eScholar-UMT
eScholar is the institutional repository for research conducted at UMT and maintains a large collection of theses, dissertations and projects produced by UMT graduates as part of their respective degree programs. It includes (but not limited to):
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- Undergraduate Program Reports and Final Year Projects
- Full-text articles/research work of faculty and students
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Exploring the relationship between caregiver burden, hand-eye coordination and dexterity among informal caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) KANEEZ FATIMA; ANOSHA; HARAM ISHAQ
Background Informal caregivers including parents and close relatives who care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders can face strain in many ways, physically, mentally, socially. Caregiving duties can result in caregiver burden (CB), which can result in serious consequences such as anxiety, depression, social isolation, emotional burnout and physical health decline. The rationale of this study is to find out association between caregiver burden, dexterity and hand-eye coordination of the caregiving individuals. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 87 primary caregivers (95.4% females) of children having neurodevelopmental disorders. The Zarit Burden (ZBI) was used to assess caregiver burden dexterity was evaluated by using O’Connor Finger dexterity test while Hand-eye coordination was assessed using finger nose test. SPSS version 25 was used to assess the data. Chi-square tests were applied to find out the associations between caregiver burden, dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Results The findings revealed significant correlation between dexterity and caregiver burden (p= 0.012), indicating that dexterity declines with the increase in caregiver burden. On the other hand, there was no significant relationship between caregiver burden and hand-eye coordination (p= 0.471). The majority of the caregivers (85.1%) demonstrated normal coordination, suggesting that coordination may not be directly impacted by increase in caregiver burden.
Association between gluteal muscle inhibition and lumbo-pelvic dysfunction and its impact on functional movement in desk-bound individuals
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) SAZAIN; TAHA; AQSA HAMEED
Musculoskeletal problems at work are called Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders; they occur when the risk factors at work damage muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, and cartilage or spinal discs. Musculoskeletal problems at work are called Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders; they occur when the risk factors at work damage muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, and cartilage or spinal discs. Having low levels of gluteus muscle activity is a regular condition found in people with mechanical low back pain. In this cross-sectional study convenience sampling was used. The sample size was 97 desk bound individuals. Data was collecting from the stings like UMT (Main Campus), Napollo Software Designa nd Call Biz.The tools used to conduct the study were Single leg bridge test, Active straight leg raise (ASLR) test and functional movement screening (FMS) questionnaire. The findings of the study found no associations were found between sitting duration and Functional Movement (p=0.157) also in Body Mass Index and Functional Movement (p=0.152). Meanwhile, Significant Positive Association was found between Gluteal Muscle Inhibition and Functional Movement (p=0.002), Lumbo pelvic dysfunction and Functional Movement (p=0.000). Also Positive Association was found between Gluteal Muscle Inhibition and Lumbo-pelvic dysfunction (p=0.001). This study concludes that decrease gluteal muscle activation and lumbo-pelvic stability negatively impact the functional movement quality in office or desk bound individuals.
Bridging the experience gap
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) AYESHA TARIQ; EMAN SAFDAR; FATIMA HIBA TULLAH
Background Clinical decision making in physiotherapy is influenced by practitioner's experience levels, with newly graduated physiotherapist often facing challenges in confidence and diagnostic accuracy, while experienced clinicians may rely on habitual patterns that do not always align with evolving best practices. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have the potential to enhance evidence-based decision making and bridge this experience gap. This cross-sectional study investigated physiotherapist' perception of AI in clinical decision making and examined whether AI tools can reduce differences in autonomy, confidence and decision accuracy between newly graduated physiotherapists and experienced physical therapists. A total of 156 practitioners participated, representing a range of experience levels. Data were collected through Clinical Decision-Making questionnaire assessing demographics, I awareness, perceived impact nonclinical reasoning and attitudes toward AI integration into physical therapy education. Methods Statistical analysis using Pearson’s Chi-square revealed that AI awareness was high (71.2%), with mid-career practitioners (4-9 years) demonstrating the highest familiarity. Less experienced physiotherapist (< 2 years) were more likely to report increased autonomy and confidence when supported by AI (p < 0.001), while mid career clinicians showed the greatest belief in AI’s ability to improve decision accuracy (p=0.043). In contrast, clinicians with over 10 years of experience expressed greater skepticism. Support for integrating AI into physiotherapy curricula was strong across all groups (77.6%) and did not differ significantly by experience level. xii Results Overall, AI is perceived as a valuable adjunct to clinical reasoning, particularly among early and mid-career practitioners, with broad consensus on its inclusion in education, highlighting its potential to bridge aspects of the clinical experience gaps when implemented with appropriate training and ethical safeguards.
