Rawalpindi

This research aims to evaluate the additional effects of sternocleidomastoid muscle release combined with suboccipital muscle release in managing cervicogenic headache, a condition caused by dysfunction in the C1-C2 vertebrae and marked by neck stiffness and limited neck rotation. Cervicogenic headache significantly impacts daily activities and is associated with forward head posture and weak deep neck muscles. The study is a randomized control trial conducted by Foundation University Islamabad to explore these manual therapy techniques alongside conventional physical therapy treatments. Participants are divided into two groups. Group A will receive suboccipital muscle release consisting of three repetitions of three minutes each total 9 minutes, combined with conventional physical therapy including TENS and hot pack therapy for 10 minutes, six days a week for two consecutive weeks. Group B will receive sternocleidomastoid muscle release for 5 minutes plus the same suboccipital muscle release and conventional physical therapy schedule as group A. Both interventions are delivered over 12 sessions in total. During the study, participants will undergo assessments to measure pain intensity and range of motion after two weeks of treatment. Researchers will monitor headache symptoms, neck function, and muscle performance using clinical tests like the flexion rotation test. The study does not involve masking or blinding, and all participants will be adults aged 18 to 45 years. The total participation period includes the two-week treatment phase followed by outcome evaluations.

Smoking negatively affects many organs and gradually worsens health, especially lung function. It causes mild airway obstruction and slows lung growth, impacting breathing and overall quality of life. This study evaluates balloon-blowing exercises combined with abdominal and lumbar core muscle activation positions to see if they can improve lung function and quality of life in smokers. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one will perform balloon-blowing exercises with abdominal and lumbar core muscle activation three times a week for four weeks, supervised by a physical therapist. The other group will perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises with the same frequency and duration. Both interventions last four weeks, with measurements taken before and after. Participants will undergo evaluations of lung function including forced vital capacity FVC, forced expiratory volume in one second FEV1, peak expiratory flow PEF, dyspnea levels, oxygen saturation, and quality of life assessments. These measures will be collected at the start and end of the four-week period to monitor changes and effects of the exercises on respiratory health.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two different techniques, Facilitated Positional Release Technique FPRT and Manual Myofascial Release Technique, in female patients with Piriformis Syndrome. This randomized control trial aims to compare these treatments to see how they impact hip range of motion and pain levels in affected individuals. The study focuses on women aged 25 to 50 who have experienced Piriformis Syndrome symptoms for at least two months. Participants are divided into two groups a treatment group receiving the Facilitated Positional Release Technique and a control group receiving Manual Myofascial Release. The FPRT involves applying pressure over tender muscle areas while maintaining specific positions, with five repetitions. The control group undergoes 3 to 5 repetitions of manual myofascial release, applying ischemic pressure directly on the piriformis muscle for 90 seconds before release. At the start, baseline measurements of hip range of motion including abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation, pain levels using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale NPRS, and functional ability via the Lower Extremity Functional Scale LEFS are taken. After two weeks of treatment, these assessments are repeated to compare changes. The primary outcome measured is the change in range of motion after two weeks. The study is sponsored by Foundation University Islamabad and plans to conclude by April 2025.

This research aims to evaluate the effects of two different physical therapy techniques, Neuromuscular Reeducation NMR and Post Facilitation Stretch PFS, on Upper Cross Syndrome among IT professionals. The study involves adults aged 20 to 40 years who have been diagnosed with this condition and have experienced pain for at least two months. The goal is to compare these techniques for improving symptoms related to this syndrome. Participants are divided into two groups one group receives the NMR technique, which involves deep pressure along the muscles from origin to insertion combined with active movement and rest periods. The other group receives the PFS technique, which consists of isometric muscle contractions followed by rapid stretching and relaxation. Both groups also perform strengthening exercises for weak muscles as part of their treatment. The treatments are applied specifically to tight muscles including the levator scapulae, upper trapezius, and pectoralis major. Before treatment, baseline measurements are taken for neck range of motion ROM, pain intensity using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale NPRS, and neck disability index. After two weeks of treatment, these measures are repeated to assess changes. Participants undergo assessments at the start and after two weeks to compare improvements. The study monitors neck function, pain levels, and disability related to the syndrome throughout the treatment period.

Researchers are evaluating the impact of a three-dimensional mobilization technique called 3-Dimensional Shoulder Complex Pain Alignment 3-D SPA on improving shoulder mobility in patients with frozen shoulder. This condition involves inflammation, stiffness, and pain that limit movement and daily activities, especially in women aged 35 to 65 years. The study aims to reduce pain, muscle tightness, and improve range of motion by addressing restrictions in all three planes of shoulder movement. The trial compares two groups of 36 participants each. One group receives the 3-D SPA mobilization combined with conventional therapy and a home exercise plan, while the other group receives Kaltenborn shoulder mobilization with conventional therapy and home exercises. Both groups undergo treatment sessions three times per week for three weeks, including 5 minutes of mobilization and 30 minutes of exercises per session. Ultrasound therapy is also applied continuously during each session. Participants will be assessed before and after the three-week treatment period using various measures such as the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, range of motion in different shoulder movements, Visual Analogue Scale for pain, WHO Quality of Life questionnaire, and Apleys Scratch Test. Data will be analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the 3-D SPA technique in improving pain, disability, and shoulder function. The study includes safety monitoring and follow-up evaluations during and after treatment.

