Physiotherapy العلاج الطبيعي
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- ItemThe Effect of a Suggested Exercise Program on Balance and Cardiovascular Fitness in Children with DownSyndrome: A Quasi Comparative Study(Al-Quds Univeersity, 2025-12-13) Razan Michael Hilal; رزان ميشيل هلالBackground: Down syndrome (DS), or trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder causedby having an extra copy of chromosome 21, which leads to physical and intellectual disabilities, typicalfacial features, delayed growth, and hypotonia. DS’s people objected tomedicalcomplications:heart defects, obesity, and diabetes. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured exercise program that integrates aerobic exercise and balance training, toward improving cardiovascular fitness and balance among DS’s children. Methods: A quasi-comparative (single-blinded) study conducted with 40 DS’s children aged 4 to 12 years from Jemima and Life Gate in Beit Jala. Participants were assigned by convenience sampling to either experimental group, which engaged in a structured exercise program for two sessions per week, with a 60-minute duration, over 12 weeks.Or to control group received standard physiotherapy sessions. Balance and cardiovascular fitness were assessed using the pre- and post-Berg Balance (PBB) Test and the 6-minute walk (6MWT) test. Results:The findings indicate that the structured exercise program hadsignificant improvements in cardiovascular endurance and balance among DS’s children. Participants in the intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in 6MW Test (p=0.001) with a very large effect size (Cohen’s d=3.433), alongside marked improvements in overall balance as measured by the PBB Scale (p=0.001, Cohen’s d=1.447) compared to the control group. Notably, the intervention group showed substantial gains in specific balance tasks, including more challengingactivities such as turning 360 degrees and standing on one foot (p=0.001). Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was found between cardiovascular endurance and balance at post-test (r=0.663, p=0.001). Conclusion:This study demonstrates that a structured exercise program combining aerobic and balance training can effectively enhance cardiovascular endurance and balance amongDS’s children.Suggesting that targeted physical activity interventions may playa crucial role in promoting overall motor function and physical fitness among DS.
- ItemThe Effect of a Suggested Exercise Program on Balance and Cardiovascular Fitness in Children with DownSyndrome: A Quasi Comparative Study(Al-Quds Univeersity, 2025-12-13) Razan Michael Hilal; رزان ميشيل هلالBackground: Down syndrome (DS), or trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder causedby having an extra copy of chromosome 21, which leads to physical and intellectual disabilities, typicalfacial features, delayed growth, and hypotonia. DS’s people objected tomedicalcomplications:heart defects, obesity, and diabetes. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured exercise program that integrates aerobic exercise and balance training, toward improving cardiovascular fitness and balance among DS’s children. Methods: A quasi-comparative (single-blinded) study conducted with 40 DS’s children aged 4 to 12 years from Jemima and Life Gate in Beit Jala. Participants were assigned by convenience sampling to either experimental group, which engaged in a structured exercise program for two sessions per week, with a 60-minute duration, over 12 weeks.Or to control group received standard physiotherapy sessions. Balance and cardiovascular fitness were assessed using the pre- and post-Berg Balance (PBB) Test and the 6-minute walk (6MWT) test. Results:The findings indicate that the structured exercise program hadsignificant improvements in cardiovascular endurance and balance among DS’s children. Participants in the intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in 6MW Test (p=0.001) with a very large effect size (Cohen’s d=3.433), alongside marked improvements in overall balance as measured by the PBB Scale (p=0.001, Cohen’s d=1.447) compared to the control group. Notably, the intervention group showed substantial gains in specific balance tasks, including more challengingactivities such as turning 360 degrees and standing on one foot (p=0.001). Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was found between cardiovascular endurance and balance at post-test (r=0.663, p=0.001). Conclusion:This study demonstrates that a structured exercise program combining aerobic and balance training can effectively enhance cardiovascular endurance and balance amongDS’s children.Suggesting that targeted physical activity interventions may playa crucial role in promoting overall motor function and physical fitness among DS.
- ItemPrevalence of Low Back Pain After Epidural Analgesia in Postpartum Palestinian Women and the Impact of Home Exercise Programs on Alleviating it(Al-Quds University, 2025-12-22) Sawsan Mohammad Aliyan; سوسن محمد عليانBackground: Postpartum low back pain (PPLBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition that can significantly impair functional recovery and quality of life after childbirth. Despite the widespread use of epidural analgesia during labor, its role in persistent postpartum pain remains controversial, and evidence from low- and middle-income settings is limited. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of postpartum low back pain (PPLBP) among Palestinian women, examine the association between epidural analgesia and persistent pain, and evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based exercise program (HEP) in reducing pain and disability. Methods: A two-phase design was used. Phase One was a cross-sectional survey of 414 postpartum women from the West Bank assessing PPLBP prevalence, risk factors, and pain management practices. Phase Two involved a pre–post intervention with 30 participants experiencing PPLBP. Participants completed a four-week physiotherapist-guided HEP delivered remotely. Outcome measures included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results: The prevalence of PPLBP was 82.4%, substantially higher than reported in other settings. No significant long-term association was found between epidural use and persistent pain. Younger age, elevated BMI, vaginal birth and lower parity were associated with higher pain intensity. Following the HEP, participants showed clinically significant improvements (p=0.05): NPRS scores decreased from 6.2 to 2.8, ODI from 38.7% to 18.4%, and BPI from 5.4 to 2.5. Adherence and satisfaction with the virtual program were high. Conclusion: PPLBP is highly prevalent among Palestinian women and influenced more by demographic and physical factors than by epidural use. The HEP proved effective, feasible, and culturally appropriate, supporting its integration into postpartum care, especially in resource-limited settings.
