Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 85 in total

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  1. Chen AH, Rosli SA, Hovis JK
    J Environ Public Health, 2020;2020:9793425.
    PMID: 33376494 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9793425
    Environmental influence is one of the attributing factors for health status. Chronic interaction with electronic display technology and lack of outdoor activities might lead to health issues. Given the concerns about the digital impact on lifestyle and health challenges, we aimed to investigate the daily activity inclination and health complaints among the Malaysian youth. A self-administered questionnaire covering lifestyle and health challenges was completed by 220 youths aged between 16 and 25. There were a total of 22 questions. Seven questions inspected the patterns of indoor and outdoor activities. Fifteen questions focused on the visual and musculoskeletal symptoms linked to both mental and physical health. The total time spent indoors (15.0 ± 5.4 hours/day) was significantly higher than that spent outdoors (2.5 ± 2.6 hours/day) (t = 39.01, p < 0.05). Total time engrossed in sedentary activities (13.0 ± 4.5 hours/day) was significantly higher than that in nonsedentary activities (4.5 ± 3.8 hours/day) comprised of indoor sports and any outdoor engagements (t = 27.10, p < 0.05). The total time spent on electronic related activities (9.5 ± 3.7 hours/day) was were higher than time spent on printed materials (3.4 ± 1.6 hours/day) (t = 26.01, p < 0.05). The association of sedentary activities was positive in relation to tired eyes (χ2 = 17.58, p < 0.05), sensitivity to bright light (χ2 = 12.10, p < 0.05), and neck pain (χ2 = 17.27, p < 0.05) but negative in relation to lower back pain (χ2 = 8.81, p < 0.05). Our youth spent more time in building and engaged in sedentary activities, predominantly electronic usage. The health-related symptoms, both visual and musculoskeletal symptoms, displayed a positive association with a sedentary lifestyle and a negative association with in-building time.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  2. Isa Halim, Rohana Abdullah, Ahmad Rasdan Ismail
    MyJurnal
    Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are common occupational injuries among workers in the construction industry. Epidemiological studies indicated that WMSDs include neck pain, lower back pain, knee pain, leg fatigue as well as ankle and feet discomfort. The objectives of this study are to identify the WMSDs experienced by the workers during construction works and discuss the causes of those WMSDs. Subjective approach associated with modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was applied to identify the symptoms of WMSDs. A case study was conducted in several construction sites situated at the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia. During the study, 37 construction workers with different age and scope of works were interviewed to determine the WMSDs that they have experienced. Based on distributed questionnaire, almost all workers experienced pain in the region of lower back, upper back and biceps. These pains were contributed by manipulation of heavy load and high force exertion. Based on discussed causations, control measures via engineering controls method and administrative controls method were proposed to alleviate the risk of WMSDs among construction workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  3. Ayiesah, R., Ismail, D.
    MyJurnal
    Low back pain (LBP) is a major medical and social problem associated with disability and work absenteeism. Since the effect on unawareness on back care among hospital staff may affect the smooth running of the services to the public and patients, it is the objective of this study to identified the awareness of back care among nurses so that preventive measures can be taken. About 80 nurses working in the outpatient clinic was survey using self addressed questionnaires which were adapted from Zutphen Physical Activity Questionnaire at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu. Demographic analysis demonstrated that among the eighty nurses that responded, 37.5% (n=30) are Malays, 25% (n=25) Chinese and 37.5% (n=30) ( to include other Sabahan tribes). Their age group varies between 23 to 55 years of age. A total of 72 nurses, both agreed (45%,n=36) and strongly agreed (45%,n=36) that understanding good postures is important to prevent LBP. They felt strongly (55%, n=44) about the importance of correct lifting techniques, and having a well-designed workplace (50%,n=40). Regarding factors that cause LBP, 55% (n=44) of them strongly agreed that good lifting technique can prevent LBP while 56 (70%) agreed that prolong sitting doing computer work can cause LBP. About 60% (n=48) also agreed that LBP can cause stress and that 45% (n=36) of them strongly agreed that being overweight than average can worsen LBP. However, 40% (n=32) provide a neutral answer to whether height have any influence on LBP while 50% (n=40) agreed that weak back muscles can worsen the backache further. However, 45% (n=36) agreed that games that involved back movement have high risks and 55% (n=44) agreed that swimming helps to strengthen back muscle. The environmental factors addresses issues of footwear and soft mattress where 60%(n=48) agreed while 15%(n=12) strongly agreed that good footware and appropriate use of soft mattresses 60% (n=48) can prevent LBP. This study have demonstrated that the nurses that participated had a clear understanding and knowledge on back care even though a wider study need to be carried out to ensure validity of study finding.