Impact of salah on lower limb function in elderly population of performers and non-performers
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) MOOSA TAUQEER BHATTI; ABDUL MOEED PASHA; AREEJ AAMIR
BACKGROUND: Salah (Islamic prayer) is a fundamental act of worship performed five times daily by practicing Muslims, involving a series of physical movements including standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting. These movements require coordination, muscle strength, flexibility, and joint mobility particularly in the lower limbs. Regular performance of Salah throughout life may serve as a form of low-intensity physical activity, potentially contributing to better musculoskeletal function in older age. In elderly populations, maintaining lower limb functionality is essential for balance, mobility, and independence. However, the relationship between long-term adherence to Salah and its effect on lower limb function in the elderly remains underexplored. This study aims to compare lower limb functionality between elderly individuals who perform Salah regularly and those who do not, to evaluate its potential musculoskeletal benefits. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly individuals aged 50 years and above. Participants were divided into two groups: Salah performers (offering at least three prayers regularly for 6 months) and non-performers (those not performing Salah consistently or at all). Individuals with recent lower limb injuries , surgeries , musculoskeletal and neurological conditions were excluded . Convenience sampling was used for participant recruitment from local communities, mosques, and elder care facilities. Lower limb functionality was assessed using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), a standardized and validated self-reported questionnaire designed to evaluate the functional status of the lower limbs. Demographic and clinical data were also collected. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS to compare LEFS scores between both groups RESULTS: Out of 200 participants aged between 50 and 75, the mean age was 62.4 years (SD = 6.8). The average Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) score among participants was 54.7. xii Individuals who regularly performed Salah demonstrated significantly higher LEFS scores compared to non-performers. The findings indicate that Salah performers had better lower limb functionality, reflecting improved mobility and physical independence in daily tasks. A significant association was observed between regular Salah practice and enhanced lower limb performance, suggesting that the physical postures involved in Salah such as standing, bowing, and prostrating may contribute positively to muscular strength, joint flexibility, and balance among the elderly. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that elderly individuals who regularly perform Salah demonstrate better lower limb functionality compared to non-performers. This indicates that the physical movements involved in Salah may contribute positively to musculoskeletal health and functional independence in older age. Promoting regular prayer may serve as a culturally relevant and spiritually meaningful form of physical activity for maintaining lower limb function in the elderly population.
The impact of nutritional status and its association with cardiorespiratory fitness among young soccer athletes
(UMT, Lahore, 2025) Abdul Razzaq; Laraib pervaiz
Optimal nutritional health/status of an athlete is essential for athlete performance, particularly in sports like football that need a high level of strength, agility, and endurance. Cardiorespiratory fitness is one of the most crucial indicators of an athlete's overall physical performance and aerobic capacity. However, it's unclear how CRF and football players' nutritional state relate to one another. Therefore, this study is aimed to explore the nutritional status of young soccer players, simultaneously assessing the association between nutritional status and cardiorespiratory fitness in young soccer athletes. The study was conducted on soccer athletes of Lahore in various clubs and sports centers (n = 178). Data was collected through survey questionnaire and clinical assessments utilizing Beep Test,and BMI/A. Consistent results were generated with reference to the published literature depicting non significant correlation between nutritional status and cardiorespiratory fitness in male athletes compared to female athletes where positive correlation of nutritional status with cardiorespiratory fitness was found. The results emphasise the importance of adequate food choices and nutrition-focused treatments in sports training programs to maximise athletic performance and health outcomes.