https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/317 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:47:01 GMT 2026-06-17T07:47:01Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147478 Title: Auditory and visual processing skills in Maltese children Abstract: Auditory processing (AP) and visual processing (VP) abilities are important for language development, learning, and classroom participation; however, evidence from Malta remains limited. This study investigated AP and VP performance in 8-year-old Maltese children according to gender, primary language, and neurodevelopmental profile. Participants included 83 children: 71 neurotypical (NT) and 12 neurodiverse (ND). AP skills were assessed using a computer-based battery administered via TestFlight, while VP skills were measured using the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test–Fourth Edition (MVPT-4). Language processing was evaluated through a Sentence Imitation Test derived from the Language Assessment for Maltese Children (LAMC). A researcher-developed questionnaire collected demographic and language background data. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics within an exploratory quantitative framework. Neurodevelopmental status emerged as the strongest determinant of performance, with ND children demonstrating consistently weaker AP and VP outcomes than NT peers. Gender and primary language showed minimal influence. Sentence imitation performance differed according to neurodevelopmental profile but not gender. Findings highlight interactions between perceptual, cognitive, and linguistic processes. Clinically, results support including AP and VP measures in assessment protocols, while educational implications include reducing perceptual load and implementing structured multisensory teaching approaches. This study contributes novel local evidence on perceptual processing in Maltese children within a bilingual context. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147478 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147350 Title: Editorial : teaching for confidence Authors: Abela Fiorentino, Trevor Abstract: Healthcare education has made substantial strides in ensuring that students develop into competent professionals. The acquisition of knowledge and technical competence have been long prioritised in healthcare education, with students being rigorously examined on their ability to recall information and perform clinical tasks. As such, healthcare curricula and educational frameworks are intentionally designed to ensure that graduates emerge as knowledgeable and competent practitioners (Monrouxe & Bloomfield, 2023). However, despite the strong emphasis on competence within healthcare education, uncertainty and hesitation remain prevalent among new graduates. Many appear to lack the professional confidence required for independent practice, even after being certified as knowledgeable, skilful, and clinically competent (Alharbi et al., 2023; Carpio et al., 2025; Najafi & Nasiri, 2023). [excerpt] Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147350 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147307 Title: Effects of Pilates on low back pain : a scoping review Authors: Falzon, Janette; Agius, Tonio P.; Sciriha, Anabel Abstract: The purpose of this scoping review was to map and synthesise the existing literature on Pilates-based interventions for low back pain (LBP), with particular attention to reported outcome domains, programme characteristics, and delivery context, and to identify gaps to inform future research and clinical practice. This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the PRISMA-ScR framework. Searches were performed in August 2025 using Google Scholar and HyDi (including Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PEDro, and Scopus). Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews or metaanalyses involving adults with non-specific or subacute LBP in which Pilates was the primary intervention. Data were charted on population characteristics, intervention format, dose, supervision, comparator, and reported outcomes across clinical and psychosocial domains. Findings were synthesised narratively. The literature predominantly reports outcomes related to pain intensity, functional disability, and health-related quality of life, with fewer studies assessing psychosocial variables such as kinesiophobia or fear of movement. Pilates interventions varied substantially in delivery format (mat – versus equipment-based), frequency, duration, and level of supervision. Across studies, Pilates was commonly compared with minimal intervention or other exercise approaches, with short-term improvements in patient-reported outcomes frequently described. However, heterogeneity in intervention protocols, outcome measures, follow-up duration, and reporting of instructor qualifications limited cross-study comparability. Reporting of mechanistic outcomes and long-term follow-up was sparse. This scoping review demonstrates that the current literature on Pilates for LBP is characterised by diverse intervention approaches and outcome reporting, with a primary focus on pain and disability outcomes. While Pilates is commonly positioned as a guideline-consistent exercise option, important gaps remain regarding patient selection, instructor expertise, mechanistic pathways, and longterm outcomes. Future research should prioritise standardised reporting of intervention characteristics, broader biopsychosocial outcome assessment, and clearer description of delivery context to support more definitive evaluations. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147307 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147304 Title: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation in respiratory conditions : a systematic review Authors: Debattista, Randall; Agius, Tonio P.; Sciriha, Anabel Abstract: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) has emerged as a promising adjunctive intervention in the management of respiratory conditions, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, where skeletal muscle dysfunction contributes to reduced functional capacity and poor quality of life. This systematic review synthesises evidence on Neuro Muscular Electrical Stimulation applications in both acute and chronic respiratory contexts, focusing on its effects on peripheral muscle strength, exercise tolerance, pulmonary function, and health-related quality of life. A structured literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar and MEDLINE and CINAHL accessed via the HyDi platform, covering publications from inception to 2025. In PubMed, both Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms were used, while database-specific subject headings and keywords were adapted for MEDLINE and CINAHL. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses investigating NMES in patients with COPD, acute exacerbations, or critical illness. A total of 61 articles were reviewed from which 5 were chosen. Key outcomes extracted included muscle strength, exercise capacity, pulmonary function indices, Health Related Quality of Life, and adverse events. Methodological quality and risk of bias were critically appraised to contextualise findings. Synthesis of the included meta-analyses demonstrated that NMES yields significant improvements in peripheral muscle function and functional capacity. Pooled results indicated a statistically significant increase in the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) of approximately 35–40 m following NMES compared with control interventions and a marked enhancement in quadriceps force production, particularly in severely deconditioned patients. Furthermore, systematic review data confirmed clinically meaningful improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and a reduction in exertional dyspnoea. A methodological appraisal via AMSTAR-II revealed high confidence in the systematic reviews, although the absence of pre-registered protocols was noted as a minor methodological deficit. NMES represents a safe and feasible adjunct to pulmonary rehabilitation and critical care, particularly for patients unable to engage in conventional exercise training. Nevertheless, long-term effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and patient-centered outcomes remain underexplored. Future research should focus on protocol standardisation, integration with wearable and tele-rehabilitation technologies, and robust multicenter trials to clarify its role in routine respiratory rehabilitation. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147304 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z