Gamze Demircioğlu

Background/Objectives: Kinesio taping (KT) and dynamic taping (DT) are commonly used in sports settings to support sensorimotor function and athletic performance. However, evidence directly comparing their immediate effects across different performance domains in competitive basketball players remains limited. This study aimed to compare the acute responses to KT and DT in dynamic balance, vertical jump performance, and visuomotor reaction time. Methods: Twenty male competitive basketball players participated in this within-subject study. All participants received KT during the first testing session and DT during the second session conducted one week later. Dynamic balance, vertical jump performance, and visuomotor reaction time were assessed immediately before and after each taping application using the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test, My Jump 2, and the Light Trainer system, respectively. Within-condition pre–post changes and differences in change between KT and DT were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests, with the Holm procedure applied to secondary outcomes to account for multiple comparisons. Results: Significant pre–post increases were observed in anterior and posterolateral reach and composite Y-Balance scores following both KT and DT (all p < 0.001). Posteromedial reach increased significantly following DT (p = 0.003) but not KT (p = 0.076), although the between-condition difference in change was not significant. Vertical jump performance and visuomotor reaction time showed no significant pre–post changes following either taping condition. No statistically significant between-condition differences were observed for any outcome. Conclusions: Both KT and DT were followed by immediate improvements in dynamic balance, whereas no statistically significant changes were detected in vertical jump performance or visuomotor reaction time. No statistically significant difference in the magnitude of change was observed between the two taping conditions. The differing response patterns across outcomes may indicate task-dependent acute responses; however, this interpretation should be considered preliminary given the study design and sample size.

Background/Objectives: Non-specific chronic low back pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that impairs flexibility, sleep quality, functional capacity, and quality of life. Conservative treatments such as Kinesio taping and foam roller exercises are widely used, yet comparative evidence remains limited. This study aimed to compare their effects on pain, disability, flexibility, sleep quality, and kinesiophobia in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. Methods: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to Kinesio taping or foam roller groups. The Kinesio taping group received lumbar taping twice weekly, while the foam roller group performed foam roller exercises for 5 min per session over a 6-week intervention period. Outcomes included the Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, Pressure Pain Threshold, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Schober Test, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, and Fingertip-to-Floor Distance. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in pain intensity, disability, pressure pain threshold, and flexibility (p < 0.001). Sleep quality (p = 0.012) and kinesiophobia (p = 0.003) improved significantly only in the Kinesio taping group. Between-group comparisons showed lower post-treatment pain intensity in the foam roller group (p = 0.015) and lower kinesiophobia in the Kinesio taping group (p = 0.009). The between-group mean difference in pain change was −0.86 cm (95% CI: −1.57 to −0.15). No significant between-group differences were observed for the other outcomes. Conclusions: Both interventions improved pain and physical outcomes, with different response patterns. Foam roller showed more favorable findings for pain intensity, whereas Kinesio taping showed more favorable findings for kinesiophobia, with no between-group difference in sleep quality.

Background: Myofascial temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are associated with pain and trigger points in the masticatory muscles. Dry needling (DN) is used for myofascial pain, but evidence regarding immediate effects remains limited. Objective: This participant- and outcome-assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial evaluated immediate clinical and electromyographic effects of a single DN session targeting the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles in patients with myofascial TMD. Methods: Forty-four participants diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders were randomly allocated to a DN group or a sham needling group. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale, and surface electromyographic activity of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles was recorded at rest and during maximal clenching. Measurements were obtained before treatment and 10 min after the intervention. Adverse events were recorded throughout the observation period. Results: Forty participants completed the study, with 20 in each group. Pain intensity decreased significantly in the DN group compared with the sham group (p < 0.001). An uncorrected analysis indicated reduced resting activity of the left anterior temporalis muscle; however, no electromyographic variable remained significant after correction for multiple comparisons. No serious adverse events occurred. Minor transient bleeding and mild post-needling soreness were reported in a small number of participants receiving DN. Conclusions: A single DN session produced a significant immediate reduction in pain intensity in patients with myofascial TMD, without consistent immediate changes in surface electromyographic activity. Longer follow-up and repeated-session studies are needed to determine the durability and clinical relevance of these effects.

