Rawalpindi

This research aims to evaluate the additional effects of releasing the sternocleidomastoid muscle along with the suboccipital muscle release in treating cervicogenic headache, a type of headache caused by dysfunction in the C1-C2 neck vertebrae. Cervicogenic headache is a common source of disability that limits neck rotation and daily activities, often accompanied by forward head posture and weak deep neck muscles. The study is designed as a randomized control trial to determine whether this combined treatment provides benefits beyond standard therapy. Participants will receive either conventional physical therapy involving transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and hot packs applied for 10 minutes, six days a week, over two weeks, or they will receive manual therapy including suboccipital muscle release and sternocleidomastoid muscle release. The suboccipital muscle release is delivered in six sessions over two weeks, with each session lasting 9 minutes (three sets of 3 minutes). The sternocleidomastoid release is administered for 5 minutes followed by 9 minutes of suboccipital release, totaling 12 sessions. During the study, participants will be assessed for pain intensity and range of motion after two weeks of treatment. Researchers will monitor changes in headache symptoms and neck movement restrictions. The study involves various evaluations including the numeric pain rating scale and physical tests to observe improvements. Overall participation lasts for the two-week treatment period with ongoing monitoring of outcomes related to headache management and neck mobility.

Researchers are investigating the effects of balloon-blowing exercises combined with abdominal and lumbar core muscle activation on lung function and quality of life in adult smokers aged 25 to 59 years. Smoking damages nearly every organ and contributes to a decline in lung function by causing mild airway obstruction and slowing lung growth. This study aims to evaluate whether these specific breathing exercises can improve respiratory health and overall well-being among smokers. Participants are divided into two groups: one group will perform balloon-blowing exercises with abdominal and lumbar core muscle activation, while the other group will perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Both interventions will be conducted over a 4-week period with three supervised sessions per week. Each session includes four sets of the respective exercises with one-minute rest intervals, lasting about 30 minutes per session. During the study, researchers will assess lung function through measurements such as forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, peak expiratory flow, and oxygen saturation. They will also evaluate participants' breathlessness and quality of life after four weeks. The study monitors participants closely to track improvements or changes in respiratory parameters and overall health related to smoking.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two different techniques, Facilitated Positional Release Technique (FPRT) and Manual Myofascial Release Technique, in female patients aged 25 to 50 years who have piriformis syndrome. The study aims to compare the impact of these treatments on hip range of motion and related functional measures. This randomized control trial focuses on women experiencing piriformis syndrome with pain lasting at least 2 months. Participants are divided into two groups: the treatment group receives five repetitions of FPRT, which involves applying pressure over a tender muscle area while holding a specific position. The control group undergoes three to five repetitions of Manual Myofascial Release, applying ischemic pressure directly to the piriformis muscle for 90 seconds before release. Both interventions target the piriformis muscle. Before treatment, baseline measurements of hip range of motion including abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation, along with pain levels and lower extremity function, are recorded. After two weeks of treatment, these measures are repeated to assess changes. The main outcome measured is the change in range of motion after two weeks of therapy, helping to determine the comparative effects of the two techniques.

This research aims to evaluate the effects of Kinesio taping combined with traditional physical therapy compared to physical therapy alone in patients aged 20 to 40 years diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. The study focuses on measuring pain levels, ankle joint range of motion, and various gait parameters to understand how these treatments impact walking and foot function. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will receive conventional physical therapy including TENS with cold packs and stretching exercises such as calf stretches and plantar fascia massage. One group will also receive Kinesio taping applied to the foot using specific methods involving straps stretched and adhered to the heel and forefoot. The study is single-blinded and uses randomization by coin toss. During the study, pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, range of motion will be measured with goniometry, and gait will be evaluated by a 30-meter walk test measuring cadence, cycle time, gait speed, and stride length. Assessments will be done at baseline and after two weeks of intervention to monitor changes. Participants will provide informed consent and be followed through the study period to collect these outcome measures.

This research aims to evaluate and compare the effects of Neuromuscular Reeducation (NMR) versus Post Facilitation Stretch (PFS) techniques for treating Upper Cross Syndrome in IT professionals aged 20 to 40 years. Upper Cross Syndrome is a condition affecting posture and muscle balance in the neck and shoulders. The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to observe how these two treatments influence neck function and pain. Participants are divided into two groups: a treatment group receiving the Neuromuscular Reeducation technique and a control group receiving the Post Facilitation Stretch technique. The NMR involves 5 repetitions of deep pressure applied along muscles from origin to insertion combined with active muscle movement, with 10 seconds rest between repetitions. The PFS technique involves 3 to 5 repetitions of isometric contraction of tight muscles for 5 to 10 seconds, followed by a rapid stretch and relaxation in mid-range. Both groups also perform strengthening exercises for weak muscles. Before treatment begins, baseline measurements of cervical range of motion, pain intensity using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and neck disability index are recorded. After two weeks of treatment, these measurements are repeated to assess changes. The study monitors the participants' progress closely, focusing on improvements in neck range of motion, pain levels, and disability caused by neck issues.

