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Papers by Asha Wettasinghe

Sri Lankan Journal of Health Sciences

Globally, falls are a major public health problem that can cause morbidity, including fracture an... more Globally, falls are a major public health problem that can cause morbidity, including fracture and disability, and mortality in older people. Exercise therapy is widely recommended, and it is frequently regarded as the gold-standard strategy for preventing falls in both community-dwelling and institutionalized older people. This review synthesizes published findings on feasible, low-technology, low-cost equipment, and easy-to-follow effective fall prevention interventions in healthy older adults. According to the evidence presented in this review, home-based balance and strengthening training programs utilizing low-cost equipment such as foam balance pads, steps, dumbbells, and elastic bands are more cost-effective and feasible exercises for fall prevention in older adults who do not have cognitive impairments. The Otago program, Lifestyle Approach to reducing Falls through Exercise (LiFE) program, and Ossébo exercise program are some of the best-known examples. Physiotherapists wil...

International Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology, 2020

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects range of motion (ROM) of hip joint and ... more Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects range of motion (ROM) of hip joint and normal gait parameters. These patients vary according to their curve types. Whether the hip ROM values differ between different curve types, and what their consequences would be in AIS, is not clear. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate hip joint ROM values in different types of AIS curves. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included 75 AIS patients who presented to a scoliosis clinic and rheumatology clinics of two tertiary care hospitals. AP radiographs of the spine were reviewed, and the curves were classified according to Lenke. Hip ROM in all the three planes were measured using a universal goniometer and compared between different curve types and to normal population values. One-way ANOVA and independent-t-test were used to analyze data at 0.05 significance level, using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Mean Cobb value of the major curve of AIS patients was 34.64±14.05. Majority (65.3%) had single structural curves. Majority of the major curves had the convexity to the right side (61.33%) and was located in the thoracic area (69.3%). Commonest curve type was Lenke type 1 (44%), with Lenke type 6 being the least common (9.3%). None of the patients had Lenke type 4 curves. Effect of curve type was significant only on flexion ROM (p<0.05), with a significant reduction in curve type 3 than the other curve types. Frontal and sagittal plane hip ROMs were significantly reduced in AIS patients compared to normal subjects (p<0.05). Conclusion: Reduction in flexion ROM probably contributes to the previously reported reduction in step length in AIS. In view of our findings, hip flexion ROM exercises should be considered in conservative management of AIS patients, especially those with Lenke type 3 curves.

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, Mar 25, 2022

Corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a global health concern which was declared as a pandemic ... more Corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a global health concern which was declared as a pandemic in March 2020. The majority of countries proclaimed public health emergencies. When considered up to date situation of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, the patient count and deaths have been increased in considerably higher amounts. 1 This pandemic has caused unprecedented psychological distress among healthcare workers throughout the world. 2 Physiotherapists are a group of healthcare professionals on the frontline of managing this pandemic and have direct exposure to the virus. Physiotherapists are usually considered as first contact practitioners in managing COVID patients. 3 They have to work with patients' secretions/respiratory droplets, which is the most common form of virus transmission. 4 It is ABSTRACT Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is currently a severe challenge for healthcare workers, with significant implications for their mental health. Physiotherapy is one of the healthcare professions on the frontline managing this pandemic and is directly exposed to the virus. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of this pandemic on the psychological health of physiotherapists in Sri Lanka. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among physiotherapists who were recruited from government and private hospitals via purposive sampling. Depression-anxiety-stress scale-21 was used to assess psychological health and was distributed online. Results: The sample comprised 48 participants (males=33.3%; females=66.7%; age=30.2±3.8 years). The rates with extremely severe, severe, moderate and mild stress were 4.8%, 33.3%, 35.7% and 16.7% respectively and 9.5% of them had no stress perceived. No physiotherapists were found in normal or mild anxiety and depression categories. Moderate, severe and extremely severe anxiety levels were found in 9.5%, 28.6% and 61.9% of physiotherapists respectively. There were 28.6% physiotherapists with extremely severe depression, 19.0% with severe depression and 52.4% with moderate depression. There was a positive correlation and a significant association of stress with depression (r=0.876, p<0.001), stress with anxiety (r=0.780, p<0.001) and anxiety with depression (r=0.752, p<0.001). Stress, anxiety and depression had no significant associations with age and gender (p>0.05). Fear of infecting family members was found as the main cause of stress (81%). Conclusions: Physiotherapists had elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, highlighting the significance of systematically monitoring physiotherapists' mental health and implementing supportive measures to improve their wellbeing during the crisis.