    Study site:outpatient clinic, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  4. Dhillon KS
    Malays Orthop J, 2016 Mar;10(1):61-68.
    PMID: 28435551
    Chronic low back pain is a common, disabling and costly health problem. The treatment of chronic low back is difficult and is often ineffective. For treatment to be effective the cause of the pain has to be established but unfortunately in 80% to 95% of the patients the cause cannot be determined despite the existence of modern imaging techniques. A pathoanatomical diagnosis which fits into a classical disease model where successful treatment can be carried out, can only be made in 5% to 7% of the patients. The back pain in the rest of the patients where no pathoanatomical diagnosis can be made is often labelled, unscientifically, as chronic low back pain. Despite the existence of sophisticated imaging techniques and a plethora of diagnostic test the source of pain in patients with nonspecific back pain cannot be established. There exist no causal relationship between imaging findings of degenerated disc, lumbar facet arthritis, spondylosis, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, to the pain in these patients. Surgical treatment of non-specific back pain where no pathoanatomical diagnosis has been established is bound to fail. Therefore the outcome of spinal fusion in these patients can be no better than nonsurgical treatment. Spinal fusion is a major surgery which can be associated with significant morbidity and occasionally with mortality. Yet there is rapid rise in the rates of spinal fusion. There is a growing tension between ethics and conflicts of interest for surgeons. The spine, unfortunately, has been labelled as a profit centre and there are allegations of conflicts of interest in the relationship of doctors with the multi-billion dollar spinal devices industry. The devices industry has a significant influence on not only research publications in peer review journals but also on decisions made by doctors which can have a detrimental effect on the welfare of the patient.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  5. Zulkefli, A., Ramanathan, R.
    Malays Orthop J, 2010;4(1):46-49.
    MyJurnal
    A 42 years old gentleman presented with predominant low back pain associated with bilateral lower limb neurological deficit leading to an initial diagnosis of lumbar stenosis. Further history taking and examination revealed upper limb neurological deficit, and the lower limbs actually presented with upper motor neuron instead of lower motor neuron signs. Imaging studies confirmed the clinical findings with presence of both cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis. Twostage decompression procedures were performed at 6 monthintervals starting with cervical decompression. Postoperative improvement was noted on follow-up. This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis of cervical pathology for patients presenting with or referred for predominantly lumbar symptomology
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  6. Noor Sazarina Mad Isa @ Yahya, Baba Md Deros, Mazrura Sahani, Ahmad Rasdan Ismail
    MyJurnal
    Substantial studies reported musculoskeletal disorders among the working population in the developed country, however, a limited number of studies were conducted in Malaysia. The objective of this cross sectional study was to determine the physical activity risk factors for low back pain among automotive workers in Selangor. Modified Risk Factors Questionnaire (RFQ) was used to assess physical activity with the occurrence of low back pain. The significant physical activities associated with the 12 months point prevalence are lifting weight (
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  7. Zamzuri, Z., Mohd Adham, S.Y., Saufi, M.A., Azian, A.A., Fadhli, M.
    MyJurnal
    Ewing's sarcoma is a rare tumor first discovered by James Ewing in 1921. It is more common in bone or skeletal component compared to soft tissue or extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma. Among soft tissue Ewing’s, spinal cord involvement is rarer with only nine cases reported. We report a case of nine-year-old Malay girl who presented with low back pain for two months following a fall with progressive neurological deficits of bilateral lower limb. Magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of a well-defined margin of intradural extramedullary tumor. With nerve sheath tumor in mind, surgical excision with laminectomy L2-S1 was performed. Intraoperative finding was an extradural mass from L3-L5 with extension to bilateral neuroforamen. Histopathology report defined a round cell tumour of Ewing’s sarcoma from the mass.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  8. Nur Hidayah Rani, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Noor Afifah Ya'acob, Karmegam Karuppiah, Irniza Rasdi
    MyJurnal
    Pineapple plantation workers are exposed to strenuous physical activities. This study aims to determine the prevalence
    of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS), analyse the body postural risks related to work tasks and identify relevant MSS risk factors
    among pineapple plantation workers. This was a cross-sectional study performed at a pineapple plantation in Johor in 2016. MSS,
    information on socio-demographic background and occupational history were collected via structured questionnaires. Identification
    and risk assessment of ergonomic hazard and postural risk analysis were performed for a subset of workers. Data were entered into
    statistical software and analyse according to relevant objectives. A total of 108 workers participated in this study. The prevalence
    of MSS was 87.0% and was highest for the lower back (64.8%). In terms of ergonomic hazards, Harvesting were categorised as a
    task with the highest risk. Harvesting was also the task with the highest postural risk. From the multivariate analysis, lower back
    pain is mainly contributed by a working tenure of 10 to 25 years (Odds Ratio, OR: 3.90; 95% Confidence Interval, CI 1.05-14.4) and
    more than 25 years (OR: 7.45 (95% CI 1.26 to 44.0). Workers who worked more than 7-hour daily have a higher risk for reporting
    lower back pain. Pineapple plantation workers are exposed to excessive bending, twisting and carrying of heavy loads that may be
    linked to MSS. Effective preventive strategies are required to address MSS in this population in order to minimize risk for subsequent
    musculoskeletal disorders.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  9. Lim E, Lim R, Suhaimi A, Chan BT, Wahab AKA
    J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil, 2018;31(6):1041-1047.
    PMID: 30149436 DOI: 10.3233/BMR-171042
    BACKGROUND: Low frequency sound wave stimulation therapy has become increasingly popular in the rehabilitation fields, due to its ease, less fatiguing and time efficient application.

