The profile beyond leg pain: In basis of central sensitization, kinesiophobia, and body awareness in patients with chronic venous disease.

Objective: Leg pain has long been underestimated despite being one of the most important symptoms of chronic venous disease (CVD). Studies investigating leg pain and psychosocial profile in CVD are limited. The study aimed to investigate leg pain, central sensitization, kinesiophobia, and body awareness in patients with CVD. Methods: The ninety-eight patients (80 female, 18 male) diagnosed with CVD were included in the study. The severity of leg pain was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The patients were assessed with the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI-A and B) for central sensitization-related symptoms and -positivity, the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) for body awareness, and the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS) for kinesiophobia. The cut-off score was admitted as 41 for TKS. Results: The leg pain (mean (SD) = 4.3 ± 2) and body awareness (mean (SD) = 82.4 ± 22) were moderate levels in patients with CVD. Nearly half of the patients (n = 46, 46.9%) had both central sensitization positivity and elevated kinesiophobia (n = 46, 47%). The CSI was correlated with the VAS (r = 0.32, p = .001), TKS (r = 0.40, p < .001), and BAQ (r = 0.20, p = .048). Significant correlations were determined between Body Mass Index and TKS (r = 0.48, p < .001) and BAQ (r = -0.31, p = .002). Also, the patients with a TKS score ≥41-points had higher CSI-A scores (p = .002) than those with a TKS score< 41. Conclusions: Leg pain, central sensitization, and kinesiophobia are commonly seen in patients with CVD, and central sensitization seems to have a negative effect on leg pain, kinesiophobia, and body awareness. The profile beyond pain should be evaluated in detail, and various rehabilitation strategies need to be developed to manage central sensitization, interoception, kinesiophobia, and weight control in patients with CVD.

Short and long-term outcomes of multidimensional physiotherapy in cases with acute compartment syndrome secondary to carbon monoxide poisoning with prolonged forearm compression.

BACKGROUND: Compartment syndrome following carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and compression, can have a devastating impact on neuromuscular structures, depending on a time-based dosage. PURPOSE: To investigate multidimensional physiotherapy's short-term and long-term outcomes in identical twin cases who developed compartment syndrome due to CO poisoning and prolonged compression. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: This study was conducted with two male cases, a 21-year-old identical twin. The loss of consciousness due to CO poisoning lasted for 15 hours. Case one had compartment syndrome that caused damage to the median and ulnar nerves in the right forearm, while Case two had compartment syndrome that caused damage to the radial nerve in the left forearm. No surgical intervention was performed (Fasciotomy etc). RESULTS: The disability, dexterity, hand health status, sensory-motor function, and edema were evaluated. Initial evaluations showed severe sensory and motor dysfunction, disability, and edema. Treatment included Complex decongestive physiotherapy, electrical stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, orthotics, and exercises. On the 144th day (discharge day), both cases still exhibited weakness in functional strength and sensory loss compared to the uninjured side. At the ninth month, all parameters except strength were similar to the uninjured side in both cases. By the 53rd month, strength also reached normal values. CONCLUSIONS: Multidimensional physiotherapy effectively manages edema, improves sensory-motor function, and enhances hand function in the short and long term.

The relationship between bladder functions, pelvic floor muscle strength, fall, and fatigue in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the severity of bladder functions, fatigue, quality of life (QoL), fall, and pelvic floor muscle strength in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups according to their Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) bladder scores as Group 1 (EDSS bladder score 0-1, mildly affected group, n = 25) and Group 2 (EDSS bladder score 2-3-4, moderate and severely affected group, n = 21). Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength (EMG-Biofeedback device), fear of fall (Fall Efficacy Scale (FES-1)), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)), QoL (Urogenital Distress Inventory-short form (UDI-6), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-short form (IIQ-7)) were evaluated. RESULTS: 46 female patients diagnosed with MS were included in this study. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were seen between the groups except age. EDSS bladder score were 1 (0-1) and 3 (2-4), EMG-Biofeedback score were 79,5 ± 8,11 and 41,7 ± 5,48, FSS score were 38,7 ± 2,80 and 54±2,20, FES-I score were 16,9 ± 2,15 and 40,2 ± 7,39, UDI-6 score were 4,24±0,47 and 8,42±0,64, IIQ-7 score were 3,64±0,86 and 18,2 ± 1,42 in Group 1 and Group 2. As a result of statistical analysis, significant differences were found in less fatigue and fall, higher PFM strength and better QoL with mildly affected PwMS (p<0,05). CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in terms of bladder function level in PFM strength, fall, fatigue and QoL between the mildly affected group and the moderate and severely affected group.