International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, 2020

Background Older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) have high incidence of falls. The aim ... more Background Older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) have high incidence of falls. The aim of this study was to compare sensorimotor functions, balance, mobility, fear of falling, and fall history in older people with DM (with and without neuropathy) and non-diabetic healthy controls. Methods We enrolled 153 participants aged 50–70 years: 51 people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (D-PN), 52 with diabetes without neuropathy (D-noPN), and 50 healthy controls (HC). Participants completed a fear of falling assessment and detailed test battery comprising sensorimotor functions, lower limb strength, contrast vision, reaction time, balance, and mobility from which a composite physiological fall risk score (PFRS) was derived. In addition, a fall history of the past 3 months was recorded. Results Post hoc comparisons of ANOVA test revealed the D-PN had significant deficits than the other two groups in tests of lower limb sensation, knee extension strength, reaction time, postural sway, one leg standing, sit-to-stand and the timed up and go test. The D-PN had the highest fear of falling (30.18 ± 6.75) and the highest PFRS (1.68 ± 1.13). PFRS for the D-noPN (0.74 ± 0.80) was intermediate between HC (0.49 ± 0.96) and DP-N groups. Thirty-four D-PN participants (66.7%), 19 D-noPN participants (36.5%), and 7 HC (14.0%) reported one or more falls in the past 3 months (Chi 2 test for trend = 28.1, df = 2, p < 0.001). Conclusions Older people with diabetic neuropathy have impaired sensorimotor function, balance, mobility, and associated increased fear of falling and fall rates. This population may benefit from fall risk assessments involving the above measures, and subsequent interventions targeted to deficits amenable to correction.

International Journal of Physiotherapy, 2020

Background: The Timed up and Go Test (TUG) is often used as a mobility measure in older people. H... more Background: The Timed up and Go Test (TUG) is often used as a mobility measure in older people. However, it is unclear whether the TUG is useful for identifying fall risk in people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and which physical and cognitive/psychological factors influence the performance of this test. Objectives: To investigate whether slow TUG times (standard test and when performed with a secondary cognitive task (c-TUG)) are a risk factor for falls in older people with DM and to determine the relative contributions of a range of sensorimotor, balance and cognitive/psychological factors to TUG performance in this population. Methods: Community-dwelling people (n=103, mean age 61.57, SD=6.3) underwent the TUG and c-TUG tests as well as quantitative tests of vision, peripheral sensation, strength, reaction time, balance, cognition, and fear of falling. Participants were then followed up for falls for six months. Results: Negative binomial regression analyses revealed that each 1s increase in TUG and c-TUG times increased the risk of falling by 29% and 13%, respectively. Multiple regression analyses identified vibration sense (p<0.001), knee extension strength (p=0.001, r²=0.430), edge contrast sensitivity (p=0.002), neuropathy examination score (p=0.001, r²=0.498) and controlled leaning balance (p=0.033) as significant and independent explanatory predictors of TUG performance. The regression model for c-TUG was similar, vibration sense (p=0.042), knee extension strength (p=0.009, r²=0.256), neuropathy examination score (p=0.156, r²=0.272) and sway path-floor (p=0.042) except that the MOCA cognitive assessment (p=0.015) was included instead of edge contrast sensitivity. The combined explanatory variable models explained 43% and 26% of the variance in TUG and c-TUG times, respectively. Conclusions: Slow TUG and c-TUG times significantly increased the risk of falls in community-dwelling older people with DM. Poor TUG and c-TUG performances were related independently to decreased vibration sense, lower limb weakness, and poor balance, with the c-TUG additionally influenced by cognitive function.