    OBJECTIVE: This 12-week pilot study examines the efficacy of applying low frequency sound wave stimulation (between 16-160 Hz) through both hands and feet on relieving pain and improving functional ability in patients with chronic back pain.

    METHODS: Twenty-three participants with chronic shoulder (eleven participants) or low back pain (twelve participants) underwent a 12-week vibration therapy program of three sessions per week. A low frequency sound wave device comprising four piezoelectric vibration-type tactile tranducers enclosed in separate 5-cm diameter circular plates, which generate sinusoidal vibratory stimuli at a frequency of 16-160 Hz, was used in this study. Primary outcome measure was pain sensation measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (P-VAS). The secondary outcome measures were pain-related disability measured using the pain disability index (PDI) and quality of life measured using the SF-12.

    RESULTS: At week 12, significant reductions in pain sensation and pain-related disability were observed, with mean reductions of 3.5 points in P-VAS and 13.5 points in the PDI scores. Sixty-five percent of the participants had a reduction of at least 3 points on the P-VAS score, while 52% participants showed a decrease of at least 10 points in the PDI score. Significant improvement was observed in the SF-12 physical composite score but not the mental composite score.

    CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary findings showed that passive application of low frequency sound wave stimulation therapy through both hands and feet was effective in alleviating pain and improving functional ability in patients with chronic back pain.

    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  10. Syed Alwi SA, Lee PY, Awi I, Mallik PS, Md Haizal MN
    Climacteric, 2009 Dec;12(6):548-56.
    PMID: 19905907 DOI: 10.3109/13697130902919519
    OBJECTIVES:
    To document the common menopausal symptoms and quality of life in indigenous women of Sarawak in Malaysia.

    METHODS:
    A face-to-face interview using the Menopause-specific Quality of Life questionnaire was conducted with 276 indigenous Sarawakian women aged 40-65 years to determine the mean age of menopause and common symptoms (divided into vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual domains) associated with menopause.

    RESULTS:
    The mean age at menopause of postmenopausal women was 50.78 +/- 2.47 years (range 47.3-58.2 years). The most common symptoms reported were aching in muscles and joints (82.6%), lack of energy (77.5%) and low backache (77.2%). The typical menopausal symptoms of hot flushes, night sweats, sweating and vaginal dryness were experienced by 42.4%, 34.8%, 29.7% and 49.3%, respectively of the women studied. Perimenopausal women (n = 114) experienced the most physical and psychosocial symptoms, while postmenopausal women (n = 102) experienced most sexual symptoms. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women were reported to suffer more than premenopausal women (p < 0.001) within the four domains of symptoms (vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual).

