VIMS JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

Essentials of Ethics, Laws, Professionalism and Management for Physiotherapy Students

Kang Jaspreet Kaur — 2025-06-30

Physiotherapy education in India has seen huge growth in recent years. Yet, we still lack resources that cover key non-clinical parts of professional practice—ethics, laws, professionalism, and management. Dr. Suvarna Ganvir's book Essentials of Ethics, Laws, Professionalism and Management for Physiotherapy Students, helps to bridge this big gap. It's a fresh, needed, and timely addition to the field that offers both deep academic insights and clear practical guidance. Dr. Ganvir has decades of experience in teaching physiotherapy leading clinics, and doing research. This shows in how well she's put together the book's structure and content. The book aims at undergrads, but it's just as useful for interns, postgrads, and new physiotherapists who are moving from classroom learning to real-world healthcare settings.

This book stands out because it makes things easy to grasp for students. Ethics and healthcare law can seem vague and hard to connect with for students who focus on getting better at hands-on skills. But this book brings these ideas down to earth by using everyday examples real-life patient situations, and case studies that show the hurdles physiotherapists often face. Take the chapter on Talking Between Professions, for example. The author includes a case where a physiotherapist says no to talking with a patient's family because he is short on time. This scenario kicks off a talk about caring, the duty to communicate, and doing the right thing. This kind of real-world grounding helps students do more than just read about rules—they start to understand and use them in practice.

Physiotherapy Management To Improve Lung Function In Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Case Study

Pande Eakta — 2025-06-30

ABSTRACT

Background: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a dangerous consequence that frequently causes severe metabolic abnormalities, respiratory distress, and neuromuscular dysfunction. Physiotherapy is essential for treating the respiratory and functional deficits linked to DKA, even if medical care is also crucial. The objective of this case study is to demonstrate the significance and efficacy of physical therapy treatments in enhancing lung function and the patient's overall recuperation in cases of DKA.

Case: A male patient, age 22, who had a history of type 1 diabetes, came in with chronic coughing, dyspnoea, and widespread weakness. DKA was verified by clinical and radiological evidence, and two days after admission, physiotherapy was started. Breathing exercises, airway clearance procedures, gradual ambulation, and endurance training were all part of the patient's organised rehabilitation program.

Intervention & Results: From an initial SpO? of 92% to 99–100%, the physiotherapy routine resulted in significant improvements in respiratory parameters, chest expansion, and oxygen saturation levels. The patient showed increased muscular strength, endurance, and functional ability as they moved from restricted mobility to independent ambulation.

Conclusion: In patients with DKA, early physiotherapy intervention greatly improves respiratory function, avoids complications, and speeds up functional recovery. For the best patient results, this instance emphasises the need for an integrated multidisciplinary strategy that combines medical and physiotherapy care.

Keywords: Diabetic ketoacidosis, respiration, Respiratory physiotherapy.

Effect of matrix rhythm therapy on alleviating pain, improving mobility and enhancing functionality in plantar fasciitis

Gendle Ishvari — 2025-06-30

Background: Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, often leading to impaired mobility and daily function. Conservative treatments vary in effectiveness, and newer modalities like Matrix Rhythm Therapy (MRT) are being explored.

Methodology: This case report evaluates the effects of MRT on a 62-year-old female with chronic medial heel pain for two years. She underwent four MRT sessions targeting the calf and plantar foot, each lasting 45–60 minutes. Outcomes were assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), goniometric measurements for mobility, and the Foot Function Index (FFI).

Results: Post-treatment assessments showed significant improvement: reduced pain on the NPRS, increased range of motion, and improved FFI scores, indicating better foot function and decreased discomfort.

Conclusion: Matrix Rhythm Therapy is an effective intervention for Reducing Pain and Improving Mobility and Functional outcomes in individuals with chronic Plantar Fasciitis.

The Impact of Electric Lumbar Traction on Postural Balance and Gait speed in Elderly with Lumbar pathology: An Experimental study

Thakkar Kruti — 2025-06-30

Background: As the global population ages, maintaining postural balance in the elderly becomes crucial to prevent falls and related injuries. This study investigates the impact of electric lumbar traction on postural balance and gait speed in elderly patients with lumbar pathologies.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of electric lumbar traction in improving postural stability, as measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, in elderly individuals at risk of falls.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 55 elderly participants with lumbar pathologies and self-reported balance issues. Participants underwent electric lumbar traction therapy three times weekly for four weeks. Outcome measures (BBS and TUG) were collected at baseline and post-intervention to assess changes in postural balance and functional mobility. Paired t-tests were used to analyze pre- and post-intervention differences, and effect sizes were calculated to gauge the intervention's impact.