Sri Lanka Journal of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2020

Age and Ageing, 2019

Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM), aging and falls have been recognized as a growing and a chal... more Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM), aging and falls have been recognized as a growing and a challenging triad. Despite many tools to assess risk of falls, they may not be applicable for fall risk assessment in DM patients. The aim of the study was to develop a low- cost tool to predict the faller status of DM people. Methods People with DM (n=103) were recruited from diabetic clinics in Sri Lanka. Demographic, neuropathy status, contrast sensitivity (Melbourne Edge test) lower limb (LL) sensation, cognitive functions, fear of falling (Icon-FES), LL strength (maximal isometric quadriceps strength), hand reaction time, balance abilities (postural sway, maximal balance range, coordinated stability, unipedal stand time (UST) and tandem and near tandem standing ability), mobility (Timed up and go test-TUG) and gait parameters were assessed. Falls were prospectively recorded over six months. Data were analyzed using SPSS and STATA with negative binominal regression. Results Fall rates we...

Primary Care Diabetes, 2020

Aims: To identify risk factors for falls in older people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and to devel... more Aims: To identify risk factors for falls in older people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and to develop a low-cost fall risk screening tool. Methods: Older adults with DM (n=103; age=61.6+6.0years) were recruited from diabetic clinics. Demographic, DM specific factors, lower limb strength and sensation, cognition, fear of falling, hand reaction time, balance, mobility and gait parameters were assessed using validated methods. Falls were prospectively recorded over six months. Results: Past falls and female gender were identified as significant predictors of falls: history of falls and female gender increased fall rates by 4.62 (95% CI = 2.31 to 9.27) and 2.40 (95% CI = 1.04 to 5.54) respectively. Fall rates were significantly associated with Diabetic Neuropathy scores, HbA1c level, contrast sensitivity, quadriceps strength, postural sway, tandem balance, stride length and Timed Up and Go Test times. A multi-variable fall risk tool derived using five measures, revealed that absolute risk for multiple falls increased from 0% in participants with zero or one factor to 83% in participants with all five risk factors. Conclusions: Simple screening items for fall risk in people with DM were identified, with parsimonious explanatory risk factors. These findings help guide tailored interventions for preventing falls in DM.

International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research, 2022

Background: COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown could prevent students from achieving the reco... more Background: COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown could prevent students from achieving the recommended levels of physical activity due to home confinement and it also could lead to changes in lifestyle related behaviour. University students are already known as a risk group for physical inactivity. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify physical activity levels and lifestyle changes during COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduate medical and physiotherapy students of University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Methods: A web-based survey was used, which consisted of questions from short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - SF) and lifestyle related behaviour questionnaire. Results: A total of 349 participants (age= 22.59±1.96, n =141; 40.4 % males and n=208; 59.6 % females) completed the questionnaire. According to the IPAQ categorical score 49.9% were physically inactive and the mean weekly total metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes of the population was 1018.20±12...

International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research, 2022

Background: COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown could prevent students from achieving the reco... more Background: COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown could prevent students from achieving the recommended levels of physical activity due to home confinement and it also could lead to changes in lifestyle related behaviour. University students are already known as a risk group for physical inactivity. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify physical activity levels and lifestyle changes during COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduate medical and physiotherapy students of University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Methods: A web-based survey was used, which consisted of questions from short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - SF) and lifestyle related behaviour questionnaire. Results: A total of 349 participants (age= 22.59±1.96, n =141; 40.4 % males and n=208; 59.6 % females) completed the questionnaire. According to the IPAQ categorical score 49.9% were physically inactive and the mean weekly total metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes of the population was 1018.20±12...