- ItemFactors affecting balance and fall risk among elderly people over 60 years in Hebron, Palestine: A Cross–Sectional Study(Al-Quds Univeersity, 2025-12-15) Safa Arafat Essa Al-Batsh; صفاء عرفات عيسى البطشBackground: Falls among older people pose a serious health issue and have been associated with injuries, disability, and loss of quality of life. It is necessary to have a comprehensive outlook on factors influencing physical, cognitive, psychological, and social domains associated with balance and risk of falls. Objective: To explore factors that affect balance and risk of falls among older adults, above 60 years, living within the community of Hebron, Palestine. Methods: A total of 323 participants were given demographic questionnaires and physically and cognitively assessed with balance measures (Berg Balance Scale [BBS], Timed Up and Go Test [TUG], Single Leg Stance [SLS]) and cognitive function measurement tools (Mini-Mental State Examination), as well as psychosocial tools (Fear of Falling Scale, community participation, and domains of quality of life). Correlation and regression analyses were conducted. Results: The average age was 67.8 ± 6.54 years, and females accounted for 56% of the sample. Balance risk testing showed 64.4%, 20.7%, and 14.9% were at low, medium, and high risk for falls, respectively. A significant association with low balance performance existed for cognitive impairment, assistive device use, physical inactivity, difficulty walking on uneven ground, and loss of functional independence (p < 0.001). The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) predicted fall risk better than any other measure and influenced social participation and falls concern but not overall life satisfaction and fear of falls on the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Regression analysis pointed to physical and cognitive variables, such as problems with memory and assistive device use, as vital determinants of balance. Functional change as measured by Fisher Score significantly predicted balance. Conclusion: Balance among older people requires consideration of physical, cognitive, and functional variables. Strategies that focus on enhancing physical activity levels, cognitive functions, usage of assistive devices, addressing sensory impairments, and encouraging independence with activities of daily living should be promoted among elderly populations within the city of Hebron.
- ItemImpact of Early Versus Delayed Physiotherapy Intervention on Humerus Fracture Functional Recovery in Resource-Limited Settings(Al-Quds Univeersity, 2025-12-28) Asem Husien Rushdi Abdelghani; عاصم حسين رشدي عبد الغنيBackground: Humerus fractures represent a significant orthopedic challenge and may result in pain, restricted shoulder mobility, and functional disability if rehabilitation is not initiated appropriately. Although early physiotherapy is believed to enhance recovery, the optimal timing for rehabilitation initiation remains controversial, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings such as Palestine. Aim: This study aimed to compare the effects of early versus delayed physiotherapy initiation on pain, edema, shoulder range of motion, and functional recovery among adults’post humerus fractures. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted amongst 40 adults aged 18–60 years diagnosed with humerus fractures. Participants were allocated into two groups: an early intervention group (n = 20), in which physiotherapy was initiated within two weeks following orthopedic referral, and a delayed intervention group (n = 20), in which physiotherapy commenced at least after six weeks due to several delayed reasons. Both groups received standardized physiotherapy protocols adapted to fracture stage and patient tolerance. Outcome measures included pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaireto help patients describe and quantify their pain's quality. While for functional recovery the Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) we used, shoulder range of motion measured using a goniometer, and edema evaluated through standardized circumferential limb measurements and lastly the upper limb function and disability assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and. Assessments were performed at baseline and after an 8-week intervention period. Results: Improvements were observed across all outcome measures in both groups following physiotherapy. However, participants who received early physiotherapy demonstrated greater gains in shoulder range of motion and functional performance compared with those who received delayed intervention. Pain reduction occurred in both groups, with earlier initiation resulting in faster and more clinically meaningful improvement. Early intervention was also associated with lower disability levels and enhanced functional independence at follow-up. Conclusion: Early initiation of physiotherapy following humerus fracture is associated with superior functional recovery, improved shoulder mobility, reduced pain and edema, and decreased disability without compromising safety. These findings support the implementation of timely rehabilitation strategies and highlight the need to improve access to early physiotherapy services in resource-limited settings.