Effects of pelvic floor muscle training applied with telerehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis having lower urinary track symptoms: A randomized controlled trial.

In this study, the researchers aimed to investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) applied with telerehabilitation on urinary symptoms, quality of life, and subjective perception of improvement and satisfaction in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients having lower urinary tract symptoms. Patients were randomly divided into PFMT (n:21) and control (n:21) groups. The PFMT group received PFMT via telerehabilitation for 8 weeks and lifestyle advice, while the control group received only lifestyle advice. Although lifestyle advice alone was not effective, PFMT applied with telerehabilitation was an effective method in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms in MS patients. PFMT applied with telerehabilitation can be considered as an alternative method.

Acute Effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Compression with Exercise Therapy on Breast Lymphedema Following Breast-Conserving Surgery and Radiotherapy.

Background: Breast lymphedema is a common complication of breast cancer treatments but there are limited studies about the treatment of breast lymphedema. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression with exercise on the local tissue water percentage, pain, and stiffness following breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients (52.54 ± 12.18 years, 28.55 ± 5.11 kg/m2) were included. The sociodemographic and clinical information was recorded. The pain and stiffness severity were measured with Visual Analog Scale. Measurements of water percentages in local tissue were performed in all quadrants of the breast with the Moisture Meter D Compact device. All measurements were performed baseline, after MLD, and after compression with exercise. Results: There was a significant difference in local tissue water percentages between the affected and unaffected sides before treatment. The percentage of water only in the lower outer quadrant of the affected breast increased significantly after acute treatment (p: 0.002). In addition, pain (p: 0.001) and stiffness (p: 0.001) scores decreased. Conclusions: Local tissue water percentages increased with MLD and decreased with compression with exercise. In the treatment of breast lymphedema, MLD and compression bandage with exercise may be beneficial in the management of the symptoms of swelling, pain, and stiffness.

Does Venipuncture Increase Lymphedema by Triggering Inflammation or Infection? An Experimental Rabbit Ear Lymphedema Model Study.

Background: Recent guidelines recommend avoiding venipuncture to prevent lymphedema for breast cancer patients. This study investigated whether single or multiple sterile venipuncture procedures develop a systemic inflammation or infection and increase lymphedema in the rabbit ear lymphedema model. Methods and Results: Eighteen New Zealand white female rabbits were included. The right ear lymphedema model was created by surgical procedure; then, rabbits were divided into three randomized groups. Single and multiple venipuncture procedures were applied at least the 60th day after surgery for Group I and II, respectively. Group III was a control group. C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were analyzed to determine inflammation and infection. Ear thickness measurements were applied using a vernier caliper to assess the differences in lymphedema between the ears. All rabbits were euthanized on the 90th day after surgery. Histopathological analysis was performed to evaluate lymphedema by measuring tissue thicknesses. Ear thickness measurements showed that ear lymphedema was developed and maintained with surgical operation in all groups (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the ear thickness measurements between and within-groups results (p > 0.05). CRP and PCT levels were below the lower detection levels in all groups. According to the differences of histopathological ear distances, there were significant differences within-groups for all groups (p < 0.05), and no differences were identified between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This experimental study demonstrated that single or multiple sterile venipuncture procedures did not trigger infection or inflammation and did not exacerbate ear lymphedema in the rabbit ear lymphedema model.

What do lymphedema patients expect from a treatment and what do they achieve? A descriptive study.