Sri Lankan Journal of Health Sciences

Globally, falls are a major public health problem that can cause morbidity, including fracture an... more Globally, falls are a major public health problem that can cause morbidity, including fracture and disability, and mortality in older people. Exercise therapy is widely recommended, and it is frequently regarded as the gold-standard strategy for preventing falls in both community-dwelling and institutionalized older people. This review synthesizes published findings on feasible, low-technology, low-cost equipment, and easy-to-follow effective fall prevention interventions in healthy older adults. According to the evidence presented in this review, home-based balance and strengthening training programs utilizing low-cost equipment such as foam balance pads, steps, dumbbells, and elastic bands are more cost-effective and feasible exercises for fall prevention in older adults who do not have cognitive impairments. The Otago program, Lifestyle Approach to reducing Falls through Exercise (LiFE) program, and Ossébo exercise program are some of the best-known examples. Physiotherapists wil...

International Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology, 2020

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects range of motion (ROM) of hip joint and ... more Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects range of motion (ROM) of hip joint and normal gait parameters. These patients vary according to their curve types. Whether the hip ROM values differ between different curve types, and what their consequences would be in AIS, is not clear. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate hip joint ROM values in different types of AIS curves. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included 75 AIS patients who presented to a scoliosis clinic and rheumatology clinics of two tertiary care hospitals. AP radiographs of the spine were reviewed, and the curves were classified according to Lenke. Hip ROM in all the three planes were measured using a universal goniometer and compared between different curve types and to normal population values. One-way ANOVA and independent-t-test were used to analyze data at 0.05 significance level, using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Mean Cobb value of the major curve of AIS patients was 34.64±14.05. Majority (65.3%) had single structural curves. Majority of the major curves had the convexity to the right side (61.33%) and was located in the thoracic area (69.3%). Commonest curve type was Lenke type 1 (44%), with Lenke type 6 being the least common (9.3%). None of the patients had Lenke type 4 curves. Effect of curve type was significant only on flexion ROM (p<0.05), with a significant reduction in curve type 3 than the other curve types. Frontal and sagittal plane hip ROMs were significantly reduced in AIS patients compared to normal subjects (p<0.05). Conclusion: Reduction in flexion ROM probably contributes to the previously reported reduction in step length in AIS. In view of our findings, hip flexion ROM exercises should be considered in conservative management of AIS patients, especially those with Lenke type 3 curves.

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, Mar 25, 2022

Corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a global health concern which was declared as a pandemic ... more Corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a global health concern which was declared as a pandemic in March 2020. The majority of countries proclaimed public health emergencies. When considered up to date situation of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, the patient count and deaths have been increased in considerably higher amounts. 1 This pandemic has caused unprecedented psychological distress among healthcare workers throughout the world. 2 Physiotherapists are a group of healthcare professionals on the frontline of managing this pandemic and have direct exposure to the virus. Physiotherapists are usually considered as first contact practitioners in managing COVID patients. 3 They have to work with patients' secretions/respiratory droplets, which is the most common form of virus transmission. 4 It is ABSTRACT Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is currently a severe challenge for healthcare workers, with significant implications for their mental health. Physiotherapy is one of the healthcare professions on the frontline managing this pandemic and is directly exposed to the virus. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of this pandemic on the psychological health of physiotherapists in Sri Lanka. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among physiotherapists who were recruited from government and private hospitals via purposive sampling. Depression-anxiety-stress scale-21 was used to assess psychological health and was distributed online. Results: The sample comprised 48 participants (males=33.3%; females=66.7%; age=30.2±3.8 years). The rates with extremely severe, severe, moderate and mild stress were 4.8%, 33.3%, 35.7% and 16.7% respectively and 9.5% of them had no stress perceived. No physiotherapists were found in normal or mild anxiety and depression categories. Moderate, severe and extremely severe anxiety levels were found in 9.5%, 28.6% and 61.9% of physiotherapists respectively. There were 28.6% physiotherapists with extremely severe depression, 19.0% with severe depression and 52.4% with moderate depression. There was a positive correlation and a significant association of stress with depression (r=0.876, p<0.001), stress with anxiety (r=0.780, p<0.001) and anxiety with depression (r=0.752, p<0.001). Stress, anxiety and depression had no significant associations with age and gender (p>0.05). Fear of infecting family members was found as the main cause of stress (81%). Conclusions: Physiotherapists had elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, highlighting the significance of systematically monitoring physiotherapists' mental health and implementing supportive measures to improve their wellbeing during the crisis.

