Begüm Kara Kaya

Begüm Kara Kaya

*This is an algorithmically generated author record based on publicly available information.

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Begüm Kara Kaya has a total of 57 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:


Latest Publications

  • Open Access

    Lower-Limb Strength Symmetry, Postural Control, and Clinical Characteristics in Individuals with ACL Injury and Chronic Ankle Instability

    by Begüm Kara Kaya, Hikmet Ucgun, Ahmet Veliyev, Ramil Feyzulov, Necdet Demir

    Objective: To investigate the associations between lower-limb muscle strength symmetry and postural control, determine whether lower-limb symmetry explains additional variance in dynamic postural control after adjustment for demographic characteristics and diagnostic group, and compare these outcomes among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, chronic ankle instability (CAI), and healthy controls. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 72 participants (mean age, 29.6 ± 5.9 years) equally distributed among the ACL, CAI, and healthy control groups. Isokinetic strength was assessed at 60°/s and higher joint-specific velocities (240°/s for the knee and 180°/s for the ankle), with LSI calculated from peak torque at 60°/s. Static and dynamic postural control were evaluated using the single-leg stance test and a computerized stabilometric platform. Pain intensity (VAS), kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF)), and health-related quality of life (Short Form-36) were also assessed. Between-group comparisons, Spearman correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed. Results: Significant between-group differences were observed in all postural control outcomes, most lower-limb symmetry indices, pain intensity, kinesiophobia, physical activity, and patient-reported outcomes (all p < 0.05). Pairwise comparisons showed better eyes-open static balance in healthy controls than in both clinical groups, poorer eyes-closed static balance in ACL than in the other groups, and better dynamic postural control in controls than in both clinical groups and in CAI than in ACL. Lower-limb symmetry differences involved different pairwise contrasts among controls, CAI, and ACL depending on muscle group and testing velocity. Two nominal associations between lower-limb symmetry and balance did not remain significant after FDR correction. Adding diagnostic group significantly increased the explained variance in dynamic postural control (ΔR2 = 0.581, p < 0.001), whereas adding lower-limb symmetry indices did not (ΔR2 = 0.015, p = 0.583). The final model explained 68.4% of the variance (adjusted R2 = 0.638). Conclusions: Individuals with ACL injury and CAI demonstrated poorer postural control than healthy controls, alongside between-group differences in several lower-limb muscle strength symmetry measures. Associations between lower-limb muscle strength symmetry and postural control were not significant after FDR correction, and symmetry indices did not explain additional variance in dynamic postural control beyond demographic characteristics and diagnostic group.

  • Geriatrik Ortopedik Rehabilitasyon

    by Begüm Kara Kaya

    Geriatrik ortopedik rehabilitasyon, yaşlanmaya bağlı kas-iskelet sistemi değişikliklerinin yol açtığı fonksiyon kaybını azaltmayı, bağımsızlığı sürdürmeyi ve yaşam kalitesini korumayı amaçlayan kapsamlı bir yaklaşımdır. Yaşlı bireylerde osteoporoz, osteoartrit, sarkopeni ve frajilite kırıkları; mobilite kaybı, düşme ve bağımlılık riskinin önemli nedenleri arasındadır. Rehabilitasyon sürecinde bireyin fizyolojik rezervi, komorbiditeleri, ilaç kullanımı, bilişsel ve psikososyal özellikleri dikkate alınarak bireyselleştirilmiş programlar oluşturulmalıdır. Osteoporoz ve osteoporotik kırıklarda erken mobilizasyon, progresif direnç egzersizleri, ağırlık aktaran egzersizler, postür ve denge eğitimi ön plandadır. Düşmelerin önlenmesinde progresif ve çok bileşenli egzersiz programları ile multifaktöriyel risk yönetimi önem taşır. Sarkopenide direnç egzersizi temel rehabilitasyon yaklaşımını oluştururken, osteoartrit ve eklem artroplastileri sonrasında hareket açıklığı, kas kuvveti ve fonksiyonel kapasitenin yeniden kazanılmasına odaklanılır. Geriatrik ortopedik rehabilitasyonun erken, progresif, multidisipliner ve bireyselleştirilmiş biçimde planlanması, uzun dönem fonksiyonel bağımsızlığın korunması açısından önemlidir. Geriatric orthopedic rehabilitation is a comprehensive approach aimed at reducing functional decline associated with age-related musculoskeletal changes, maintaining independence, and preserving quality of life. Osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, and fragility fractures are among the major causes of mobility limitations, falls, and dependency in older adults. Rehabilitation programs should be individualized according to physiological reserve, comorbidities, medication use, and cognitive and psychosocial characteristics. In osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures, early mobilization, progressive resistance training, weight-bearing exercises, postural exercises, and balance training are key components of rehabilitation. Fall prevention requires progressive, multicomponent exercise programs combined with multifactorial risk management. Resistance exercise represents the cornerstone of rehabilitation for sarcopenia, whereas rehabilitation following osteoarthritis and joint arthroplasty focuses on restoring range of motion, muscle strength, and functional capacity. Early, progressive, multidisciplinary, and individualized geriatric orthopedic rehabilitation is essential for maintaining long-term functional independence and reducing adverse outcomes associated with musculoskeletal disorders in older adults.

