Basic Informations

C.V

Maha Mostafa Mokhtar Ebrahim
Natural Treatment Instructor
Natural treatment of neurological anxiety and injuries

Master Title

Functional Outcome of Ultrasound versus low power laser therapy in Patients with Discogenic Sciatica

Master Abstract

Background: Sciatica is a common cliniclal problem causing pain and functional disability resulting from bulge or herniation of one or more lumbar intervertebral discs is a frequent and often debilitating event. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of low power laser and low intensity ultrasound therapies on pain and function in patients with discogenic sciatica. Subjects: Thirty patients with discogenic sciatica (mean age 45.13 ± 4.28 years, height 167.35 ± 7.14764 cm, weight 82.88 ± 3.70 kg, and BM I29.72 ± 2.52 kg/m²) participated in this study. Materials and Methods: Patients were assigned into two equal groups; group A received low power laser and group B received ultrasound therapy; each group being composed of 15 sciatic patients resulting from lumbar disc bulge. Data of visual analogue scale (VAS) and oswestry disability index (ODI) were collected from each patient in both groups pre and post physiotherapy program. Results: Statistical analysis using paried student t-test and unpaired student t-test revealed that there were significant differences regarding VAS and ODI pre & post treatment in both groups A and B. There was significant difference in improvement in pain intensity in laser group (A) than in ultrasound group (B), however there was no significant difference in functional disability between the two groups. Conclusion: The physiotherapy program is not only effective with good result in patients with chronic sciatica, but also would reflect much better result with improvement in pain and functional disability if we add either low power laser or low intensity pulsed ultrasound to the treatment program.

PHD Title

EFFECT OF UNILATERAL VERSUS BILATERAL UPPER LIMB TRAINING ON REACHING PATTERN IN STROKE PATIENTS

PHD Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to compare the effect of bilateral versus unilateral upper extremity training on improving the reaching pattern in stroke patients. Patients and methods: forty five stroke patients were allocated into three equal groups, (GA): a control, (GB): unilateral and (GC): bilateral groups. The control group received selected physical therapy program for 20 minutes (Passive, active assisted and active free movements for the affected side, neurodevelopmental approach, postural control and balance training, functional training (ADL) and gait training), whereas, the unilateral group received the selected physical therapy program, in addition to designed unilateral upper limb training and the bilateral group received the selected physical therapy program, in addition to designed bilateral upper limb training. The treatment program for the three groups was three times per week for six weeks. In addition to physical therapy program all three groups used virtual reality training as a home routine for 30 minutes. The patients were assessed clinically with the Motor Assessment Scale, Reaching Performance Scale and Kinesiological RMS Electromyographic Activity of selected four muscles "clavicular head of pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, lateral head of triceps and extensor carpi radialis muscle” before and after six weeks of treatment.