Ukachukwu Okoroafor Abaraogu

• Research Fellow at Glasgow Caledonian University

Background: Resolutions of the World Health Organization and World Confederation for Physical Therapy declare health promotion a priority for health professionals including physiotherapists. Objective: To describe lifestyle-related risk factor assessment and intervention practices of Nigerian physiotherapists, their perceived barriers to such pr...

Background: Heavy backpacks have been associated with various postural changes and consequently musculoskeletal disorders. Objective: We evaluated the immediate responses of varying backpack loads on cranio-vertebral angle (CVA), sagittal shoulder angle (SSA) and trunk forward lean (TFL) of young adults between the ages of 18-25 years. Methods:...

Aims: The study aimed to synthesize evidence of daily physical activity (PA) following Behavior-change technique (BCT)-based interventions compared to any control in individuals with peripheral arterial disease/intermittent claudication (PAD/IC); and examine the relationship between BCTs and daily PA. Methods: Systematic search of 11 databases fro...

Introduction Fall prevention is a global health priority. Strength and balance exercise programmes are effective at reducing falls. Emerging literature suggests dance is an enjoyable and sociable form of exercise. However, there is little evidence that dance reduces fall incidence. Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis examining effectivenes...

Study design Systematic review of Randomised controlled trials. Objectives With the increasing incidence of back pain among children and its untold implications to their future, back education tailored in an effective way would be indicated. However literature appears unsettled. This study aims to review available literature to determine the effec...

Background: Developmental disorders are topping the list of the Global burden of disease. While developed countries have been able to have a level of control over it, low-income and middle-income countries are yet to put the necessary measures towards curbing these disorders. Comparing African countries against other countries, some factors are key...

Introduction: Improved health behaviours and help-seeking behaviour reduce morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Compliance with the recommendations of lifestyle changes for the management of NCDs has been challenging, as patients find it difficult to change and sustain lifestyle behaviours for a long period of time. Studie...

Individuals with intermittent claudication (IC) are less physically active than their peers, but how this varies with location is unclear. Individuals with IC and matched controls [sex, age ±5 years, home < 5 miles] wore an activity monitor (activPAL) and carried a GPS device (AMOD-AGL3080) for 7 days. GPS data categorised walking events as occurri...

Background Direct-access physiotherapy practice has led to a global review of the use of differential-diagnostic modalities such as musculoskeletal imaging (MI) in physiotherapy. Objective To explore the MI authority, levels of training, attitude, utilisation, and competence among clinical physiotherapists in Nigeria. Methods This national cross-...

Background: Addressing questions surrounding the feasibility of embedding exercise service units in clinical oncology settings is imperative for developing a sustainable exercise-oncology clinical pathway. We examined available literature and offered practical recommendations to support evidence-based practice, policymaking, and further investigati...

STUDY AIM: To summarize the current state and quality of qualitative research conducted by physiotherapists in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). METHODS: We systematically searched multiple databases from 2000 to December 2020 and included peer-reviewed qualitative studies conducted by physiotherapists in SSA countries. Two reviewers independently screene...

The burden of ischemic heart disease in Nigeria calls for an evidence-based, innovative, and interdisciplinary approach towards decreasing health inequalities resulting from individual lifestyle and poor socioeconomic status in order to uphold the holistic health of individuals to achieve global sustainability and health equity. The poor diagnosis...

Introduction Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) is a leading causes of occupational injury and disability among drivers and workers in the transport industry. This study evaluated the ergonomically assessed WMSD and its determinants among Nigerian commercial mini bus drivers (BD) and mini bus conductors (BC) Method A total of 379 partici...

Background: Addressing questions surrounding the feasibility of embedding exercise service units in clinical oncology settings is imperative for developing a sustainable exercise-oncology clinical pathway. We examined available literature and provided practical recommendations to inform evidence-based practice, policymaking, and further investigati...

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often require frequent hospitalization due to worsening symptoms. Preventing prolonged hospital stays and readmission becomes a challenge for healthcare professionals treating patients with COPD. Although the integration of health and social care supports greater collaboration and enhanced...

https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol28040234

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often require frequent hospitalization due to worsening symptoms. Preventing prolonged hospital stays and readmission becomes a challenge for healthcare professionals treating patients with COPD. Although the integration of health and social care supports greater collaboration and enhanced...

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often require frequent hospitalization due to worsening symptoms. Preventing prolonged hospital stays and readmission becomes a challenge for healthcare professionals treating patients with COPD. Although the integration of health and social care supports greater collaboration and enhanced...

Key Points • Although mindfulness practices have originated in East Asia, including non-English literature in systematic reviews of mindfulness interventions for cancer care will enable researchers to explore its application in various cultural contexts. • A systematic analysis of online bibliographic databases: AMED, Embase, CINHAL, LILACS, MEDL...

