Ras Al Khaimah

Researchers are evaluating the effect of eccentric hamstring contractions on sports performance and quality of life in young male football players with non-contact grade 1 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The study focuses on athletes aged 19 to 25 years, currently playing in the UAE, who have a physician-diagnosed acute grade 1 ACL injury within the past six weeks. The aim is to understand how strengthening the hamstrings through eccentric exercises could influence rehabilitation outcomes and knee stability. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will perform custom-tailored eccentric hamstring exercises alongside physiotherapy, while the comparator group will receive standard physiotherapy exercises designed to improve knee strength, flexibility, and balance. The exercise program includes a variety of movements such as Nordic hamstring curls, leg curls, lunges, and balance exercises. Additional treatments like TENS and ultrasound may be provided for mild pain or swelling. During the study, participants will undergo assessments including the Sargent vertical jump test at the start and after three months. Researchers will monitor sports performance, quality of life, and psychological well-being. The study involves regular evaluations of knee function and pain levels, with careful monitoring to ensure safety. The total participation timeline includes initial treatment and follow-up assessments over three months.

Researchers are evaluating whether a pharmacist-led educational program can reduce the inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in adults aged 18 years and older with potentially unnecessary PPI prescriptions in Ras Al Khaimah. This study aims to find out if such an intervention can decrease PPI use, improve patients' quality of life, and lower healthcare costs. The study compares patients receiving pharmacist-led education with those receiving usual care. The study involves two groups: one receiving a pharmacist-led educational intervention and a control group receiving standard treatment. The intervention includes educational brochures, a deprescribing algorithm, patient action plans, and video-based sessions designed for both patients and physicians to promote appropriate PPI use. The control group continues their usual care without this additional education during the 6-month study period but will receive the educational materials afterward. Participants will be followed for six months during which changes in PPI use, symptoms, and quality of life will be monitored. The main outcome measured is the proportion of patients who stop or reduce their PPI dose by the end of the treatment period. Researchers will collect data on medication use, symptom changes, and quality of life to assess the impact of the intervention.