Background: Vagus nerve stimulation is primarily used for treating neuropsychiatric disorders, reducing inflammation, and controlling muscle tone. Nonspecific chronic neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition characterized by persistent neck pain without an identifiable structural pathology and is often associated with functional limitations, sleep disturbances, and reduced quality of life. Objective: This pilot study evaluates the effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as a non-invasive treatment for nonspecific chronic neck pain. Methods: Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to a taVNS group or a conventional treatment group. Pain intensity, muscle strength and range of motion of the neck were primary outcomes, while neck disability and sleep quality were secondary outcomes. All measures were assessed at baseline and after 15 treatment sessions. Statistical analyses included mixed-methods ANOVA, Student's t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: taVNS significantly reduced neck pain and improved extensor muscle strength, cervical range of motion, and sleep quality compared to baseline ( p < 0.05). Compared with conventional treatment, the taVNS group showed greater improvements in extensor muscle strength and neck disability ( p < 0.05), while other outcomes were similar between groups. Conclusion: taVNS appears to be a safe intervention with short-term effects comparable to conventional treatments in non-specific chronic neck pain. Although greater improvements were observed in muscle strength and neck disability, overall superiority was not demonstrated. Given the short duration and small sample size, the results cannot be generalized. Clinical Trials Number: NCT05527366

This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of deep breathing exercises (DBEs) and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on psychosocial and autonomic outcomes in mothers of children with cerebral palsy. Thirty-nine participants were randomly assigned to the DBE (n = 20) or VNS (n = 19) group and received three sessions per week for three weeks. The outcomes included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31 (COMPASS-31), heart rate variability (HRV), and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire-Extended Version (NMQ-E). Both interventions produced significant within-group improvements in sleep quality, depressive symptoms, caregiver burden, and autonomic symptom burden (p < .05). In contrast, the HRV parameters showed no significant within-group changes (p > .05). Between-group analyses indicated a greater reduction in BDI scores in the VNS group (d = 0.74), whereas improvements in the PSQI (d = 0.43), ZBI (d = 0.08), and COMPASS-31 (d = 1.19) scores were comparable between the two groups. NMQ-E pain scores decreased in six regions of the DBE group and seven areas of the VNS group, with small-to-moderate between-group effect sizes across body regions; however, none of these differences reached statistical significance (p > .05). Both interventions were effective, with VNS demonstrating more substantial antidepressant effects and broader pain reduction, whereas DBE remains a simple, low-cost, and scalable option for caregiver support.

Aim: The proliferation of digital technology has made internet usage an integral part of daily life, inadvertently leading to increased physical inactivity among peers. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of different interventions for neck pain in university students with problematic internet use. Method: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 40 participants, aged 18 to 20, experiencing non-specific neck pain. All participants were randomly divided into the home exercise group (Group 1; n=20) and the walking group (Group 2; n=20). Posture and stretching exercises were recommended to the home exercise group over eight weeks. The walking group was given a daily walking program of 7000 steps over the same eight weeks. After examining the subjects' demographic information, participants were assessed before and after the program using the Neck Disability Index, Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results: The study revealed that symptoms associated with neck pain significantly decreased in the home exercise group (p=0.001). No significant improvements in stress and anxiety levels were observed in either group (p>0.05). Although sleep quality improved significantly in both the home exercise group (p=0.005) and the walking group (p=0.016), there was insufficient supportive evidence that one group was more effective. Conclusion: The increasing prevalence of internet usage contributes to heightened physical inactivity among peers. Establishing regular exercise routines and scheduling specific physical activity breaks are crucial to counteract the detrimental effects of this trend.