    CONCLUSIONS:
    The menopausal symptoms in this study correspond to those in other studies on Asian women but the prevalence of typical and classical menopausal symptoms was lower compared to studies on Caucasian women. The perimenopausal women had the most significant decrease in quality of life, followed by postmenopausal women and premenopausal women. Vasomotor symptoms had a predominant influence on the quality of life.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology
  11. Ibrahim MI, Zubair IU, Yaacob NM, Ahmad MI, Shafei MN
    PMID: 31683911 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214254
    OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and its associated factors among the nurses working in the public hospitals of Penang, Malaysia.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on nurses, aged 25-60 years, who had been working for at least three months at six public hospitals of Penang. A proportionate stratified random sampling method was applied to select 1292 respondents. The Malay-validated BACKS Tool questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale was used to obtain data. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

    RESULTS: A total of 989 (76.5%) nurses suffered from LBP at a point of time. The factors significantly associated with LBP among the nurses included working more than seven hours [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) 1.48 (1.06, 1.98)], twisting of the body while working [AOR (95% CI) 1.60 (1.13, 2.26)], manual handling of patients in wards [AOR (95% CI) 1.44 (1.08, 2.07)], and fatigue [AOR (95% CI) 2.63 (1.94, 3.58)].

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of LBP among the nurses in the public hospitals of Penang was relatively high. The factors predicting LBP included working more than seven hours a day, twisting of the body while working, manual handling, and fatigue. The findings from this study may better enable policymakers to devote resources to minimize low back pain among nurses. The nurses should be encouraged to comply with safe working procedures.

    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/epidemiology*
  12. Chiu CK, Low TH, Tey YS, Singh VA, Shong HK
    Singapore Med J, 2011 Dec;52(12):868-73.
    PMID: 22159928
    INTRODUCTION: Chronic, nonspecific low back pain is a difficult ailment to treat and poses an economic burden in terms of medical expenses and productivity loss. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of intramuscular metylcobalamin in the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain.
    METHODS: This was a double-blinded, randomised, controlled experimental study. 60 patients were assigned to either the methylcobalamin group or the placebo group. The former received intramuscular injections of 500 mcg parenteral methylcobalamin in 1 ml solution three times a week for two weeks, and the placebo group received 1 ml normal saline. Patients were assessed with Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire Version 2.0 and Visual Analogue Scale pain score. They were scored before commencement of the injections and at two months interval.
    RESULTS: Of the 60 patients, 27 received the placebo injections and 33 were given methylcobalamin injections. A total of 58 patients were available for review at two months (placebo: n is 26; methylcobalamin: n is 32). There was a significant improvement in the Oswestry Disability Index and Visual Analogue Scale pain scores in the methylcobalamin group as compared with the placebo group (p-value less than 0.05). Only minor adverse reactions such as pain and haematoma at the injection sites were reported by some patients.
    CONCLUSION: Intramuscular methylcobalamin is both an effective and safe method of treatment for patients with nonspecific low back pain, both singly or in combination with other forms of treatment.
    Study site: Orthopaedic Clinic, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain/drug therapy*
  13. Davatchi F
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-8077.2006.00177.x
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  14. Wong, T.S., Teo, N., Kyaw, M.).
    Malays Orthop J, 2010;4(2):23-28.
    MyJurnal
    Study design: A cross-sectional study among health care providers working at one hospital. Objective: To investigate the prevalence, the consequences and the risk factors associated with low back pain (LBP) among hospital staff. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 931 health care providers who answered a pre-established questionnaire including 30 items in two languages. Results: The cumulative life-prevalence of LBP was 72.5% and the yearly prevalence was 56.9%. Chronic LBP prevalence was noted 5.1% of the cases. Treatment was sought in 34.1% of LBP sufferers and 7.3% required sick leave or absence from work due to LBP. Risk factors associated with LBP were professional categories, bad body posture, lifting objects or patients and the increased levels of lifting, levels of job satisfaction and stressful job demands. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of LBP among hospital staff, resulting in significant medical and socio-professional consequences. Many risk factors were identified that would necessitate multidisciplinary involvement to reduce the LBP incidence and related costs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  15. Lim KG, Chuah SW, Ee MST, Wong ZG, Murugesan A, Syed Azman SA
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Bekam, an Islamic variant of cupping, is an ancient form of traditional medicine still practised today in Malaysia. There are published findings indicating that cupping benefits patients with low back pain, other musculoskeletal pain and even pain from cancer, herpes zoster and trigeminal neuralgia when pain is measured on an analogue scale. We proposed to investigate whether in addition to pain improvement on an analogue scale we could show if pain relief might be demonstrated in terms of reduction of analgesic use.

