Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 55 in total

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  1. Nur Athirah Diyana Mohammad Yusof, Putri Anis Syahira Mohamad Jamil, Nurul Maizura Hashim, Karmegam Karuppiah, Irniza Rasdi, Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Discomfort measurement has usually been attempted by asking the participants to rate the scale of their discomfort which commonly termed as a subjective scale. Various studies had conducted the discomfort level on vehicle seat by using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Likert scale. VAS is a tool that use to measure a discomfort or characteristics in range across a continuum of values. Meanwhile, Likert-scale is a tool consist of items that require respondents to rate their degrees of comfort or discomfort with various declarative statements. Thus, the purpose of this study is to review, discuss and compare between the VAS and Likert scale used on the development and assessment of sitting discomfort survey in seat vehicles. The literature on various topics related to questionnaire development on discomfort in seat vehicle were collected from electronic databases. Four high-quality studies were eligible and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, there is no evidence and conclusion that neither visual analogue scale nor Likert scale are better to one another. Therefore, it can be concluded that either of this scale still applicable for the ergonomic research application as both of this scale have their own pros and cons.
    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  2. Shafie AA, Vasan Thakumar A
    Eur J Health Econ, 2020 Dec;21(9):1411-1420.
    PMID: 32892230 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-020-01233-5
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test multiplicative modelling with EQ-5D-3L time-trade-off (TTO) and visual analogue scale (VAS) values.

    METHODS: A multi-stage sampling design was adopted for the study and data collection took place in three phases in 2010, 2011, and 2012 in the Northern region of Malaysia. Face-to-face interviews involved respondents answering both 13 TTO and 15 VAS valuation tasks were carried out. Both additive and multiplicative model specifications were explored using the valuation data. Model performance was evaluated using out-of-sample predictive accuracy by applying the cross-validation technique. The distribution of the model values was also graphically compared on Bland-Altman plots and kernel density distribution curves.

    RESULTS: Data from 630 and 611 respondents were included for analyses using TTO and VAS models, respectively. In terms of main-effects specifications, cross-validation results revealed a slight superiority of multiplicative models over its additive counterpart in modelling TTO values. However, both main-effects models had roughly equal predictive accuracy for VAS models. The non-linear multiplicative model with I32 term, MULT7_TTO, performed best for TTO models; while, the linear additive model with N3 term, ADD11_VAS, outperformed the other VAS models. Multiplicative modelling neither altered the dimensional rankings of importance nor did it change the distribution of values of the health states.

    CONCLUSION: Using EQ-5D-3L valuation data, multiplicative modelling was shown to improve out-of-sample predictive accuracy of TTO models but not of VAS models.

    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale*
  3. Khan TM, Aziz A, Suleiman AK
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2016 3 10;8(1):74-6.
    PMID: 26957874 DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.171736
    Uremic pruritus (UP) is one of the complications faced by majority of the patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Due to complex pathophysiology of UP, most of the anti-inflammatory and tropical lubricants often not provide a long lasting control over pruritus. Recently the uses of certain anti-epileptics are found to demonstrate promising relief to UP. To test the effect of 75 mg pregabalin in patients with treatment resistance pruritus. Data was prospectively collected from a patient with ESRD and suffering from treatment resistance pruritus. Intensity of pruritus was recorded using 5D-itching scale (5D-IS) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Pre and post assessment was done for this patient, on initial assess the parathyroid hormone level of the patient was 70.5 pg/ml with a serum phosphate level of 2.61 mmol/L. Upon initial assess the VAS score was 8 and 5D-IS score was twenty. After the duration of four weeks of pregabalin 75 mg post hemodialysis, 5D-IS score reduced to 8 and VAS score move down to 3. Pregabalin 75 mg post hemodialysis was found to reduce the intensity of UP. Pregabalin 75 mg post hemodialysis can be another option to treat UP.
    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  4. Wong, C.C., Loke, W.P.
    Malays Orthop J, 2007;1(1):1-4.
    MyJurnal
    Percutaneous endoscopic spinal surgery performed in the awake state offers a new paradigm for treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc prolapse. We report the outcome of 23 patients who underwent this procedure. Visual analogue scale for pain improved from 7.3 to 2.1; 19 of the 23 patients achieved good to excellent results according to the MacNab criteria. Patient acceptance of the procedure was 91.3%. All but one patient were discharged from hospital within 24 hours. One patient developed foot drop post-operatively. There was no incidence of dural tear, post-operative infection or worsening of symptoms. We conclude that this is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated procedure.
    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  5. Shafie AA, Ng CH, Thanimalai S, Haron N, Manocha AB
    J Diabetes Metab Disord, 2018 Dec;17(2):269-275.
    PMID: 30918862 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-018-0369-z
    Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to estimate the health utility values for hypoglycaemia events according to their severity and frequency. The secondary objective was to compare the health utilities between those with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the general population.