Objective: Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a common issue requiring a biopsychosocial approach. This study aimed to explore the relationship between pain, cervical mobility, sleep quality, and functional status, comparing these variables with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Sixty-five participants with CNP and sixty-five controls were included. Neck pain at rest and during activity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS Cervical mobility was assessed in all planes of motion using a universal goniometer to measure the active cervical range of motion (C-ROM). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used to evaluate sleep quality and neck-related functional status. Results: Cervical mobility showed significant differences in C-ROM for flexion, extension, and lateral flexion (p0.05). Additionally, the CNP group exhibited higher disability levels and poorer sleep quality compared to the controls (p

Introduction: Pes planus is caused by the extension of the intrinsic muscles in the medial arch of the foot, resulting in the arch approaching the ground or the sole of the foot touching the ground completely. The objective was to determine how exercise techniques affected patients with pes planus’ ability to balance and to recommend the appropriate exercises.Methods: In this study, 39 individuals with pes planus were allocated at random to either a stretching or stability and mobility exercise group. Star Excursion Balance Test, The Berg Balance Scale, The Functional Reach Test, and Weight Bearing Lunge, plantar flexion range of motion (ROM) assessments were performed before treatment and after treatment for a total of four weeks.Results: The results demonstrated that both groups’ balance and ROM during intragroup testing had improved (p < 0.05). Only the improvement in plantar flexion ROM in group 1 was found to be statistically higher than that in group 2 with group comparisons (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Balance and ROM values were similarly affected by both 4-week pes planus exercise programs. We contend that the static and dynamic foot kinematics were successfully rectified with both of our treatment techniques.

Objective: Pelvic floor muscles (PFM) are important for the protection of many mechanisms, support of pelvic organs, and maintenance of sexual function. Therefore, PFM exercises should be studied in more detail in women. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of knowledge and awareness of PFM on the sexual life of healthy women. Material and Methods: This study included 182 women living in Turkey who had an active sexual life. The demographic information and PFM awareness of the participants were evaluated. Accordingly, they were divided into two groups: those who had knowledge of PFM (group 1) and those who did not (group 2). All groups were assessed using the female sexual function index (FSFI), sexual quality of life female (SQOL-F), and Beck's depression ınventory (BDI). Results: There was a significant difference between groups 1 and 2 in the FSFI (p=0.046) scores (p0.05). Low correlations were found between the FSFI scores and knowledge of the pelvic region (p=0.062; r=0.114), exercise knowledge (p=0.026; r=0.136), and exercise habits (0.013; r=0.153). Conclusion: Knowledge and awareness of PFM had an effect on sexual life but not on quality of life and depression levels in healthy women. However, we believe that increasing women's awareness about pelvic floor health and PFM may prevent delays in applying to health services due to problems related to sexual disorders.

Background: Round shoulder posture (RSP), characterized by forward shoulder positioning from weakened and tense muscles, disrupts normal biomechanics and can cause Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS), resulting in pain during specific movements or positions. This study examines the immediate effects of Kinesio taping (KT) on pain, proprioception, and posture in individuals in round shoulder individuals with SIS. Methods: The study involved 114 patients diagnosed with RSP and SIS. Pain intensity was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), proprioception was measured with an inclinometer, and posture was evaluated using The New York Posture Rating Chart (NYPRC). Participants were randomly assigned to experimental group (EG) (n = 57), which received KT application, or to sham group (SG) (n = 57), which underwent a sham procedure. KT was applied to the affected shoulder and scapular regions. Assessments were conducted both before and after the application of Kinesio tape. Results: According to the study results, the differences in VAS scores (P = .002), proprioception abduction (P = .023) and NYPRC scores (P = .04), were statistically significant in the EG compared to the SG (P < .05). However, there was no significant difference in proprioception flexion between the groups (P > .05). Conclusion: KT demonstrates immediate benefits in reducing pain and improving scapular alignment in individuals with RSP and chronic shoulder pain. These findings underscore its potential effectiveness as a therapeutic intervention for managing symptoms associated with RSP and impingement syndrome, particularly in terms of pain relief and posture enhancement.