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(1) Background: Children spend a lot of time within schools. The school setting generally has many ergonomic hazards and reinforced behavior patterns which put children at greater risk of environmental hazards than adults during their critical developmental stages. (2) Objective: The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and detect spinal deformities amongst general and technical secondary school students. (3) Methods: A total of 418 students from the second grade of secondary school in Shaquira governorate, Egypt participated in this cross-sectional study. Each student in the study was screened via Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and had their upper limb posture measured via RULA (Rapid Upper Limb assessment), and the deviation in their thoracic curve was measured using a scoliometer. (4) Results: There was a prevalence of MSDs amongst students as there were 69.7% of general school students and 83.8% of the technical school students suffering from MSDs with a statistically significant difference between both technical and general school students in RULA score and musculoskeletal complaints, whereas there were non-statistical differences in the scoliometer scale in both general and technical education students. (5) Conclusions: Musculoskeletal problems are prevalent among Egyptian secondary school students, with higher prevalence between technical school students. Therefore, preventive measures and strategies are recommended to overcome the future complications of these musculoskeletal disorders.

Background Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have motor deficits caused by spasticity, weakness, contractures, diminished selective motor control (SMC), and poor balance. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the influence of mirror feedback on lower extremity selective motor control and balance in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Understanding the relationship between SMC and balance will help children with hemiplegic CP receive more appropriate therapies. Methods Forty-seven children of both sexes diagnosed with hemiplegic CP participated in the study. Group1 (Gr1 - control group) received conventional physical therapy training while group 2 (Gr2 - intervention group) received conventional physical therapy training in addition to bilateral lower extremity mirror therapy (MT). The primary outcome measure used was Selective Control Assessment of Lower Extremity scale (SCALE), while the secondary outcome measure was the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Results There were significant differences in Selective Control Assessment of Lower Extremity Scale (SCALE) and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) between both groups in favor of Gr2. After treatment, both groups improved significantly, yet Gr2 outperformed Gr1 by a large margin. Conclusion Mirror therapy may be a useful addition to home-based motor interventions for children with hemiplegic CP due to its relative simplicity, low cost, and high patient adherence. Additionally, it may help children improve their selective motor skills and balance. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials using African Clinical Trials Registry website with ID number PACTR202105604636415 retrospectively registered on 21/01/202.

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have motor deficits caused by spasticity, weakness, contractures, diminished selective motor control (SMC), and poor balance. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the influence of mirror feedback on lower extremity selective motor control and balance in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Understanding the relationship between selective motor control and balance will help children with hemiplegic CP receive more appropriate therapies. Forty-seven children of both sexes diagnosed with hemiplegic CP participated in the study. Group1 (Gr1 - control group) received conventional physical therapy training while group 2 (Gr2 - intervention group) received conventional physical therapy training in addition to bilateral lower extremity mirror therapy (MT). The primary outcome measure used was Selective Control Assessment of Lower Extremity scale (SCALE), while the secondary outcome measure was the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Results showed significant differences in Selective Control Assessment of Lower Extremity Scale (SCALE) and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) between both groups in favor of Gr2. After treatment, both groups improved significantly, yet Gr2 outperformed Gr1 by a large margin. Mirror therapy may be a useful addition to home-based motor interventions for children with hemiplegic CP due to its relative simplicity, low cost, and high patient adherence. Additionally, it may help children improve their selective motor skills and balance.