PURPOSE: Lymphedema is characterized by swelling and fibroadipose tissue deposition that is a physically, psychologically, and socially debilitating condition due to chronic and progressive nature of the disease. Treatment benefit evaluation from the patient's perspective is important for medical decision-making. The aim of this study is to investigate important treatment goals and benefits of treatment from the patients' perspective. METHOD: Eighty-one patients with lymphedema, lipoedema, or lipolymphoedema who are currenlty treated or who underwent previous treatment were included in the study. Socio-demographic data was recorded. Important goals and benefit from treatment were assessed with Patients Needs Questionnaire and Patient Benefit Questionnaire which are sub-questionnaires of Patient Benefit Index-Lymphedema. RESULTS: The most important expectation and needed item was "To find a clear diagnosis and therapy" (n:59, 72%). The least important item for the lymphedema patients was "To feel more attractive" (n:9, 11%). Most beneficial effect of treatment was "To have no fear that the disease will become worse" (n:37, 45.7%). "To have fewer out of pocket treatment expenses" was rated as the least beneficial effect of treatment (n:24, 29.6%). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to identify patients' needs and expectations. Patients should be referred for treatment according to their needs. The effectiveness of the treatment should be evaluated objectively. Patient education should be considered as a part of the effective treatment to teach patients how to control their lymphedema. A clear diagnosis and access to treatment should be ensured for lymphedema patients. Regulations for health insurance benefit coverage are needed to cover cost of compression garments.

Investigation of the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function in cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) is a questionnaire that is used to evaluate the quality of life and cognitive functions according to individual self-reports. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the FACT-Cog. METHODS: Cancer patients who were treated with chemo or radiotherapy and had a score of 24/30 and more in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were included in this study. Cognitive functions assessed with the FACT-Cog and the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire Core 30: Cognitive Function subscale (EORTC QLQ-CF). RESULTS: One hundred and forty cancer patients [female = 87 (62.1%), male = 53 (37.9%)] were included. The mean age of the participants was 47.93 ± 11.90 years. The Cronbach's α of the FACT-Cog scale was 0.82. Test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient values of the FACT-Cog questionnaire were varied from 0.855 to 0.954. There were found low correlations between the total score of the FACT-Cog and the MMSE (r = 0.26, p = 0.002), and moderate correlations between the EORTC QLQ-CF subscale and the FACT-Cog (r = -0.43; p < 0.001). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: It showed the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the FACT-Cog questionnaire for cancer patients. It may be beneficial to use this questionnaire for the effects of cancer treatment.

What are the factors affecting dual-task gait performance in people after stroke?

BACKGROUND: People after stroke have difficulties when they undertaking two tasks simultaneously. PURPOSES: To investigate the relationships between dual-task performance and factors such as motor function, balance, cognitive state, and fatigue, to identify factors that have an impact on dual-task performance after a stroke. METHODS: Thirty-seven people with stroke and 38 healthy participants were assessed with 10-m walking test in different performances which were single-task-based, motor dual-task-based and cognitive dual-task-based. Results were evaluated according to the Rivermead Motor Assessment, the Static balance index, the Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Fatigue Severity Scale. RESULTS: Participants with stroke were slower compared to the control group with the following mean speed values for single-task (M = 0.73 m/s, t = -7.612, p < .001), motor dual-task (M = 0.70 m/s, t = -8.232, p < .001), cognitive dual-task (M = 0.59 m/s, t = -7.944, p < .001). For people after stroke, motor dual-task performance was significantly affected by the total motor function scores (r = 0.648, p < .001), static balance (r = -0.499, p < .05), and fatigue rates (r = -0.349, p < .05). Furthermore, cognitive dual-task performance was affected by the total motor function score (r = 0.537, p < .05) static balance (r = -0.541, p < .05) and fatigue rates (r = -0.350), p < .05). Multivariate factor analysis indicated that impairment in the gross function influenced motor dual-task performance (B = 0.086, p = .031) and cognitive dual-task performance (B = 0.083, p = .010). Cognitive dual-task performance was affected by leg-trunk function (B = 0.063, p = .015) and age (B = -0.006, p = .009). CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that dual-task performance was related to motor function, balance, and fatigue, whereas gross motor function was the unique determinant of dual-task performance.

