İlKe Kara

Objectives : To compare muscle tone and stiffness in ambulatory children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (UCP) with typically developing peers and explore their relationship with postural balance and functional mobility. Methods : Forty ambulatory children with UCP and age-matched typically developing peers were assessed for tone and stiffness of lumbar spinal extensors, gastrocnemius, and hamstring muscles using a myotonometer. Functional mobility was evaluated with the 2-Minute Walk Test, and the Timed Up and Go Test, while postural balance was evaluated using the Pediatric Balance Scale and the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS). Results : The gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness were higher on the affected side in UCP compared with the less affected side and typically developing peers ( P < .05). Lumbar spinal extensor tone correlated with improved Trunk Control Measurement Scale scores ( P = .003). The gastrocnemius and hamstring muscles’ tone and stiffness did not significantly affect functional mobility measures in UCP ( P > .05). Conclusions : Our study highlights the importance of achieving muscle symmetry, particularly in the plantar flexors, for functional mobility in UCP children. While differences in ankle and knee muscle biomechanics were observed, they didn’t significantly impact functional mobility or postural balance. Symmetry in lumbar spinal extensor biomechanics correlated with better outcomes, emphasizing the crucial role of trunk control in rehabilitation strategies for ambulatory children with UCP.

Aim: To determine and compare the effects of static and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) hamstring stretching exercises on hamstring flexibility, pain, functional status, and dynamic balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Materials and Methods: A total of 36 symptomatic patients with KOA were randomly assigned to two groups as Static Hamstring Stretching (SHS; n=18) and PNF-Hamstring Stretching (PNF-HS; n=18) and exercises were applied in addition to a standard physiotherapy program consisting of Hot-pack, Ultrasound and TENS for 12 weeks. Outcomes were evaluated with Visual Pain Scale (VAS), Active Knee Extension Test (AKET), The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Results: Both stretching exercises statistically improved knee pain, AKET, WOMAC scores (p

This study aimed to assess the reliability and construct validity of the Turkish version of the Atroshi-Lyrén 6-Item carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) Symptoms Scale (A-L Scale-Tr) and to examine its associations with patient-reported outcome measures, including the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH). A forward-backward translation procedure was performed following international guidelines. Sixty-two patients with unilateral CTS were invited to complete the A-L Scale-Tr. The test-retest reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity were evaluated. The A-L Scale-Tr revealed high values of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.854), and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93-0.98). In the A-L Scale-Tr the factor structure was found optimal and explained 58.39% of the variance. The validity analysis showed strong correlation with night pain (r = 0.821), moderate correlation with BCTQ Symptoms Severity Scale (r = 0.564) and BCTQ Functional Status Scale (r = 0.453), QuickDASH (r = 0.474), pain at rest (r = 0.557), and pain at activity (r = 0.497) (P < .001). It was found that the A-L Scale-Tr has good reliability and construct validity for symptom severity assessment in CTS. The A-L scale will be useful to clinicians and researchers in Turkish patients.

Dentistry is a profession that requires mental and physical attention due to the nature of the work performed. Especially manual dexterity, psychomotor skills and long-term static stay in the same position due to procedures in a small area can disrupt the symmetry of the body and cause neck pain and disability in upper extremity functions over time. The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of upper extremity functions in dentists with chronic neck pain. A total of sixty dentists with chronic neck pain were included in the study. The sociodemographic characteristics of participants were recorded. Right and left upper trapezius pain pressure threshold (PPT), neck disabilities, upper extremity functions of the participants were evaluated by algometry, neck disability index (NPI) and the disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH), respectively. The mean age of the participants was 35.30±4.16 and the number of women and men was 45 and 15, respectively. A significant relationship was found between DASH and NDI (r=0.449, p=0.009), right trapezius PPT (r=-0.470, p=0.005) and left trapezius PPT (r=-0.354, p=0.043) of the participants. After regression analysis, only NDI was found to be significant as a determinant of upper extremity functions. This can be explained by the fact that disabilities of the proximal parts of the body can be a determining factor in the development of disabilities in the distal parts. In this context, giving these patients exercises that will reduce neck region disability will improve upper extremity functions.

