(1) Background: Neck pain is the most common type of musculoskeletal problem affecting office workers. Various occupational risk factors have been linked to neck pain. This study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of neck pain among office workers at the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and the participants completed an online questionnaire based on the Standardized Nordic questionnaire and Quality of Life Scale Brief Version to evaluate their neck pain and the physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors that might affect their conditions. A descriptive analysis was conducted for the data and a logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effects of biodemographic and occupational factors on the likelihood of having neck pain. (3) Results: A total of 413 subjects (176 females and 237 males) participated in our study with an average age of 33.6 ± 8 years. The prevalence of neck pain in our participants was 64% during a twelve-month period. Females were less likely to suffer neck pain than males (OR = 0.52, 95%CI [0.30,0.87]), and age, BMI, level of education, and profession were not associated with likelihood of having neck pain. However, reduced working hours were associated with a reduction in the likelihood of having neck pain (OR = 0.42, 95%CI [0.33,0.53]). (4) Conclusion: Neck pain affects a large proportion of the office workers at the Ministry of Health, and this pain is significantly associated with long working hours and males. Thus, there is a need for future research that can investigate how associated factors can be managed to reduce the long-term impact of neck pain on workers’ lives. Quality improvement approaches might be used to implement effective interventions for the prevention and management of work-related risk factors that can cause neck pain.
Background and Objectives: Research examining the difference between the effects of deep and superficial dry needling on myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle is limited. Thus, this systematic review was conducted to compare the effects of these two dry needling techniques on pain and functional disability in adults with neck pain who demonstrated MTrPs. Materials and Methods: Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) were identified through an electronic search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, Dimensions and OpenAlex from inception until 22 September 2024. Only English-language studies were considered. Best-evidence synthesis was utilised to interpret the results of the included RCTs. Results: Of the 192 records obtained, 8 RCTs were included (2 with a low risk of bias, 4 with some risk-of-bias concerns and 2 with a high risk of bias). Overall, both deep and superficial dry needling provided short-term alleviation of pain and functional disability. No clinically meaningful differences were found between the two dry needling techniques. Conclusions: Deep and superficial dry needling seem to have similar positive effects on pain and functional disability in patients with neck pain exhibiting MTrPs.
Introduction: Gait is a major function of independence that determines the quality of life, participation, and restriction. Gait assessment in physical therapy practice is fundamental for assessing musculoskeletal conditions. This study planned to determine the extent and barriers of using gait assessment tools by physical therapists in clinical practice in Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional design was used. A standardized survey was sent through e-mail and social media to physical therapists working in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers in different Saudi Arabian regions. Results: A total of 320 physical therapists from different regions in Saudi Arabia participated. There was a significant relationship between using gait assessment tools by physical therapists and patient groups (p = 0.002), receiving training (p = 0.001), dealing with patients who suffer from gait problems (p = 0.001), and visiting the gait laboratory (p = 0.001). Physical therapists’ use of gait assessment tools for musculoskeletal conditions in clinical practice in Saudi Arabia was limited. The primary barrier preventing physical therapists from using gait assessment methods in clinical practice was a lack of resources, including instruments, space, time, and funds.
11 August 2020 in International Journal of Physiotherapy and Research
Background: Research examining the difference between the effects of deep and superficial dry needling on myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle is limited. Thus, this systematic review was conducted to compare the effects of these two dry-needling techniques on pain and functional disability in adults with neck pain who demonstrated MTrPs. Methods: Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) were identified through an electronic search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, Dimensions and OpenAlex from inception until September 22, 2024. Only English-language studies were considered. Best-evidence synthesis was utilised to interpret the results of the included RCTs. Results: Of the 192 records obtained, eight RCTs were included (two with a low risk of bias, four with some risk-of-bias concerns and two with a high risk of bias). Overall, both deep and superficial dry needling provided short-term alleviation of pain and functional disability. No clinically meaningful differences were found between the two dry-needling techniques. Conclusion: Deep and superficial dry needling seem to have similar positive effects on pain and functional disability in patients with neck pain exhibiting MTrPs.