    Method: The health utilities of hypoglycaemia event were measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Time Trade-Off (TTO) methods among conveniently sampled consenting adults (>18 years and literate in either English or Malay language), which were then divided into two groups: those in the general population (GP) and those with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Each respondent was required to value 13 different health states, including frequencies of daytime hypoglycaemia and nocturnal hypoglycaemia, each depending on its severity (non-severe or severe).

    Results: 256 respondents from the GP and 99 respondents with T2DM completed the survey. The T2DM group gave higher VAS-values compared to the GP group. The highest mean VAS-utility value for non-severe nocturnal hypoglycaemia occurring once monthly was 0.543 (SD 0.161), and for severe daytime hypoglycaemia occurring once quarterly was 0.293 (SD 0.162) which was the lowest utility value compared to other health states. However, non-severe nocturnal hypoglycaemia occurring once quarterly was 0.537 (SD 0.284) and has the highest TTO-utility value. Severe nocturnal hypoglycaemia occurring once quarterly has the lowest utility value which was -0.104 (SD 0.380). Daytime hypoglycaemia has lower utility value compared to nocturnal hypoglycaemia. Severe hypoglycaemia has a greater disutility compared with the non-severe hypoglycaemia in both studied groups.

    Conclusion: The findings show that as a health utility, hypoglycaemia has a substantial impact on utility with severe hypoglycaemia having a greater negative impact compared to non-severe events across the board. This highlights the importance of preventing development of severe hypoglycaemia in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at any time of the day.

    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  6. Genesan P, Haspani MSM, Noor SRM
    Malays J Med Sci, 2018 Sep;25(5):59-67.
    PMID: 30914863 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.5.6
    Background: Many different conventional approaches such as the frontal and pterional approaches are used to access anterior circulation aneurysms. Recently, the supraorbital approach has been widely applied to the treatment of anterior circulation aneurysms. This study was done to evaluate which approach (pterional or supraorbital) has better outcomes in terms of residual neck post-clipping, cosmetic satisfaction, scar tenderness, complications and functional outcomes.

    Methodology: A total of 123 patients were recruited into this study, comprising 82 patients who underwent a pterional approach and 41 patients who underwent a supraorbital approach. Computed tomography angiograms, the modified Rankin Scale, and the visual analogue scale were administered at 6 months to look for residual aneurysm, functional outcomes, scar tenderness, and cosmetic satisfaction. Complication data were collected from patients' case notes.

    Results: The mean operating time for the pterional group was 226 min, compared to supraorbital group, which was 192 min (P = 0.07). Cosmetic satisfaction was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in the supraorbital group. There was no significant difference between the supraorbital and pterional groups' scar tenderness (P = 0.719), residual aneurysm (P = 0.719), or functional outcomes (P = 0.137), and there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of intra-operative and post-operative complications.

    Conclusions: The supraorbital group had better cosmetic outcomes and shorter operating times compared to the pterional group.

    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  7. Pridmore S, Erger S, May T
    Malays J Med Sci, 2019 May;26(3):102-109.
    PMID: 31303854 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.3.8
    Background: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is effective in major depressive episodes (MDE). However, MDE may follow a chronic, relapsing course, and some individuals may not satisfactorily respond to a first course of TMS.

    Objective: To investigate the outcome of second courses of TMS.

    Method: A naturalistic investigation-we prospectively studied 30 MDE in-patients and routinely collected information, including pre- and post-treatment with Six-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD6), a six-item Visual Analogue Scale (VAS6) and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S). Two categories of patients were considered: i) those who had remitted with a first course, but relapsed, and ii) those who had not remitted with the first course.

    Results: Thirty individuals received a second TMS course. The mean time to the second course was 27.5 weeks. Based on the HAMD6, 26 (87%) achieved remission after the first course, and 22 (73%) achieved remission after the second course. Furthermore, based on the HAMD6 results, of the four patients who did not achieve remission with a first course, three (75%) did so with a second course.

