Prevalence and Ergonomic Risk Factors of Work‐related Musculoskeletal Injuries amongst Underground Mine Workers in Zambia: Richard KUNDA, et al. Physiotherapy Department, University of the Western Cape, South Africa—Work‐related musculoskeletal injuries (WMSIs) are common in both developed and third world countries. Most researchers agree that exposure to ergonomic risk factors is a major contributor to these injuries. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of and ergonomic risk factors associated with WMSIs amongst underground mine workers in Kitwe, Zambia. Methods A cross‐sectional quantitative study was conducted using a sample size of 500 workers. A stratified random sampling method according to mining work activity type was used to obtain the sample. Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire, and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results were significant at 5%. Results A response rate of 40.4% (202) was obtained. The 12month prevalence of WMSIs was 42.6%. The mean age of the workers was 40.31 years (SD +/− 8.57 years). Electricians and mechanics reported the highest injury frequencies. The back was the most affected body part. Ergonomic risk factors consistently reported by workers included poor postures and heavy lifting. There were significant (p=0.020) associations between working with the back bent and sustaining a back injury. Significant (p=0.049) associations were also found between injuries of the wrists/hands and grasping an unsupported object(s). Conclusions This study revealed significant associations between WMSIs and ergonomic risk factors like working with the back bent and grasping objects.

Background: Stroke is a major health challenge that impacts on the independence, quality of life, productivity and participation in social and economic lives of patients with stroke. Objective: To determine the effects of strength training on functional gait of stroke patients compared to conventional therapy Methods: Eleven databases (PubMed, Science Direct, MEDLINE, PEDRO, Cochrane, EBSCO Host, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, Google Scholar and ERIC) were searched to identify eligible studies. All randomised controlled trials published between 2010 and 2020 were included and reviewed by two independent reviewers. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for RCTs was used to assess and appraise the studies. Main Results: This review analysed 16 studies involving 946 patients with stroke that reported on aerobic exercises, task-oriented circuit training, treadmill gait training, high and medium intensity interval training, dynamic resistance training, progressive resistance training, stationary cycling, concentric isokinetic strengthening, functional strength training, resistance exercise strengthening, and isokinetic strengthening. The interventions revealed a statistical significance on walking speed, gait parameters, mobility, muscle strength, quality of life, functional parameters and balance of subjects from the strength training groups. The mean changes in gait speed, walking distance and mobility increased in the experimental (strength training) than the control (conventional) group (p = 0.003, p=.038; SD 0.25/0.33, p < .0001). Comparing walking speed at pre- and post-intervention, stride length increased (48.00 5.63: 53.00 5.38) with a p-value of p< 0.05. However, no statistical significance was recorded between the paretic and non-paretic limb during swing phase (paretic p = 0.0089; non-paretic p = 0.074). Strength training significantly improved all knee strength and ankle parameters, and gait velocity (p<0.01, p<0.05). Conclusion: Strength training appears to be an effective intervention improving functional gait of stroke patients compared to conventional therapy. Key words: Stroke patient, Functional gait, Strength training.

Introduction: The prevalence and socioeconomic burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and associated co-morbidities are rising worldwide among school children thereby raising a public health concern.Aim: The aim of the review was to explore global literature concerning the various strategies utilised in prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus among school children and their efficacy.Methodology: A retrospective search of articles published from 2009 to 2019 was done. The following electronic databases; Cochrane, Embase, ERIC, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PEDRO, PubMed and Science Direct were individually searched using specifically developed search strategies. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool and by two independent reviewers.Results: Eleven studies of sound quality were included. The studies show that primary prevention of type 2 diabetes among school children is cardinal as children will grow up knowing about the disease and its consequences. The prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus requires various combinations of interventional program elements including dietary education/counselling, physical activity, diabetes knowledge, competence building, school, social and community support being considered concurrently. None of the studies identified was done in Africa.Conclusion: Findings concretise that healthy diets and exercise outcomes coupled with explicit programs are key to type 2 diabetes mellitus prevention among school children.

Continuity of care is a fundamental dimension of quality of care and patient satisfaction, because it leads to quality and coordinated health care delivery, increased patient trust and condence. To explore the challenges that patients and Physiotherapy practitioners face regarding continuity of care at the University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. The study employed a phenomenological qualitative design, using in-depth interviews with eight physiotherapy practitioners and six patients with varying medical conditions, aged 18 years and above. This study used a purposive sampling technique based on the researcher’s judgment of the subjects. This is a form of non-probability sampling in which decisions concerning the individuals to be included in the sample were taken by the researcher, based upon a variety of criteria, including specialist knowledge of the research issue, or capacity and willingness to participate in the research. All patients reported having multiple Physiotherapy service providers, which sometimes led to uncoordinated treatment sessions. In addition, ve out of six patients cited the high cost of transport fares from their homes to the hospital and work schedules clashing with hospital appointments as most critical factors that led to discontinuity in physiotherapy care. On the other hand, physiotherapy practitioners reported difculties following up on the progress of patients due to the functional design of the Physiotherapy department which requires them to operate from both the passive and active areas of the department. High physiotherapy practitioners’ turnover per patient, long distance from patients’ homes to the hospital as well as the physical demarcation of the department of Physiotherapy into active and passive treatment areas hinder continuity of care at the University Teaching Hospitals.