EFFECTS OF CERVICAL MUSCLES STRENGTHENING WITH AND WITHOUT SHOULDER EXERCISES IN POST-MASTECTOMY PATIENTS WITH NECK PAIN

Background of the Study: To compare the effects of cervical muscles strengthening with and without shoulder exercises on post- mastectomy patients with neck pain. Methodology: It was a randomized clinical trial, conducted in physical therapy department of a clinical setting through Dynamometer. Sample size of 24 patients were taken. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. A written consent form was taken from patients meeting inclusion criteria and were randomly allocated. In one group, patients were treated with cervical Muscles strengthening with shoulder exercises. In other group, patients were treated with cervical Muscles strengthening alone. Treatment was given once a day for three weeks. Muscle strength was examined using dynamometer, Baseline data was taken before treatment on first day after inclusion in study and again on the last day after treatment. SPSS 25 was used to analyze the data. Results: Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare individuals within the group which showed significant results in both groups, p-value 0.000 (i.e. <0.001) for neck strength. Between groups comparison was done using Mann-Whitney U Test and it showed no significant changes for cervical extensors (p- value;0.143) , cervical side bending (right) (p-value; 0.315) and cervical side bending (left) (p-value; 0.853) strength differences, but however cervical flexors strength showed statistically significant results as p-value was 0.003. Conclusion: It was concluded that Cervical strengthening along with shoulder Rehabilitation can help improve the strength of cervical flexors. However, both the groups have equally resulted in improved cervical extensor, Side bending right and left strength.

Pr Roduction Potential of Maize As a Affected D by Interc Cropping, Planting Geomet Try, Popul Lation Dyn Amics and D Fertilizer R Managem Ment

Investigations into production potential of maize (Zea maize L. cv. Pioneer 30-Y- 87) as affected by intercropping, planting geometry, population dynamics and fertilizer management was carried out at the Agronomic Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, in two field experiments during Kharif 2006 and 2007. Both experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design with split arrangements. First experiment consisted of three nitrogen levels (150, 200 and 250 kg ha -1 ), two zinc levels (0 and 15 kg ha -1 ) and three population densities (57100, 71400, and 999000 plants ha -1 ). Fertilizers were kept in main plots and plant densities in sub-plots. Second experiment comprised of three intercropping systems i.e. maize alone, maize + mungbean (Vigna radiate L.) and maize + mashbean (Vigna mungo L.) and three planting geometries (70 cm apart single row planting, 105/35 cm apart paired row planting, and 140/35 cm apart three row planting, respectively), keeping planting geometries in main plots while intercropping systems in sub-plots. Sowing was done with the help of a dibbler to ensure desired plant population. The results of the experiments are briefly described as under. In the first experiment, growth and development of maize crop was maximum with increase in nitrogen from 150 to 250 kg ha + 15 kg Zn ha -1 and consequently, yield (24 %) and yield components increased. LAI, LAD, and CGR increased with increasing plant populations. Although, yield components decreased with elevated plant densities yet grain yield increased due to more number of plants per unit area. In the second experiment, maize crop sown in double row strips proved superior to other planting geometries in terms of yield and yield components. Although intercropping of legumes in maize reduced growth and development, yield components and finally the grain yield of maize, however additional benefits obtained from intercrops compensated more than the losses in maize production. The effect of planting geometries and intercropping systems was non-significant on grain quality of maize.