The impact of structured postnatal exercise program on salivary cortisol levels in postpartum women following caesarean section

Dasarapu Indrani, Shenbaga Sundaram Subramanian, Prathap Suganthirababu, Dubba NagaRaju, Surya Vishnuram, Jagatheesan Alagesan, Purna Chandra Shekhar, Rahul Shaik, K.Himabindu, Kiran Velukuri

Dasarapu Indrani, Shenbaga Sundaram Subramanian, Prathap Suganthirababu, Dubba NagaRaju, Surya Vishnuram, Jagatheesan Alagesan et al. – The impact of structured postnatal exercise program on salivary cortisol levels in postpartum women following caesarean section –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(3); 423-427

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D19P4A8

Abstract
Background. Elevated cortisol levels contribute to maternal stress and delayed recovery in the postpartum period, particularly following lower segment caesarean section (LSCS), which poses unique physiological and psychological challenges.
Objective. To evaluate the impact of a 12-week structured postnatal exercise program on salivary cortisol levels in postpartum women following LSCS.
Methods. Sixty postpartum women who had undergone LSCS were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). The experimental group received a physiotherapist-guided postnatal exercise program, progressing from breathing and mobility exercises to core stability training. Salivary cortisol levels were measured pre- and post-intervention. Secondary outcomes included core strength, exhaustion, and mental health.
Results. Post-intervention salivary cortisol levels were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (mean difference: 5.2607 nmol/L; 95% CI: 3.9917–6.5296; p < 0.0001), with the experimental group demonstrating significant improvements in secondary outcomes.
Conclusion. A structured postnatal exercise program effectively reduces salivary cortisol levels and enhances recovery after LSCS. These findings support the incorporation of physiotherapy-led exercise into routine postpartum care to reduce stress and improve maternal health outcomes.
Keywords
cortisol levels, postpartum, caesarean section, postnatal exercise, stress
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Effects of individualized exercise on body composition, lipid profile, mental health, and ovarian cysts in a young woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome – case study

Jeslin G N, Vasugi Suresh, Muthukumaran Jothilingam, Prathap Suganthirababu, Jeevarathinam Thirumalai, Sundareswaran R, Karthick K, Sanjana Venkataraman

Jeslin G N, Vasugi Suresh, Muthukumaran Jothilingam, Prathap Suganthirababu, Jeevarathinam Thirumalai et al. – Effects of individualized exercise on body composition, lipid profile, mental health, and ovarian cysts in a young woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome – case study –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(3); 339-341

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D197ZP4

Abstract
Background. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by hyperandrogenism, obesity, dyslipidemia, irregular menstrual cycles, and changes in ovarian morphology. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether an individualized exercise program influences body composition, lipid profile, mental health, and ovarian cysts.
Methods. An 18-year-old woman diagnosed with type 1 classic PCOS participated in a 9-week (1-week familiarization and 8-week intervention) individualized exercise program that included resistance training (3 days per week) and aerobic exercise (3 days per week). Outcome measures included BMI, waist-hip ratio, body fat percentage, lipid profile, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and ovarian size at baseline and post-intervention.
Results. There was a notable improvement in all measured outcomes: BMI decreased from 28.1 kg/m² to 24.6 kg/m²; waist-hip ratio reduced from 0.88 to 0.81; body fat percentage dropped from 34.1% to 29.1%; total cholesterol declined from 174 mg/dL to 152 mg/dL; triglycerides decreased from 167 mg/dL to 154 mg/dL; LDL decreased from 91 mg/dL to 82 mg/dL; HDL decreased from 67 mg/dL to 59 mg/dL. Anxiety and depression scores also improved. The left ovary size decreased from 2.75 × 1.58 cm to 2.1 × 1.2 cm, while the right ovary size decreased from 3.55 × 2.33 cm to 2.9 × 1.9 cm.
Conclusion. The results indicate that an individualized exercise program can effectively improve body composition, lipid profile, mental health, and ovarian morphology in young women with PCOS. However, further studies on a larger population are needed to confirm these findings.
Key words
polycystic ovarian syndrome, aerobic exercise, resistance training, body composition, dyslipidemia
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Effectiveness of posterior tibial and pudendal nerve stimulation on urinary incontinence in diabetic neuropathy patients

