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RGUHS Nat. J. Pub. Heal. Sci Vol No: 5 Issue No: 1 eISSN:
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Prevalence and Severity of Insomnia among College Students: A Cross Sectional Study
Tilak Francis TG1*, Bhavana V1, Maheshwari J1, Kavya P1, Prasanna Mohan1, Zeeshan Ali1, Zechariah Jebakumar2
1Department of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Krupanidhi College of Physiotherapy, Karnataka, India
2Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia
Background: Young adults, especially those aged 18-25, often experience significant health and functional impairments due to sleep disturbances, leading to a reduced quality of life. Chronic insomnia, however, often lacks proper regulation, necessitating further research into its intensity and management.
Methodology: This study aimed to assess insomnia levels among students and included 1,025 participants (42.7% male, 57.3% female), comprising both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Conducted as a cross sectional online survey, the study collected demographic, health, and academic data using questionnaires. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).
Results: The results showed no significant gender differences in PSQI and ISI scores, with average insomnia scores of 7.5% for males and 7.7% for females.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the high prevalence of sleep disturbances in young adults, and the need for further research and targeted interventions to improve sleep quality and overall well-being in this demographic.
Test-Retest Reliability of the D and E Components of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) in Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy Children
Dr. Preethi HS
BPT MPT (PhD), JSS College of Physiotherapy, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.
Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is defined as the group of permanent disorders affecting the development of movement and posture, causing activity limitations attributed to non-progressive disturbances occurring in the developing foetus or infant brain. In bilateral spastic cerebral palsy, the lower limbs are affected more than the upper limbs. The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is a criterion referenced observational measure that was developed and validated to assess motor functions in children with cerebral palsy. Objective: To examine how the rate of change in GMFM score varies with age and severity of motor disability in children.
Method: An observational study was conducted to determine the test-retest reliability of the D and E components of the GMFM. A total of 21 cerebral palsy children were recruited. Each participant was assessed using the D and E components, with the retest performed after a washout period of no less than 96 hours and no more than 144 hours.
Results: The results demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (P = 0.91) of the D and E components of the GMFM.
Conclusion: The D and E components of the GMFM exhibited excellent test-retest reliability in bilateral spastic cerebral palsy children. These components of the GMFM can be administrated individually in clinical settings to assess mobility in this group of patients.
Integrated Rehabilitation For Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema With Shoulder Pathology: A Case Report
Harish S Krishna, Sanjay Eapen Samuel, Riza AR*
Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotherapy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
A 62-year-old female with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), shoulder subluxation, and a supraspinatus tear presented with significant upper limb dysfunction, including pain, reduced range of motion, muscle weakness, and functional limitations. A four-week rehabilitation program was implemented, incorporating Faradism Under Pressure for lymphedema reduction, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NEMS) for supraspinatus activation, and a structured protocol for shoulder stabilization and functional restoration. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included limb volume measurements, goniometry, hand held dynamometer, and standardized outcome scales [Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), Upper Extremity Functional Scale (UEFS), and Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS)]. The patient demonstrated a marked decrease in limb volume, improved shoulder mobility and strength. Post-treatment imaging and clinical evaluation confirmed complete resolution of the supraspinatus tear and significant gains in upper limb function and quality of life. This case highlights the efficacy of a comprehensive, multimodal rehabilitation approach in addressing both lymphatic and musculoskeletal impairments associated with BCRL.
FUNCTIONAL BALANCE, AEROBIC CAPACITY AND FATIGUE IN MIDDLE-AGED DIABETIC WOMEN: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Megha CK1, Haripriya S2, Priya S3
Department of Physiotherapy, Vemana Institute of Physiotherapy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, India
BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. Functional balance, aerobic capacity is affected in older adults with type II diabetes mellitus and they experience increased fatigue. The effect of type II diabetes mellitus in middle aged women on functional balance, aerobic capacity and fatigue are still remain unclear.
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: To compare functional balance, aerobic capacity and fatigue in middle aged diabetic women with age matched healthy samples.
METHODOLOGY: The comparative study was carried out in a period of 6 months from March 2020 to August 2020. 24 participants were included in this study along with age matched healthy individuals. The subjects were asked to perform Y Balance test to assess functional balance, Rockport 1-mile walking test to assess VO2 max and Fatigue was assessed with fatigue assessment scale.
RESULTS: Comparison between Diabetes Mellitus group and control group was done using Mann-Whitney U test. It showed statistically significant changes in functional balance (p=0.00), Aerobic capacity (p=0.00) and fatigue (p=0.00) in Diabetes Mellitus group as compared to control group.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicates that functional balance and aerobic capacity is reduced and fatigue is more in middle aged diabetic women compared to age matched normal individuals.
Neuromuscular Control and Motor Learning in Long COVID Across the Adult Lifespan: A Narrative Review
Shivananda Venkata Reddy*
Christus St. Michael Health System, Texarkana, Texas, USA
Long COVID is characterized by persistent symptoms and functional impairments long after acute SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection. Among these, neuromuscular deficits and motor control impairments impact daily functioning; however, their nature across adult age groups remains poorly understood. The objective of the review is to synthesize current evidence on neuromuscular control impairments and motor learning deficits in Long COVID across the adult lifespan, highlighting key neuromuscular symptoms, balance and gait abnormalities, motor learning issues, and age-related differences. We conducted a narrative review, searching electronic databases (2020–2024) for studies of neuromuscular outcomes, motor performance, or motor learning in adults with Long COVID. Key findings from relevant studies were organized thematically (neuromuscular impairments, balance/gait outcomes, age differences). Long COVID is associated with a high prevalence of fatigue and muscle weakness, along with evidence of peripheral nervous system involvement (e.g., myalgias, neuropathic symptoms). Objective studies have demonstrated persistent muscle strength deficits, reduced endurance, and post-exertional malaise linked to mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle. Balance and gait disturbances are commonly reported; posturography and mobility tests reveal increased postural sway and slower gait speed in post-COVID individuals compared to controls. Emerging data also indicate impaired procedural motor memory consolidation in Long COVID patients, despite intact initial learning. Notably, the burden of Long COVID neuromuscular and cognitive symptoms affects both young and older adults. Older survivors often exhibit greater physical deconditioning, whereas young and middle-aged adults disproportionately report neurologic symptoms like “brain fog” and fatigue. Long COVID results in significant impairments of neuromuscular control and challenges to motor learning across adult age groups. These findings underscore the need for targeted rehabilitation strategies addressing persistent weakness, balance deficits, and motor relearning, with consideration of age-specific needs.