Researchers are investigating the effectiveness of an eight-week physiotherapy intervention program in rural villages near Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Bangladesh, for women who have Lumbar Disc Herniation with Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is one of the complications of lumbar disc herniation (LDH), and women pose more risk of impairments related to bladder and bowel functions, motor and sensory status, painful symptoms and functional activities.

Physiotherapist-led conservative management has a positive outcome on resting pain, functional pain, activity limitations, bowel and bladder control, functioning, and disability for patients with lumbar disc herniation.

This project will provide access to physiotherapy services for 60 women from villages around Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) in Bangladesh who are living with CES and LDH.

The women will receive McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and therapy (MDT) for the lumbar spine. The MDT will include repeated movements, typically including flexion in lying or standing; extension in lying or standing; and lateral movements of either side gliding or rotation and manipulative approach to lumbar spine segments.

Patients will perform these movements at therapy sessions provided by physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeon three times a week for eight weeks. Home sessions will then include prescription of McKenzie MDT 10 repetitions of directed movements, two-three hourly for eight weeks. Women will also receive pelvic floor exercises for bladder control in case of CES.

The work is taking place between 1 April and 31 July 2024, contributing to improving the health of the women in rural areas in Bangladesh. For women, typically in the role of caregivers, travel is limited by time and money. Funding will allow the women to travel to receive their physiotherapy sessions, which will in turn improve their activities of daily living, their self-management and their quality of life.

Treatment will be provided at:

  • The Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Jashore University of Science and Technology
  • Nurul Islam Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre, Jashore

The project is a collaboration between the University of Brighton, United Kingdom, and the  Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Jashore University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh and has been funded through the ‘Official Development Assistance’ grant from the University of Brighton.

 

Download A4 flyer for project.