International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, 2020

Background Older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) have high incidence of falls. The aim ... more Background Older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) have high incidence of falls. The aim of this study was to compare sensorimotor functions, balance, mobility, fear of falling, and fall history in older people with DM (with and without neuropathy) and non-diabetic healthy controls. Methods We enrolled 153 participants aged 50–70 years: 51 people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (D-PN), 52 with diabetes without neuropathy (D-noPN), and 50 healthy controls (HC). Participants completed a fear of falling assessment and detailed test battery comprising sensorimotor functions, lower limb strength, contrast vision, reaction time, balance, and mobility from which a composite physiological fall risk score (PFRS) was derived. In addition, a fall history of the past 3 months was recorded. Results Post hoc comparisons of ANOVA test revealed the D-PN had significant deficits than the other two groups in tests of lower limb sensation, knee extension strength, reaction time, postural sway, one leg standing, sit-to-stand and the timed up and go test. The D-PN had the highest fear of falling (30.18 ± 6.75) and the highest PFRS (1.68 ± 1.13). PFRS for the D-noPN (0.74 ± 0.80) was intermediate between HC (0.49 ± 0.96) and DP-N groups. Thirty-four D-PN participants (66.7%), 19 D-noPN participants (36.5%), and 7 HC (14.0%) reported one or more falls in the past 3 months (Chi 2 test for trend = 28.1, df = 2, p < 0.001). Conclusions Older people with diabetic neuropathy have impaired sensorimotor function, balance, mobility, and associated increased fear of falling and fall rates. This population may benefit from fall risk assessments involving the above measures, and subsequent interventions targeted to deficits amenable to correction.

International Journal of Physiotherapy, 2020

Background: The Timed up and Go Test (TUG) is often used as a mobility measure in older people. H... more Background: The Timed up and Go Test (TUG) is often used as a mobility measure in older people. However, it is unclear whether the TUG is useful for identifying fall risk in people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and which physical and cognitive/psychological factors influence the performance of this test. Objectives: To investigate whether slow TUG times (standard test and when performed with a secondary cognitive task (c-TUG)) are a risk factor for falls in older people with DM and to determine the relative contributions of a range of sensorimotor, balance and cognitive/psychological factors to TUG performance in this population. Methods: Community-dwelling people (n=103, mean age 61.57, SD=6.3) underwent the TUG and c-TUG tests as well as quantitative tests of vision, peripheral sensation, strength, reaction time, balance, cognition, and fear of falling. Participants were then followed up for falls for six months. Results: Negative binomial regression analyses revealed that each 1s increase in TUG and c-TUG times increased the risk of falling by 29% and 13%, respectively. Multiple regression analyses identified vibration sense (p<0.001), knee extension strength (p=0.001, r²=0.430), edge contrast sensitivity (p=0.002), neuropathy examination score (p=0.001, r²=0.498) and controlled leaning balance (p=0.033) as significant and independent explanatory predictors of TUG performance. The regression model for c-TUG was similar, vibration sense (p=0.042), knee extension strength (p=0.009, r²=0.256), neuropathy examination score (p=0.156, r²=0.272) and sway path-floor (p=0.042) except that the MOCA cognitive assessment (p=0.015) was included instead of edge contrast sensitivity. The combined explanatory variable models explained 43% and 26% of the variance in TUG and c-TUG times, respectively. Conclusions: Slow TUG and c-TUG times significantly increased the risk of falls in community-dwelling older people with DM. Poor TUG and c-TUG performances were related independently to decreased vibration sense, lower limb weakness, and poor balance, with the c-TUG additionally influenced by cognitive function.