    Conclusion: In MDE, a second course of TMS is likely to help those who remitted to a first course and then relapsed, as well as those who did not achieve remission with a first course.

    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  8. Kwan MK, Lee CK, Chan CY
    Asian Spine J, 2016 Feb;10(1):99-110.
    PMID: 26949465 DOI: 10.4184/asj.2016.10.1.99
    STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

    PURPOSE: To report the outcome of 50 patients with spinal metastases treated with minimally invasive stabilization (MISt) using fluoroscopic guided percutaneous pedicle screws with/without minimally invasive decompression.

    OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The advent of minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screw stabilization system has revolutionized the treatment of spinal metastasis.

    METHODS: Between 2008 and 2013, 50 cases of spinal metastasis with pathological fracture(s) with/without neurology deficit were treated by MISt at our institution. The patients were assessed by Tomita score, pain score, operation time, blood loss, neurological recovery, time to ambulation and survival.

    RESULTS: The mean Tomita score was 6.3±2.4. Thirty seven patients (74.0%) required minimally invasive decompression in addition to MISt. The mean operating time was 2.3±0.5 hours for MISt alone and 3.4±1.2 hours for MISt with decompression. Mean blood loss for MISt alone and MISt with decompression was 0.4±0.2 L and 1.7±0.9 L, respectively. MISt provided a statistically significant reduction in visual analog scale pain score with mean preoperative score of 7.9±1.4 that was significantly decreased to 2.5±1.2 postoperatively (p=0.000). For patients with neurological deficit, 70% displayed improvement of one Frankel grade and 5% had an improvement of 2 Frankel grades. No patient was bed-ridden postoperatively, with the average time to ambulation of 3.4±1.8 days. The mean overall survival time was 11.3 months (range, 2-51 months). Those with a Tomita score <8 survived significantly longer than those a Tomita score ≥8 with a mean survival of 14.1±12.5 months and 6.8±4.9 months, respectively (p=0.019). There were no surgical complications, except one case of implant failure.

    CONCLUSIONS: MISt is an acceptable treatment option for spinal metastatic patients, providing good relief of instability back pain with no major complications.

    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  9. Poudel RR, Singh VA, Yasin NF
    Indian J Orthop, 2020 Apr;54(2):208-214.
    PMID: 32257039 DOI: 10.1007/s43465-019-00002-8
    Background: The family of patients undergo profound anxiety when their family member is undergoing major oncological surgery. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of periodic intraoperative text messages regarding the status of ongoing surgery in reducing anxiety levels among the patients' family members.

    Materials and Methods: Family members of 60 patients (one for each patient) who were undergoing major oncological surgery lasting more than 1 h were recruited and randomized into two groups (30 patients each). Group 1 (no SMS group) did not receive any text message while Group 2 (SMS group) received periodic intraoperative text messages. Respondents aged less than 16 years, those with associated psychiatric illnesses, and those who did not consent to the study were excluded. Anxiety among family members was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A) and Anxiety component of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) at five different periods; (P1) 1 day prior to surgery (P2) at separation from family at the operation theatre (P3) 1 h after commencement of surgery (P4) immediately after completion of surgery, and (P5) 1 day after surgery.

    Results: The mean VAS-A and HADS-S scores between both the groups did not show a statistically significant difference for P1, P2 and P5 assessment periods (preoperative period, separation in operation theatre, post-operative period). However, mean VAS-A and HADS-A scores were significantly higher for Group 1 compared to Group 2 during P3 and P4 periods, 1 h after commencement of surgery and completion of surgery, respectively.

    Conclusion: Periodic text messages updating the status of ongoing surgery helps to reduce anxiety for family members of patients undergoing oncological surgery during the intraoperative period.

    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  10. Munsour EE, Awaisu A, Ahmad Hassali MA, Dabbous Z, Zahran N, Abdoun E
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2020 Jun;16(6):793-799.
    PMID: 31542446 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.08.038
    BACKGROUND: The importance of providing accurate medication information that can be easily comprehended by patients to subsequently best use their medication(s) has been widely reported in the literature. Patient information leaflet (PIL) is a supporting tool aiding patients to make decisions about their treatment plan and improve patient-clinician communication and thus medication adherence. PIL is the written document produced by the pharmaceutical manufacturers and packed with the medicine. The available PILs do not consider cultural and behavioral perspectives of diverse populations residing in a country like Qatar. Consumer medication information (CMI) is written information about prescription drugs developed by organizations or individuals other than a drug's manufacturer that is intended for distribution to consumers at the time of drug dispensing.

