Umar Muhammad Bello

• BPT (UNIMAID), MSc. (Keele, UK), Ph.D. (HKPolyU), Post-doctoral fellowship (CEVR, Hong Kong)
• Lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University

Background Malaria vaccine is one of the critical areas in tropical health research, considering the success recorded in other vaccine-preventable diseases. This review provides an overview of global malaria vaccine research and systematically reviews community perception of the vaccine in Africa. Methods A validated search was conducted to identi...

Up-to-date estimates of stroke burden and attributable risks and their trends at global, regional, and national levels are essential for evidence-based health care, prevention, and resource allocation planning. We aimed to provide such estimates for the period 1990–2021. We estimated incidence, prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life-year (...

Background: Up-to-date estimates of stroke burden and attributable risks and their trends at global, regional, and national levels are essential for evidence-based health care, prevention, and resource allocation planning. We aimed to provide such estimates for the period 1990–2021. Methods: We estimated incidence, prevalence, death, and disabilit...

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome that is used to measure the success of healthcare interventions. Valid and reliable instruments are required to assess QoL. Hence, we conducted this study to adapt and validate the QoL Index (QLI) among Hausa-speaking people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in northwest Nigeria. Method: Using t...

Aim: To identify psychometrically robust outcome measures for evaluating the quality of life (QOL) of people with neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB). Design: A systematic review of psychometric properties of QOL instruments Methods: Multiple electronic English databases were searched from database inception to January 2023. Two independent review...

Background: Conflict leads to the displacement of people, making it more difficult for them to cope with increasing stress. In war-affected regions, people use different strategies to cope with their stress. This study examines the coping strategies of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and those in host communities in war zones. Methods: People l...

Aim: The review summarizes the recent empirical evidence on the efficacy, safety, and community perception of malaria vaccines in Africa. Methods: Academic Search Complete, African Journals Online, CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, and two gray literature sources were searched in January 2023, and updated in June 2023. Relevant studies published from 20...

Objective To identify psychometrically robust quality-of-life (QOL) outcome measures for evaluating QOL among people with neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB). Study design: Electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched from inception to January 2023. Two independent reviewers participated in study screenin...

Purpose: To evaluate the current evidence regarding the use of ultrasound elastography for assessing non-invasive, non-pharmacological interventions for eliciting changes in musculoskeletal stiffness. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items f...

Objective Multiple studies have explored the use of visual cortex non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to enhance visual function. These studies vary in sample size, outcome measures, and methodology. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses to assess the effects of NIBS on visual functions in human participants with normal vision. Meth...

Citation: Abdullahi, Z.U.; Musa, S.S.; Abu-Odah, H.; Ahmed, A.; Lawan, A.A.; Bello, U.M. Bactericidal Effects of Snake Venom Phospholipases A2: A Systematic Review and Analysis of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration. Physiologia 2023, 3, 30-42. https:// Abstract: Background: Infections caused by multi-drug resistance (MDR) strains are potentially fata...

ABSTRACT: Advances in healthcare and technology have led to increased survival rates after spinal cord injury (SCI). To facilitate recovery, regain function, and promote quality of life after SCI, rehabilitation in the acute care setting is of paramount importance. After discharge from acute care, there is difficulty in accessing appropriate interv...

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) continues to pose severe threats to global public health, especially in non-endemic areas. Like all other regions, Africa faces potential public health crises due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious disease outbreaks (such as Lassa fever and malaria) that have devastated the region and overwhelmed the health...

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions on peripheral neuropathic pain (pNeP) due to any underlying cause. Methods: Multiple databases were searched from database inception until Dec 2021. Studies on physiotherapy interventions for pain relief assessed using the visual analogue scale among individuals with pNeP of...

Objective: Multiple studies have explored the use of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to enhance visual function. These studies vary in sample size, outcome measures, and NIBS methodology. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses to assess the effects of NIBS on visual functions in human participants with normal vision. Methods: We f...

The purpose of this study was to examine the subjective reasons for hesitancy to receive COVID-19 vaccination and the sociodemographic factors associated with vaccination uptake. An online social media survey was conducted among the general Nigerian population using a self-developed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression...

This study examined the association between COVID-19 and fear of contracting COVID-19 and reasons for vaccination refusal. A population-based online survey was conducted via social media in Nigeria using the Fear of COVID-19 scale and items related to vaccination refusal/hesi-tancy items. Individuals aged 13 years and older were invited to particip...

Background and purpose Evidence regarding the efficacy of various forms of acupuncture for the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in women is outdated and inconclusive. This review aims to determine the efficacy of different forms of acupuncture for the treatment of UI in women. Methods Multiple databases were searched from inception to June 2...

