Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Predictors among Elderly Nigerians with Post-Stroke Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Study Applying Global Shrinkage Estimation

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Population ageing has led to a growing burden of chronic disability among older adults, particularly those living with post-stroke conditions and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These conditions often coexist, compounding functional limitations and care needs, yet nationally representative data from Nigeria remain scarce. This study examined the prevalence, patterns, and correlates of MSDs among older adults with post-stroke disabilities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between February 2024 and July 2025 in six purposively selected tertiary hospitals. Older adults aged ≥60 years with confirmed MSDs and post-stroke disabilities were consecutively recruited, yielding 305 valid participants. Data were collected using a culturally adapted, multilingual structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and odds ratios at a significance level of p < 0.05. Participants were predominantly aged ≥70 years (66.2%) and female (64.9%). A high burden of MSDs was observed in 66.6% of respondents. Common conditions included tendinopathies and bursitis, low back pain, sarcopenia, gout, and osteoarthritis. Frequently reported post-stroke disabilities were speech difficulties, dependence in daily activities, and social isolation. Higher MSD prevalence was significantly associated with older age, female sex, marital status, living with family, medication dependence, and longer stroke duration. Multivariate analysis indicated increased odds of MSDs among adults aged ≥70 years, females, those living with family, and individuals with prolonged post-stroke duration. These findings highlight the substantial musculoskeletal burden among older Nigerians with post-stroke disabilities and underscore the need for integrated geriatric, neurological, and musculoskeletal care models to improve functional outcomes and quality of life in this growing population.

Applying Updated Clinical Criteria for Differential Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease in Practice: A Changing Perspective

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0800

Providing holistic physical and occupational therapy requires a generalist’s perspective, even within the confines of specialist practice. In all settings, physical and occupational therapists must practice at the top of their scope to evaluate the whole person to identify potential pathologies which may impact success in the receipt of services related to their referral. As the population worldwide advances in age, and more individuals are living with Parkinson’s disease, it is crucial for all healthcare professionals, including rehabilitation specialists, to be able to accurately assess for signs of neurodegenerative disease. By reporting a patient case, this perspective provides clinicians with contemporary information related to the differential diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease and introduces how the Geriatric 5M model can serve as a framework to inform the examination and intervention of a patient with undiagnosed Parkinson’s Disease. Traditional criteria for the clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease are compared to updated, contemporary diagnostic criteria along with supportive criteria. This case-based perspective article emphasizes the importance of examining the whole person, not just the referring diagnosis, the ethical need of physical and occupational therapists to maintain contemporary expertise in clinical practice, and to refer when appropriate. New diagnostic criteria for Parkinson’s disease are included to promote the immediate application of these concepts into clinical practice.

Journal of Geriatric Medicine

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Predictors among Elderly Nigerians with Post-Stroke Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Study Applying Global Shrinkage Estimation

Applying Updated Clinical Criteria for Differential Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease in Practice: A Changing Perspective