Browsing by Subject "Functional capacity"

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    Open Access
    Determinants of functional capacity and work ability post SARS-COV-2 infection in miners
    (2025) Ndlovu, Vusimuzi; Jeebhay, Mohamed; Ntatamala, Itumeleng
    Background: Insufficient data exists on the sequelae of COVID-19 and its impact on function and work ability among workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of functional capacity and work ability in miners following COVID-19 disease. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 204 mine workers employed at a ferromanganese mine in the Northern Cape province of South Africa with a confirmed laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 within the past 12 months. Study instruments included a socio-demographic questionnaire, Post COVID-19 Functional Scale (PCFS), Work Ability Index (WAI), chest radiograph and the Two-minute Walk Test (TMWT). Data analysis was done using STATA version 16 to generate univariate and multivariate quantile regression models. Results: The majority (74%) of the participants were males with a mean age of 38.8 years and employed in the mining department (46%) as operators. A third were current smokers (35%), and obese (36%). The most commonly reported acute COVID-19 symptoms were sore throat (56%), cough (43%), and anosmia (34%). Almost all the participants had reported having two or more episodes of COVID-19 which was of a mild form (64%). Most (86%) returned to work within 14 days of diagnosis. None of the miners had an abnormal PCFS score, nor did they have poor WAI scores. Aside from living arrangements (living with a spouse), none of the socio-demographic or occupational factors were associated with COVID-19 disease severity. Unlike for COVID-19 disease, female sex was significantly associated (p<0.001) with poor performance on the TMWT in the simple regression models. After adjusting for disease severity and sex in the multivariate models, no significant association was observed between COVID-19 disease and the TMWT distance. Conclusion: This study found limited evidence of impaired functional capacity and work ability in miners following COVID-19 disease within one year of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, only female sex, but not COVID-19 was associated with impaired functional ability.
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    Open Access
    The identification of gait asymmetry in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
    (2025) Mpaka, Lindiwe; Kroff, Jacolene; Atterbury, Elizma
    Background: Gait abnormalities are common in children with JIA, and early detection is crucial to reduce walking disability, which is a significant aspect of daily life. Analyzing gait in this population provides vital information about joint issues and walking patterns, guiding treatment goals. Addressing gait asymmetry can enhance a child's functional abilities, participation in activities, and overall quality of life. Purpose: To determine the incidence of gait asymmetry in children with JIA and to further determine the association between gait asymmetry and disease severity and functional capacity Study design: Cross-sectional Observational study. Methods: A total number of 14 children between 6-16 years of age (accompanied by their parents) that are diagnosed with JIA, were recruited. They were recruited between April and October 2023 at Tygerberg Hospital, Bellville, Cape Town during routine medical check-ups. The 6MWT was used to assess gait-related variables using the APDM wearable Technologies® incorporated within the Mobility Lab software package. We focused on the examination of five gait parameters related to the lower limbs: 1) Gait cycle duration, 2) gait speed, 3) time in stance phase, 4) stride length, and 5) time in swing phase. The test was administered in a 25 meters walkway, which was measured using a tape measurer, two cones were placed on each end, one at the beginning and one cone at the end of the distance. Results: We found a statistically significant difference in gait speed and stride length (p=0.031 and p=0.046, respectively) for the total group, considering left and right leg. Gait asymmetry was found in 8 of 14 participants when the effect size was calculated. No significant differences were found when comparing four of the gait variables between the asymmetry and no asymmetry groups. However, a statistically significant difference was observed in stride length (p = 0.04 left and p = 0.03 right) in the asymmetry and no asymmetry group. There was no statistical significance between the disease activity and the asymmetry group (p = 0.627). No statistically significant difference was observed in the total distance achieved in both the asymmetry and no asymmetry group on the 6MWT. Conclusion: Our study underscores the significant impact of gait speed and stride length on gait asymmetry in children with JIA. These gait parameters exhibited the greatest discrepancies among participants, with stride length closely associated with gait asymmetry and gait speed significantly correlated with the total distance achieved during the 6MWT. These findings suggest that both stride length and gait speed are critical factors in understanding gait asymmetry and the functional limitations experienced by children with JIA.