Ahmed Hamada

Effect of backpack shoulder straps length on cervical posture and upper trapezius pressure pain threshold.

[Purpose] This study was performed to investigate the effect of the length of backpack shoulder straps on upper trapezius muscle pain threshold and craniovertebral angle. [Subjects and Methods] There were 25 participants, with ages from 15 to 23 years old. Upper trapezius pain threshold and craniovertebral angle were measured for all subjects without the backpack then re-measured after walking on a treadmill for 15 min under 2 conditions: 1) wearing a backpack with short straps; and 2) wearing a backpack with long straps. [Results] there was a significant reduction in upper trapezius pain threshold and craniovertebral angle while carrying a backpack with long shoulder straps, compared to use of a backpack with short shoulder straps or no backpack. [Conclusion] A backpack with short straps is less harmful than a backpack with long straps. This result should be considered in ergonomic design of backpacks to reduce the incidence of various physiological and biomechanical disorders.

Effect of orange polarized light on post burn pediatric scar: a single blind randomized clinical trial

[Purpose] This study was carried out to investigate the effect of orange filtered polarized polychromatic light on post burn pediatric scar. [Participants and Methods] Thirty children with post burn scar in wrist and hands participated in this study. They were between 3 to 7 years old, having hypertrophic burn scar ≥2 months post healing, free from concomitant skin disease and keloids. They were randomly assigned into two groups. The control group (A) (n=15) received Scar Standard Management (SSM) protocol and the study group (B) (n=15) received SSM protocol along with 15 min/area polarized light with medical range filter followed by 15 min/area orange filtered polarized light. All children received the study protocol once a day, 3 times/week for one month. Scar assessment was done before and after the study protocol by using Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). [Results] All participated children were analyzed. Comparison of post treatment results between groups revealed significant improvement of post burn scar for both groups with significant difference in favor to the study group. [Conclusion] Ultimately it was revealed that Orange filtered polarized light has a special and beneficial effect on decreasing post burn pediatric scar.

Carryover effect of hip and knee exercises program on functional performance in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome

[Purpose] This study was carried out to investigate the carryover effect of hip and knee exercises program on functional performance (single legged hop test as functional performance test and Kujala score for functional activities). [Subjects and Methods] Thirty patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Group (A) consisted of 15 patients undergoing hip strengthening exercises for four weeks then measuring all variables followed by additional four weeks of knee exercises program then measuring all variables again. Group (B): consisted of 15 patients undergoing knee exercises program for four weeks then measuring all variables followed by additional four weeks of hip strengthening exercises then measuring all variables. Functional abilities and knee muscles performance were assessed using Kujala questionnaire and single legged hop test respectively pre and after the completion of the first 4 weeks then after 8 weeks for both groups. [Results] Significantly increase in Kujala questionnaire in group A compared with group B was observed. While, there were significant increase in single legged hop performance test in group B compared with group A. [Conclusion] Starting with hip exercises improve the performance of subjects more than functional activities while starting with knee exercises improve the functional activities of subjects more than performance.

Impact of foot pronation on postural stability: An observational study

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of foot pronation on the postural stability through measuring the dynamic balance including overall stability index (OAI), anteroposterior stability index (APSI) and mediolateral stability index (MLSI). METHODS Forty participants from both sexes were selected from the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, with a mean age of 23.55 ± 1.74 years. Subjects were divided into two groups: group A (8 males and 12 females) with foot pronation, and group B (9 males and 11 females) with normal feet. The Navicular Drop Test (NDT) was used to determine if the feet were pronated and Biodex Balance System was used to assess dynamic balance at level 8 and level 4 for both groups. RESULTS No significant difference was found in dynamic balance, including OAI, APSI and MLSI at stability level 8 (p> 0.05) but, there was a significant difference at stability level 4 (p< 0.05) between the two groups with lower stability in group A. CONCLUSION Foot pronation affects the postural stability at stability level four and not affects stability level eight compared with those in the control group.

Impact of backward treadmill training on balance in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled study

Background: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) is one of the most common chronic rheumatologic diseases in children under 16 years of age, causing repeated falls due to decrease in joint development and impairment of balance control. Objective: To investigate the effect of additional backward walking training on postural control in children with polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (pJRA). Materials and Methods: Thirty children with pJRA (18 girls and 12 boys) were assigned randomly into two equal groups (control and study). Both group received selected physical therapy program for three months. Study group additionally received backward walking training which was provided 20 min/d, 3 d/w for 3 successive months. They were assessed and treated at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. Biodex balance system was used to measure overall, anteroposterior, and mediolateral stability indices and Bergs balance scale were used to assess balance performance before and after treatment. Results: There was significant improvement in all measured variables of the control and study groups after treatment. However, significant improvement was marked in the study group when comparing the post-treatment mean values of this group with the control group. Conclusions: Backward treadmill training can be used as an adjuvant therapeutic modality to improve balance in children with JRA.