    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of customized CMI (C-CMI) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Qatar.

    METHODS: This was a randomized controlled intervention study, in which the intervention group patients received C-CMI and the control group patients received usual care. HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and EQ visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) at three intervals [i.e. baseline, after 3 months and 6 months].

    RESULTS: The EQ-5D-5L index value for the intervention group exhibited sustained improvement from baseline to the third visit. There was a statistically significant difference between groups in the HRQoL utility value (represented as EQ index) at 6 months (0.939 vs. 0.796; p = 0.019). Similarly, the intervention group compared with the control group had significantly greater EQ-VAS at 6 months (90% vs. 80%; p = 0.003).

    CONCLUSIONS: The impact of C-CMI on health outcomes of T2DM patients in Qatar reported improvement in HRQoL indicators among the intervention patients. The study built a platform for health policymakers and regulatory agencies to consider the provision of C-CMI in multiple languages.

    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  11. Karobari MI, Assiry AA, Mirza MB, Sayed FR, Shaik S, Marya A, et al.
    Int J Dent, 2021;2021:6625126.
    PMID: 33747083 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6625126
    Introduction: Patients experience various levels of discomfort during orthodontic treatment, i.e., after placement of separators, orthodontic implant placement, and archwire placement and during debonding. Various pain control methods have been developed to relive pain during debonding, i.e., finger pressure (FP), elastomeric wafer (EW), and stress relief (SR).

    Aim: To analyse various pain scales commonly used to determine the effect of different pain control methods during debonding of orthodontic brackets. Study Design. A comparative cross-sectional study performed on a sample of 60 patients (n = 60) including 14 males and 46 females who were ready for debonding and who were divided into three groups, i.e., finger pressure (FP), elastomeric wafer (EW), and stress relief (SR).

    Materials and Methods: A 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to record the pain intensity for each tooth. Another scale known as Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) was used to evaluate the patient's general attitude towards pain perception. The armamentarium and operator were kept same for all the patients. Statistical analysis used was the Kruskal-Wallis test, used for intergroup and intragroup comparison of pain scores.

    Results: Lowest total pain score was recorded in the FP group (P=0.043) on intergroup comparison, while on intragroup comparison, higher pain scores were recorded in lower anterior region (P=0.02) in all three groups. There was no significant difference between the pain scores reported by the male and female subjects.

    Conclusion: FP is an effective method of pain control. And teeth in the anterior region of lower and upper arches are more sensitive to pain. In terms of cognitive-affective constructs, although the VAS has been widely used in previous studies, the PCS has been detailed to show the most reliable association with physical discomfort and emotional distress.

    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  12. Wan Adnan Wan Omar, Nur Liana Abu Bakar
    MyJurnal
    Trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating disease that can lead to depression and even suicide. Trigeminal neuralgia is usually treated using carbamazepine; however, many patients are refractory to such medical treatment. Thus, other treatment modalities are required, such as physical treatment and dry needling. The objective of this case report is to describe the management of trigeminal neuralgia in a 35 years old Malay housewife, who had left side atypical trigeminal neuralgia involving V2 region in the last four years, which was refractory to medical treatment. The appli- cation of Malay massage, combined with dry needling executed along the distribution of trigeminal nerve showed an improvement of pain on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from 7–8/10 to 0-1/10 after 11 sessions. Therefore, Malay massage combined with dry needling can be used as a non-pharmaceutical approach to managing trigeminal neu- ralgia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  13. Marliana A, Yudianta S, Subagya DW, Setyopranoto I, Setyaningsih I, Tursina Srie C, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2020 03;75(2):124-129.
    PMID: 32281592
    INTRODUCTION: In recent years, pulsed radiofrequency (PR) has been used as a minimally invasive pain intervention. However, various studies on the efficacy of PR as modalities for the treatment of radicular pain in lumbar disc herniation have had varied results.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the efficacy of PR in reducing radicular pain among lumbar disc herniation patients compared with conservative treatment.

    METHODS: This study was conducted using the before-andafter quasi experimental design. There were 50 subjects that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria and they were divided into an intervention group (n=25) and control group (n=25). The intervention group was given once PR in the dorsal root ganglion. All subjects were assessed for Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before treatment, at 1- , 2- and 4-week after treatment.

