International Journal of Physical Therapy Research & Practice

Identifying Awareness and Knowledge Sources for Mobility Assistive Technology Among People with Disabilities in Saudi Arabia

Saleh A. Alqahtani — 2024-10-30

Background: The purpose of this study was to provide empirical evidence on knowledge gaps in wheelchair skills, emerging technology, and preferred sources to find information about mobility assistive technologies (MAT) among Saudi mobility device users. Method: A previously developed English-language survey used in a previous pilot study was translated into Arabic and culturally adapted for MAT users within Saudi Arabia. This study followed Beaton guidelines for translating and performing cultural adaptation. A cross-sectional study was conducted anonymously to gather opinions of Saudis with disabilities who use MAT. The Arabic version was administered online using the Pitt-licensed version of the Qualtrics software. Referral sampling technique was used for recruiting, and the data from a sample of (N=353) are represented. Results: The overall face validity (FVI) for clarity and comprehension was 0.85, indicating that the Arabic Version was simple, easy to understand, and relevant for Saudi Arabian culture. The average age of respondents was approximately 39 (SD 9.6) years, and most had used their mobility devices for two to five years (N=164, 46.5%). Spinal cord injury (SCI) was the largest diagnostic group (N=141, 40%). Respondents reported gaps in knowledge about both manual wheelchair and power wheelchair skills. Physical therapists and/or occupational therapists, the internet, social media, physicians, and family and friends using AT were reported as the most frequent sources used to find information about mobility devices (85.6%. 72.8%, 60.3%, 48.2%, and 45%) respectfully. Conclusion: The survey findings revealed some gaps in knowledge among Saudi MAT consumers with respect to wheelchair skills and emerging technologies, suggesting a more knowledge translation research is needed in this area.

Inspiratory Muscle Training Using Tapered Flow Resistive Loading to Enhance Pulmonary Function in Smokers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Mohammed Al Taweel — 2024-10-30

Background: Smoking is a leading cause of respiratory muscle weakness and diminished lung function. Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT), particularly with Tapered Flow Resistive Loading (TFRL), is a promising non-pharmacological intervention aimed at enhancing respiratory muscle strength. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to evaluate whether IMT with TFRL can significantly improve respiratory muscle strength and lung function in smokers. Methodology: The study enrolled 60 adult smokers aged 18-60 years, with a smoking history of at least five years and mild to moderate lung impairment, defined by a baseline Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) between 40% and 80% of the predicted value. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which underwent an eight-week IMT program with TFRL, or the control group, which received general smoking cessation advice and no respiratory muscle training. The primary outcome measure is maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), assessed using a handheld portable manometer. Secondary outcomes include pulmonary function tests (FEV1, FVC, and PEFR), perceived dyspnea via the Modified Borg Scale, and changes in smoking behavior. All the outcomes were recorded at baseline and after eight weeks. Results: Statistical analyses revealed that the intervention group showed significant improvements in respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function compared to the control group. The two-way repeated measures ANOVA confirmed significant group-by-time interactions for MIP and pulmonary function tests, indicating that the changes over time differed between the intervention and control groups. Conclusion: IMT with TFRL may offer a valuable therapeutic approach for smokers suffering from lung impairment, particularly in non-pharmacological rehabilitation programs aimed at enhancing pulmonary function and reducing dyspnea.

The Correlation Between Dynamic Balance and Jump Performance, Sprints, and Agility in Female Basketball Players: A Preliminary Study

Samiha Abdelkader — 2024-10-30

Background: Dynamic balance is essential when performing activities that require rapid acceleration, rapid deceleration, and rapid changes in direction, such as basketball. This allows athletes to adjust their posture and footing quickly during high-intensity activities, reducing the risk of injury. The objective of our study is to determine the correlation between dynamic balance and female basketball players' jump performance, sprints, and agility abilities. Methods: The dynamic balance of 14 female basketball players in Saudi Arabia, ages 18 to 23, was measured using the modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT). Jump performance, sprints, and agility skills were assessed using five tests: a vertical jump test (VJT), a standing board jump test (SBJT), a ten-meter sprint test (10mST), and a T-Agility test. Result: Dynamic balance was positively correlated with vertical jump, broad jump, and negatively correlated with the 10-m sprint and T-agility tests. Conclusion: Dynamic balance is a significant factor affecting performance in specific tests. This emphasizes the importance of incorporating dynamic balance exercises into training programs for basketball players.Arabia.