Researchers are studying the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted Manual-Assisted Problem-Solving Intervention CMAP-SI for women experiencing suicidal thoughts during the postnatal period. The study focuses on women aged 16 to 44 years in Pakistan, aiming to adapt the CMAP intervention to the local cultural context and evaluate its potential to reduce suicidal ideation in this vulnerable group. Participants receiving the CMAP-SI intervention will engage in a brief problem-solving therapy based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles. The therapy involves 4 weekly sessions followed by 4 sessions every two weeks, each lasting about 50 minutes. The intervention has been culturally tailored with Urdu translations and case scenarios relevant to Pakistani culture, addressing issues such as gender roles, family conflicts, and financial difficulties. The study also includes a comparison group receiving treatment as usual by their primary care physicians. During the study, women will be assessed at baseline and again at 3 months for feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, as well as changes in suicidal ideation, depression, social support, life events, and quality of life. Various validated scales like the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale will be used. Researchers will also collect data on any suicide attempts or self-harm incidents. Safety protocols include recording participants primary care contacts and treatment details. The total study duration for each participant is at least 3 months from baseline assessment.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of adding dry needling to conventional physical therapy compared to conventional physical therapy alone on walking and pain in adults with plantar fasciitis. The study focuses on changes in pain, ankle range of motion, walking speed, stride, and daily activities in adults aged 40 to 60 years suffering from plantar heel pain lasting more than three months. This randomized controlled trial aims to provide insight into how these treatments influence gait and function. Participants receive either standard care including ultrasound, stretching, and strengthening exercises combined with sham dry needling, or the same standard care combined with real dry needling. Both groups undergo six treatment sessions over three weeks, twice per week. The dry needling targets specific foot and calf muscles with sterile needles applied for 5 minutes each session, while the sham group receives similar procedures without the active needle stimulation. During the study, participants will be assessed before and after treatment using pain rating scales, goniometer measurements for ankle motion, a 30-meter walk test, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure FAAM. Researchers will monitor pain intensity, gait speed, cadence, cycle length, stride length, and range of motion over three weeks. Consent will be obtained before participation, and data collection includes pre- and post-intervention scores to evaluate treatment effects.

Researchers are evaluating the additional effects of combining mobilization with movement and upper quadrant core strengthening in people experiencing rotator cuff related shoulder pain. This randomized controlled trial aims to determine how these treatments impact pain, range of motion, proprioception, and fear of movement kinesiophobia. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group performs an upper quadrant core strengthening protocol over four weeks, including scapular postural correction, shoulder shrugging, and rotation exercises. The other group performs the same strengthening protocol combined with mobilization techniques involving acromioclavicular, scapular, and glenohumeral joint glides. During the study, participants will have their pain intensity, shoulder range of motion, proprioception, and kinesiophobia measured after four weeks. Data collection includes assessments before and after treatment, and participants provide informed consent before enrollment. The study runs from July 2024 to June 2025.

Bronchial asthma is a common chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, causing repeated episodes of breathlessness, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. This research aims to compare the effects of alternative nostril breathing combined with standard pharmacological management against pharmacological management alone on symptoms such as dyspnea, control pause, asthma control, and peak expiratory flow rate in patients with bronchial asthma. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will practice alternative nostril breathing alongside their prescribed asthma medications, while the other group will receive only the pharmacological treatment as prescribed by a pulmonologist. The breathing exercises consist of slow, deep inhalations and exhalations through alternate nostrils with breath holds, supervised twice weekly by a physiotherapist and practiced at home five days a week for a total of four weeks. The medication group follows a stepwise approach adjusted according to symptoms and severity over the same four-week period. During the study, participants will have their symptoms and lung function assessed before and after the four-week treatment period. Measurements include dyspnea levels, control pause time, asthma control status, and peak expiratory flow rate. A home diary will be used to ensure adherence to breathing exercises. The study monitors these outcomes to evaluate the combined effect of breathing exercises and medication on asthma management.

Researchers are investigating the effects of two muscle energy techniques, autogenic inhibition and reciprocal inhibition, on people with Iliotibial Band Syndrome, which causes lateral knee pain. This randomized, single-blinded trial aims to compare how these techniques influence pain, hip range of motion, and lower limb function over a two-week period. The study is conducted by Foundation University Islamabad and involves adults aged 19 to 45 years. Participants will be divided into two groups of 20 each. One group will receive the autogenic inhibition technique, which involves isometric contraction of the shortened muscle Tensor Fascia Latae followed by stretching. The other group will receive the reciprocal inhibition technique, which requires contracting the opposing muscles hip adductors before stretching the target muscle. Both groups will perform their respective exercises three times a week for two weeks. During the study, pain levels will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, hip range of motion measured with a goniometer, and lower extremity function evaluated by the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. These assessments will be conducted to monitor improvements in pain severity, mobility, and overall function after two weeks of treatment. Participants are closely monitored throughout the treatment period to evaluate these outcomes and ensure adherence to the exercise protocols.