    RESULTS: At1-, 2- and 4-week, the VAS reduction in the intervention group was statistically significant compared to the control group. Four weeks after the intervention, the VAS score decreased in the intervention group (mean VAS -78.5, SD 16.8) more significantly compared to the control group (p<0.001). The ODI score decreased in the intervention group (mean ODI -61.8, SD 20.1) more significantly than in the control group (p<0.001).

    CONCLUSION: Finding showed that at1- , 2- and 4-weekPR was more efficacious in reducing radicular pain among lumbar disc herniation patients compared to the conservative therapy.

    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  14. Ho, S.E., Loong, S., Fatin Nur Laily R., Wan Nur Aizzati M., Muhammad Firdaus I.Z., Ho, Christopher C.K., et al.
    MyJurnal
    Neck pain presents as a symptom of dull pain or discomfort mainly along the trapezius muscle. Dry needling is an invasive procedure which uses acupuncture needle directed at myofascial trigger points. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling in managing patients with neck pain. A pre-test-post-test interventional study design was used. Patient education package was provided to 32 respondents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A 13-item Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) questionnaire was used to assess Rumination, Magnification and Helplessness. Subjective pain intensity was measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). These questionnaires were given before and after the dry needling intervention. The findings reported that respondents scored high in pre-test total PCS score (27.41±13.652). Post-test result revealed a significant improvement in total PCS score (23.06±13.938) (p = 0.000). Post-test VAS score (4.78±1.237) was also significantly better than pre-test (6.47±1.414) (p = 0.000). There was no significant difference in pre-test PCS in terms of marital status (p > 0.05) whereas there was significant difference between marital status and rumination in post-test (Z = -2.303, p = 0.021). There was significant difference between pre-test magnification in terms of respondents’ occupation (p = 0.008) and race (p = 0.035) but no significant difference in post-test. Respondents’ age group showed no significant differences between pre-test and post-test PCS and VAS (p > 0.05). In conclusion, patients who received dry needling showed improvement in pain intensity and catastrophizing towards neck pain.
    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  15. Goh, E.H., Christopher, C.K.H., Praveen, S., Zulkifli, M.Z.
    MyJurnal
    Management of pain plays an important role during prostate biopsy. Various types of management of pain plays an important role during prostate biopsy. Various types of anaesthetic methods have been used. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy and complication rate between periprostatic lidocaine infiltration and transrectal lidocaine gel in transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. All prostate biopsy patients were included except those with lidocaine, allergy, haemorrhagic diathesis, anticoagulation therapy, the inability to rate a visual analogue scale and inability to obtain consent. They were randomized into two groups. Group 1 received 20ml 2% transrectal lidocaine gel. Group 2 received 5ml 1% lidocaine infiltration for each periprostatic nerve block with 23-gauge spinal needle. After three minutes, prostate biopsy was performed with an 18 gauge 7-inch spring-loaded biopsy gun. Six biopsies were taken for each lobe. Pain during probe insertion, biopsy and immediately after the procedure was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale. Any complication immediately after procedure, one day or after one week, was recorded. Mean pain score was lower after periprostatic lidocaine infiltration compared to transrectal lidocaine gel (3.1 + 1.9 versus 4.9 + 2.4, p = 0.027). There was no statistically significant difference in the complication rate. Transrectal ultrasound prostate biopsy using periprostatic lidocaine infiltration provides better anaesthesia as compared to the transrectal lidocaine gel application with no significant difference in complication. Thus, the use of periprostatic lidocaine infiltration in TRUS guided prostate biopsy is recommended.
    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  16. Koh, P.S., Cha, K.H., Lucy, C., Rampal, S., Yoong, B.K.
    JUMMEC, 2012;15(2):1-7.
    MyJurnal
    BACKGROUND:
    Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, although is less invasive than open surgery, is not completely pain free. The use of local anaesthesia to relieve pain following this procedure is a common practice. However, it remains debatable whether a pre- or post-operative drug administration is more effective. Here, we investigated the role of preemptive local anaesthetic infiltration given pre- or post-incisional, in relieving the pain during laparoscopic surgery.

    METHODOLOGY:
    A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 96 patients receiving 0.5% Bupivacaine 100mg. Group A (n=48) received post-incisional skin infiltration whilst Group B (n=48) received pre-incisional infiltration. Incisional (somatic) and intra-abdominal (visceral) pain was assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at day 0, day 1 and day 7 post-operative days.