    Methods: We carried out a retrospective cross sectional study on subjects who had been for outpatient clinic treatment with chronic pain of at least one month and who completed at least two bekam therapy sessions. In addition to documenting a pain score before and after therapy we documented their analgesic consumption.

    Results: A total of 77 respondents, with overlapping symptoms of headache, backache and joint pains were included. The mean pain score before bekam therapy was 6.74±1.78, and was 2.66±1.64 after two sessions of therapy. Twenty eight respondents completed six sessions of bekam therapy and had a mean pain score of 2.25±1.32 after. Thirty-four patients consumed analgesic medication before starting bekam therapy and only twelve did so after. The consumption of analgesics was significantly lower after bekam therapy.

    Conclusions: Bekam therapy appears to help patients experience less pain and reduce the amount of analgesic medication they consume. Nevertheless only a randomised prospective study will eliminate the biases a retrospective study is encumbered with and we believe would be worth doing.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  16. Nor Dalila Marican, Rozita Hod, Nadiah Wan-Arfah, Azmi Hassan
    Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(1):933-938.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Non-specific low back pain is one of the most common physical ailments
    affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition constitutes a
    significant public health problem and was listed as a prevalent health
    complaint in most societies. Even though there are many anecdotal claims
    for reflexology in the treatment of various conditions such as a migraine,
    arthritis and multiple sclerosis, but very little clinical evidence exists for
    reflexology on the management of low back pain per se. This study aims to
    evaluate the effects of foot reflexology therapy as an adjunctive treatment to
    the Malaysian low back pain standard care in relieving pain and promoting
    health-related quality of life among people with non-specific low back pain.
    Methods This is a parallel randomized controlled trial with pre and post-treatment
    study design. The study setting for the intervention located at Penawar
    Reflexology Center, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. A total of 100
    participants with non-specific low back pain will be allocated to one of two
    groups, using a randomization computer program of Research Randomizer.
    The control group will receive low back pain standard care, while the
    intervention group will receive standard care plus eight sessions of foot
    reflexology therapy. The pain intensity and health-related quality of life
    scores will be measured using Visual Analogue Scale and Euro-quality of
    life scale respectively in both groups. The study was approved by the
    Human Research Ethics Committee of University Sultan Zainal Abidin
    (UHREC/2016/2/011). The study protocol was registered at
    ClinicalTrials.gov, with the ID number of NCT02887430.
    Measurements Outcome measures will be undertaken at pre-intervention (week 1), postintervention
    (week 6) and follow-up (week 10).
    Conclusions This will be the first trial to compare the foot reflexology therapy with
    control group among people who medically diagnosed with non-specific low
    back pain in Malaysia. The result of this study will contribute to better
    management of this population, especially for Malaysia healthcare setting.

    Study site: Penawar Reflexology Center, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  17. Behera G, Poduval M, Patro DK, Sahoo S
    Malays Orthop J, 2017 Jul;11(2):68-71.
    PMID: 29021883 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1707.009
    Brodie's abscess is a variety of subacute osteomyelitis with a long duration of presentation and intermittent pain. It usually involves the metaphyseal region of long bones of the lower limbs. Brodie's abscess of pelvic bone is very rare. Involvement of posterior ilium with gluteal syndrome is extremely unusual and can be easily missed or misdiagnosed. We present a 9-year old boy who reported to us with intermittent low back pain of three months duration without any other constitutional symptoms. Clinically, there was mild tenderness over the posterior ilium. Computed tomography showed a lytic lesion in the posterior ilium with a breach in the outer cortex. MRI and bone scan were suggestive of inflammatory pathology. Keeping infective, tubercular and benign bone tumors as differential diagnoses, open biopsy and curettage were done. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured and histopathology was suggestive of osteomyelitis. The patient received appropriate antibiotics for six weeks. He was asymptomatic till 18 months of follow up without any recurrence. We present this case because of its rarity and unusual presentation as gluteal syndrome and low back pain, and its resemblance to other pelvic and sacroiliac joint pathologies which are often missed or misdiagnosed in paediatric patients.

    Study done in India
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  18. Labao HC, Faller EM, Bacayo MFD
    Ann Glob Health, 2018 08 31;84(3):474-480.
    PMID: 30835403 DOI: 10.29024/aogh.2331
    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are alarmingly high among migrant workers in Malaysia. MSDs are the most prevalent occupational-related conditions in most parts of the world affecting function, productivity and overall health-related quality of life. Therefore, this study aims to determine the profile of Filipino migrant workers in Malaysia and their various musculoskeletal complaints.