Background: An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an abnormal dilation in the diameter of the abdominal aorta of 50% or more of the normal diameter or greater than 3 cm in total. The risk of rupture increases with the diameter of the aneurysm, particularly above a diameter of approximately 5.5 cm. Perioperative and postoperative morbidity is commo...

Objective Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are increasingly being encouraged for managing treatment-related symptoms but much less is known about the extent to which mindfulness is effective in relieving the psychosocial distress experienced by men with prostate cancer. A systematic review was conducted to synthesise the literature on MBIs f...

Purpose Ample evidence supports using behaviour change interventions to increase physical activity (PA) in breast cancer survivors (BCSs). This systematic review aims to investigate if behaviour change intervention-induced changes in PA can modulate inflammation and improve patient-centred outcomes in this population. Methods We searched six datab...

Background Regular physical activity is the prime modality for the prevention of numerous non-communicable diseases and has also been advocated for resilience against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. However, there is currently no systematic and quantitative evidence synthesis of the association between physical activity and the strength of...

Supplementary data for: Mindfulness-based Interventions for Psychological Wellbeing and Quality of Life in Men with Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Dataset for: Mindfulness-based Interventions for Psychological Wellbeing and Quality of Life in Men with Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Late-Breaking Poster Presentation at the 18th Annual American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS) Virtual Conference, March 10-12, 2021

Objective To systematically identify and evaluate factors related to fatigue in individuals with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest and Web of Science Core Collections databases. Inclusion criteria comprised cross-sectional, case-control or longitudinal st...

Purpose: The purpose of this review was to identify, evaluate and synthesise existing evidence reporting the physical activity levels of acutely ill older patients in a 'Hospital At Home' setting and compare this to patients with similar characteristics treated in a traditional hospital inpatient setting. Functional changes and any adverse outcome...

Purpose: The purpose of this review was to identify, evaluate and synthesise existing evidence reporting the physical activity levels of acutely ill older patients in a ‘Hospital At Home’ setting and compare this to patients with similar characteristics treated in a traditional hospital inpatient setting. Functional changes and any adverse outcomes...

Background: According to international guidelines and literature, all patients with intermittent claudication should receive an initial treatment of cardiovascular risk modification, lifestyle coaching, and supervised exercise therapy. In the literature, supervised exercise therapy often consists of treadmill or track walking. However, alternative...

Aim: Assessment of the level of exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) constitutes appropriate basis for planning and implementing interventional ergonomics programs in the workplace. Hence, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among manual material handlers in selecte...

Objectives: This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows:. To assess the effects of exercise programmes on perioperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Copyright © 2020 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Introduction Functional deficits such as gait speed, muscle strength or reduced activities in daily living after discharge are predictors for hospital readmission for older adults with hip fractures. However, physiotherapists (PTs) who are inherently mobility experts, do not actively participate during the hospital-to-home transition of older adult...

Background Little is known about the extent to which routine care management of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication (IC) align with best practice recommendations on exercise therapy. We conducted a scoping review to examine the published literature on the availability and workings of exercise therapy in the routine manag...

Background Fatigue is an important, under-researched and poorly understood symptom among hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA) populations. To devise the best fatigue management strategy in these populations, it is necessary to evaluate the evidence on risk factors for fatigue. This study aimed to give an overview and evaluate the evidence on the fac...

BACKGROUND: The health implication of backpack carriage among school-aged children is a topic of growing research and public health interest. Low weighing backpacks may decrease the risk of musculoskeletal discomforts (MSDs). OBJECTIVE: To investigate MSDs and their association with backpack carriage practices among secondary school students in ea...

Background: The health implication of backpack carriage among school-aged children is a topic of growing research and public health interest. Low weighing backpacks may decrease the risk of musculoskeletal discomforts (MSDs). Objective: To investigate MSDs and their association with backpack carriage practices among secondary school students in...

Background HIV infection and chronic use of highly active antiretroviral therapy have been associated with increased expression of pro-inflammatory biomarkers (e.g. high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and major affective disorders (e.g. depression). There is a growing research interest in aerobic exercise as an adjunct therapy on inflammatory outc...

Background HIV infection and chronic use of highly active antiretroviral therapy have been associated with increased expression of pro-inflammatory biomarkers (e.g. high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and major affective disorders (e.g. depression). There is a growing research interest in aerobic exercise as an adjunct therapy on inflammatory out...

Background: HIV infection and the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy are associated with increased expression of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and major affective disorder. There is a growing research interest in aerobic exercise as an adjunct therapy on inflammatory outcomes and depression in people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are undergoin...

Although the physical therapist profession is the leading established, largely non-pharmacological health profession in the world and is committed to health promotion and non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention, these have yet to be designated as core physical therapist competencies. Based on findings of 3 Physical Therapy Summits on Global Healt...

