Browsing by Author "Ntsiea, Veronica"

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    Mapping Electro-acupuncture in the treatment of lower back pain. A Scoping Review
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dahya, Karishma; Hussein, Naeema; Ntsiea, Veronica
    Background: Lower back pain (LBP) accounts for 7.4% of the global years lived with disability. Due to the disability associated with LBP, complementary alternative methods (CAM) are often sought after. Electro-acupuncture (EA) is a type of CAM therapy, and there is emerging evidence on its use in patients with LBP. The aim of this study was to map literature on the use of EA in the treatment of LBP. Methods: A scoping review methodology was conducted in accordance with the Johanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. An initial search of MEDLINE and CINAHL was undertaken followed by a full search of the remaining included databases. Studies published in multiple settings from 2013 onwards that specifically looked at EA in LBP that were included which resulted in a total of (n=43) studies included in this review. Results A review of the literature showed that common treatment outcome measures included the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the EuroQol Five Dimensions (EQ-5D). The most common parameters were 2Hz for frequency, EX-B2 for acupoints, 30 min for duration and patient tolerance for intensity. The most common comparison in this review was manual acupuncture (MA) and electro-acupuncture (EA) and most common combination treatment was EA and usual care (UC). Lastly the overall treatment outcomes (pain, function) were favourable for the use of EA in LBP. Conclusions: This scoping review mapped the information on EA in LBP from 2013 onwards. Specifically, this review showed the most common treatment parameters and outcome measures used for LBP patients treated with EA. Lastly with regards to treatment outcomes; 22 showed improvement in pain scores, 11 showed improvement in disability and function and two studies showed no change
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    The physical sequelae of perinatally acquired HIV in adolescents: a research proposal
    (2019-01) Comley‑White, Nicolette; Potterton, Joanne; Ntsiea, Veronica
    Objectives: As the global access of antiretrovirals for HIV-infected infants improves, so the body of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents (PHIVA) grows. The neurological and physical complications of HIV, both in children and in adults, are well established, however there is a paucity of data pertaining to PHIVA, a group of people who have had a lifetime exposure to the virus and to antiretrovirals. There has been a resounding call for further research in this area, as well as for the development of policies and programmes for this population. The aim of this study is to determine the physical sequelae in PHIVA and to propose a model of care for this population. Methods: Through interviews with PHIVA, the perceived physical challenges will be established. Thereafter a cohort study with age-matched participants will determine if PHIVA have any limitations in fatigue, endurance, motor func‑ tion and muscle strength, body mass index, peripheral neuropathy, level of disability and quality of life. Using these results, a model of care will be proposed through the nominal group technique with both PHIVA and clinicians work‑ ing in HIV and adolescence.