The Effects of Clinical and Home-based Physiotherapy Programs in Secondary Head and Neck Lymphedema.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the effects of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) and home programs on external lymphedema, staging of lymphedema, fibrosis, and three-dimensional (3D) surface scanning and volume evaluation in head and neck lymphedema. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled study. METHODS: Twenty-one patients were randomly divided into three groups: CDP (n:7), home program (n:7), and control (n:7). Assessment methods were applied at baseline and 4 weeks later for all groups. MD. Anderson Cancer Center Head and Neck Lymphedema Protocol was implemented to evaluate head and neck external lymphedema, staging of lymphedema, and fibrosis. A 3D scanner and a software were used to determine and calculate the volume of the head and neck region via 3D surface scanning. Head and neck external lymphedema and fibrosis assessment criteria were performed to evaluate visible soft tissue edema and the degree of stiffness. RESULTS: The severity and volume of lymphedema decreased in the CDP program group (P < .05). Besides, external lymphedema and fibrosis at submental region were decreased in both CDP program and home program groups (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: While the benefits of home program are limited, a CDP program may be more effective in the management of lymphedema and fibrosis in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer. The clinical trial registration number: NCT04286698, date: 02/25/2020, retrospectively registered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1550-E1557, 2021.

Clinical Characteristics of and Services Provided for Patients with Lymphedema Referred to a Physiotherapy Program During the Years 2009 Through 2019.

Background: Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive disease whose diagnosis involves determination of clinical and demographic characteristics. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with lymphedema and their various diagnoses. We studied patients who were referred for physiotherapy services at any point during the years 2009 through 2019. Methods: Retrospective data were collected from the files of 430 lymphedema patients. The type, cause, localization, stage, and severity of lymphedema and physiotherapy needs were analyzed and reported. Results: Primary and secondary lymphedema were observed in 18 (4.2%) and 412 (95.8%) patients, respectively. The patients' mean body mass index score was 30.66 kg/m2. The data indicated that the most common cause of secondary lymphedema was breast cancer and its treatments (n = 196, 47.6%). Other causes were chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) (n = 140, 34%), lipolymphedema (n = 11, 2.7%), and other types of cancers (n = 65, 15.7%). According to the affected body regions, 416 patients had unilateral/bilateral upper and lower extremity lymphedema and 14 had head and neck lymphedema. The patients were followed with a home-based physiotherapy program (n = 353, 82.1%) or they underwent treatments through an outpatient program (n = 77, 17.9%). Conclusions: Most patients admitted to the clinic had a diagnosis of breast cancer and CVI. The severity and stages of lymphedema were variable. The data indicated that most patients were followed through a home-based physiotherapy program. These results may set a frame for understanding the treatment and care needs of patients with lymphedema.

Differences in pain, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with chronic venous insufficiency based on physical activity level.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare the effect of different physical activity levels on pain, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. METHODS: Between October 2018 and February 2019, a total of 69 patients (4 males, 65 females; mean age 50 years; range, 19 to 73 years) who were diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency and consulted for physiotherapy were included in the study. The physical activity level of the patients was determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in three groups as light, moderate, or vigorous. Fatigue, pain, and QoL were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale, visual analog scale (during the night, activity, and rest), and Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study Quality/Symptom Scale, respectively. RESULTS: Of a total of 69 patients, 17 were in the light-intensity physical activity group, 32 in the moderate-intensity physical activity group, and 20 in the vigorous-intensity physical activity group. Perceived pain during activity and fatigue were significantly different between the light- and moderate-intensity physical activity groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in pain, fatigue, and quality of life scores between the vigorous-intensity physical activity group and the other two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that a moderate level of physical activity may be helpful to overcome symptoms such as pain and fatigue in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and to improve quality of life.