Rithika shree. J, Dhanusia. S, Prathap Suganthirababu, Yamini Umasankar, Vignesh Srinivasan, Priyadharshini. K, Vanitha. J

Rithika shree. J et al. – Effectiveness of posterior tibial and pudendal nerve stimulation on urinary incontinence in diabetic neuropathy patients –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(3); 188-192

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D19VX15

Abstract
Background. Diabetic neuropathy, a frequent complication of diabetes, leads to urinary incontinence, which places a greater burden on caregivers and negatively impacts patients’ quality of life. Apart from the usual sensory and motor issues, people with diabetic neuropathy also deal with non-motor problems, one major one being urinary incontinence. This study focused on evaluating how well posterior tibial nerve stimulation and pudendal nerve stimulation work in managing this issue in such individuals.
Methods. In this experimental study, we divided 40 individuals with diabetic neuropathy and urinary incontinence into two groups. Twenty participants in group A received stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve, while twenty participants in group B received stimulation of the pudendal nerve. Over an eight-week period, both treatments were administered four times a week for 30 minutes per session. We used the ICIQ-UI and pad weight testing to monitor the effectiveness of urinary incontinence treatment.
Results. Both groups received stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve and pudendal nerve through a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator. Posterior tibial nerve stimulation showed significantly greater improvement than pudendal nerve stimulation, with a p-value of less than 0.001, as supported by the results of the ICIQ-UI and the pad weight test.
Conclusion. In individuals with diabetic neuropathy, posterior tibial nerve stimulation was found to be more effective than pudendal nerve stimulation in minimizing urinary leakage.
Key words
pad weight test, bladder control, detrusor muscle inactivity, tens, sacral nerves, iciq-ui
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Effectiveness of multimodal physiotherapy techniques for improving gait, balance, and coordination in patients with Wallenberg syndrome. A case series

Vanitha Jayaraj, Priyanka Jeyaraj, Varshini Muniyandi, Deepash S, Vigneshwar V, Shruthi Manoharan, Priyadharshini K, Dhanusia S, Vignesh Srinivasan, Prathap Suganthirababu

 

Vanitha Jayaraj et al. – Effectiveness of multimodal physiotherapy techniques for improving gait, balance, and coordination in patients with Wallenberg syndrome. A case series –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(3); 139-143

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D194HD5

Abstract
Aim. This study aims to evaluate the impact of multimodal physiotherapy, including game-based coordination training, perturbation training, dual-task training, and balance retraining, on gait, balance, and coordination in individuals with Wallenberg syndrome. Additionally, it seeks to assess improvements in functional mobility and fall risk reduction.
Methods. Patients diagnosed with Wallenberg syndrome were enrolled. The patients received a multimodal physiotherapy program. Outcomes were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), comprehensive coordination scale (CCS), and functional gait assessment (FGA).
Results. Among the 4 patients with Wallenberg syndrome who received multimodal physiotherapy treatments, 71.4% were male and 28.5% were female. The subjects’ average age was 45.75 years. Table 1 shows the characteristics of each case. Table 2 shows the comparison of pre- and post-treatment scores using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In figure 1, the post-test scores of all three outcomes were analyzed and a trend toward improvement was observed. The changes were clinically relevant, although they did not reach the threshold of statistical significance. Individual case analysis indicates that particular physiotherapy methods helped to improve clinical outcomes.
Conclusion. This study provides evidence on the efficacy of multimodal physiotherapy for improving gait, balance, and coordination impairments in Wallenberg syndrome, potentially guiding future rehabilitation programs.
Key words
gait disorders, lateral medullary syndrome, motor coordination, postural balance, stroke rehabilitation
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Relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome with stress and sleep among IT professionals

Vanitha Jayaraj, M. Ahamed Ajeem, Priyanka Jeyaraj, Varshini Muniyandi, Daniel A, Prathap Suganthirababu

