Background: Intermittent exotropia (IXT) is a condition characterized by fluctuating control, and the optimal approach for monitoring it is a subject of continual discussion.
Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the reliability of repeated measurements of the Office Control Score (OCS) and its correlation with distance stereopsis in children diagnosed with intermittent exotropia (IXT).
Methods: This prospective study involved 98 children, who were categorized according to deviation angle (<20 PD and ≥20 PD). OCS was assessed at three time points, and stereopsis was evaluated through the Titmus and Distance Randot tests.
Results: Results indicate that both groups exhibited statistically significant improvements in OCS across visits, with Group A showing superior control and stereopsis outcomes at the third visit (P < 0.05). Children with smaller deviation angles exhibited significantly improved distance stereopsis.
Conclusions: Multiple OCS measurements, as opposed to a single-point assessment, offer a more stable and reliable approach for monitoring control in IXT. This method may facilitate prompt surgical referrals and enhance clinical outcomes.
Background: Cervical rib is a rare congenital anomaly, usually from C7. Most are asymptomatic, but incomplete ribs can compress neurovascular structures, especially the brachial plexus, causing pain, paresthesia, and weakness. This case reports a 19-year-old male with a rare CR at C4, presenting with severe right-sided neck and shoulder pain, tingling, and functional limits after prolonged backpack use. Diagnosis was confirmed via X-ray.
Purpose: To evaluate whether a non-surgical, evidence-based physiotherapy program could reduce pain and improve function in a patient with a rare symptomatic cervical rib.
Method: A qualitative case study was conducted. Assessment included muscle strength, shoulder range of motion, nerve tension tests (ULTTs), and special tests (Adson’s, Roos). The baseline Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was 8/10; the Neck Disability Index (NDI) was 34 (severe).
Intervention: Weeks 1–2: Neural mobilization (median, ulnar nerves) and ultrasound therapy (3 MHz, 2 W/cm², 4 days/week) → NPRS reduced to 6; NDI to 26. Weeks 3–4: Neural mobilization plus Muscle Energy Techniques (scalenes, upper trapezius) → NPRS 2; NDI 20. Weeks 5–6: Maintenance sessions (3 days/week) sustained improvements.
Results: Pain and functional scores improved steadily: NPRS from 8 to 2; NDI from 34 to 20 by Week 4, maintained through Week 6.
Limitation: Single-subject design limits generalizability. No long-term follow-up to assess sustained benefits.
Conclusion: A non-surgical, phased physiotherapy program—combining neural mobilization, ultrasound therapy, and muscle energy techniques—effectively reduced symptoms and disability in a rare high-level cervical rib case.
Background: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are associated with long-term pain, fatigue, and physical disability, often leading to reduced productivity, job restrictions, absenteeism, and transfer to alternative work roles. These have a considerable impact on quality of life with an economic toll on the individual, the organization, and the society as a whole.
Purpose: However, research on MSDs in thermal power plant workers is limited; thus, the objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of MSDs in thermal plant workers.
Method: A sample size of 200 workers was obtained, and data was collected using a questionnaire designed for the same via the interview schedule method.
Results: The 12-month prevalence of MSDs in workers was found to be 59.7%. The majority of the workers had a higher prevalence of low back pain (45.29%). Upon univariate analysis, age (OR=7.30, 95% CI: 2.15-24.76, p=0.001), BMI (OR=8.10, 95% CI: 1.80-36.44, p=0.006), nature of work (OR=5.13, 95% CI: 1.34-19.63, p=0.017), work experience (OR=4.41, 95% CI: 1.86-10.45, p=0.001), and socioeconomic status (OR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.02-4.04, p=0.044) were found to be risk factors for MSDs.
Conclusion: Low back and neck pain emerged as the most prevalent MSDs. Contributing factors included long-term poor posture, heavy lifting, and previous trauma or injury. Age, BMI, nature of work, years of experience, and socioeconomic status were identified as significant risk factors. Preventive measures, such as ergonomic workplace modifications and structured exercise programs, are strongly recommended to reduce the occurrence and impact of MSDs.
