Effect of low-level laser therapy on sitting tolerance and activities of daily living in individuals with coccydynia

Jeniffer A, N Senthil Kumar, Jeslin G N, Ramya S, Pooja S, Surya V, Aravindh B, Karthick K

Jeniffer A, N Senthil Kumar, Jeslin G N, Ramya S, Pooja S, Surya V et al. – Effect of low-level laser therapy on sitting tolerance and activities of daily living in individuals with coccydynia –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(3); 428-431

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D19O1M3

Abstract
Introduction. Coccydynia is defined as pain developing in the coccyx region. The condition is three times more common among women and people with obesity. Common treatments include corticosteroid injections, manual therapy, and physical modalities. However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions, particularly low-level laser therapy, in managing coccydynia.
Aim of the study. To determine the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in improving sitting duration and daily activity participation among patients with coccydynia.
Materials and methods. This study was conducted in a private hospital in Chennai with 30 participants selected from an initial pool of 50 using random sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the LLLT group (n = 15) received low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and the US group (n = 15) received ultrasound therapy (US). Both groups also received pelvic bridging exercises over a 2-week intervention period. Outcome measures included the Dallas Pain Questionnaire (DPQ) and the pain-free sitting duration (PFSD) scale.
Results. Both groups showed significant improvement in DPQ and PFSD scores (p < 0.0001). The LLLT group showed a reduction in DPQ scores from 71.60 to 39.40 and an increase in PFSD from 7.30 to 11.10. The US group showed a greater reduction in DPQ scores from 68.60 to 27.30 and a larger improvement in PFSD from 7.20 to 15.60. These findings indicate that while both therapies were effective, ultrasound therapy achieved a more pronounced reduction in pain and better functional outcomes than low-level laser therapy.
Conclusion. Both LLLT and ultrasound therapy effectively reduced pain and improved sitting tolerance in individuals with coccydynia. However, ultrasound therapy demonstrated superior clinical outcomes, making it a more effective conservative treatment option in this population.
Keywords
coccydynia, pelvic floor, exercise therapy, laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, coccyx
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Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea and its association with quality of life among healthcare professionals. A cross-sectional study

R. Jayabharathi, S. Ramachandran, N. Senthil Kumar, Jibi Paul

R. Jayabharathi, S. Ramachandran, N. Senthil Kumar, Jibi Paul – Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea and its association with quality of life among healthcare professionals. A cross-sectional study –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(3); 348-354

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D191BFO

Abstract
Background. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder marked by repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. Healthcare professionals (HCPs), due to demanding work hours and shift patterns, are especially vulnerable to OSA, which may impact their health, well-being, and quality of care delivery.
Objective. To determine the prevalence of OSA among healthcare professionals with poor sleep quality and evaluate its effects on their quality of life.
Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 308 clinical trainees across three private medical colleges in Chennai. Participants with poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 5) were screened for OSA risk using the STOP-Bang questionnaire, daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and quality of life using the SF-12 Health Survey. Data were analysed using SPSS version 11, with correlations and logistic regression to identify predictors of high OSA risk.
Results. A significant proportion of participants were found to be at high risk for OSA (STOP-Bang ≥ 5). Higher OSA risk was significantly associated with increased daytime sleepiness (ESS), poorer sleep quality (PSQI), and reduced physical and mental health scores on SF-12. Logistic regression revealed that BMI and ESS score were significant predictors of high OSA risk.
Conclusion. OSA is prevalent among healthcare professionals with poor sleep quality and is linked to impaired daytime function and reduced quality of life. Early identification and intervention strategies are crucial to improve well-being and maintain safe, effective patient care.
Keywords
obstructive sleep apnea, healthcare professionals, sleep apnea, sleeping habits, quality of life
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Effect of spinal mobility exercises on functional mobility using AI technology powered software on lumbothorax of young adults with sway back posture

S. Jesvin Bose, N Senthil Kumar, Jeslin G N, Pooja S, Sundareswaran R, Karthick K, Neha Lakshmanan

S. Jesvin Bose, N Senthil Kumar, Jeslin G N, Pooja S, Sundareswaran R, Karthick K et al. – Effect of spinal mobility exercises on functional mobility using AI technology powered software on lumbothorax of young adults with sway back posture –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(3); 298-301

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D19FU69

Abstract
Introduction. Sway back posture is the most common deviation of sagittal alignment, characterized by multiple compensatory changes that may be caused by various factors and can affect activities of daily living. The aim of the study was to ascertain the efficacy of spinal mobility exercises in subjects with sway back posture.
Materials and methods. This quasi-experimental study involved 30 subjects aged 18 to 25 of both genders with at least 10 degrees of anterior pelvic tilt. Postural analysis was conducted pre- and post-training using APECS (AI Posture Evaluation and Correction System) after 8 weeks of spinal mobility exercises.
Results. Paired t-test analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in the ASIS angle (t = 9.23, p < 0.001, d = 1.83), a post-intervention reduction in the PSIS angle (t = 10.12, p < 0.001, d = 2.00), and pelvic tilt (t = 11.45, p < 0.001, d = 2.25). The results show statistically significant reductions in all postural analysis variables measured using AI software.
Conclusion. Spinal mobility exercises improve functional movement and are an effective treatment for sway back posture. This study presents positive preliminary results for spinal mobility exercises, but full validation is necessary in future research.
Keywords
technology, spine, posture, lumbosacral region, good health and well-being
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