Başar Öztürk

Aim: Measurements of locomotion performance (through quantitative gait analysis) and of body composition offer detailed information on locomotor and biomechanical functions, respectively. The correlation between gait features and body composition among physiotherapy students has yet been extensively investigated using multivariate analyses. We thus evaluated the relationships between body composition components and the parameters of the walk in physiotherapy students, through an unsupervised exploratory approach.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 48 physiotherapy students (35 women and 13 men, aged mean (SD): 21.3 (1.8) years). Measurements of body composition were done using bioelectrical impedance and consisted in body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, muscle percentage, total body water percentage, and resting energy expenditure. Measurements of gait were performed with the OptoGait system, comprising cadence, contact time, and propulsive phase. Data was analysed using Pearson’s correlation and with both hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) in order to find out multimodal relationships between gait and body composition variables.Results: The results of Hierarchical cluster analyses yielded two broad functional domains built on gait and body composition variables. A first domain encompassing the number of steps, proportion of propulsion, and % of muscle, and total % of water was conceptualized as a performance-based group. A second domain with % body fat, BMI and contact time was thought to represent a mass-based group linked with less desirable gait features. % total body water was seen to be a bridging element between locomotory performance and body mass variables.A positive association was seen between % muscle mass and the number of steps (r=0.62, p<0.001) while % body fat was negatively associated with this latter variable (r= -0.54, p<0.001). In principal components analyses, the first two components accounted for 73.6 % of the total variance.Conclusion: Body composition metrics were strongly related to gait patterns in apparently healthy physiotherapy students, with a greater proportion of muscle mass and total body water related to a higher frequency and a more propulsive phase of gait, whilst increased body fat proportion and BMI were correlated with a prolonged contact time and a lower frequency of gait. Further exploratory multivariate analyses would seem appropriate to expand on the biomechanical relationships of young adults.

Purpose : Presence of a pes planus foot deformity negatively affects the balance of the individual, revealing disturbances and different balance strategies. In this situation, the training of intrinsic muscles is of great importance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of intrinsic strengthening and dynamic balance exercises in participants having flexible pes planus.Methods: Forty-five participants with pes planus aged 18 to 35 years were enrolled in the study, and the first group underwent intrinsic foot muscle strengthening training with short foot exercises (SFE) and used insoles. The second group trained using the dynamic balance board, which promotes dynamic balance and used insoles. The third group used only insoles. The total duration of treatment was 8weeks/3days. The degree of foot deformity was assessed with the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) angle, measurements of subtalar angle. Navicular drop test was assessed with foot pronation level. Foot posture assessed using Foot Posture Index (FPI) Static balance was assessed with the Flamingo Balance Test and dynamic balance was assessed using the BOBO Health Platform with Gaming®, a technology-based system designed to measure dynamic postural control.Results: After the intervention, statistically significant improvements were observed in the medial longitudinal arch angle and foot posture index scores in Group 1. SFE were found to improve foot arch, subtalar angle, navicular level, and foot posture index scores, as well as static and dynamic balance(p≤0.05). No significant changes were observed in the medial longitudinal arch, foot posture index, or balance parameters with the use of silicone insoles alone (p > 0.05).Conclusion: The use of silicone insoles in addition to exercise therapy in the management of flexible pes planus improves balance and foot posture.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eight-week aquatic sensory-based activities on sensory-motor skills, sleep habits, and quality of life in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who experience sleep problems. Materials and Methods: Fifteen children aged between 3 and 10 years with ASD were included in the study. The participants attended 40-minute aquatic sensory-based activity sessions twice a week for eight weeks. Assessments were conducted before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and eight weeks after the intervention using the Sensory Profile, Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Results: Significant improvements were observed in sensory-motor skills, sleep quality, and overall quality of life following the intervention. These positive effects were found to be maintained at the 8-week follow-up. Conclusion: Aquatic sensory-based activities provide positive effects on sensory integration, motor coordination, and overall quality of life in children with ASD.

Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon injuries, although rare, severely affect foot stability and mobility, particularly in individuals engaging in repetitive push-off actions. This case study examines a 27-year-old male who underwent surgical repair for FHL tendon rupture, followed by a structured, multi-modal rehabilitation program integrating advanced therapeutic techniques. The 12-week program was divided into three distinct phases to ensure a structured and progressive recovery process. The Early Phase (Weeks 1–4) focused on pain and edema control through interventions such as massage, electrotherapy, kinesiotaping, and the use of peritendinous ultrasonography to monitor recovery progress. The Intermediate Phase (Weeks 5–8) aimed to enhance strength and flexibility by incorporating Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), weight-bearing exercises, dynamic stretching, and the progressive integration of Graston massage techniques. Finally, the Advanced Phase (Weeks 9–12) prioritized functional recovery, utilizing balance training, load transfer exercises, agility drills, and Theragun applications to prepare the individual for a return to optimal physical performance. Significant improvements were observed, including pain reduction (VAS score reduced by X%), increased dorsiflexion flexibility (from X° to X°), and enhanced muscle strength (e.g., tibialis anterior strength increased by X%). Functional assessments, such as the Y Balance Test, revealed improved endurance and mobility. This case study highlights the benefits of integrating innovative techniques like Graston massage and Theragun within a structured, evidence-based rehabilitation program to optimize recovery post-FHL tendon surgery.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of personalized task-specific 3D-printed terminal devices integrated with a standard myoelectric prosthesis in improving functional independence and comfort in a patient with systemic scleroderma and transradial amputation. Methods: A 57-year-old female patient with systemic scleroderma and a left transradial amputation used the following three task-specific 3D-printed adaptive terminal devices—a sock aid, buttoning tool, and jar opener—developed using Tinkercad and fabricated with PLA via FDM printing. These devices were integrated into her pre-existing standard myoelectric prosthesis (Ottobock MyoFacil, four-channel transradial model), which the patient had already been using for daily activities. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Results: Canadian Occupational Performance Measure scores increased from 2/10 to 7–8/10 in performance and satisfaction. Functional Independence Measure scores improved from 4 to 6, reflecting reduced need for assistance in self-care. VAS scores decreased from 7/10 to 3/10, indicating reduced pain during activities of daily living. Conclusions: The integration of low-cost, patient-specific 3D-printed terminal devices with an existing myoelectric prosthesis significantly improved function, independence, and comfort. This case supports further exploration of additive manufacturing as a complementary strategy to enhance prosthetic function in individuals with rare and complex impairments. Clinical Relevance: 3D printing offers a scalable, adaptable solution for task-specific 3D-printed terminal devices, particularly in patients with systemic comorbidities.

Background: Telerehabilitation provides a viable alternative for individuals facing barriers to in-person rehabilitation because of transportation issues and physical limitations. It enables remote monitoring and guidance, allowing patients to continue rehabilitation at home. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation program in improving physical and psychological outcomes for lower limb amputees and to evaluate adherence to a home-based exercise program delivered via video. Study design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Sixty participants with lower limb amputations were randomized to an experimental group (telerehabilitation) or a control group (standard care). The intervention involved a 4-week supervised phase followed by a 4-week unsupervised phase. Primary outcomes were physical capacity, measured by the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and psychological status, assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Secondary outcomes included adherence rates and patient satisfaction. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements in 6MWT distance and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores compared to the control group. The mean 6MWT distance increased by 20% from baseline to the end of the supervised phase ( P < 0.01) and was maintained during the unsupervised phase. Anxiety and depression scores significantly decreased ( P < 0.05). Adherence was higher during the supervised phase (85%) but dropped during the unsupervised phase (60%). Conclusions: Telerehabilitation significantly improved physical and psychological outcomes for lower limb amputees. High adherence during the supervised phase emphasizes the importance of clinician support, whereas strategies are needed to sustain long-term engagement during the unsupervised phase.

Aim: This study examines and compares the core endurance levels, balance performance, muscle strength, and flexibility among young elite saiflors in different sailing classes. Method: Athletes were randomly selected from the Galatasaray Sailing Club and divided into three groups: windsurfing (n=14), optimist (n=13), and laser class (n=13). Demographic features, body mass index, and dominant side of the body were recorded. Upper extremity strength was assessed using a hand dynamometer, while lower extremity power was evaluated through vertical jump, standing long jump, and single-leg jump tests. Core endurance was evaluated with sit-up, plank, and rotary stability tests. Balance and flexibility were assessed using Y balance, straight leg raise, shoulder flexibility, sit and reach, shoulder elevation, and total body rotation tests. The data from the three groups were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test, and inter-group comparisons were performed with the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Significant differences were observed among the groups in the hand grip test for both right and left hands (p<0.001). The laser group displayed the highest mean value. The standing long jump test also showed a significant difference between the groups (p<0.05), with the laser group exhibiting the highest mean value. The single-leg jump test revealed a significant difference among the groups (p<0.05), with the windsurfing group having the highest average. The Y balance test indicated a significant difference among the groups (p<0.05), with the optimist group displaying the highest average values. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that each sailing class necessitates distinct physical attributes and specific performance parameters, particularly in terms of strength and balance.