to facilitate return to sport and the important mental and physical benefits thereof. This will augment outcomes after respiratory tract infections and management of return to sport and expectations of endurance athletes.

Background: Knowledge about mental health in physiotherapy practice is essential as mental health can impact physical health. Little is known about the mental health content in the South African physiotherapy undergraduate programme.

Objectives: Our study explored the mental health content in the undergraduate physiotherapy programme at eight universities and the perceptions of academic staff at an identified training institution in South Africa and stakeholders about the relevance of mental health in the undergraduate physiotherapy programme.

Method: Our study employed a concurrent-mixed method design, which consisted of: (1) the administration of a survey to academic leaders or lecturers undertaking mental health teaching at universities and (2) an online interview that included stakeholders and a focus group to gauge perceptions of academic staff at an identified institution in South Africa.

Results: Seven of eight universities participated in our study. All the universities had a psychology module and agreed that it is crucial to have mental health content in the curriculum. There is diversity in the mental health content between the universities.

Conclusion: There is a need for consistency in the mental health content at all universities to ensure that all students receive the same skill set to have an impact on the quality of care.

Clinical implications: There is a need to include mental health content at universities offering theoretical and practical undergraduate programmes.

Background: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) live longer, but experience human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related comorbidities and disabilities that lower their quality of life. Understanding the prevalence, risk factors, and disability patterns is crucial for tailored interventions.

Objectives: To explore the prevalence and predictors of HIV-related disability among PLWH in Nigeria.

Method: This cross-sectional survey involved 385 PLWH, exploring demographic data, HIV history, recent symptoms, disability (measured by the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule-WHODAS 2.0). Descriptive statistics summarised the data, all variables were entered into univariate and multivariate regression models. IBM SPSS 25^® was used for all analyses at a 95% confidence level.

Results: The prevalence of disability among PLWH was 39.5%, the mean age was 42.2 ± 10.43 years, and 73% of the participants were females. Factors significantly associated with disability were marital status (p = 0.009) and level of education (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: The study reveals a prevalence of disability (39.5%) among PLWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART), emphasising the need for tailored interventions considering socio-demographic factors. Continuous screening, risk identification, and effective management strategies are imperative, recognising disability as an indicator of health and quality of life.

Clinical implications: With PLWH experiencing increased life expectancy, the study underscores the need for an informed patient-centred approach to care, recognising the specific challenges faced by PLWH in Nigeria and guiding the development of targeted interventions to enhance both functional outcomes and overall well-being.

Background: Adults with spinal cord injuries perceived peer support as beneficial in preventing secondary health conditions, but the role of peer support among adolescent learners with paraplegia in special schools is still unknown.

Objectives: To explore the perspectives of current and previous learners with paraplegia on peer support to prevent pressure ulcers in a special school.

Method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study design was used. The authors conducted 12 semi-structured telephonic, audio-recorded interviews and a focus group discussion with current and previous learners with paraplegia attending a special school. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated, and data were organised using the Nvivo-12 Pro program. Through conducting an inductive thematic analysis categories, sub-themes and themes were identified from the participants' narratives.

Results: The participants' perspectives included positive and challenging aspects of peer support reflected in four sub-themes: group-based support, individual peer mentoring, challenges with peer support and the roles of the school physiotherapist regarding peer support.

Conclusion: Learners saw peer support as a crucial strategy in preventing and reducing pressure ulcers. Establishing a peer support system with group and individual components in special schools could be a game-changer to end pressure ulcers among learners with paraplegia and ensure better health and educational outcomes.

Clinical implications: Physiotherapists in special schools should support peer support initiatives among learners with paraplegia to ensure successful pressure ulcer prevention.