    METHOD: This study utilized a quantitative, nonexperimental, cross-sectional research design. A total of 60 subjects were randomly selected after passing the study's sampling criteria. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was to used to determine common MSDs affecting the various regions in the body. The Demographic Pofile Sheet was provided to gather a subject's demographic characteristics.

    RESULTS: Filipino migrant workers mostly complain of pain in the low back area (60%) and shoulder pain (60%), followed by pain in the upper back (48.3%) and neck pain (45%) in the last 12 months. Household workers accounting for 73.3% of the subjects commonly complain of pain in the hips/thighs (78.9%), while workers in the service industry commonly complain of knee pain (39.1%).

    CONCLUSIONS: Results imply that Filipino migrant workers have a higher prevalence of shoulder and lower back pain in the last 12 months. Household workers are more susceptible to hip/thigh pain. Interventions focusing on ergonomics policy implementation, education on posture and lifting techniques and physical function is recommended. Further studies should consider the psychological and psychosocial aspects of migrant employment, which are known risk factors for MSDs.

    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  19. Asahar SF, Malek KA, Zohdi WNWM, Peter AB
    Korean J Fam Med, 2020 Jan;41(1):68-72.
    PMID: 31902199 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.18.0157
    We present the case of a 14-year-old Malay girl with an ependymoma of the conus medullaris who presented to multiple general practitioner clinics with a 24-month history of chronic low back pain. The pain was symptomatically managed as a simple musculoskeletal pain and sciatica. Further imaging to aid diagnosis was delayed until the appearance of severe pain with neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhancing spinal mass at L1 through L3, and histopathological investigations confirmed the grade II ependymoma according to the World Health Organization classification. She underwent gross resection of the tumor. After the surgery, she developed neurogenic urinary bladder and bowel, which required intermittent self-catheterization, intermittent enema use, and intensive physical therapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
  20. Madhwani KP, Nag PK
    Indian J Occup Environ Med, 2017 Jan-Apr;21(1):18-22.
    PMID: 29391743 DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.IJOEM_145_17
    Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate web-based Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) intervention on office ergonomics - a unique method for prevention of musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) - in corporate offices that influences behavior modification.

    Background: With the increasing use of computers, laptops and hand-held communication devices globally among office employees, creating awareness on office ergonomics has become a top priority. Emphasis needs to be given on maintaining ideal work postures, ergonomic arrangement of workstations, optimizing chair functions, as well as performing desk stretches to reduce MSD arising from the use of these equipment, thereby promoting safe work practices at offices and home, as in the current scenario many employees work from home with flexible work hours. Hence, this justifies the importance of our study.

    Objective: To promote safe working by exploring cost-effective communication methods to achieve behavior change at distant sites when an on-site visit may not be feasible.

    Materials and Methods: An invitation was sent by the Medical and Occupational Health Team of a multinational corporation to all employees at their offices in Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia to take up an online Nordic questionnaire, a screening tool for musculoskeletal symptoms, shared in local languages on two occasions - baseline evaluation (n = 240) and a follow-up evaluation after 3 months (n = 203). After completing the baseline questionnaire, employees were immediately trained on correct postures and office ergonomics with animation graphics. The same questionnaire was sent again after a 12-week gap only to those employees who responded to the baseline questionnaire on initial assessment.

    Statistical Analysis Used: Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software and variables were compared using odds ratio as well as Chi-square test.

    Results: Of the 203 employees who responded, 47.35% had some musculoskeletal symptoms. Among them 58.7% had lower back pain, 46.9% had upper back pain, 44.1% had wrist pain, 39.5% had shoulder pain, and 37% had knee pain. The percentages are high as some participants had multiple complaints i.e. 2 or 3 complaints. However, only 40% of these employees had ongoing symptoms at the time of evaluation (past 7 days). A subsequent 3-month evaluation after web-based intervention showed a significant 41-50% decline in ongoing symptoms.

    Conclusions: We conclude that newer technology using web-based animation graphics is a highly efficient technique to create office ergonomics awareness and has the potential to become a best practice in countries where language is a communication barrier and an on-site visit may not be feasible due to meagre resources.
    Matched MeSH terms: Low Back Pain
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