Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences

Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Pattern on Balance and Gait in Post-Stroke Patients

Vijay Pathania — 2025-06-17

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) patterns on gait and balance in post-stroke patients. Material and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 24 post-stroke patients who were equally allocated to an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received PNF patterns for pelvic and scapular mobility utilizing elastic resistance bands in conjunction with conventional physiotherapy. The control group received only conventional physiotherapy. The intervention was administered for 60 min per session, 5 days per week, for a duration of 4 weeks. Gait and balance were assessed using the observational gait analysis, Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. Results: The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in gait and balance compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, enhancements in stroke-specific quality of life were observed in the intervention group. Conclusion: PNF patterns utilizing elastic resistance bands demonstrate significant improvements in gait, balance, and quality of life among post-stroke patients. This intervention, characterized by its cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation, exhibits beneficial outcomes in stroke rehabilitation.

Study on Determinants of gender preference and use of family planning methods among married women of the reproductive age group in the Urlabari Municipality of Morang District, Eastern Nepal

R. B. Sah — 2025-06-17

Introduction: Son preference is predominant in developing countries, especially South Asian countries and its effect is most visible when the fertility is on transition. Nepal is a country in South Asia where the fertility has declined and son is valued highly. Objectives: To find out the effects of gender preference on the use of family planning and to identify the determinants of gender Preference. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among the 350 married women of reproductive age group (15–49 years) in Urlabari Municipality of Nepal. Semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Chi-square test was applied to measure the association between socio-demographic characteristics, Fertility Profile and use of contraceptive methods with gender preference, and binary logistic regression was applied to identify the determinants of gender Preference. Results: The husband’s education has been illiterate (79.3%) have seen more gender preference as compared to those below SEE (71.7%) and above SEE (66.9%) but the difference was not significant. The study population belong to the labor (85.7%) was seen insignificantly more gender preference in comparison to other occupational groups. The study populations have desired children as ≤2 have found significantly more gender preference (73.0%) than those having desired children as >2 (57.9%) (P = 0.022). The study population having last child as male (75.1%) was found significantly more gender preference than those as female (63.8%) (P = 0.023). The married women not using natural contraceptives (75.7%) was found significantly more gender preference than those using natural contraceptives (62.5%) (P = 0.008). The women whose desired children ≤2 are 2.4 times more gender preferences as compared to those desired child are <2 (P = 0.007). Those women who are using natural practice for family planning for gender preferences are 2.2 times more than those not using natural practice (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The study concludes that the women desiring less number of children, sex preference compared to non-preference in the first child, and those not practicing natural family were found to be the determinant of gender preference.

Management of Various Musculoskeletal Disorders by Different Kinds of Agnikarma Methods- A Systematic Review

Krishna R. Rathod — 2025-06-17

Musculoskeletal disorder is a very common condition that affects a person in one or any other form, irrespective of the age group. It includes various conditions, i.e., osteoarthritis of the knee, calcaneal spur, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, and frozen shoulder. Such conditions can be considered under the wide umbrella of Vata Vyadhi with its various presentations according to Ayurveda. Agnikarma, a para-surgical procedure, is mentioned as a treatment modality for different conditions of Vata Vyadhi in the classics. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned 10 different types of Dahana Upakarana according to the manifestation site of the disease. Many research works or clinical trials are being carried out by researchers on different forms of Agnikarma for the management of various musculoskeletal disorders. Among them, many research works remain as grey literature in the library. Hence, summarization of research works published in the research journals is necessary to know the treatment methodology of different forms of Agnikarma for the management of various musculoskeletal conditions. In this review article, all the clinical studies or trials are included that are available in online databases. To accomplish this purpose, data mining was carried out through various search engines such as Ayush portal, DHARA, Google Scholar, J Gate, PubMed, Research Gate, Sci-Hub, and Shodhaganga, and journals such as ASL, AYU, AyuCaRe, IAMJ, IJA CaRe, IJAR, JAIM, Journal of Ayurveda, JRAAS. During the search with different keywords related to Agnikarma and musculoskeletal disorders, a total of 237 articles were found online. Among these, some articles were scattered on various digital platforms with duplications and the same work on various search engines and Ayurveda journals. In this review article, a total of 38 different research works have been included. Among them, 01 work a pilot study, 12 works are case reports, 01 work a case series, 05 works are single-arm studies, and 19 works are comparative clinical studies. The present review article provides information about different methodologies of Agnikarma in the management of various conditions of the musculoskeletal system.

Determination of Nutrient Values of Tuberous Vegetables Using Different Cooking Methods

Harshitha Velumani — 2025-06-17

Objective: To investigate the nutrient quality of tuberous vegetables using different cooking methods such as boiling, steaming, and microwaving. Carrot (Daucus carota), radish (Raphanus sativus), and beetroot (Beta vulgaris) were used for the study. Results: This study identified the best cooking method for retaining nutrients and antioxidant activity in carrot, beetroot, and radish samples. Physiochemical analysis (pH and color measurement), nutrient quality testing (ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, total flavonoid content, total phenolic content, and iron), and antioxidant activity were done. It was observed that steaming is the best cooking method for retaining nutrients and antioxidant activity in carrot, beetroot, and radish samples. It minimizes nutrient loss and preserves antioxidant activity, making it a recommended cooking method compared to the other methods.

Kid-sized Dentistry: Where Big Smile Begin with Little Tools

Nayana Abraham — 2025-06-17

Background: Treating children in dental settings poses unique challenges, primarily due to fear and anxiety. Many kids associate dental visits with pain, scary sounds, and unfamiliar environments, leading to uncooperative behavior, missed appointments, and neglected oral health. Pediatric dentistry is revolutionizing the experience with kid-sized innovations. Advancements such as soft laser treatments and captivating virtual reality experiences transform dental visits into enjoyable and stress-free moments, creating a secure and interactive environment where kids feel confident, comfortable, and excited to share their smiles. Aim: The aim of this review article is to emphasize and improve the knowledge of all available dentistry instruments in kid sized availability or size that favours dealing with the pediatric patients. Conclusion: This review showcases a game-changer for little patients to turn dental visits into pleasant adventures. With kid-sized dentistry, dentists can transform a child’s anxiety into fun, build lasting trust, and instill healthy oral habits early, creating a generation of confident smiles.

Management of Complex Trans sphincteric Fistula in Ano with Distal Fistulectomy with Proximal Staged Fistulotomy using Ksharasutra: A Case Study

Esha Ebrahim — 2025-06-17

According to Sushruta Samhita, Bhagandar is one of the Ashta Mahagada. Because of its recurrent nature, this condition is more challenging to cure. Ksharasutra has already demonstrated efficacy in treating fistula-in-Ano. In this case report, a 42-year-old male patient had complaints of pain at the perianal region, boil at the perianal region with pus discharge for 1 year. On examination, external opening is present at 3 o’ clock position, and an internal opening is at 6 o’clock position. Induration palpated from 3 to 6 o’ clock position. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) revealed trans-sphincteric fistula-in-ano. Patient underwent partial fistulectomy with ksharasutra application under sadal block. After 2 weeks, two Ksharasutra placed in external fistulous tracts were removed when the track got healthy, and the one connected with the external opening was changed weekly once by the railroad method. Within 7 weeks, the wound was healed completely and without any recurrence.