Background Physical activity (PA) improves functional capacity and quality of life and provides secondary prevention benefits in individuals with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication (IC). However, pain and patient lack of knowledge are key barriers to the uptake of, and adherence to, PA recommendations. This trial will t...

Purpose: To review experiences of internationally educated healthcare professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physicians and pharmacists) in their new country and to map these experiences using a competency framework. Method: Database (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were systematically searched to include articles publish...

Purpose: In spite of the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria and the compelling need for the active participation of physiotherapists in health promotion activities around the world, there is no evidence that physiotherapists in Nigeria are engaged in health promotion activities. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of...

Background Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has a significant negative impact on the quality of life of individuals. Understanding the experiences of people living with PAD will be useful in developing comprehensive patient-centred secondary prevention therapies for this population. Aim The aim of this study is to identify first-hand accounts of...

PRISMA 2009 checklist patients experiences of living with peripheral arterial disease. (DOC)

A search strategy to identify articles of patient experience of living with peripheral arterial disease implemented in web of science. (DOCX)

Purpose: This study identified physiotherapy students' and interns’ views on clinical educator characteristics, teaching/learning opportunities and conditions essential to facilitate clinical education experiences in eastern Nigeria. Methods: The roles and attributes of a clinical educator, teaching/learning opportunities and conditions to facilita...

Background: Clinical communication impacts on physiotherapy treatment outcome and its competence warrants being assessed during training for physiotherapists given the increasing need to improve patient outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the assessment of clinical communication in entry-level physiotherapy programs in Nigeria. Me...

Abstract: Understanding and measuring levels of academic integrity within higher education institutions across the world is an important area of study in the era of educational internationalization. Developing a cross-cultural measure will undoubtedly assist in creating standardization processes and add to the discourse on cross-cultural understand...

Background Walking limitation in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication (IC) contributes to poorer disease outcomes. Identifying and examining barriers to walking may be an important step in developing a comprehensive patient-centered self-management intervention to promote walking in this population. Aim To...

A search strategy implemented in CINAHL. (TIF)

Aims: To describe attitudes of physiotherapy students toward older adults and their interest in working with them; and to identify factors that may influence physiotherapy students' attitude, knowledge and beliefs toward older adults or interest in working with them. Methods: We used the five-step scoping review approach described by Arksey and O'M...

Purpose: To review evidence for effectiveness of pain management interventions in patients with IC and to investigate patients’ experiences to these interventions. Methods: Seven databases and trial registers were searched for studies of pain management interventions for improving PA in patients with IC and/or the patients’ experiences with this in...

Purpose: To explore and describe the perceptions and reflections of conducting and publishing research related to non-communicable diseases in Africa among physical therapists. Methods: We assembled the perceptions and reflections of physical therapists’ shared experiences in developing, conducting, and publishing research related to Africa. Our so...

Objective To assess the robustness of evidence for the efficacy of manipulative therapy in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Method Seven electronic databases were searched for studies reporting data on manipulative therapy for women with primary dysmenorrhea. The primary and secondary outcomes were pain relief and quality of life respectively. Qua...

Objectives The aim was to review the components and effects of patient education interventions to improve physical activity (PA) in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication (IC), and patients' experiences of these interventions. Data sources CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Ovid, ProQuest, AMED, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, W...

We investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, MSP and the association of one month prevalence with individual and work-related factors among commercial typists in Enugu. Participants responded to a questionnaire about occurrences of MSP and 75.6% (242/320)response rate was achieved. Prevalence was summarized in frequencies and percentages...

Introduction: Grip strength is routinely utilized in wide range of clinical setting as a physiological variable that is affected by a number of factors. Aim: We examined the relationships of forearm circumference, middle finger length, height, and BMI with handgrip strength measured among a group of young adults. Material and methods: This is a cro...

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aims to gather robust evidence in relation to the effectiveness of exercise interventions in reducing pain and improving quality of life in individuals with primary dysmenorrhea. Materials and methods: A systematic review of experimental studies was executed with a meta-analysis of randomized trials. Using the PEDro...

Background: Healthy diet counselling is an important concept in health promotion. Physiotherapists are well positioned to initiate or support healthy nutrition in addition to physical activity counselling, in routine patient consultation. Objective: To determine the practices about and barriers to diet counselling practices among physiotherapists i...

ABSTRACT Relevance: This systematic review investigates the current status of evidence regarding patient education and the effect on Physical activity (PA) for patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and Intermittent Claudication (IC). PA limiting pain is a major problem in these individuals. Intervention that improves PA will be of clinica...

Background: The restrictive effect of backpack loads on chest expansion has been widely reported but little is known whether pulmonary function in children is affected by the placement of the straps of the backpack. Objective: To determine the effects of strap configuration and backpack loads on pulmonary function among school age children. Met...