    RESULT:
    Baseline characteristics between the two groups were similar. Incisional pain was lower in Group B as compared to Group A at day 0 (P=0.03) and day 1 (P0.05).

    CONCLUSION:
    Administration of pre-incisional local anaesthesia offers better pre-emptive pain relief measure than post-incisional administration by reducing somatic and visceral pain in laparoscopic gall bladder surgery.
    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  17. Azmi S, Goh A, Fong A, Anchah L
    Value Health Reg Issues, 2015 May;6:80-83.
    PMID: 29698198 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2015.03.015
    OBJECTIVES: This study's objectives were to estimate the quality of life (QOL) of Malaysian patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during admission and at 12 months, to explore the factors associated with the QOL, and to compare utility scores derived from tariffs from local and foreign populations.

    METHODS: Data collected from patients with ACS between 2008 and 2009 for a study on cardiac rehabilitation at the Sarawak General Hospital were used for this study. QOL data were obtained using a validated version of the EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire at baseline and at 12 months. Health utility scores were calculated using visual analogue scale scores and utility tariffs from Malaysia and the United Kingdom.

    RESULTS: Data from 104 subjects from the earlier study was used. The mean age was 56.1 years, with 88.5% being men. The mean hospitalization duration was 6.3 days. The mean utility score was 0.75 at baseline and 0.82 at 12 months. There was a statistically significant improvement in utility from baseline to 12 months based on the Malaysian tariff (P = 0.014) but not with the UK tariff (P = 0.086). The QOL of patients was associated with sex and diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that there was a significant improvement in the QOL from baseline to 12 months. Only sex and diagnosis affected the QOL score at baseline because of limited variables available for testing. It also reconfirms the importance of applying the appropriate, country-specific utility tariffs in QOL studies. Despite limitations, the study is useful toward describing QOL among a group of Malaysian patients with ACS.

    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  18. 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: Visual Analog Scale
  19. Nor Azlin M, Lyn SK
    Sains Malaysiana, 2011;40(12):1461-1465.
    A controlled, single blinded experimental study was conducted to determine the effects of passive joint mobilization on pain and stairs ascending-descending time in subjects with knee osteoarthritis (OA knee). A total of 22 subjects aged 40 and above with mild and moderate OA knee were assigned to either passive knee mobilization plus conventional physiotherapy (experimental group) or conventional physiotherapy alone (control group). Both groups received 2 therapy sessions per week, for 4 weeks. A blinded assessor measured pain with Visual analogue scale and stairs ascending-descending time with Aggregated Locomotor Function test, at baseline and at week 4. There was a significant reduction in pain among subjects in the experimental group (18.07 mm, t = 3.48, p = 0.01) compared to the control group (6.66 mm, t = 0.44, p = 0.67). Non-significant clinical difference was found in stairs ascending-descending time between the two groups (i.e. 6.25s in the experimental group versus 6.78 s in the control group, F(1,10) = 0.70, p = 0.42). No significant correlation was found between pain score and stairs ascending-descending time, r = 0.34, p = 0.16. The addition of passive joint mobilization to conventional physiotherapy reduced pain but not stairs ascending-descending time among subjects with knee osteoarthritis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
  20. Jacob PS, Sonia Nath
    Sains Malaysiana, 2013;42(5):685-692.
    Scaling and root planing is one of the most commonly performed procedures in a dental clinic. Most patients will consider the procedure to be causing discomfort or even pain. Intrasulcular topical application of anaesthesia will be preferred over injectable anaesthetic by patients for reduction of pain during scaling and root planing. A double blind split mouth pilot study was designed to find if pain was associated with scaling and root planing and to assess if application of topical anaesthesia reduced the pain. Twenty one patients were enrolled to compare the effect of intrasulcularly applied 20% benzocaine with a placebo in reducing pain during scaling and root planing. Heft Parker Visual analog scale was used to record the level of pain experienced by participants during instrumentation. Independent samples and paired samples t test were used for statistical analysis. There was significant pain associated with scaling and root planing with placebo over baseline (p<0.01). There was significant reduction in pain in benzocaine applied side when compared with placebo (p<0.001). Pain level approached baseline in benzocaine applied side. In this study, pain was effectively and significantly reduced with intrasulcular application of 20% benzocaine in periodontitis patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Visual Analog Scale
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