Background: Ambient air pollution is a serious challenge to human health in most West African countries including Nigeria. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effects of dust inhalation on the vital capacity of commercial motorcyclists in Abakaliki metropolis. Methods: 200 subjects participated in this study, 100 commercial motorcyclists (test group) and 100 non-motorcyclists (control group). The mean ± S.D of their age, height and weight were calculated. Vital capacity was measured using a spirometer. A questionnaire and consent form was filled by every participant before the commencement of the study. A handheld laser dust measuring device called air sampler PCE-PCO 1 was used to analyze the quantity, quality and sizes of particulate matters present in the research area. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics; Mean and standard deviations were calculated and the Z-test was used to test if the mean were significantly different. Level of significance was set at 95%. Results: The age of participants were within the range of 25 – 30 years. Commercial motorcyclists were exposed to particulate matter 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 µm. The vital capacity of commercial motorcyclists was significantly lower than that of non-motorcyclists (p =0.01). Furthermore, a significant decrease in the vital capacity of commercial motorcyclists was observed when correlated with the number of years spent in the job (p = 0.03). There was also a significant correlation between vital capacity and hours spent per week among commercial motorcyclists (r = 0.245). Conclusion: Commercial motorcyclists need to be encouraged to adopt respiratory health safety strategies like use of full-face helmets, practice of active cycle of breathing techniques and also, be educated on air pollution hazards by public health workers.

Purpose: Identifying factors related to low-back pain (LBP) can facilitate its management. However, information on how physical activity (PA) level, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and anthropometric characteristics are related to LBP-associated health indices in individuals with chronic LBP (CLBP) is scarce. This study explored how PA level, HRQoL and anthropometric indices are related to CLBP-related disability in a Nigerian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 100 individuals with CLBP who were receiving treatment in physiotherapy out-patient clinics of selected tertiary hospitals, and 95 apparently healthy individuals. PA level, disability level and HRQoL were measured using standardized procedures. Results: Disability level inversely correlated with physical component score (PCS) of HRQoL ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]), mental component score (MCS) of HRQoL ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]), pain intensity ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]) and PA level ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]), but positively correlated with duration of pain ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]) among individuals with CLBP. PCS of HRQoL ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]) solely accounted for 71% of the prediction of disability level. Conclusion: PA level and HRQoL decrease with increasing CLBP-related disability with the PCS of HRQoL being mostly affected. Individuals with CLBP may need to be motivated against their health problem, and be encouraged to participate in PA.

Exercise has been proven to be effective in the management of chronic low back pain. Over the years, core stability exercise (CSE) has gained popularity however there is lack of consensus on the best exercise treatment. Aims: To review the effectiveness of core stability exercises or conventional exercises in the management of chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: This study is a systematic review of randomized clinical trials which examined studies regarding core stability and conventional exercise by using Google scholar, Medline, PEDro and Cochrane from 2010 to 2021. The Methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale. The included studies randomized participants into two different exercise groups. Results: From the 58 potentially relevant trials, a total of 14 trials were included in the current analysis. The data indicated that core stability exercise was better than conventional exercise for short term pain relief. Ten studies included self reported back specific functional status, and compared to conventional exercise, core stability exercise resulted in significant improvement in function. Conclusion: Compared to conventional exercise, core stability exercise is more effective in pain reduction and improved physical function in individuals with CLBP in the short term however, only two trials carried out follow-up assessments post intervention. Keywords: Core stability exercise; conventional exercise; chronic low back pain.