This study compares the psychological profile of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and individuals living in host communities in the war-affected setting. We conducted a cross-sectional survey from October-November 2019. Subjects were recruited from six IDPs camps and the surrounding host communities within the metropolis of Maiduguri, Nigeria by...

Background Medical and socio-economic uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have had a substantial impact on mental health. This study aimed to systematically review the existing literature reporting the prevalence of anxiety and depression among the general populace in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine associated risk facto...

Background: Although sleep disturbances and insomnia are common among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), these disorders remain largely understudied among victims fleeing ethnoreligious genocide. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), though a widely used measure of insomnia, has not been translated, cross-culturally adapted, nor validated in common...

Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of any form of physiotherapy intervention for the management of central neuropathic pain (cNeP) due to any underlying cause. Methods Multiple databases were searched from inception until August 2021. Randomised controlled trials evaluating physiotherapy interventions compared to a control condition on pain...

Objective: To determine the effects of nonsurgical, minimally or noninvasive therapies on urge urinary incontinence (UUI) symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with neurogenic bladder (NGB). Data Sources: Cochrane library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PEDro, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to September 2021. Review...

Background: Balance impairments are common in cerebellar ataxia. Exercises are beneficial in this population. Objective: Explore the benefits of therapeutic exercises on disease severity, balance and functional independence in cerebellar ataxia. Methods: Databases were searched from inception until July 2021. Methodological quality was assessed usi...

Background COVID-19 pandemic has continued to cause unprecedented concern across the globe since the beginning of the outbreak. Healthcare workers, particularly those working on the front line, remain one of the most affected groups. Various studies have investigated different aspects of the physical health of healthcare workers; however, limited e...

Objective: This meta-review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of overall mental health of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: We conducted a comprehensive literature search on Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE. A predefined eligibility criterion was used to screen the articles. The met...

Background: Protozoal infection is a lingering public health issue of great concern, despite efforts to produce drugs and vaccines against it. Recent breakthrough research has discovered alternative antiprotozoal agents encompassing the use of snake venoms and their components to cure these infections. This study collated the existing literature t...

Introduction: Mirror therapy has been found effective for promoting upper limb function regain among post-stroke patients. Images and movement patterns of fingers projected on mirror are important attributes of mirror therapy. Objective: To examine the roles of movement complexity and image clarity of fingers on influencing motor facilitation amon...

Background: A growing number of studies have investigated the effects of different intervention strategies for reducing musculoskeletal (MSK) stiffness by using ultrasound elastography to evaluate in-vivo changes to tissue mechanical properties. Purpose: The objective of this review was to identify and evaluate the available evidence regarding the...

Background: The effectiveness of conservative therapies for the management of neurogenic bladder (NGB) remains inconclusive. Objective: To determine the efficacy of conservative therapies for the management of urge urinary incontinence (UUI) and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with NGB. Methods: Multiple databases were utilized. Randomized c...

Background: Patient satisfaction is one of the indicators of the quality of care and is used for benchmarking and ensuring the delivery of quality physiotherapy services. Despite the subjective nature of patients’ satisfaction, there is paucity of qualitative study on patients’ satisfaction in Nigeria. Aim: The purpose of this study was to qualita...

Introduction: The medical and socio-economic uncertainties surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic significantly affect the mental health of the global population. Examining the mental health status of the populace in countries with weak healthcare systems and dwindling economies during the pandemic is of paramount importance. Aims: To systematically re...

Background The efficacy of different forms of acupuncture for the treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children is not known. Objective To determine the efficacy of different forms of acupuncture, such as manual acupuncture, laser/electroacupuncture, acupoint injection, and moxibustion, for the treatment of nocturnal enuresis. Methods A literature...

Introduction: Agitation and impaired cognitive functioning are common symptoms of dementia, which require costly medication regimens that are associated with adverse effects. This study investigates the effects of dance interventions on agitation and cognitive function in people living with dementia in institutional care facilities. Methods: Fiv...

Introduction: Mirror therapy is effective in the recovery of upper-limb function among post-stroke patients. An important component of mirror therapy is imagining finger movements. This study aimed to determine the influence of finger movement complexity and mirror image clarity on facilitating motor and visuo-motor activities in post-stroke patien...

The COVID-19 pandemic has hugely impacted global public health and economy. The COVID-19 has also shown potential impacts on maternal perinatal and neonatal outcomes. This systematic review aimed to summarize the evidence from existing systematic reviews about the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infections on maternal perinatal and neonatal outcomes. We sear...

ABSTRACT This meta-review aimed to examine the prevalence and risk factors of various mental health problems among healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. We conducted a comprehensive literature search on Academic search premier, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and PubMed. A pre-defined eligibility criteria was used to screen the articles. Data...

