Dissertation / Thesis

Efficacy of Dead bug exercise along with standard physiotherapy treatment for the conservative management of chronic low back pain: A randomized control trial

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Efficacy of Dead bug exercise along with standard physiotherapy treatment for the conservative management of chronic low back pain: A randomized control trial Khan, Mohammad Borshon Background: Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition that significantly impacts the quality of life and functional ability of affected individuals. Objective: This randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the efficacy of incorporating the Dead Bug Exercise alongside standard physiotherapy for the conservative management of CLBP. Methodology: The study was conducted at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP), Savar, Dhaka and involved patients with non specific CLBP. A total of 60 participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the Experimental Group, which received the Dead Bug Exercise in addition to standard physiotherapy, and the Control Group, which received standard physiotherapy alone. Key outcome measures included pain intensity (measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)), disability level (measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)), and back muscle strength. Result: The results showed significant improvements in the Experimental Group, with substantial reductions in VAS and ODI scores, and enhanced back muscle power post-intervention. The Control Group also demonstrated improvements but to a lesser extent. Statistical analyses revealed that the Dead Bug Exercise, when combined with physiotherapy, provided superior outcomes in terms of pain relief, functional improvement, and muscle strength. These findings support the integration of core stabilization exercises into CLBP treatment protocols. In conclusion, the addition of the Dead Bug Exercise to conventional physiotherapy offers an effective strategy for managing Chronic Low Back Pain and improving patient outcomes. Further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up are recommended to confirm the sustainability and generalizability of these results. Key Words: Dead-Bug Exercise, Chronic Low Back Pain, Oswestry Disability Scale, Back Muscle Strength Measurement Scale. This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Effectiveness of scapulothoracic stabilization exercise along with conventional physiotherapy among patients with neck pain

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Effectiveness of scapulothoracic stabilization exercise along with conventional physiotherapy among patients with neck pain Mostafiz, Tushar Background: Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders on worldwide, which can lead to functional problems and a lowered quality of life. Recent research has found out that scapular thoracic dysfunction contributes to the pathophysiology of neck pain. Scapulothoracic stabilizing exercises are focused on muscle imbalances and postural deficiencies and might produce better results in comparison to traditional physiotherapeutic interventions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of scapulothoracic stabilization exercise along with conventional physiotherapy for patients with neck pain. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted where 40 people with neck pain aged 18-65 years were randomly selected and subjected to study at the Musculoskeletal Unit of CRP, Savar. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, an experimental group which received conventional physiotherapy and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises, and the control group received conventional physiotherapy only. The intensity of pain was determined using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), cervical Range of Motion (ROM) was monitored by the use of goniometer and functional disability was measured by the use of Neck Disability Index (NDI). The analysis of data was done by SPSS v25 and the significance level was considered p < 0.05. Results: The significant difference was found between two groups in terms of post-intervention pain intensity, ROM, and NDI progress (p < 0.05). Yet, the between-group analysis demonstrated that the experimental group experienced significantly better improvements in neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and NDI scores (p < 0.05), wherein the change in rotational ROM and VAS were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: When used in addition to conventional physiotherapy, scapulothoracic stabilization exercises yield positive results in terms of increased functional outcomes and cervical mobility of patients with neck pain. Although both groups experienced a reduction in pain, the addition of scapulothoracic exercises offered further outcomes in disability and improvement of ROM hence its inclusion in the rehabilitation program of managing neck pains. Keywords: Neck pain, Scapulothoracic stabilization, Range of motion, Neck Disability Index. This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Sleep disorders among children with cerebral palsy: characteristics and associated factors as reported by their mothers

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Sleep disorders among children with cerebral palsy: characteristics and associated factors as reported by their mothers Patowary, Shidul Islam Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are significantly more prone to sleep disturbances due to associated neurological, behavioral, and environmental challenges. These disorders not only impact their physical and cognitive development but also place a substantial burden on caregivers, particularly mothers, who are often the primary observers and caretakers. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the characteristics and associated factors of sleep disorders among children with cerebral palsy, as reported by their mothers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), Savar, Dhaka, involving 104 mothers of children diagnosed with CP. Data were collected using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and a structured sociodemographic and questionnaire. Convenience sampling was employed, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were used to identify associations between variables. Results: Among the children, 81% were aged 2–5 years and 57% were boy. Spastic quadriplegia was the most common CP type (39%), and 54% of children were classified as GMFCS level III. Notably, 37% of children exhibited signs of sleep disturbances, with insomnia and sleep-wake transition disorders being most prevalent. Significant associations were found between sleep disorders and factors such as epilepsy, use of anti-epileptic drugs, environmental conditions, hyperactivity before sleep, and fear of darkness or being alone. Discussion: The findings underscore a high prevalence of sleep disorders among children with CP, which are closely associated with clinical and environmental factors. Mothers’ perspectives provided crucial insights into the daily challenges and stressors faced in managing these conditions. Addressing these sleep issues through routine clinical assessment and tailored non-pharmacological interventions is essential for improving outcomes for both children and their caregivers. Keywords: Cerebral palsy, sleep disorders, Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), epilepsy, GMFCS. This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Shoulder Pain Among Wheelchair Basketball Players in Bangladesh

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Shoulder Pain Among Wheelchair Basketball Players in Bangladesh Shovon, Salman Shahriar Background: Wheelchair basketball is increasingly popular in Bangladesh, promoting physical fitness, social inclusion, and mental well-being for individuals with disabilities, but the sport places significant repetitive strain on the shoulders due to propulsion and overhead activities. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of shoulder pain and identify associated risk factors among Bangladeshi wheelchair basketball players to address the lack of local evidence in adaptive sports health. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 47 players at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), Savar, Dhaka, using convenience sampling, a structured questionnaire, and the validated Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) for data collection and assessment. Results: The study found that moderate shoulder pain was most common, especially during tasks involving overhead movements like washing, reaching, and dressing. While 66% of participants performed shoulder-strengthening exercises, none used shoulder braces, indicating gaps in awareness or access to preventive measures. Chi-square analysis showed significant associations between gender and daily propulsion hours, education level with both fitted sports wheelchair use and daily propulsion time, and residential area with lack of shoulder strength. Discussion: These findings suggest that repetitive strain from sports rather than prior trauma is the main source of shoulder pain, and highlight the urgent need for tailored preventive strategies, better fitted equipment, strengthening programs, and increased awareness among players. Future studies should expand to larger, more diverse samples and include clinical assessments to develop effective, context-specific interventions for protecting musculoskeletal health and performance in wheelchair basketball. Keywords: Wheelchair basketball, shoulder pain, risk factors, Bangladesh, adaptive sports, musculoskeletal health This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.