Tag: Ashokan Arumugam

Assessing the influence of obstructive sleep apnea on quality of life among young adults: a narrative review

Mariam Sameh Elawady, Alham Al-Sharman, Ashokan Arumugam

Mariam Sameh Elawady, Alham Al-Sharman, Ashokan Arumugam – Assessing the influence of obstructive sleep apnea on quality of life among young adults: a narrative review –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(1); 121-127

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG007DNSAD

Abstract
Background. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep. While traditionally associated with older adults, recent studies indicate an increasing prevalence of OSA among young adults. This review aims to synthesize available literature on the prevalence, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and impact of OSA on the quality of life in young adults aged 18-35 years.
Methods. A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar, covering articles published between 2010 and 2024. Articles were screened for their relevance to the study’s objectives, focusing on young adults and their experiences with OSA. Studies investigating prevalence, risk factors, clinical presentation, and treatment strategies were included. A total of 30 full-text articles were assessed, and 14 met the inclusion criteria.
Results. The prevalence of OSA in young adults varies widely across different populations, with estimates ranging from 5% to 23%. Male gender, higher body mass index (BMI), and anatomical predispositions were the most consistent predictors of OSA in this demographic. In contrast to older populations, young adults with OSA often exhibit atypical symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and difficulties in concentration, which may affect their academic and occupational performance. Additionally, untreated OSA was linked to long-term adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive impairments.
Conclusions. OSA is an under-recognized condition among young adults, with significant implications for physical and mental health. Early screening and targeted interventions are essential to prevent the progression of OSA and its associated comorbidities. Future research should focus on standardizing diagnostic criteria and exploring the long-term impacts of OSA on quality of life in this population
Key words
obstructive sleep apnea, young adults, prevalence, risk factors, quality of life
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Post-operative rehabilitation and return to sport criteria following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction – a survey of physiotherapists in the United Arab Emirates

Sara Atef Ali, Cecilia Ferreira Aquino, Achraf Ammar, Ashokan Arumugam

Sara Atef Ali, Cecilia Ferreira Aquino, Achraf Ammar, Ashokan Arumugam – Post-operative rehabilitation and return to sport criteria following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction – a survey of physiotherapists in the United Arab Emirates – Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(2); 344-355

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG5608IV0

Abstract
Background. The rehabilitation and return to sport (RTS) criteria used after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction seem to vary between physiotherapists in different countries. However, no study has been conducted to investigate the post-operative rehabilitation and RTS criteria following ACL reconstruction used by physiotherapists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Aim. The purpose of this study is to summarize the clinical practice and RTS criteria used by physiotherapists treating patients following ACL reconstruction in the UAE, and to investigate the factors associated with the commonly used RTS criteria.
Material and methods. An electronic survey questionnaire was distributed to UAE physiotherapists. The questionnaire included questions related to demographic information, clinical practice, and RTS criteria employed by UAE physiotherapists.
Results. A total of 108 physiotherapists voluntarily participated in the study. Approximately only 25% adhered to the established RTS criteria before RTS. About 88% of physiotherapists base their clearance decisions on how well they do in functional assessments like balance checks, hop tests, and running and sprinting biomechanics. A multidisciplinary team decided on the RTS clearance, according to 47% of physiotherapists. The most often utilized RTS criteria did not significantly correlate with parameters including academic standing, years of experience, nationality, specialty certification, or the type of license held by UAE physiotherapists, according to the study.
Conclusion. Most physiotherapists in the UAE were not adhering to the most recommended RTS criteria post-ACL reconstruction in their clinical practice, and none of the evaluated physiotherapist-related factors showed a significant association with RTS criteria following ACL reconstruction.
Keywords
anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, rehabilitation, clinical decision-making, physical therapy, return to sport criteria
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A national survey of physiotherapists’ assessment and management practices for patients with COVID-19 in acute and rehabilitation care in the United Arab Emirates

Neda Mohammad Ali, Gopala Krishna Alaparthi, Arthur de Sá Ferreira, Ashokan Arumugam, Kalyana Chakravarthy Bairapareddy

Neda Mohammad Ali, Gopala Krishna Alaparthi, Arthur de Sá Ferreira, Ashokan Arumugam, Kalyana Chakravarthy Bairapareddy – A national survey of physiotherapists’ assessment and management practices for patients with COVID-19 in acute and rehabilitation care in the United Arab Emirates – Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(2); 309-317

