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The objectives of this study are to compare hip muscle strength, hip joint proprioception, and functional balance between individuals with unilateral hip OA and asymptomatic individuals and to examine the relationships among these variables in the hip OA population. In a prospective cross-sectional study, 122 participants (unilateral Hip OA: n = 56, asymptomatic: n = 56) were assessed at the CAMS/KKU musculoskeletal Physical Therapy laboratory. Ethical standards were upheld throughout the research, with informed consent obtained. Hip muscle strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer, hip joint proprioception with a digital inclinometer, and functional balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Hip OA individuals exhibited significantly lower muscle strength and proprioceptive accuracy, and poorer functional balance than controls (p < 0.003). Correlation analyses revealed a positive correlation between muscle strength and BBS scores (r = 0.38 to 0.42) and a negative correlation with TUG test times (r = -0.36 to -0.41). Hip joint reposition sense (JRS) in flexion showed a negative correlation with balance (r = -0.46), while JRS in abduction was positively correlated (r = 0.46). The study highlights the clinical importance of muscle strength and proprioception in functional balance among individuals with unilateral hip OA. The results support the incorporation of muscle strengthening and proprioceptive training in interventions to improve balance and mobility in this population.

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cervicocephalic kinesthesia sensation and the incidence of falls in adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM-2) experiencing cervical pain. The research was conducted between January 1, 2022, and August 15, 2022. A total of 60 participants were included, with an average age of 26.03 ± 3.45 years and an average BMI of 21.4 ± 2.05 kg/m². Participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group of adults with DM-2 and cervical pain, and a control group without DM-2 but with cervical pain. Head repositioning errors were significantly higher in the experimental group for right-side and left-side lateral flexion (P = 0.002). Forward flexion also showed a significant difference between groups (P = 0.006). However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in extension (P = 0.589). No considerable differences were noted in the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores between the groups. Individuals with DM-2 experiencing neck pain exhibited minimal errors in head repositioning tests, yet no substantial alterations were evident in NDI and BBS scores.

Yoga, an ancient Hindu practice, is considered a mind-body type of complementary and alternative medicine practice. In this study, adolescent students are first clinically interviewed to diagnose if they had lingering traces of childhood trauma. They were then Pre-tested on different dimensions of emotional maturity like emotional instability, emotional regression, social maladjustment, Personality disintegration and lack of independence. The adolescents were made to do yogic and breathing exercises. After this post-tests were done on the adolescents. The results of the pre and post therapy were correlated. This analysis showcased the huge impact of yogic interventions.

Background Chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder, particularly in the elderly, leading to reduced cervical muscle strength, impaired functional balance, and decreased postural stability. This study investigated the correlation between cervical muscle strength, functional balance, and limits of stability (LOS) in elderly individuals with CNSNP. Additionally, it assessed the moderating effect of pain severity on the relationship between cervical muscle strength and these balance outcomes. Methods A prospective study included a total of 186 participants, including 93 with CNSNP and 93 asymptomatic individuals, were recruited. Cervical flexor and extensor muscle strength were assessed using an ergoFET hand-held dynamometer. Functional balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, while LOS were evaluated using the Iso-Free machine. Results Individuals with CNSNP exhibited significantly lower cervical flexor strength (32.45 ± 5.67 N vs. 40.75 ± 5.20 N, p  < 0.001) and extensor strength (28.30 ± 6.05 N vs. 36.90 ± 5.90 N, p  < 0.001) compared to asymptomatic individuals. Functional balance was also poorer in the CNSNP group, with lower BBS scores (47.85 ± 4.20 vs. 53.65 ± 3.85, p  < 0.001) and slower TUG times (11.30 ± 2.05 s vs. 8.45 ± 1.80 s, p  < 0.001). Cervical muscle strength showed moderate to strong positive correlations with LOS ( r  = 0.56 to 0.62, p  < 0.001) and BBS ( r  = 0.48 to 0.53, p  < 0.001). Pain severity significantly moderated the relationship between cervical muscle strength and functional balance (β = 0.20, p  = 0.045) as well as LOS (β = 0.22, p  = 0.038), suggesting that higher pain levels diminish the positive effects of muscle strength on balance. Conclusion Cervical muscle strength plays a crucial role in maintaining functional balance and postural stability in elderly individuals with CNSNP. Pain severity moderates the relationship between cervical muscle strength and balance outcomes, emphasizing the importance of integrating muscle strengthening and pain management in rehabilitation programs for elderly individuals with CNSNP to optimize postural control and minimize fall risk.

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS) is a common shoulder condition characterized by pain and functional impairment. Proprioception, the sense of joint position and movement, is crucial in maintaining joint stability and coordinating movements. The relationship between shoulder proprioception, pain intensity, and functional disability in individuals with SAIS remains unclear, with conflicting findings in the literature. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate shoulder proprioception, examine its correlation with pain intensity and functional disability, and contribute to our understanding of the clinical implications of proprioceptive deficits in individuals with SAIS. Forty-two individuals were diagnosed with SAIS, and an equal number of asymptomatic controls were recruited. Shoulder proprioception was assessed using a digital inclinometer, measuring joint position sense at various angles of flexion and rotation. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and functional disability was assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Results: Individuals with SAIS exhibited significantly higher joint position error (JPE) values compared to asymptomatic controls in all measured angles of flexion and rotation (p < 0.001). Strong positive correlations were observed between JPE and pain intensity (r = 0.61 to 0.71, p < 0.01) and disability (r = 0.56 to 0.68, p < 0.01). These findings suggest impaired shoulder proprioception is associated with higher pain intensity and functional disability in SAIS. This study provides evidence of impaired shoulder proprioception in individuals with SAIS and its correlation with pain intensity and functional disability. The results highlight the clinical relevance of proprioceptive deficits in SAIS and emphasize the importance of incorporating proprioceptive assessment and targeted rehabilitation interventions into managing this condition. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies with larger and more diverse samples to further understand the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the effectiveness of proprioceptive interventions in improving outcomes for individuals with SAIS.

