/library/oar/handle/123456789/43678 2025-12-26T20:28:43Z 2025-12-26T20:28:43Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/111739 2023-07-17T10:44:05Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The effect of core stability exercises versus general exercises in non-specific chronic low back pain Abstract: Background and Aims: Low Back Pain is one of the major current concerns in health care, with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) being the most common. Evidence supports the use of exercise in the treatment of NSCLBP, but there is no consensus as to which exercise protocol i3 more effective. The aim of this dissertation was to compare the effectiveness of two exercise pro to cols on NSCLBP. This was done by searching for and appraising studies which were relevant to the following PICO question: In adults with non-specific chronic low back pain, how do core stability exercises compared to general exercises, affect pain and function? Method: An electronic search was conducted for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs ), which specified NSCLBP in adults, compared core stability exercises (CSEs) to general exercises (GEs) and which included pain and functional disability in their outcomes. Only studies in English were included. Six RCTs were found which matched the four components of the PICO question. These were appraised using the PEDro methodology scale with some additional points from the CASP checklist. Results: Both exercise protocols were found to be beneficial for patients with NSCLBP. Two studies found statistically significant and marginally significant beneficial results respectively favouring CSE over GE, and four studies found no significant difference in outcomes between the two protocols. Conclusion: Evidence suggests that CSEs and GEs are equally effective in reducing pain and disability in adults with NSCLBP. However, more research is needed where there is sub-classification of NSCLBP and where the exercise protocols are standardised. Exploring which exercise benefits which subgroup, will improve the effectiveness of treatment and further guide clinical practice. Description: B.SC.(HONS)HEALTH SCIENCE

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/111380 2023-07-10T07:38:47Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Ameliorating immediate postoperative pain with the use of perioperative music Abstract: The positive impact of music on health has been documented prior to biblical times. Over the past few decades, researchers explored music regarding its effect on pain. Its use in the perioperative period needed further evaluation. This is mainly attributed to conflicting results presented in diverse literature. The research question posed for this dissertation is 'For patients undergoing elective surgery, does the use of music peri-operatively result in the reduction of post-operative pain?' A comprehensive search was conducted including an array of health care databases both local and worldwide. The population to be studied were patients undergoing elective surgery with the intervention of music compared to those with standard care (no music). The outcome was to evaluate if music has a beneficial effect on postoperative pain or analgesia consumed. A total of 20 studies which complied with the inclusion criteria were identified, of which 10 were consequently eliminated following a thorough critical appraisal with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) tools. This resulted in 2 Systematic Reviews (SR)s and 8 Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT)s highly relevant to the studied subject. From the evidence obtained, it was clear that music had a positive effect on pain. Significant results were obtained in the pain score (4 RCTs) and reduction of analgesia consumption (6 RCTs). Significant pain reduction measurement was obtained in both evaluated SRs (59% and 83%). Type of music and duration seems not to have any influence on the music intervention effectiveness. This review shows the effectiveness of music for the reduction of postoperative pain. Given the fact that the application of music is simple, pleasant, inexpensive, nonpharmacological and without any known side effects, it is recommended to include music as part of the normal care practice. Its introduction must include, patient education regarding its use, availability and procurement of the necessary equipment. Further evaluation of its impact on local patients is needed in respect of the difference that might result due to cultural divergences matters. Music was found not to be harmful whatever the result obtained. Description: B.SC.(HONS)HEALTH SCIENCE

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/111364 2024-05-07T11:39:40Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Dual antiplatelet therapy in percutaneous coronary intervention managed acute coronary syndrome patients Abstract: Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death and a major health issue in Malta. Of the CVD, acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are now managed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Following stent insertion patients are treated with dual antiplatelet therapy to prevent cardiovascular events. Study purpose: The aim of this study was to address the following PICO question; "Is there a significant decrease in cardiovascular events when comparing prasugrel and aspirin to clopidogrel and aspirin in patients managed with percutaneous coronary intervention following acute coronary syndrome?" Method: CINAHL and PubMed were the databases used for searching the literature. Inclusion and exclusion criteria included, RCTs published in English, comparing prasugrel and aspirin to clopidogrel and aspirin, PCI managed ACS patients, the outcome a significant decrease in cardiovascular events. The PRISMA guidelines were applied to ensure a systematic approach in the search strategy. 9 research studies were identified. The critical appraisal tool (NHS UK) RCTs checklist was used to appraise the literature. Finding: The results of the main studies showed that prasugrel was superior to clopidogrel in reducing cardiovascular events with a risk of bleeding in elderly, low body weight and patients with a history of stroke or TIA. STEMI and persons with diabetes, and switching clopidogrel to prasugrel showed good end results. Conclusion: Prasugrel is recommended in PCI managed ACS patients particularly persons with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, diabetics, and non-responders to clopidogrel. Nurses play an important role in patient education. Bilateral meetings in collaboration with cardiologists, nurses, pharmacists and health authorities is planned to introduce prasugrel onto the Schedule V list on the basis of the results in the study. Description: B.SC.(HONS)HEALTH SCIENCE

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/111359 2023-07-07T06:59:56Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Transurethral resection of the prostate reduces lower urinary tract symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia Abstract: The objective of this dissertation is to establish, which is the best treatment to reduce Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) in patients who are suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). This research set to answer the following question, which itself had to be refined according to availability of research: In male patients suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, is laser prostatectomy as effective as Transurethral Resection of the Prostate in reducing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms? Several databases were searched for evidence-based studies, in addition to urological journals. Six evidence-based articles were utilised in order to establish the answer to the research question. The articles were 5 randomised controlled trials (RCT's) and 1 systematic review. Critical appraisal was carried out by means of Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tools. The outcome variables which helped determine the success or failure of a procedure were the peak flow rate, urinary retention, urinary tract infection (UTI), sexual dysfunction, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the re-operation rate. Although not all research studies concluded so, it seems that in the long run, Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is more effective in reducing LUTS than laser prostatectomy (LP) in patients suffering from BPH. Some of the studies concluded that both procedures are acceptable to reduce LUTS for a short time. None of the studies concluded that LP is better than TURP. Recommendations and implications for education, research and policies have been discussed at the end of the dissertation. Description: B.SC.(HONS)HEALTH SCIENCE

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z