An Important Tool in Lymphedema Management: Validation of Turkish Version of the Patient Benefit Index-Lymphedema.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the Turkish adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Patient Benefit Index-Lymphedema (PBI-L) ensuring direct assessment of the benefit in patients with lymphedema (LE), lipedema, and lipolymphedema. Methods and Results: Eighty-one patients who were consulted for physiotherapy, whose diagnoses were LE, lipedema, and lipolymphedema, and who were treated or planned to be treated for these diagnoses, were included in this study. PBI-L was adapted to Turkish by considering the stages of the cultural adaptation process. Short Form-36 (SF-36) was applied for the validity of PBI-L. PBI-L was repeated after a 1-week interval for test-retest reliability. The mean age was 47.66 ± 14.23 years. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) value was determined as 0.73 (p < 0.0001) for the total score. There was a moderate correlation between first (ICC = 0.63, p < 0.0001) and second subdimensions (ICC = 0.62, p < 0.0001). Cronbach's α values ranged between 0.83 and 0.89. Low correlations were found between total scores of PBI-L and mental health, physical function subdimensions of SF-36 (p < 0.05). The Kaiser Meyer Olkin value was 0.6, and it was found that the PBI-L was not consistent with factor analysis. Conclusion: The Turkish version of PBI-L is a valid and reliable tool in patients with LE, lipedema, and lipolymphedema. However, the reassessment validity of PBI-L would be suggested by using an LE-specific quality of life questionnaire.

Efficacy of manual lymph drainage plus exercise on range of motion and flexibility in refractory chronic cutaneous graft-versus-host disease: A case report.

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a common complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with high morbidity and mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and a home-based exercise programme on range of motion (ROM) and flexibility in a patient diagnosed with chronic cutaneous GvHD. A 29-year-old male who was diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukemia underwent allo-HSCT after induction chemotherapy. He developed extended chronic cutaneous skin GvHD. He received systemic immunosuppressive treatment and Psoralen and ultraviolet radiation (PUVA) for 20 sessions. He was then consulted to physiotherapy department for the limitation of multiple ROM due to severe GvHD. The range of motions of shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle joints were evaluated with universal goniometer. The chair sit, reach and back scratch tests were performed. MLD was applied for 2 weeks. Additionally, exercise recommendations were maintained as a home-programme. After the therapy, ROM values were better in wrist extension and hip abduction/adduction and the back scratch test result improved. According to chair sit and reach tests, the results decreased from 25 to 22cm distance after 2 weeks. With MLD treatment with exercise, ROM has been preserved and even improved in this refractory case. In addition, the flexibility test results were found to be increased. The efficacy of MLD and exercise in chronic cutaneous GvHD should be investigated in further studies.

Does Manual Lymphatic Drainage Have Any Effect on Pain Threshold and Tolerance of Different Body Parts?

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on pain threshold and pain tolerance of different body parts. Methods and Results: Thirty healthy individuals (10 women and 20 men) participated in this study voluntarily. Pain threshold and pain tolerance of the upper and lower limbs were evaluated with an algometer before and after MLD. Pain threshold and pain tolerance were assessed on the mid-ulna, hypothenar area, quadriceps, and mid-tibia before and after MLD. There was a significant increase in the pain threshold of the mid-ulna, quadriceps, and mid-tibia and the pain tolerance of the mid-tibia after the application of MLD (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that MLD increased pain threshold and pain tolerance, which may be important for pain control and other components of complex decongestive therapy, such as compression and exercise.

Acute Cardiovascular Responses to the Application of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Different Body Regions.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate acute cardiovascular responses to manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on different parts of the body. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy individuals (10 women and 20 men) participated in the study voluntarily. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), respiration frequency, and oxygen saturation were measured before and after MLD was applied to different regions of the body (neck, abdomen, anastomosis, arm, and leg). HR, SBP, and DBP were measured with a sphygmomanometer (OMRON, USA) and oxygen saturation was measured with a pulse oximeter. Results: Increase in DBP was seen after abdominal drainage (p = 0.038); reduction in SBP (p = 0.002) and DBP (p = 0.004) after neck drainage; reduction in SBP (p < 0.001) and HR (p = 0.004) after arm drainage; and reduction in SBP and DBP after leg drainage. There was no change in the oxygen saturation levels of participants after MLD (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In healthy subjects, the effects of MLD were found to vary according to the region of application. This study signals that the cardiovascular effects of MLD treatment vary in different regions of the body.

