Introduction: A 7.2 magnitude earthquake arising from the West Valley Fault will result in thousands of lives lost and severe damage to property and infrastructure. This study aimed to determine the disaster preparedness of barangays in Metro Manila along the West Valley Fault. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of high risk barangays in six cities along the West Valley Fault using the Disaster Preparedness Audit. A total of 40 barangays were assessed on their levels of disaster preparedness in terms of percentage fulfilment of different criteria in the four thematic areas: 1) prevention and mitigation 2) preparedness 3) response and rehabilitation, and; 4) recovery. Results: None of the surveyed barangays could fulfil all the 27 criteria for disaster preparedness. Most were only able to satisfy 50-74% of the criteria. As per thematic area, no barangay met ≥75% of the criteria for prevention and mitigation whereas 87.5%, 67.5% and 80% satisfied ≥75% of the criteria for preparedness, response and recovery, respectively. In terms of overall disaster preparedness, less than half of the surveyed barangays satisfied ≥75% of the total criteria. Conclusion Most of the barangays surveyed are inadequately prepared to cope with disaster arising from a major earthquake generated by the West Valley Fault.

Background: Lateral epicondylalgia (LE) causes ineffective handgrip due to microtrauma on the elbow's common extensor origin. Objectives: This study will determine the differences in the Extensor Digitorum Communis' (EDC) fascia slide, percentage maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC), static maximum handgrip strength (SMHGT), muscle activation onset time (MAOT) in LE and non-LE elbows, with and without Biomechanical Tape (BMT). The study will determine differences in Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) scores of patients with and without BMT. Methods: Nineteen participants' elbows with unilateral LE with and without BMT will be evaluated using musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK) and electromyography (EMG) on Days 1, 3, and 5. A Physiotherapist-Sonographer, a Physiotherapist-EMG user, and a Research Assistant using Jamar hydraulic dynamometer will evaluate the participants. The participants will perform Mill's test during MSK and SMHGT using the dynamometer during EMG. A Chi-squared test will evaluate the relationship between BMT and fascia slide. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA will compare the fascia slide, %MVC, SMHGT, and MAOT between elbows with and without BMT. It will be blocked according to elbow status (i.e., LE, no LE). Dunnett post hoc test will determine the groups whose results differed significantly. Differences in PRTEE scores at Days 1 and 5 will be determined. A p-value <0.05 indicates a significant difference in scores. Expected Results We expect decreased fascial slide measurements on EDC, VAS, PRTEE scores, and increased %MVC, MAOT, and SMHGT on taped elbows. Results will determine the underpinning mechanism behind the short-term effects of BMT.
Electromyography

BACKGROUND: Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a persistent pain on the shoulders and cervical spine related to limitation of motion (LOM), muscle weakness, and loss of function. It is a cumulative, repetitive injury causing disability among the middle-aged working population. This study will determine the differences in upper trapezius' superficial and deep fascia displacements among participants with and without MPS based on the effects of cervical active range of motion (AROM). METHODS: This is a retrospective records review study with two interlinked parts. In the reliability study, the Tracker will determine the physiotherapy interns' intertester and intratester reliability in assessing the musculoskeletal ultrasound videos. Using MedCalc Software and the Bland-Altman plot, the single measures ICC will determine the reliability. In determining clinically acceptable use of the Tracker, a <0.40 cut-off reliability will be used. In the case-control study, physiotherapy interns will assess 2,904 musculoskeletal ultrasound videos. The difference between the superficial and deep fascia displacements will be determined using paired t-test and the mean differences using an independent t-test. A significant difference between groups will be determined using a p-value of <0.05. RESULTS This study expects that cervical AROM with overpressure will displace the superficial and deep fascia of the upper trapezius, particularly among patients with MPS. Proving the correlation between LOM and altered fascia displacement will help rehabilitation professionals create new manual therapy techniques and emphasize the use of existing fascia-related treatments.