Introduction: The medical and socio-economic uncertainties surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic significantly affect the mental health of the global population. Examining the mental health status of the populace across African countries with weak healthcare systems and dwindling economies during the pandemic is of paramount importance. Aims: To syste...

Background: Pregnancy-related low back pain is a common complaint with numerous adverse consequences. Unfortunately, the effect of health-related quality of life and physical activity status on pregnancy-related low back pain remains understudied. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the influence of physical activity and health-related quality...

Background: Functional impairments and socioeconomic constraints associated with stroke affect quality of life (QoL). With limited care and social support resources, there is a greater anticipated decline in QoL among stroke survivors in Africa. Purpose: (1) To examine post-stroke QoL throughout the African continent (2) review the properties of o...

Background: Stroke is among the common causes of disability, resulting from a decline in upper and lower limb function. Increased activity in the affected hemisphere is associated with functional regain in stroke survivors. Mirror therapy resulted in functional improvement of the affected side of the body. A reconciliation of the mirror therapy tra...

PurposeFunctional impairments and socioeconomic constraints associated with stroke affect quality of life (QoL). With limited care and social support resources, there is a greater anticipated decline in QoL among stroke survivors in Africa. This study aims to examine post-stroke QoL, properties of outcome measures adopted and predictors of the QoL...

Background: Dementia is common and prevalent due to the ageing population. Agitation and impaired cognitive functioning were common problems that require medicine, individual care and attention. The nonpharmacological intervention has been increasingly recognized to support dementia clients. However, more evidence is needed. Aim: To investigate th...

Introduction: Neuroimaging studies on neural processes associated with mirror-induced visual illusion (MVI) are growing in number. Previous systematic reviews on these studies used qualitative approaches. Objective: The present study conducted activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis to locate the brain areas for unfolding the neural p...

Objective: To compare physical activity level and traumatic exposure between normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women in an armed conflict region of Nigeria. Methods: 130 normotensives and hypertensive pregnant women comprising of 65 participants per group participated in the study. Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and Pregnancy Physical Activity Q...

Mirror-induced visual illusion obtained through mirror therapy is widely used to facilitate motor recovery after stroke. Activation of primary motor cortex (M1) ipsilateral to the moving limb has been reported during mirror-induced visual illusion. However, the mechanism through which the mirror illusion elicits motor execution processes without mo...

Stroke is one of the most common causes of mortality and reduced disability-adjusted life years worldwide. Hemiparesis due to reduced skeletal-muscle power is an effect of brain lesions. Mirror therapy can significantly improve motor performance among post-stroke patients. To determine if altering the complexity of the mirror task in the mirror the...

Background: Cerebral palsy is the most frequently reported motor impairment in childhood, with a high prevalence in African countries. Children with cerebral palsy require long-term care from their caregivers. The long-term dependence may lower the level of quality of life of the caregivers. Aim: This study aimed to assess the level of quality of l...

Aim: To understand the roles of motor-related processes during the mirror-induced visual illusion generated from mirror therapy paradigm among healthy individuals. Design: Meta-analysis of results of studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on healthy subjects experiencing the mirror-induced visual illusion. Method: We searched...

Objective To investigate the psychometric properties of measures of balance and falls risk prediction in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Data sources PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Ovid Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to August 2019. Review method Studies testing psychometric properties of measures of balance and f...

Background and purpose: Cerebral palsy is the most frequently reported motor impairment in childhood, with a high prevalence in African countries. Children with cerebral palsy require long term care from their caregivers. Little evidence exists on how caring for a child with cerebral palsy negatively affects the quality of life (QoL) of their care...

Purpose: To identify the existing evidence evaluating the cost-effectiveness of physiotherapy treatments for people with neurological disorders. Methods: Multiple databases were searched from database inception until July 2018. Studies estimating the cost-effectiveness as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, cost per quality-adjusted life year, c...

Background: The prevalence of low back pain among nurses may be comparable in both Africa and western countries but the working and living conditions in both settings might not be comparable. With that in mind, therefore, nurses in Africa, particularly in the North Eastern Nigeria, where the study was conducted, might be differently affected by low...

Background: Lumbar spinal stenosis is a growing concern with clinical features capable of resulting into highly disabling conditions. Most patients choose to opt for conservative care as opposed to seeking surgical solutions. However, it is unclear from the literature which of the conservative treatments when apply singly or in combination might wo...

To investigate the reliability and an aspect of validity of a modified version of the long International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Hausa IPAQ-LF) in Nigeria. Cross-sectional study, examining the reliability and construct validity of the Hausa IPAQ-LF compared with anthropometric and biological variables. Metropolitan Maiduguri, the capital c...