Sri Lanka Journal of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2020

Age and Ageing, 2019

Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM), aging and falls have been recognized as a growing and a chal... more Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM), aging and falls have been recognized as a growing and a challenging triad. Despite many tools to assess risk of falls, they may not be applicable for fall risk assessment in DM patients. The aim of the study was to develop a low- cost tool to predict the faller status of DM people. Methods People with DM (n=103) were recruited from diabetic clinics in Sri Lanka. Demographic, neuropathy status, contrast sensitivity (Melbourne Edge test) lower limb (LL) sensation, cognitive functions, fear of falling (Icon-FES), LL strength (maximal isometric quadriceps strength), hand reaction time, balance abilities (postural sway, maximal balance range, coordinated stability, unipedal stand time (UST) and tandem and near tandem standing ability), mobility (Timed up and go test-TUG) and gait parameters were assessed. Falls were prospectively recorded over six months. Data were analyzed using SPSS and STATA with negative binominal regression. Results Fall rates we...

Primary Care Diabetes, 2020

Aims: To identify risk factors for falls in older people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and to devel... more Aims: To identify risk factors for falls in older people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and to develop a low-cost fall risk screening tool. Methods: Older adults with DM (n=103; age=61.6+6.0years) were recruited from diabetic clinics. Demographic, DM specific factors, lower limb strength and sensation, cognition, fear of falling, hand reaction time, balance, mobility and gait parameters were assessed using validated methods. Falls were prospectively recorded over six months. Results: Past falls and female gender were identified as significant predictors of falls: history of falls and female gender increased fall rates by 4.62 (95% CI = 2.31 to 9.27) and 2.40 (95% CI = 1.04 to 5.54) respectively. Fall rates were significantly associated with Diabetic Neuropathy scores, HbA1c level, contrast sensitivity, quadriceps strength, postural sway, tandem balance, stride length and Timed Up and Go Test times. A multi-variable fall risk tool derived using five measures, revealed that absolute risk for multiple falls increased from 0% in participants with zero or one factor to 83% in participants with all five risk factors. Conclusions: Simple screening items for fall risk in people with DM were identified, with parsimonious explanatory risk factors. These findings help guide tailored interventions for preventing falls in DM.

International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research, 2022

Background: COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown could prevent students from achieving the reco... more Background: COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown could prevent students from achieving the recommended levels of physical activity due to home confinement and it also could lead to changes in lifestyle related behaviour. University students are already known as a risk group for physical inactivity. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify physical activity levels and lifestyle changes during COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduate medical and physiotherapy students of University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Methods: A web-based survey was used, which consisted of questions from short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - SF) and lifestyle related behaviour questionnaire. Results: A total of 349 participants (age= 22.59±1.96, n =141; 40.4 % males and n=208; 59.6 % females) completed the questionnaire. According to the IPAQ categorical score 49.9% were physically inactive and the mean weekly total metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes of the population was 1018.20±12...

International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research, 2022

Background: COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown could prevent students from achieving the reco... more Background: COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown could prevent students from achieving the recommended levels of physical activity due to home confinement and it also could lead to changes in lifestyle related behaviour. University students are already known as a risk group for physical inactivity. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify physical activity levels and lifestyle changes during COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduate medical and physiotherapy students of University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Methods: A web-based survey was used, which consisted of questions from short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - SF) and lifestyle related behaviour questionnaire. Results: A total of 349 participants (age= 22.59±1.96, n =141; 40.4 % males and n=208; 59.6 % females) completed the questionnaire. According to the IPAQ categorical score 49.9% were physically inactive and the mean weekly total metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes of the population was 1018.20±12...