Background: The effects of backpack load on young adults' gait parameters have received little attention. We previously reported that with a backpack load within 15% body weight (BW), young adults maintain their gait parameters at the expense of increased exertion during a 6-minute walk at self-selected normal walking speed. However, the effect of...

We reviewed the available evidence for SP6 (Sanyinjiao) acupressure for the relief of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) symptoms, as well as patients' experiences of this intervention. We searched six relevant databases and gray literature for publications dated up to March 2016. The search yielded 72 potential studies. Six of these studies, contributing a...

Background/Aim: Intermittent claudication (IC) due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD) decreases individuals' capacity to engage in physical activity. Identifying effective components of pain management interventions in this population will be of potential value because pain is the main symptom limiting physical activity participation. This review...

Abstract Background: Assessment of the level of exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) constitutes appropriate basis for planning and implementing interventional ergonomics programmes in the workplace. Aims: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among manual material handlers (porters) in sel...

Many students study overseas which has educational, cultural/social, and economic implications for host countries and those international students. It has been reported that medical and health sciences educational experiences are beginning to develop at a transnational level whereby curricula are shared among educational centres across different co...

String instrumentalists experience musculoskeletal symptoms that are likely associated with string playing, due to repetitive precise and delicate movements required to play the instruments. The study evaluated prevalence and associated risk factors of MSS among string instrumentalists in the Nigerian population. A cross-sectional survey design was...

Background: Although publications describe physical demands of the job in the physiotherapy profession, there is a dearth of literature on job stress dimensions (JSDs), and their relationship to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Objective: To investigate JSDs and their relationship to WMSDs among physiotherapists currently practici...

The present systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence for the effectiveness of TENS and heat therapy interventions from randomized trials. Six relevant databases were searched for studies on TENS and heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea. Menstrual pain intensity and quality of life were the primary and secondary outcomes respectively. The sea...

Introduction: Studies have suggested that there could be a link between balance problems and anxiety and depression conditions, and that rehabilitation of the balance system could help. However, a direct link has not been established between post-stroke depression and functional recovery and balance. Aim: The aim of this preliminary investigation w...

Introduction Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication (IC) decrease an individual's capacity to engage in physical activity (PA) with potentially negative effects on PA behaviour. Strategies to improve PA among this population may provide a range of positive health benefits. We present a protocol to assess the components of p...

Introduction: Flatfoot (pes planus) is one of the most frequently encountered pediatric foot deformities. In spite of the numerous evidences for adverse implications of flatfoot to the locomotive system and musculoskeletal health of patients, in the continuum of developmental milestone, the age to which patients should be monitored for flatfoot rem...

The relationship between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and chronic musculoskeletal complaints (cMSCs) remains largely debated. We investigated the association between T2DM and cMSCs in a cohort of 347 participants. A cross-sectional design was employed using the modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire to investigate the prevalence of chronic musculo...

Objective: To determine the relationships of selected anthropometric variables, spinal posture and trunk muscle endurance with static balance among adolescent and young adult males. Materials and methods: 153 males (mean age of 20) participated in this study. The anthropometric measures of height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio,...

Background: Bottling tasks postures may increase risk for developing work related musculoskeletal discomforts (WRMDs). Postural evaluation with epidemiological investigation for possible association may be appropriate for planning ergonomic programs. Objective: To evaluate working postures and investigate associations between postural risks and...

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the possible relationship of selected anthropometric variables, spinal posture, and trunk muscle endurance with static balance among adolescent and young adult males. Patients and methods: Between April 2014 and June 2014, a total of 153 males (mean age 20 years; range 13 to 25 years) were included in this...

Background: Back pain has been identified as a common cause of disability in the working population. Automotive mechanics habitually use awkward back posture in their course of manual activity and hence may be at risk of work-related back pain. Objective: To investigate the prevalence, pattern and severity of back pain among automotive maintenan...

Background/aim: Backpack effect posture, walking and physiological costs but there is dearth of literature on effects of backpack strap (1 versus 2 straps) on gait and perceived exertion among young adults. We determined the influence of type of backpack shoulder strap on gait parameters and perceived exertion of young adults in a free-living norm...

String instrumentalists experience musculoskeletal symptoms that are likely associated with string playing, due to repetitive precise and delicate movements required to play the instruments. The study evaluated prevalence and associated risk factors of MSS among string instrumentalists in the Nigerian population. A cross-sectional survey design was...

Purpose: To investigate current practices, barriers, and training needs for the promotion of physical activity (PA) in physiotherapy practices in eastern Nigeria. Methods: A total of 141 fully licensed physiotherapists in southeast Nigeria were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey consisting of 23 questions in five key sections, focus...

Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological symptom reported by women and constitutes a high health, social, and economic burden. Chemotherapies, along with their side effects, have not yielded satisfactory outcomes. Alternative nonpharmacological interventions, including acupuncture and acupressure, have been advocated, but evidence rega...