Background:Lung reactions to exposure to dust, gases, and fumes at work places have been studied in different populations. The emission level of pollutants that emit particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in size (PM 10) has been found very high in Ahmedabad. Hence, petrol pump workers in Ahmedabad are likely to get exposed to a high level of air pollution along with petrol and diesel vapors. Both of these factors can affect the respiratory health of petrol pump workers.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at 53 different petrol pumps of Ahmedabad. A total of 227 petrol pump workers underwent pulmonary function testing. Their spirometry parameters were compared with 227 age-matched, healthy controls.Results:A significant reduction (P < 0.001) was found in the spirometry parameters, such as, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in petrol pump workers, as compared to the controls. The mean values of FEV1/FVC (%) were significantly increased (P < 0.001). A decline in FVC was not significantly different among the workers according to the duration of exposure. As the duration of exposure increased, there was a progressive decline in FEV1/FVC (%) and FEF25-75.Conclusion:The study concludes that the deleterious effects of air pollution and petrol/diesel vapor inhalation on the lung function of petrol pump workers results in a restrictive type of lung function abnormality. The pattern of respiratory impairment changes to a mixed type as the duration of exposure increases.

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Arthrofibrosis following total knee arthroplasty is an uncommon complication defined as less than 80 degrees of knee flexion 6-8 weeks post operatively. It is characterized by abnormal scarring of the joint in which the formation of dense fibrous tissue and tissue metaplasia prevent normal range of motion. Clinical features include limited knee Range of motion with extension deficit, pain with activities of daily living and unusual amount of pain and swelling post operatively in the absence of infection, bleeding or mechanical complications. We present case of 55 years old female who undergone for total knee replacement before 3 months and presented to our department with complain of knee pain and swelling with activities of daily living. She was diagnosed on the basis of clinical examination. Her detailed evaluation was carried out and Physiotherapy treatment was started.

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Treadmill walking is commonly used for fitness testing and training. Purpose of present study was to determine whether holding the front hand rails makes any significant change in energy expenditure during treadmill walking or not. Thirty volunteers (17 male and 13 female) participated in the study. Subjects were asked to walk on treadmill at speed of 1.0 to 6.0 mph with and without holding the front hand rails for 6 minutes. Physiological cost index was measured for two different positions and compared for statistically significant difference. Results showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in Physiological cost index measured for two different positions. Hence, present study concludes that, holding the front hand rails does not make any significant difference in energy expenditure while walking on treadmill. Keywords: Treadmill walking, Physiological cost index, Hand rail.