Background: An elderly person in the age group of 60 years or above usually faces challenges related to mental efficiency. Due to their problems with physical movements, yoga relaxation techniques are easy to follow and may facilitate enhancing mental efficiency.
Purpose: To compare the significant effect of the Mind Sound Resonance Technique and Deep Relaxation Technique among the elderly on mental efficiency and its dimensions vis-Ă -vis mental functions, mental status, percept and motion equity, and depression.
Methods: The present study was an experimental design and used a non-probability sampling technique to select the sample of elderly participants. They were divided into three groups vis-Ă -vis Experimental Group-I (EG-I), Experimental Group-II (EG-II), and the Control Group (CG). EG-I received Mind Sound Resonance Technique (MSRT) and EG-II received Deep Relaxation Technique (DRT) for 15 sessions. The CG continued with routine activities. A final sample of 91 participants was analyzed using non-parametric ANCOVA followed by a post hoc test. Pre-tests and post-tests for EG-I, EG-II, and CG were conducted on a standardized tool of mental efficiency.
Results: It was found that the difference among the three groups was significant at a 0.05 level for mental efficiency (overall) and each of its dimensions. Post hoc tests revealed that MSRT was more effective than DRT and CG for enhancing mental efficiency.
Conclusion: MSRT is a more useful technique for improving mental efficiency in the elderly.
Background: A clinical condition of uncertain etiology characterized by substantial restriction of both active and passive shoulder motion, initially affecting external rotation and later shoulder abduction. The main pain factor is ROM restriction and inflammation. The initial stage is challenging, with the majority of the discomfort occurring at night.
Purpose: The initial stage is challenging to treat, with the majority of the discomfort occurring at night, and hence we need to compare the treatment approaches.
Methods: 60 subjects were included as per inclusion and exclusion criteria diagnosed with frozen shoulder of age group between 40-70 years. The subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group A (n=20) were treated with ultrasound therapy with Maitland mobilization; Group B (n=20) were treated with shortwave diathermy with Maitland mobilization; Group C (n=20) were treated with hot packs and exercises. Patients were evaluated for pain by using VAS. ROM of shoulder joint was measured using a goniometer. The duration of the study was 6 weeks. The patients were assessed on the 0th day and at the end of the 3rd and 6th weeks.
Results: After statistical analysis, significantly higher improvement was seen in the mean of VAS and ROM in Group B.
Conclusion: It was determined that Maitland mobilization in combination with shortwave diathermy is superior to both other modalities of therapy.
Background: Optic neuritis is an inflammatory condition causing visual impairment, mainly affecting females aged 20-40. It’s a rare condition, with idiopathic ON presenting unique diagnostic challenges.
Purpose: Early detection and intervention are crucial, with optometrists playing a key role in comprehensive evaluations using OCT and visual field testing.
Case Description: A 20-year-old male with progressively worsening vision experienced afferent pupillary defect, reduced contrast sensitivity, and color vision.
Results: A multidisciplinary team managed the condition, including methylprednisolone, oral prednisone, neurotrophic support, and antibiotics.
Conclusions: The case highlights the significance of early optometric evaluation in detecting and managing optic neuritis, facilitated by advanced diagnostic techniques. The improved visual acuity demonstrates the benefits of early intervention, emphasizing the role of optometrists in preserving vision and enhancing patient outcomes.
Background: CHARGE syndrome is a multifaceted genetic disorder characterized by systemic as well as ocular anomalies, which include craniofacial malformations, coloboma, optic nerve hypoplasia, and congenital heart defects.
Purpose: The aim of the study is to explore the visual function and ocular anomalies with a focus on understanding the correlation between ocular and systemic features.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the period from May 2022 to December 2023, which includes 74 subjects who are diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome. Data was collected from specialty clinics and special schools across Gujarat, including detailed ophthalmic evaluation such as visual acuity testing with Log MAR charts. Retinal imaging and fundus examination were performed in all subjects. Systemic anomalies like craniofacial malformations and congenital heart defects were recorded.