 

Vanitha Jayaraj, M. Ahamed Ajeem, Priyanka Jeyaraj, Varshini Muniyandi, Daniel A, Prathap Suganthirababu – Relationship between carpal tunnel syndrome with stress and sleep among IT professionals –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(3); 33-36

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D19RSPU

Abstract
Aim. This study investigated the relationship between stress, sleep disturbances, and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among IT professionals, assessing whether stress and poor sleep quality exacerbate CTS symptoms.
Methods. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 26 IT professionals (aged 25–50) clinically diagnosed with CTS, with confirmation through electrophysiological testing (NCS) and special tests. Participants were assessed using three standardized tools: the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) for symptom severity and functional impairment, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep quality, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) for stress levels. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze relationships among CTS severity, stress, and sleep quality, with statistical significance assessed through p-values. Multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate the combined influence of multiple factors.
Results. Significant correlations were found between CTS symptoms, stress levels, and sleep disturbances (p < 0.05). Participants with higher BCTQ scores reported greater stress, suggesting stress worsens pain perception. Poor sleep quality, indicated by higher PSQI scores, was prevalent, with difficulties falling asleep and non-restorative sleep linked to increased symptom severity. Stress and poor sleep were interrelated, forming a cycle that intensified CTS symptoms.
Conclusion. Stress and sleep disturbances significantly impact CTS severity in IT professionals. Addressing these factors through stress management, ergonomic modifications, and sleep hygiene education is crucial for improving quality of life and treatment outcomes. Integrating physiotherapy and workplace wellness initiatives can help reduce CTS severity and associated comorbidities. Managing stress and improving sleep should be prioritized alongside traditional CTS treatments for holistic care.
Key words
carpal tunnel syndrome, IT professionals, stress, sleep, quality of life
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The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) therapy on balance and mobility in elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial

Madhanraj Sekar, Prathap Suganthirababu, Shenbaga Sundaram Subramanian, Surya Vishnuram, Vinodhkumar Ramalingam, Anitha Arul, Andrew Anbarason

Madhanraj Sekar et al. – The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) therapy on balance and mobility in elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2024; 24(5); 191-194

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG020C8UWP

Abstract Introduction. Balance impairments and mobility limitations are prevalent challenges among elderly individuals, often contributing to an increased risk of falls and a diminished quality of life. Traditional physiotherapy interventions have effectively addressed these issues, but novel approaches, such as virtual reality (VR) therapy, have emerged as potential enhancements to rehabilitation protocols. Through its immersive environments, VR therapy may engage and challenge patients, potentially leading to improved outcomes. Objective. To investigate whether VR therapy enhances balance and mobility outcomes in elderly patients compared with a traditional physiotherapy protocol. Methods. Sixty elderly individuals, aged 65 and above, referred for outpatient physiotherapy due to balance and mobility issues, were recruited for this randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two parallel arms. They were randomly allocated to the intervention group, treated with VR therapy sessions, while the control group received traditional physiotherapy sessions focused on balance exercises and mobility. The treatment duration was twice a week for over 8 weeks. Baseline assessments were conducted before the intervention, and follow-up assessments were performed immediately after the 8-week intervention period. Outcome Measures. Primary Outcome: Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) as the primary outcome, while mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and quality of life was evaluated using the EQ-5D Questionnaire as the secondary outcome. Results. The VR therapy group demonstrated a more significant improvement in balance (BBS score increase of 12.4 points) than the control group (BBS score increase of 7.6 points). Regarding mobility, the VR group reduced TUG time by 3.8 seconds, compared to 2.8 seconds in the control group, indicating faster completion times and improved functional mobility. The VR group reported a more significant increase in quality of life (0.17 EQ-5D improvement) compared to the control group (0.12 improvement), suggesting that immersive therapy positively impacted overall well-being. Conclusion. It was anticipated that the VR therapy group would demonstrate more significant improvements in balance, mobility, and quality of life than those in the traditional physiotherapy group.
Key words augmented learning, virtual reality, software technology, balance, risk of fall
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