https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2294 2026-04-09T22:51:26Z 2026-04-09T22:51:26Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2530 2018-05-28T08:30:59Z 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on the perceived health-related quality of life of patients diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis Abstract: This research project was done with the scope of investigating the influence of pulmonary rehabilitation on the health-related quality of life of individuals diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. It was done in close collaboration with another study that investigated the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on the Six-Minute Walk Test in the same sample of participants. Both of the studies form part of a larger Ph.D. level study being done on pulmonary rehabilitation. A sample of 38 participants diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis were included in this research study, and randomly allocated either to the trial group, where they underwent a 12-week pulmonary rehabilitation program, or to the control group. The health-related quality of life of all participants was assessed by the Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire throughout the 12 weeks, at 4-weekly intervals. The participants that underwent the pulmonary rehabilitation program registered a mean significant improvement in their health-related quality of life across the 12 weeks, in contrast to an insignificant, yet considerable deterioration noted in the control sample. This dissertation suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation positively influences the health-related quality of life of patients diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Description:

2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2523 2018-05-28T12:56:06Z 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The effectiveness of school smoking cessation programs amongst adolescents Abstract: Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable diseases, which presents multiple burdens in all countries (Mackay & Eriksen, 2002). Minary et al. (2009) state that smoking is very commonly initiated in adolescence and this leads to nicotine addiction by early adulthood. Since locally, adolescents attend compulsory schooling, up to the age of sixteen and many of them further their studies, schools are exclusive to implement smoking cessation interventions. A research question using the PICO framework was formulated to assess the effectiveness of school smoking cessation programs amongst adolescents aged 12 to 20 years. PICO question: How effective are school smoking cessation (O) programmes based on behavioural change interventions (I) on smoking amongst adolescents (P)? Full texted systematic reviews and randomised control trials in English language were selected. Interventions had to involve behavioural change sessions and not exceeding ten weeks in duration. Studies including outside schools’ setting, population older than twenty years of age and smoking prevention were excluded. Within the five databases searched 85 articles were researched and nine were adequate for the study according to the criterion formulated. To appraise the methodology of each study, the CASP tools were used followed by a discussion of their ethical issues. Abstinence and reduction of cigarette smoking were the main focus while analysing the results. Therefore it can be concluded that smoking cessation programs are likely to have positive effects on adolescents. However further research would be beneficial, such as comparing intervention including, behavioural change smoking cessation to other cessation therapies (using patches or gums or internet-based programs). It was outlined that school nurses are vital for performing one-to-one sessions for behavioural change. Strengths and limitations of this study were also identified and discussed. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING

2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2522 2018-10-15T06:09:25Z 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The cardiovascular effects of an exercise programme using the Microsoft Kinect in persons with complete spinal cord injuries Abstract: Persons living with a complete spinal cord injury (SCI) are unable to voluntarily mobilize a section of their body; this is dependent on the level of the injury sustained. Immobility and resultant confinement to a wheelchair be it manual or automatic, limits the amount and type of exercise these persons are able to perform. Due to this lack of activity, persons with SCI are at risk of increased weight gain, which then predisposes them to noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Exercise has shown to somewhat decrease the degree of this risk. Numerous studies have been carried out with persons who have a SCI in relation to exercise, however none as yet had been carried out through the use of the Kinect. By means of this study, this gap in the literature was attempted to be met. This study consisted of five participants carrying out a three week exercise programme, two times per week for thirty minutes each session. The Xbox was used as the gaming platform and the Kinect as the motion sensor. Heart rate values were measured and questionnaires were distributed to gauge the participants' experience. The results showed a decrease in heart rate values in four out of the five participants, indicating positive cardiovascular effects. Positive feedback regarding all the participants' experience was also received. However, due to the small number of participants, these results may not be generalised to the whole spinal cord injury population and therefore the need for further research in the area is encouraged.

2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2521 2017-08-04T06:08:54Z 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity in people with multiple sclerosis in Malta Abstract: People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) encounter various benefits and barriers which affect physical activity (PA) levels. This study aims to identify perceived benefits (PBen) and barriers (PBar) to PA by PwMS in Malta via the use of the exercise benefits/barriers scale (EBBS). The study also aims to investigate whether PBen and PBar in PwMS of different mobility levels are significantly different. 42 PwMS were recruited through the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Malta and from the Neurological Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Outpatients Department, St. Luke’s Hospital, Rehabilitation Hospital Karen Grech. Participants completed an EBBS questionnaire. EBBS scores and scores for each EBBS category were calculated. Reverse-scoring was used to calculate the EBBS barrier score and scores related to the EBBS barrier subscale. SPSS version 22 and Microsoft Office Excel (2007) were used to analyse the results of the 40 questionnaires returned and the main PBen and PBar were identified. The highest rated PBen was in the physical performance category, obtaining a mean score of 3.53 out of a maximum possible score of 4.00. The highest rated PBar was in the physical exertion category, obtaining a mean score of 2.00 out of a maximum possible score of 4.00. Differences between PBen and PBar identified by PwMS of different mobility levels were found to be significant. Results were similar to those obtained in previous studies in which PBen and PBar to PA by PwMS were investigated. Future studies to further explore perceptions to PA are warranted to further aid in increasing PA levels. Description: B.PSY.(HONS);

2014-01-01T00:00:00Z