  • Open Access

    Ortopedik Rehabilitasyon

    by Emel Taşvuran Horata, Elif Gül Çal, Eylem Küçük, Ertuğrul Deniz Köse, Gülsena Utku Umut, Begüm Kara Kaya, Berivan Beril Kılıç, Pelin Tiryaki Şimşek, Masoud Amir Rashedi Bonab, Oğulcan Çalışkan, et al.

  • Short-term effects of therapeutic massage alone or combined with conventional physiotherapy in myofascial pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

    by Begüm Kara Kaya, Mahsa Mehrabi, Majed Amro, Ayda Padash, Mina Hassan Sohaib Al Dewachi

    Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by trigger points and functional limitations. Massage interventions are used in physiotherapy; however, their effectiveness versus conventional physiotherapy remains unclear. To compare the short-term effects of conventional physiotherapy, therapeutic massage, and a combined treatment approach on pain, pressure pain threshold, muscle activity, functional disability, and quality of life in individuals with chronic MPS. In this randomized controlled trial, 60 participants with upper trapezius MPS (31 females, 29 males; mean age 42.20 years) were allocated to three groups (1:1:1): Conventional physiotherapy (Group A), therapeutic massage (Group B), or combined treatment (Group C). Interventions were applied three times per week for four weeks. Outcomes included pain intensity (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), upper trapezius muscle activity assessed by surface electromyography (sEMG), functional disability (NDI), and health-related quality of life assessed using the SF-12 physical and mental component scores, all assessed at baseline and after the 4-week intervention period. Significant time × group interactions were observed for all outcomes (all p < .001; partial η2 = 0.90-0.99). Post hoc analyses indicated that Groups B and C achieved greater reductions in VAS and NDI scores and greater improvements in the SF-12 physical component score compared with Group A (all p < .001), with no significant differences between Groups B and C. In contrast, Group C showed greater improvements in PPT, EMG-rest, EMG-Abd90, and the SF-12 mental component score than both Groups A and B (all p < .001). Therapeutic massage, applied alone or in combination with conventional physiotherapy, may provide greater short-term improvement in pain and function than conventional physiotherapy alone in individuals with chronic MPS. The combined approach may offer additional short-term benefits for neuromuscular and psychosocial outcomes.

  • Open Access

    Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation in Individuals With Myofascial Pain and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

    by Naile Fazlıoğlu, Begüm Kara Kaya, Nükhet Kütük, Buket Akıncı

    Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), particularly the myofascial subtype, are common and impair quality of life. Although conservative treatments are effective, limited access and adherence issues highlight the need for alternative approaches such as telerehabilitation. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of a supervised telerehabilitation program, comparing its physical and psychosocial outcomes with those of a standard home‐based exercise program in individuals with myofascial TMD. Methods: In this randomized, single‐blind trial, 50 individuals with myofascial TMD were assigned to a telerehabilitation (TeleR, n = 25) or a home‐based exercise group (HomeEx, n = 25), both following the same 6‐week standardized exercise protocol. Outcomes included pain intensity (NPRS, primary), palpation pain, cervical‐mandibular range of motion (ROM), TMD severity (FAI), oral habits (OBC), oral health‐related quality of life (OHIP‐14) and neck disability (NDI); analyses used non‐parametric tests and GEE with FDR correction. Results: Significant improvements were found across all outcomes within both groups ( p < 0.05, r = 0.72–0.88). TeleR showed greater reductions in pain intensity ( p < 0.001), cervical and mandibular ROM except for lateral excursion, and in TMD severity, OBC, OHIP‐14 and NDI scores ( p = 0.001–0.004). Palpation pain decreased in all muscles in both groups ( p < 0.001), with greater improvements in the masseter muscles in TeleR (OR = 1.69–1.82; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both telerehabilitation and home‐based exercise programs effectively improve physical and psychosocial outcomes in myofascial TMD patients in the short term. Telerehabilitation is more effective in reducing pain scores and increasing maximum mouth opening. Long‐term clinical studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of telerehabilitation. Trial Registration: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the identification number NCT06526845

