Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that affects respiratory system. Balance impairments are increasingly seen in patients suffering from COPD resulting in the onset of risk of falls. Objective: To compare balance impairment and fall risk between COPD patients and healthy individuals. Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 16 clinically stable COPD patients and 16 healthy individuals, with age range of 40-65 years. Berg balance scale (BBS), activity Specific balance confidence scale (ABC) and Time Up and Go test (TUG) were administered to evaluate balance impairments. Results: Independent sample T-test was applied to compare the difference in tests in both groups. Statistically significant difference was observed between two groups in terms of their BBS, ABC and TUG all with p<0.05. Pearson correlation test was used to check the correlation of age, BMI, and smoking with balance. Conclusion: The study concluded that COPD patients have balance impairments and high risks of falls as compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, the study shows positive correlation of BMI and no relation of age and smoking with balance impairment. Keywords: Balance Impairments, Berg balance scale, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Fall, Time up and go test.

Background: Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident is caused when the brain does not receive enough blood supply, thus preventing brain from receiving oxygen and nutrients. Its divided into two major categories: ischemic and hemorrhagic. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Objective: To determine the level of exercise compliance following Physical Therapy treatment in patients with stroke. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in different hospitals of Lahore on 139 participants in Lahore, ages between 45 to 70, both genders, patients with both ischemic and/or hemorrhagic stroke and those following a home based plan were included for the study. Any participants unwilling for follow-ups, with cognitive impairments, diabetes or ischemic heart disease and unable to communicate were excluded. For the collection of the data, a researcher designed questionnaire was used. An informed consent was taken from the study participants. SPSS 25 was used for data analysis. Results: 31.7% of the participants agreed that exercise was beneficial to health and 36.7% remained neutral. 23.0% strongly agreed and 25.9% agreed their preference were scheduled exercise programs. 35.3% agreed to feel better when they were active and 30.9% disagreed to this. Sense of accomplishment, keep mind active and good for heart were significant motivators to exercise adherence. Lack of strength, shortness of breath and bad weather were significant barriers. Conclusion: There was little to moderate level of compliance with exercise in patients with stroke following physiotherapy intervention. Keywords: exercise, exercise compliance, physical therapy, stroke

Background and Objective: COVID-19 can cause severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. With deteriorating disease, most of the patients may require intensive care admission. This study was carried out to determine and evaluate the response of Tocilizumab with special reference to C-reactive protein (CRP) in critically ill patients presented to Farooq Hospital, West Wood Lahore.Methods: This retrospective study included the data of 55 critically ill COVID-19 patients (respiratory rate ≥30, SpO2<93%, oxygen requirement ≥5L/min, PaO2/FiO2 ≤300 mmHg) admitted in Corona unit of Farooq Hospital West Wood Lahore, who were being treated with Tocilizumab alongwith standard treatment protocol between April 27 and June 21, 2020. The data has been retrieved from hospital records after taking appropriate permission and consent. Demographic, clinical features and serum CRP were recorded for each of them, before and after administration of Tocilizumab. Data analysis was done by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 and expressed as frequency and percentages.Results: Out of 55 patients who were administered Tocilizumab, 72.7% survived whereas 27.3% died. There was higher median reduction of CRP levels in patients who survived (77.5 to 34.9 mg/L) as compared to those who died (65.5 to 45.3 mg/L). There was a statistically significant difference between CRP levels at the time of admission, 72 hours after Tocilizumab was administered (P<0.0001). Conclusion:Tocilizumab administration might be helpful in reducing the complications of cytokine storm in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Objective: To compare the effects of gaze stability exercises with proprioception training to improve gait and functional independence in cerebellar ataxic patients. Methods: A Quasi experimental study was conducted in the physiotherapy department in Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from January 2018 to June 2018.All patients were diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia and referred by neurophysician to physiotherapy department. Forty-six (46) patients were divided into two equal groups by lottery method. (Group A =proprioception training), (Group B =gaze stability with proprioception training). Data was analyzed by using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) 21. Results: In group A, males were 13(56.5%) and females 10(43.5%) while in Group B, males were 12(52.2%) and females 11(47.8%). Mean ages were (71.3±8.47) years in Group A and (70±7.67) years in Group B. Pre and Post Functional Independence Measure (FIM)score in groups A and B with mean and standard deviation were 13.08±1.86 and 15.43±1.74 respectively. Pre and Post Timed Up and Go (TUG) test score in groups A and B with mean and standard deviation were 0.79± 0.26 and 0.97 ±0.39 respectively. Both groups were statistically significant (P value ≤ 0.05) but on the basis of mean ± standard deviation Group B method was more effective than Group A. Conclusion: Gaze stability exercises added the effects of proprioception training in improving gait and functional independence in cerebellar ataxic patients. Keywords: Cerebellar ataxia, gaze, patients, proprioception

Background: Tuberculosis often brings about diffuse fibrotic and other changes to lung tissue also consolidation of lung tissue prompting a decrease in generally lung tissue compliance. Following tuberculosis, the functional status of people is reduced e.g., impaired ventilation and gas exchanges leading to shortness of breath, muscular deconditioning, and a functional status decline is seen Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the six-meter walk distance and physical functional capacity (VO2 max) in 40 – 65 years people with pulmonary tuberculosis and healthy subjects. Methods: Forty healthy subjects (20 males and 20 females) and forty subjects with pulmonary tuberculosis (30 males and 10 females) took part in this study. All the subjects underwent a six min walk test. Walk-work was calculated and used for evaluating functional capacity. To examine for significant relationships Pearson product correlation was used Results: A significant difference was found between the groups in regards to 6MWT distance (p < 0.05). For height and body mass index (BMI) Pearson product correlations with 6MWD were significant in normal individual and for the weight and BMI it was significant in the TB sequelae group. Conclusion: A significant difference was found in functional capacity in terms of VO2max between healthy and patients with TB was found. TB sequelae individuals’ group, 52.6% patients had a VO2 max under 21 milliliter per kilogram per minute that brought about an impressive effect of TB sequelae on endurance in regards to cardiorespiratory system. Keywords: functional capacity, hospital, six-minute walk test, tuberculosis