Researchers are investigating how passive static stretching for either 30 seconds or 60 seconds affects hamstring flexibility in adults aged 18 to 45 years who have hamstring tightness. This randomized controlled trial is being conducted in the Rehabilitation department of Fauji Foundation Hospital with 38 participants. At the start, hamstring flexibility is measured using the Active Knee Extension Test and other assessment tools. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will perform passive static stretching exercises held for 30 seconds, and the other group will perform the same exercises held for 60 seconds. The interventions include tests such as the Passive Hip Flexion Test, Straight Leg Raise, and Modified Knee Extension Test. Data will be collected before the intervention and after 4 weeks of treatment. During the study, researchers will evaluate pain intensity, range of motion, physical function, and lumbar range of motion at 4 weeks. Participants will be assessed at baseline and after the 4-week intervention period using various flexibility and motion tests. The study aims to measure changes in hamstring flexibility and related physical functions over this time frame.

Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, limiting movement and affecting daily activities. This research investigates the effect of a new three-dimensional shoulder mobilization technique called 3-Dimensional Shoulder Complex Pain Alignment (3-D SPA) mobilization. The study aims to see if this approach can reduce pain, ease muscle tightness, help tissue healing, and improve shoulder movement compared to a conventional shoulder mobilization method. The trial includes 36 participants with frozen shoulder, focusing on improving their quality of life and shoulder function. Participants are randomly divided into two groups. One group receives the 3-D SPA mobilization combined with conventional therapy, while the other group receives the traditional Kaltenborn shoulder mobilization along with conventional therapy. Both treatments are given three times per week for three weeks. Each session involves 5 minutes of mobilization and 30 minutes total, with exercises of three sets of 10 repetitions. The 3-D SPA technique mobilizes multiple shoulder joints simultaneously in all three planes of movement, whereas the Kaltenborn technique mobilizes the shoulder in anterior, posterior, and inferior directions. During the study, researchers will assess participants' pain levels and shoulder function at the third week using measures like the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and range of motion in different directions. They will also use a visual scale to evaluate pain. Data will be analyzed to compare the effects of the two mobilization methods on improving shoulder mobility and reducing disability. The total participation lasts for three weeks, with regular monitoring to track progress and safety.

This research aims to determine how practical and acceptable a culturally adapted manual-assisted problem-solving therapy (CMAP-SI) is for women experiencing suicidal thoughts during the postnatal period in Pakistan. The study focuses on adapting the existing CMAP intervention to fit the cultural context and exploring its potential to reduce suicidal ideation among postnatal women. Suicide is a significant global health concern, and suicidal thoughts affect 5-14% of women during pregnancy and postpartum worldwide, with comparable rates observed in low- and middle-income countries such as Pakistan. The intervention, CMAP-SI, is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles and includes a brief problem-solving therapy with eight sessions: four weekly followed by four fortnightly, each lasting about 50 minutes. The therapy manual has been culturally adapted into Urdu, incorporating local phrases, concepts, and case scenarios relevant to Pakistani culture, addressing factors like gender roles, family conflicts, and financial difficulties. The sessions cover evaluation of self-harm attempts, crisis skills, problem-solving, managing emotions and negative thinking, interpersonal relationship strategies, and relapse prevention. Participants will be mothers aged 16 to 44 years with children up to 30 months old who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. They will be assessed using tools like the Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale. The study will measure the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention at three months after starting. Researchers will also explore participants' experiences with CMAP-SI, monitoring safety and the potential impact on suicidal ideation. The total involvement includes attending therapy sessions and undergoing evaluations during the study period.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of dry needling combined with conventional physical therapy compared to conventional physical therapy alone on walking patterns in adults with plantar fasciitis. This randomized controlled trial focuses on adults aged 40 to 60 years who have experienced plantar heel pain for more than three months. The study aims to measure changes in pain, ankle range of motion, walking speed, cadence, step length, and daily activity abilities. Participants receive up to six treatment sessions over three weeks, with two sessions per week. All participants undergo standard treatment including ultrasound therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises. One group receives additional dry needling on specific foot and calf muscles using thin acupuncture needles, while the comparison group receives sham dry needling. The dry needling involves needle insertion, manipulation to produce sensations like aching or warmth, and needles remain in place for five minutes. Throughout the study, participants' pain levels, ankle movement, and walking parameters are recorded before and after treatment using tools such as a numerical pain rating scale, goniometer, and a 30-meter walk test. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure questionnaire is also used to assess daily functional abilities. Data collection includes informed consent and pre- and post-treatment assessments to track changes over the three-week intervention period.

Researchers are evaluating the additional effects of combining mobilization with movement and upper quadrant core strengthening exercises in people suffering from rotator cuff related shoulder pain. This randomized controlled trial aims to assess how these combined therapies impact pain, range of motion, proprioception, and fear of movement (kinesiophobia) over a four-week period. Participants are adults aged 18 to 65 years who have unilateral shoulder pain of traumatic origin lasting more than six weeks with specific clinical signs of rotator cuff issues. The study involves two groups: one group performs an upper quadrant core strengthening protocol over four weeks, including scapular postural correction, shoulder shrugging, rotational exercises, and thoracic exercises. The other group performs the same strengthening protocol plus mobilization with movement techniques, which include gliding movements of the acromioclavicular joint, scapula, and glenohumeral joint. Participants are randomly assigned to their groups using a sealed opaque envelope method. Participants will be closely monitored throughout the four weeks with assessments of pain intensity, range of motion, proprioception, and kinesiophobia. Data collection includes clinical tests and patient-reported outcomes. Informed consent is obtained before participation. The trial focuses on measuring these outcomes at the end of the four-week intervention to understand the added benefits of mobilization combined with core strengthening in treating rotator cuff related pain.