Results: The intervention led to statistically significant improvements in BBS scores (Pre: 36.93±2.77; Post: 44.47±2.62, p < 0.001) and TUG times (Pre: 16.03±1.52 seconds; Post: 13.69±0.99 seconds, p < 0.001), with large effect sizes for both BBS (Cohen's d = 2.79) and TUG (Cohen's d = 1.82). These findings suggest notable improvements in both balance and mobility.

Conclusion: Electric lumbar traction therapy significantly improved postural stability and mobility in elderly patients with lumbar pathologies. This non-invasive intervention could potentially reduce fall risk and enhance functional independence among elderly patients. Further research with larger samples and control groups is recommended to confirm these findings and optimize intervention protocols.

Effect of Self stretching before sleep on nocturnal leg cramp, pain & sleep quality among older adults – A Quasi Experimental Study

Shinde Mukesh — 2025-06-30

BACKGROUND: Many older adults have leg cramps problems during night sleep which causes disturbance of sleep pattern and it also affects their quality of sleep.

METHODOLOGY: In 6 week interventional study 47 older adults were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria by convenient sampling technique. Pre-treatment evaluation of Numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was done before initiating the treatment. Self Stretching exercises of hamstrings and calf combine with Heel raise given to prticipants. Post intervention evaluation was done. Statistical analysis was carried out using paired t test.

RESULTS: On intragroup comparison using paired t test, there was extremely significant difference between pre-post comparison of NPRS(<0.0001) and PSQI (<0.0001) in older adults.

CONCLUSION: Self stretching exercises before sleep is effective on nocturnal leg cramps pain and sleep quality among older adults.

Impact Of Education Technology Workshop On Teaching Learning Skills Of Physiotherapy Teachers

Ganvir Suvarna — 2025-07-02

Background: Faculty Development Programs are intended to improvise teaching, mentoring and feedback skills of teachers. Unless there is a positive change in these skills, these FDPs may not be taken seriously. Hence, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of these FDPs on overall communication skills.

Methodology: 156 academicians from Maharashtra State who have undergone the Health sciences Education training or attended a minimum 3 days’ workshop were included in the study. There were 29 heads of institutes, 49 Assistant Professors, 57 Associate Professors and 31 Professors among the respondents.

Results: 100% opined that there was a change in Teaching Learning Process after attending the workshop. However, with 72% participants developed the ability provide constructive feedback. 93% opined that it is just not sufficient to attend the FDP but self learning and application is also crucial for self development. Cadre wise analysis showed more percentage of Professors with improved TL and assessment strategies as compared to Assistant, Associate professors and head of Institutions (HOI).

Conclusion: With varied response from participants it is difficult to generalize the results about positive impact. However, it opens up the discussion on the need of evaluating such programs more regularly specially long term impact and incorporation of suggestions from participants.

Comparing the Modified Ashworth scale and Tardieu scale with h/m ratio for assessing biceps spasticity in post stroke individuals – A cross-sectional study

Kasundra Vicky — 2025-07-02

Background: Among the most reliable tools for assessing spasticity in stroke patients are the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the Tardieu Scale, and the H/M ratio.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 post-stroke individuals aged over 30 years. Spasticity of the biceps muscle was assessed using MAS, Tardieu Scale and H/M ratio.

Results: Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relationships among the three assessment techniques. The results demonstrated a strong positive correlation between MAS and the Tardieu Scale (r = 0.756) and between the Tardieu Scale and the H/M ratio (r = 0.665). A moderate correlation was observed between the H/M ratio and MAS (r = 0.400).

Conclusion: The study concludes that both MAS and the Tardieu Scale show a positive correlation with the H/M ratio. However, the Tardieu Scale demonstrates a stronger correlation.

Keywords: Hypertonia, Cerebro vascular Accidents, Assessment, H reflex, M wave

Effects of supervised aerobic exercise program v/s home-based exercise program on stress, sleep quality and quality of life in perimenopausal women: A Randomized controlled trial

Murkey Samruddhi — 2025-06-30

Background: Estrogen, a crucial hormone for women, begins to decrease throughout the perimenopause. Menopause-related symptoms, such hot flashes or irregular periods, can start to appear. Which can have an impact on quality of life and health in both short- and long-term.

Methodology: A Randomized Controlled Trial was conducted to determine effects of supervised aerobic exercise program versus home-based exercise program on stress, sleep quality and quality of life in perimenopausal women, for the age group 42 to 48 years women with a sample size of 34 Participants. Participants included were: Women in the age range 42 to 48 years, For the previous three months they did not get hormone replacement therapy or any other medication to manage their perimenopausal symptoms.

Results: Mean and Standard Deviation Values of MENQOL, DASS21, PSQI and 6MWT among perimenopausal women were calculated. All test shows significant improvement after intervention of supervised aerobic exercise group as compare to home-based exercise group. Women with Perimenopausal Age with a mean age and standard deviation (SD) 45.11±1.576 years of Aerobic exercise group and 44.76±1.393 years of Home-Based exercise group. The results show, MENQOL = p value - <0.05, PSQI = p value - <0.01, Stress = p value - <0.01, 6MWT = p value - <0.01.