Investigating the relationships between quality of life, fatigue and leisure time physical activity in prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the parameters of fatigue, quality of life and leisure time physical activity in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. This is the first study in the literature to report interaction between these parameters from the perspective of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight out-patients were enrolled in this study. In an oncologic rehabilitation unit, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Questionnaire (FACIT-F), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate Questionnaire (FACT-P) and Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) were utilized to evaluate fatigue, quality of life and physical activity, respectively. Frequencies and the relationships between the results of the parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 67.68 ± 7.54 years. Mean scores of FACIT-F [42.94 ± 8.25] and FACT-P [118.81 ± 13.39] were determined. The median score of GLTEQ was 14 (0-70). There were positive correlations between FACIT-F and FACT-P (r= 0.633, p< 0.001); GLTEQ and FACT-P (r= 0.275, p< 0.05) and; FACIT-F and GLTEQ (r= 0.297, p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Increased fatigue and decreased leisure time physical activity level may affect quality of life negatively. Moreover, it was observed that decreasing leisure time physical activity level affects fatigue negatively. Accordingly, physiotherapists with PCa patients may focus on developing physical activity levels in various ways to address the multidimensional problems of fatigue and quality of life.

The effects of balance and postural stability exercises on spa based rehabilitation programme in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can cause severe functional disorders that lead to loss of balance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of balance and postural stability exercises on spa based rehabilitation programme in AS subjects. METHODS: Twenty-one participants were randomized to the study (n= 11) and control groups (n= 10). Patients balance and stability were assessed with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, Single Leg Stance Test (SLST) and Functional Reach Test (FRT). AS spesicied measures were used for assessing to other parameters. The treatment plan for both groups consisted of conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), spa and land-based exercises 5 days per week for 3 weeks. The study group performed exercises based on postural stability and balance with routine physiotherapy practice in thermal water and in exercise room. RESULTS: The TUG, SLST and FUT scores were significantly increased in the study group. In both groups, the BASMI, BASFI, BASDAI and ASQoL scores decreased significantly by the end of the treatment period (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In AS rehabilitation, performing balance and stability exercises in addition to spa based routine approaches can increase the duration of maintaining balance and can improve the benefits of physiotherapy.

Acute physiological responses to physiotherapy applications pre and post autologous stem cell transplantation: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the acute physiological responses (APR) to physiotherapy applications in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), the difference between pre- and post-ASCT according to APR. METHODS: Twenty-six patients who were hospitalized for ASCT attended regular physiotherapy program. APR was recorded in the beginning and at the end of each exercise session. The differences in APR were calculated for each session. The mean values of the differences in APR were computed in pre-conditioning, pre-, and post-ASCT. Daily complete blood counts were also recorded during ASCT. RESULTS: Hemoglobin and platelet counts were significantly lower pre- and post-ASCT. Neutrophil counts were significantly lower post-ASCT. The difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the beginning and at the end of the exercise sessions was significantly higher post-ASCT in comparison to pre-ASCT. CONCLUSION: There was no significant change in APR except the SBP which suggests that similar level of exercise intensity could be tolerated in pre- and post-ASCT periods as well as preconditioning.

The positive impact of regular exercise program on stem cell mobilization prior to autologous stem cell transplantation.

AIM: The present study was planned to determine the effects of regular exercise program on hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization prior to autologous stem cell transplantation. METHOD: Twenty-two consecutive patients were enrolled in the study. A regular 20 min exercise program was administered to the patients. The hematopoietic stem cell mobilization outcome, number of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) and aphaeresis application days were compared with 20 case-matched controls who did not receive exercise program during HSC mobilization. RESULTS: The median number of CD34(+) stem cells collected in the exercise and control groups were 8.15 × 10(6)/kg (range: 2.85-33.06 × 10(6)/kg) and 7.3 × 10(6)/kg (range: 1.78-25.9 × 10(6)/kg), respectively (p=0.696). G-CSF was administered for a median of 8 days (range, 5-10) in the exercise group and 8 days (range, 5-12) in the control group (p=0.848). The median apheresis duration was 1 day (range, 1-3) in both exercise and control groups (p=0.226). CONCLUSION: Exercise seems to have a positive impact on stem cell mobilization though without statistical significance.