  • Motor Imagery and Action Observation-Based Plyometric Training as a Potential Alternative to Traditional Methods in Female Volleyball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

    by Elif Aleyna Yazgan, Uğur Cavlak, Begüm Kara Kaya

    Background: Plyometric training (PT) improves jump performance, change of direction (CoD), balance, and reaction time (RT) in volleyball. Motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) activate motor control networks and may induce similar neuromotor adaptations with lower mechanical load. This study compared static and dynamic MI+AO-based PT added to regular volleyball training with traditional PT in female volleyball players. Hypothesis: Static and dynamic MI+AO-based PT would significantly improve RT, jump performance, CoD, and balance, with outcomes comparable with those of traditional PT. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: A total of 45 female volleyball players were allocated randomly to static MI+AO (Group A), dynamic MI+AO (Group B), or traditional (Group C) PT. Interventions were performed twice weekly for 8 weeks. RT was assessed using BlazePod; vertical jump test (VJT) and single-leg horizontal jump test (SLHJT) using My Jump 2, CoD via the T-test, and balance with the Y balance test (YBT). Results: At baseline, RT was slower in Group A than in Groups B ( P = 0.001) and C ( P = 0.004), while other variables were comparable ( P > 0.05). All groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in all outcomes ( P < 0.05) with large effect sizes. No between-group differences were found for YBT ( P > 0.05). Significant group effects were observed for VJT (η 2 = 0.198), SLHJT-L (η 2 = 0.176), SLHJT-R (η 2 = 0.214), and T-Test performance (η 2 = 0.242) (all P < 0.05). VJT improved similarly in Groups B and C, both exceeding Group A. For SLHJT, Group C showed the greatest gains, followed by Group B; both outperformed Group A. CoD improvements were greater in Group C than in Groups A and B. Although RT improved in all groups, analysis of covariance revealed no post-test between-group differences after baseline adjustment. Conclusion: MI+AO-based PT appears to be a complementary, load-efficient strategy to support neuromotor performance when mechanical loading must be limited, rather than a substitute for traditional PT. Clinical Relevance: This low-risk MI+AO approach may help maintain neuromuscular performance during recovery, rehabilitation, or restricted training periods.

  • Open Access

    Validity and reliability of using a low-cost handgrip dynamometer in healthy adults

    by Pelin Tiryaki, Begüm Kara Kaya

    Aim: To evaluate the concurrent validity, test–retest reliability, and repeatability of the Camry digital hand dynamometer compared with the Jamar® hydraulic hand dynamometer in healthy adults. Materials and Methods: 154 healthy participants participated. Handgrip strength was assessed using the Jamar and Camry devices. Statistical analyses included the Spearman correlation coefficients, Bland–Altman analysis, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and repeatability metrics (coefficient of variation, CV), standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change. Results: The Camry demonstrated strong correlations with the Jamar for both hands at both test and retest sessions (r>0.90, p<0.001). Test–retest reliability was excellent for both devices (ICC≥0.98). Repeatability indices for both devices (CV 8–10%) were within the accepted range for dynamometry. Conclusion: The Camry is a valid, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to the Jamar for assessing handgrip strength in healthy adults.


  • HOME WORKSPACE ERGONOMICS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS IN NEWLY REMOTE EMPLOYEES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

    by Begüm Kara Kaya, Gamze Polen Altun, Eylül Pınar Kısa, Ayşe Zengin Alpözgen

    Many employees transitioned abruptly to remote work in 2020, often without ergonomic workstations, increasing musculoskeletal pain risk. Although the rate of remote work has decreased since the pandemic, approximately one-third of employees in the United States and more than a quarter of employees in Turkey still work remotely or in hybrid models. This cross-sectional study examined differences in pain and musculoskeletal symptoms by ergonomic risk level and home workplace type and identified determinants of pain intensity among new remote workers. A total of 259 participants (162 women, 97 men; mean age = 32.80 ± 8.44 years) were assessed using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) for ergonomic risk, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) for regional symptoms. Overall, 72.1% of participants were determined as high-risk (ROSA ≥ 5). The high-risk group reported significantly greater pain intensity during the last seven days than the low-risk group (p < 0.001). Within-group analyses showed pain decrease in the low-risk group and pain increase in the high-risk group compared with the previous 12 months (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Binary logistic regression identified the total ROSA score as the only significant predictor of high pain intensity (OR = 1.50, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that cumulative ergonomic risk, rather than demographic or occupational factors, plays a key role in musculoskeletal discomfort among home-based workers, highlighting the importance of ergonomic interventions to support healthy and sustainable remote work.

  • Open Access

    Performance and injury-related effects of low-load blood flow restriction training in amateur soccer players: a randomized controlled trial

    by Begüm Kara Kaya, Ayşe Zengin Alpözgen, Mehmet Rahmi Alpözgen, Göksel Dikmen

    Blood flow restriction (BFR) has gained interest in its application in exercise and potential benefits. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-