Conclusion: The study concluded that, 8-weeks of supervised aerobic exercise training program was more effective than home-based exercise program in improving stress, sleep quality and quality of life in perimenopausal women.

ARTerial Stiffness Evaluation Using Non-Invasive Screening (ARTSENS)- A non-invasive vascular imaging device with emerging applications in Physiotherapy

Gaikwad Pranali — 2025-07-02

The major cause of fatal events accounting for 31% of deaths world wide is Cardiovascular diseases (CVD).¹ According to World Health Organization (WHO), around 80% of deaths due to CVD occurs in low and middle income countries due to less access to effective and equitable health care services responding to their need which also includes early detection service. Easy and approachable diagnostic and screening tool in such scenarios is a very important. There are numerous studies which corelate cardiovascular diseases with carotid artery stiffness.² Also, Vascular health, particularly arterial stiffness is a growing concern in conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke and post- COVID rehabilitation.³

For the same, ARTSENS (ARTerial Stiffness Evaluation using Non-invasice Screening), developed by the Healthcare Technology Innovation Centre (HTIC), IIT Madras, offers a easy to use handheld and portable solution to screen the vascular health of the individual. This device will enhance the physiotherapy practice by integrating diagnostic technologies to enhance patient assessment and therapeutic outcomes.³

Trunk scales as a predictor of Gait in Stroke Patients- A Systematic Review

Labhane Sejal — 2025-06-30

Background: Trunk control is known to be an early predictive factor for one’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) as well as the hospitalization period in stroke survivors. Gait disturbance is a major problem for many patients after stroke and causes difficulties in performing daily activities. are tools for assessing trunk control, such as the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Trunk Control Test (TCT), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke-Trunk Control (PASS-TC). These scales have not been used to predict gait independence.

Objective: To find out if trunk scales predict gait independence in patients of stoke

Data Sources: The biomedical databases CINAHL, Cochrane, Scholar and PubMed were searched. Each database was searched until 2024 .

Review Methods: The four databases were searched with the terms plus ‘stroke’ and ‘trunk’ plus ‘scale’ and ‘Gait’ mentioned in the title or abstract. The search strategy included all studies in humans with original data from adults after stroke. All articles were selected for this review which reported or included a clinical measure of trunk performance. Only articles that were published in English were included.

Result: After screening of 367 studies, 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. The mean PEDro score was 6 out of 10 which corresponds with a low risk of bias.

Conclusion: Prediction of gait independence can be done using trunk scales such as Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Ability for Basic Movement Scale II (ABMS II), Trunk Control Test (TCT), in patients with stroke.

Effectiveness of Physiotherapy Interventions for Hand Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Pathak Jaya — 2025-07-02

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory polyarthritis that commonly affects the hands and wrists, leading to pain, stiffness, and functional impairment. Hand exercises are often prescribed as part of physiotherapy management to enhance mobility, strength, and overall hand function. Various physiotherapeutic approaches have been employed to address hand dysfunction in individuals with RA. In the present study, we conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions aimed at improving hand function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Method: We conducted a comprehensive literature search in the Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases using the keywords "physiotherapy intervention for hand dysfunction" and "rheumatoid arthritis." The search covered studies published between January 2015 and January 2025. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated physiotherapy interventions for improving hand function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis were included in this review.

Result: This systematic review analyzed data from 10 reliable studies focusing on physiotherapy interventions for hand dysfunction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The evidence indicates that strengthening exercises, use of theraputty, and proprioceptive training are effective in reducing pain and enhancing hand function. Among the interventions studied, the CareHand program and Yijinjing exercise emerged as the most effective for improving overall hand function and dexterity in individuals with rheumatic hand involvement.

Conclusion: The findings of this review support the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic interventions in managing hand dysfunction associated with rheumatoid arthritis. These interventions contribute to reducing pain and morning stiffness, while improving hand function and quality of life

Keywords: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hand Dysfunction, Physiotherapy

Documentation For Rehabilitation

Ganvir Shyam — 2025-06-30

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, where progress is gauged not only by patients' recovery but also by openness, continuity, and accountability, rehabilitation documentation is too often unsung. Yet it is the quiet backbone of quality care.

Rehabilitation is a complicated process-physical, emotional, and psychological. If the patient has had a stroke, accident, or long-term illness, then his/her path to wellness is lengthy and consists of many professionals: physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers, among others. With so many people working together, proper documentation is not only a requirement, it is a vital string that stitches together every step of care.Clear, timely, and consistent documentation enables all of the professionals caring for a patient to see the same information. It reduces the risk of error, enhances patient safety, and provides continuity of care. For the patient, it means less delay, better communication, and a more coordinated rehabilitation journey. For the clinician, documentation provides a road map outlining previous actions, current successes, and future needs