Objective: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to study effects of breathing reeducation in the treatment of patients with non specific chronic neck pain. Methods: A total of sixty eight eligible patients with chronic neck pain were randomly allocated to breathing reeducation (BR) group (n = 34) and routine physical therapy (RPT) group (n = 34). Clinical outcomes were neck pain measured through visual analogue score, cervical active range of motion through CROM device, strength of neck muscles through hand held dynamometer and endurance of neck muscles measured through craniocervical flexion test. The neck disability was measured through neck disability index (NDI) and pulmonary outcomes such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratio were measured through Spirolab 4. The outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 4 and at 8 weeks from baseline. Results: There were significant improvements in the BR group compared with the RPT group (P = 0.002) for cervical flexion, extension (P = 0.029), endurance (P = 0.042), strength of neck flexors (P <0.001), neck extensors (P = 0.034). Likewise there was a significant change in NDI (P = 0.011), FEV1 (P = 0.045), FVC (P <0.001), and FEV1/FVC ratio (P 0.05. Conclusion: Breathing reeducation combined with routine physical therapy is an effective treatment in patients with non specific chronic neck pain. Trial registration: IRCT 20200226046623N1, https://www.irct.ir/trial/46240.

The objective of this study was to find out the effect of the myofascial release technique combined with valgus correction exercise on the pain, range of motion, balance, and quality of life in participants with grade II knee osteoarthritis. Forty participants with grade II knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned into two treatment groups in the present clinical trial; group A was the myofascial release group, and group B was the myofascial release with valgus correction exercises group. Measurement included pain, balance, range of motion, and quality of life, as measured through the visual analog scale (VAS), Berg balance scale (BBS), goniometer, and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), respectively. The data were collected at the baseline and 3rd and 6th weeks. The between-groups comparison at the end of the 6th week showed significant results in the iliotibial band myofascial release with the valgus correction exercise group (p < 0.001). The within-group difference showed improvement in both groups individually, with more significant values in group B. The current study showed that the myofascial release combined with valgus correction exercises can effectively improve the pain, range of motion, balance, and quality of life in participants with grade II knee osteoarthritis. Trial Registration: IRCT20230216057434N3.

The South African Journal of Physiotherapy is the official scholarly refereed journal of the South African Society of Physiotherapy. It aims to publish original research and facilitate continuing professional development for physiotherapists and other health professions both nationally and internationally.

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of breathing re-education with routine physical therapy. This mixed method study was conducted at the District Headquarter Hospital Faisalabad, Faisalabad from April 2020 to July 2020. Fourteen participants (6men and 8 women) with chronic neck pain were recruited over a 16-week period and were equally divided into breathing re-education and routine physical therapy groups. The mean age of the patients was 38.48± 5.92 years. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, randomisation and retention rates of the participants. Clinical outcomes assessed for full trial were neck pain, cervical ROM, strength and endurance of neck muscles, quality of life and pulmonary functions. Outcomes were measured at baseline, fourth and eighth weeks. All the participants completed all the treatment sessions. No adverse events were reported. The breathing re-education group showed significant improvement in clinical outcomes. The results of this feasibility study provide supporting evidence for a future large-scale trial. Breathing re-education appears to be an effective treatment for chronic neck pain. Keywords: Neck pain, Respiration, Re-education

In the current world, a large number of citizens do not have time to engage themselves in exercise due to tight schedules. A set of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and stress, may result because of this lack of physical activity. Aerobic exercises are one of the simple and natural methods of keeping healthy. These are exercises which raise your heart rate and cause you to breathe quickly. Walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, and dancing are some of the common aerobic activities. They are often performed at indoor or outdoor venues, in groups or individually, and do not necessarily require special equipment. Aerobic exercises are also referred to as cardio exercises, as they improve the functional capacity of the heart and lungs. These activities involve the use of large muscle groups, such as the legs and arms, in a consistent and sustained manner. Aerobic exercises are practiced by individuals of all ages. Simple everyday activities can serve as effective exercise—for instance, walking to the store instead of driving, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or gardening—all of which may serve as forms of aerobic activity. Newcomers to physical activity can begin gradually with low-impact exercises such as slow walking or mild movement-based routines, and progressively increase the duration and intensity. Aerobic exercise offers numerous health benefits, which are realized when it is performed on a regular basis. It strengthens the heart and supports improved blood circulation. It also reduces blood pressure and assists in regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Aerobic activity is also effective in weight management by burning excess calories. Beyond the physical benefits, aerobic exercises positively impact mental health. Regular activity helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. It helps to sleep better and boosts the level of energy. People are more energetic, active and are more optimistic in their day to day lives. In summary, aerobic exercise is an easy, safe, and natural way of improving physical and mental health. It is all inclusive and can be modified to suit individuals of different age groups and physical capacity. Aerobic exercise, when combined with physical therapy programs, may be significant in preventing diseases, rehabilitation, and improvement of the quality of life. It is important as physical therapists and other health professionals to advise, encourage and teach people to engage in aerobic exercise as part of their daily activities. It could be a formal exercise or a walk every day, each step counts. Being physically active is among the most effective and affordable decisions that one can make to improve the long-term health and functional autonomy.

Peripheral neuropathy is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by injury to the peripheral nerves, which may lead to many sensory, motor, autonomic, or a combination of any of the symptoms. The clinical presentation of peripheral neuropathy includes sensory impairments such as numbness, tingling, burning pain, and hypersensitivity, predominantly affecting the distal extremities. Motor impairments, including weakness, muscle atrophy, and impaired coordination, may also occur, which causes activity limitations and participation restrictions. Additionally, autonomic dysfunction causes further complications such as gastrointestinal disturbances, orthostatic hypotension, and urinary retention. These symptoms can range from mild to severe pain and disability, ultimately impacting the quality of life of the suffering individuals. This chapter is based on an overview of the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment options of peripheral neuropathy.