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG5608SR5

Abstract
Background. Physiotherapists have a significant role in the treatment and care of individuals with COVID-19, who suffer from a range of symptoms and complications. Treatment for these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach. The study aims to explore the practice patterns of assessment and management adopted by physiotherapists for patients with COVID-19 in critical care and rehabilitation settings in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods. A survey questionnaire was shared with physiotherapists working in the UAE’s private and public hospitals. The questionnaire consisted of 60 questions that were divided into 5 sections: assessment in ICU and wards, treatment in ICU and wards, and patient education. Results. The physiotherapy evaluation of patients was primarily focused on specific impairment measures. Respiratory rate was the highest reported assessment tool in the ICU, with 68% of physiotherapists always using it. More than 78% of ward assessments use physical examination and respiratory rate. Treatment in the ICU was primarily done with chest percussion and suction therapy; over 85% reported using them always or frequently. A total of 89% of respondents used positioning and postural drainage as part of their treatment in wards, and 100% chose walking as their method of mobilization. Conclusion. Both ICU and acute care physiotherapists used similar assessment techniques focused on impairments and dyspnea-quantifying measures, with less emphasis on functional exercise capacity. They, however, used similar approaches to treatment in the ICU and wards, with slight variations in airway clearance and equipment use.
Keywords
COVID-19, pulmonary rehabilitation, chest physiotherapy, physiotherapy in critical care, survey
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Within- and between-day reliability of bioelectrical impedance analysis using a novel Tanita multi-frequency body composition analyzer (MC-780PMA) in healthy young adults

Raneen Mohammed Qadah, Alham Al-Sharman, Reime Jamal Shalash, Ashokan Arumugam

Raneen Mohammed Qadah, Alham Al-Sharman, Reime Jamal Shalash, Ashokan Arumugam – Within- and between-day reliability of bioelectrical impedance analysis using a novel Tanita multi-frequency body composition analyzer (MC-780PMA) in healthy young adults – Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(2); 275-279

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG5608ZD5

Abstract
Background. Body composition is an important component in maintaining overall health. In clinical practice and research investigations, the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) method is frequently used for body composition assessment. Aim. We investigated the within-day (fasting state and after food) and between-day (test-retest) reliability and agreement of a new MC-780PMA multi-frequency body composition analyzer (Tanita MC-780PMA, Japan) in measuring body mass index, body fat, fat-free mass, total body water, intracellular water, extracellular water, appendicular skeletal muscle mass, and skeletal muscle mass index in healthy young adults. Material and methods. Thirty healthy individuals (age 23.33 ± 4.08 years, 60% women) body composition was assessed three times (before food (test 1), 30 minutes after food on the same day (test 2), and one week after (test 3)) using the Tanita multi-frequency body composition analyzer MC-780PM by a qualified physiotherapist. Within- and between-reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC [3, 1]; two-way mixed effects, consistency, single measurements, agreement). In addition, the standard errors of measurement and smallest real differences were calculated for between-day measurements for the BIA parameters of interest. Results. Good within-day reliability was noted for body mass index (ICC = 0.881) and extracellular water (ICC = 0.850). Excellent within-day reliability was noted for the remaining parameters (ICC > 0.900). Excellent between-day reliability was noted for all the chosen BIA parameters (> 0.900). Conclusion. BIA using the Tanita MC-780PM showed good-to-excellent within- and between-day reliability and low measurement errors when measuring before and/or after food intake in healthy adults. Future studies investigating the reliability of Tanita MC-780PMA in individuals with pathological conditions affecting body composition are warranted.
Keywords
body composition, bioelectrical impedance analysis, research investigations, clinical practices
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The association between objectively measured physical activity, screen time and cognitive function: A narrative review

Reime Jamal Shalash, Ashokan Arumugam, Raneen Mohammed Qadah, Alham Al-Sharman

Reime Jamal Shalash, Ashokan Arumugam, Raneen Mohammed Qadah, Alham Al-Sharman – The association between objectively measured physical activity, screen time and cognitive function: A narrative review – Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(2); 164-170

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG56084PD

Abstract
Aim. This narrative review aimed to investigate the association of objectively measured physical activity and screen time on cognitive function among young adults. Methods. We conducted searches on EBSCO and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published in English within the last decade. The search terms included keywords such as “physical activity” or “exercise,” and “screen time” or “screen exposure,” along with “cognition” or “cognitive function”. Results. Almost all studies conducted on older adults showed positive associations between physical activity assessed objectively using an accelerometer, screen time, and cognitive function. Conflicting results were observed between physical activity and cognitive functions in young and middle-aged adults. More studies are required to confirm the association between objectively measured physical activity and cognitive function, given the limited availability of studies. Conclusion. The overall findings of this narrative review highlight the negative impact of sedentary behavior on cognitive health, emphasizing the need to incorporate physical activity into our lifestyles to prevent future cognitive decline. Moreover, the impact of screen time and media content yielded contradictory findings on cognitive functions among different age groups, but mostly confirmed the negative effects of passive screen exposure on cognitive functions among children and adolescents. This review highlights the need for future studies to use standardized and objective methods to measure cognitive function, screen time and media content in different populations, especially on young and middle-aged adults, to raise awareness regarding screen time.
Keywords
physical activity, screen time, cognitive function
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