The functional limitations associated with chronic low back pain (CLBP) are substantial and are highly correlated with core muscle endurance and psychosocial factors. Core muscle endurance is known to affect physical performance, whereas pain catastrophizing and fear avoidance beliefs can contribute to disability. A comprehensive understanding of the interrelated impact of these factors is critical for developing effective rehabilitative strategies. The study aimed to (1) examine the correlation between core muscle endurance and functional mobility in CLBP subjects and (2) explore the influence of psychosocial factors, pain catastrophizing, and fear-avoidance beliefs on that correlation. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 136 adults; core muscle endurance was measured by plank, side-bridge, and back extensor tests. The timed up and go (TUG) and five times sit-to-stand test (5TSTS) were utilized to evaluate functional mobility. Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), and disability using the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Psychosocial factors were measured using the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) and the fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ). Core muscle endurance measures were moderately correlated with functional mobility outcomes (TUG: = -0.42 to -0.50,  < 0.05; 5TSTS:  =  - 0.35 to -0.43,  < 0.05). Hierarchical regression showed muscle endurance accounted for 32% of the variance in mobility, while adding psychosocial factors increased the adjusted R to 0.52 (  < 0.05). High-psychosocial-risk subgroups analyzed within the study had poorer mobility (TUG: 9.45 ± 1.32 7.89 ± 1.21 s;  = 0.001). Psychosocial factors and endurance of the core muscles in CLBP can significantly predict functional mobility. Integrating physical and psychological rehabilitation strategies might improve mobility outcomes, bolster human dignity, and enhance quality of life.

This study investigated the preparation of stable conventional heavy crude oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions by mechanical homogenization with the addition of a non-ionic surfactant, Tween-20. A four-factor, five-level central composite design was carried out to investigate the effects of four independent variables, including mixing intensity (4,000–10,000 rpm), mixing duration (5–45 min), water salinity (0–40 g/L), and the concentration of emulsifier (0.1–2.1 wt%) on the emulsion stability. Emulsion stability was determined by quantification of creaming index, turbidity change rate, and average oil droplet size. The results demonstrated that the salinity of 30 g/L, mixing intensity of 8,500 rpm, mixing duration of 35 min, and emulsifier concentration of 1.6 wt% led to the formation of the most stable emulsion.

Dignity and indignity, risk and safety, are pairs of concepts on a continuum, and this continuum can have fuzzy boundaries and differing interpretations. Risk is typically defined and apprehended by an actor and an observer and can shift according to time, place, context, and voice. Moreover, when the dignity of risk is considered, it typically involves the subject who is deemed to be taking the risk(s) and the other who is considering protection or safeguards and weighing in at a specific moment in time, focusing on a window of information and conceptualization. This can lead to reflexive responses and confirmatory biases. This article draws on the author's experience as a psychologist and clinical ethicist and focuses on judgments about the other, the meaning of risk, and the confounding nature of human perceptions and attributions about risk. As humans in relationship with each other, we are imperfect evaluators of risk for the other. Humility and an openness to situational factors may open up much needed space for reflection.

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is characterized by impaired ankle joint position sense (JPS) and compromised balance. Despite previous studies investigating the correlation between ankle JPS and balance in individuals with CAI, the potential mediating effect of pain in this relationship remains unclear. Understanding the role of pain as a mediator between ankle JPS and balance could provide valuable insights into the complex interplay among these variables in individuals with CAI. Therefore, further research is needed to elucidate the mediating effect of pain and its implications in assessing and managing ankle JPS and balance deficits in individuals with CAI. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the mediating role of pain in the association between ankle JPS and balance in individuals with unilateral CAI. Methods: Fifty-five individuals diagnosed with CAI participated in this study. Ankle JPS was assessed using a digital inclinometer, whereas the balance was measured using a computerized dynamic posturography device. Results: Participants with CAI showed impaired ankle JPS in the affected leg compared to that in the asymptomatic leg (p < 0.001). Ankle JPS errors were greater in both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion directions in the CAI. Balance was compromised in the CAI leg (p < 0.001). Moderate correlations (p < 0.001, r = 0.31 to 0.48) were found between the balance variables. Pain significantly mediated the ankle JPS-balance relationship in the CAI (p < 0.05, Sobel test). The findings suggest that individuals with CAI exhibit impaired ankle JPS and compromised balance. Pain plays a mediating role in the association between ankle JPS and balance in individuals with CAI. These results highlight the importance of considering pain as a potential mediator when assessing and treating balance issues in individuals with CAI. Healthcare professionals should incorporate assessments of ankle JPS and pain into the management of interventions that address these factors and improve balance and functional ability.