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between physical performance and health metrics in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), while also comparing variations in health metrics (such as obesity, hypoxia, quality of life, etc.) and physical performance across different severities of OSA. Material and Methods: Eighty-four participants undergoing polysomnography with the suspected presence of OSAS were included. Participants completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), 36-Item Short Form (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires. Physical performance was assessed using the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test (30CST). Participants were categorized into two groups to compare health metrics based on the severity of OSA. Results: Body mass index, neck circumference, ESS scores, hypoxia levels, emotional well-being, and energy levels of SF-36, differed statistically according to the severity of OSA. While there was no correlation between 30CST scores and social functioning (r=.125, p=.290), all other SF-36 subheadings and 30CST were significantly correlated (p

Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the injuries of football players faced with the isolation and lack of training caused by COVID-19 and an intense match tempo after stress and uncertainty between pre- and post-pandemic seasons. Methods: Injury follow-up data (number, time, severity, type, location, tissue of interest, side, mechanism, rule violation, and recurrence) of a professional football team in Turkey for the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022 seasons were analysed. Results: In the 2019-2020 season, there were a total of 23 injuries, which increased after the pandemic. With a tighter match schedule, there were 31 injuries in the 2020-2021 season and 51 in the 2021-2022 season. The injury rate per match also increased to 0.53, 0.70, and 1.08, respectively. Injury severity, location of injury, tissues involved (p<0.05), mechanism of injury, and rules violations (p<0.001) were significantly different between seasons. Conclusion: The isolation period caused by the pandemic and the tight match schedules affected injury rates per match and injury characteristics. These effects continued in the post-pandemic season.

Purpose: The study aimed to examine plantar fascia stiffness in individuals over and under 65 years of age, and to question the predicted effect of age and vitamin D level on plantar fascia stiffness. Material and Methods: Forty adults were included to the study. The participants were divided into two groups as equal or above 65 years and below 65 years. Plantar fascia stiffness was evaluated using a digital hand-held myotonometer. Vitamin D levels of all participants were recorded. Results: Plantar fascia stiffness was higher in the right (∆= 141.80±39.86 N/m, p=.001) and left foot (∆=116.85±38.45 N/m, p=.004), in participants over 65 years of age. Age had a significant positive predicted effect on plantar fascia stiffness (β= 6.7, R2= 0.31, p<.001). Vitamin D level had a significant negative effect on plantar fascia stiffness (β=-1.91, R2 =.117, p=.03). Conclusion: The results of the research showed that plantar fascia stiffness was higher in individuals over 65 years of age. The stiffness of PF is decreased as the vitamin D level improved.

Objectives: The whole-body vibration (WBV) effects on muscle strength show inconsistent results. Moreover, there is no study about the WBV effect on stiffness, elasticity, and muscle strength. Therefore, the study aimed to examine the effect of WBV exposure with static squat posture on the stiffness, elasticity, and strength of the lower-limb extensor muscles. Material and Methods: Forty healthy untrained young adults were divided into WBV and control groups. The experimental group received WBV exposure on 2 nonconsecutive days of the week, for 6 weeks. The MyotonPRO device was used for the assessment of the knee extensor and the ankle dorsiflexors’ stiffness and elasticity. Isometric muscle strength was evaluated with a hand-held dynamometer. All measurements were done by the same assessor at baseline, and the following 6 weeks. Results: Significant group-by-time interactions were found for the elasticity scores of the right (d = 0.84, P = .01) and left (d = 0.77, P = .02) ankle dorsiflexors. Similar to the elasticity measurements, significant group-by-time interactions were observed in the muscle strength scores of the right (d = 0.45, P = .046) and left (d = 1.25, P < .001) ankle dorsiflexors. No significant effects were observed in any of the evaluated muscle stiffness measurements (P > .05), and there was no significant group-by-time interaction in knee-extensor muscle strength and elasticity scores (P > .05). Conclusions: The study results indicate that if the ankle dorsiflexor strength and elasticity are desired to be increased, the 6-week WBV exposure in a static squat posture can be used in healthy individuals.

To translate and culturally adapt the Diabetes Quality of Life Brief Clinical Inventory (DQoL-BCI) into Turkish and assess the psychometric properties of the translated version. A forward–backward translation process was conducted in conformity with international guidelines. A total of 150 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) completed the Turkish version of DQoL-BCI (DQoL-BCI-Tr). The factor structure, test–retest reliability, and construct validity were evaluated. In the DQoL-BCI-Tr, the three-factor structure was found optimal and explained 68.7% of the variance. The DQoL-BCI-Tr showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.90) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.98). Cronbach’s alpha values ranged from 0.85 to 0.91 for subscales (satisfaction, worry, impact). A negative correlation was found between the total scores of the DQoL-BCI-Tr and the EuroQoL-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) indexes (r= −0.22, p < 0.01). The DQoL-BCI-Tr total score and satisfaction and worry subscale scores differentiated between groups defined by glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c>9%) and the use of insulin. The study results showed that the DQoL-BCI-Tr can be served as a reliable and valid instrument to obtain information from Turkish patients with T2DM diagnosis, including satisfaction with treatment, the impact of the disease, and worry about the social/vocational issues.