Results: Visual acuity score ranged from 0.1 to 1.2 LogMAR with an average score of 0.48., which indicates varied degrees of visual impairment. Ocular anomalies were more predominant with coloboma in 34% of subjects, optic nerve hypoplasia in 23%, and retinal thinning in 29%. Subjects with craniofacial malformations showed significant poor visual acuity, and those with congenital heart defects showed lower visual acuity. A moderate negative correlation was found between visual acuity and retinal thickness.
Conclusions: This study highlights the strong association between systemic manifestations and ocular anomalies in CHARGE syndrome. Craniofacial malformations and congenital heart defects were substantial predictors of visual impairment, emphasizing the need for early and comprehensive monitoring of systemic and ocular features. The findings of this study contribute to better understanding of the genetic and developmental mechanisms underlying this syndrome with implications for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) represents a community of nearly 650 million people, belonging to diverse cultures, economic backgrounds, and health systems. In the transformative era of unprecedented challenges, the healthcare systems across ASEAN stand at a pivotal crossroads. From the learnings of the COVID-19 pandemic and the pressures of aging populations followed by urbanization and shifting disease burdens, the future health of the region depends on both recovery and reinvention initiatives. Innovation no longer stands as a buzzword but is the heart of this transformative phase, acting as the lifeline for building resilient, inclusive, and future-ready clinical systems. This journey beyond the pandemic stands at a demanding and critical stage of the need for investment in clinical solutions beyond technology, needing to be also resilient, equitable, and inclusive.
Background: The healthcare profession has been associated with stress which has been found to affect nutritional status.
Purpose: This study was aimed at evaluating the perceived stress-nutritional status nexus of healthcare professionals in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 414 healthcare professionals. The study sample was obtained by using a two-stage cluster sampling approach. Data on socio-demographic and meal pattern was collected through a pretested self-administered questionnaire.
Results: Body Mass Index (BMI) was obtained from height and weight measurements and classified as underweight (BMI<18.5), normal weight (BMI=18.5-24.99), overweight (BMI=25.0-29.99), obesity (BMI≥30). Perceived stress was evaluated using the perceived stress scale version 10 (PSS-10). Data were analyzed using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26 and subjected to Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to establish relationship and predictors of perceived stress at 5% level of significance. The healthcare professionals’ age was 35.91±9.31 years with 86.2% being ≤ 45 years and 60% were females. Two meals a day were taken by 85.7%. BMI showed 49.3% to be overweight/obese. The mean perceived stress score was 15.02 with 47.6% having high perceived stress. Age (p=0.016), gender (p=0.001), marital status (p=0.001) and professional group (p=0.048) had significant relationship with perceived stress. The association between BMI and perceived stress was not significant (Chi-square = 0.562; p=0.905). Predictors of stress were gender (OR: 0.505, CI=0.308-0.830; p=0.007) and marital status (OR: 1.914, CI=1.143-3.208; p=0.014).
Conclusion: The study showed high level of obesity and perceived stress. Nutrition education intervention is recommended.
Background: Thymosin alpha 1 is a peptide naturally occurring in the thymus that has long been recognized for modifying, enhancing, and restoring immune function.
Purpose: The present study focuses on the effects of Thymosin alpha 1 on Body weight, Paw weight, paw volume and arthritic score of Collagen induced arthritis (CIA) rats.
Methods: The wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: nor-mal control, arthritic control, CIA+Ta-1 0.25mg/kg, CIA+Ta-1 0.5mg/kg and CIA+Ta-1 mg/kg. The collagen and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were administered via the intraplantar route to the experimental rat subjects. Prior to the administration of collagen and LPS, the initial paw volume was measured, and the body weight was duly document-ed. The administration of the treatment occurred on the first, third, and fifth days. On the completion of the dosing period, specifically on the fifteenth day, the final body weight was duly recorded. The measurements of paw volume, paw weight, Body weight and arthritic score were duly recorded.
Results: Following with the administration of Thymosin alpha-1 the arthritic rats shown significantly reduce the severity of arthritis by decreasing the symptoms of arthritis.
Conclusions: Thymosin alpha-1 has shown a promising effect of the reduction in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis and hence it can be a better therapeutic candidate of future for the management of RA. The more detailed analysis of the mechanistic study may provide a better understanding
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