Chewing and swallowing training in Coffin-Lowry syndrome: A case report.

Chewing and Swallowing Training in Coffin-Lowry Syndrome: A Case Report.

Do We Know the Long-Term Effects of the Most Popular Traditional Swallow Maneuvers on the Submental Muscles?

BACKGROUND: Various trainings focus on the submental muscles (SMs) for dysphagia rehabilitation because of their importance for swallowing safety and efficiency. According to the current literature, swallow-specific tasks may be optimal exercises for dysphagia. The effortful swallow (ES) and the Masako maneuver (MM) are the most commonly used swallow-specific tasks in the clinical settings for dysphagia for years, but long-term effects for these trainings is insufficient. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate and compare the effects of ES and MM on SM activity, strength and thickness. METHODS: Thirty-seven healthy adults were randomised to ES, MM and control groups, and ES and MM groups completed 6 weeks of swallowing training. Participants in both training groups performed a total of 120 swallows in each session, while control group did not participate in any swallowing training. Surface electromyography was used to evaluate SM activity, digital dynamometer for SM strength and ultrasonography for SM thickness. RESULTS: Both trainings did not change SM activity (p > 0.05), but increased SM strength (p < 0.05). MM increased the thickness of all SM (p < 0.05), and ES increased the thickness of mylohyoid (right, left) and digastric muscle (right) (p < 0.05), and there was no change in all evaluation parameters in the control group (p > 0.05). Also, trainings were not superior to each other in any parameter (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study provided new evidence to the literature to show that ES and MM trainings are effective for improving SM strength and thickness. Considering that SM is important in terms of swallowing safety and effectiveness, it is thought that both trainings may be promising by increasing the strength and mass of SM, especially in individuals with reduced SM strength and mass.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the functional assessment of cancer therapy-bone marrow transplant (FACT-BMT) quality of life questionnaire in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant Version 4 (FACT-BMT) is a widely used instrument to assess quality of life in individuals treated with bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Our aim was to determine the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the FACT-BMT in patients undergoing BMT. METHOD: Patients between the age of 20 and 65 years and who had undergone BMT at least 3 months before the study were included. Validity was determined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. To determine convergent validity, the European Cancer Research and Treatment Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Cancer30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score were used. Cronbach's alpha, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and item-total correlation (ITC) values were calculated to assess the reliability of the FACT-BMT. RESULTS: Totally, 114 patients (F/M: 47/67) treated with BMT (mean age: 49.50 ± 12.50 years) were included. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis revealed that the FACT-BMT and the Bone Marrow Transplantation Subscale (BMTS) had sufficient fit. The FACT-BMT was moderately to strongly correlated with the EORTC QLQ-C30, the BFI, and the ECOG performance score (p < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha and ICC values of the FACT-BMT were acceptable (0.925 and 0.956, respectively). The ITC values of each item of the FACT-BMT were also acceptable (ranged from 0.296 to 0.737). Patients undergoing autologous BMT had a significantly higher BMTS score than those undergoing allogeneic BMT (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The Turkish version of the FACT-BMT is valid, reliable, and sensitive to changes in quality of life in patients undergoing BMT.

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.

Screening supportive care needs, compliance with exercise program, quality of life, and anxiety level during the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PURPOSE: The primary aim was to assess supportive care needs, compliance with home exercise program, quality of life level (QOL), and anxiety level during the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The secondary aim was to investigate demographic and medical factors associated with the recorded outcomes. METHODS: The present study included individuals treated with HSCT and previously referred to physical therapy. The data were collected by interviews with the participants on the phone. Supportive care needs were assessed using the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form 29TR. Compliance with the exercise program was recorded as the number of patients regularly performed strengthening and stretching exercises and the ratio of the walking duration to the recommended duration. The European Cancer Research and Treatment Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Cancer30 was used to assess the QOL. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-I and the Visual Analogue Scale were used to assess anxiety level. RESULTS: The present study included 101 individuals treated with HSCT. The psychological and physical supportive care needs were predominant in participants. Compliance with exercise program was low. General anxiety level was low, yet anxiety about COVID-19 was moderate level in participants. Supportive care needs were related to female gender, performance level, time since HSCT, and QOL level (p Ë‚ 0.05). Anxiety level was correlated with supportive care needs, COVID-19-related anxiety, and QOL (p Ë‚ 0.05). Compliance with exercise program was associated with age, performance level, and QOL (p Ë‚ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results offer that supportive telehealth interventions should be considered during the COVID-19 pandemic for individuals treated with HSCT to decrease unmet supportive care needs and isolation-related physical inactivity.

Physical activity level, exercise behavior, barriers, and preferences of patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema.

PURPOSE: To identify physical activity level, exercise behavior, barriers, and preferences in female patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). METHODS: Patients with BCRL consulted to physical therapy to receive lymphedema treatment were included. Age, gender, body mass index matched healthy controls (HC) were included to identify differences. The transtheoretical model was used to determine exercise behavior. Physical activity level was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The exercise barriers and preferences of patients with BCRL were recorded using a checklist based on the previous studies. RESULTS: A total of 48 female patients with BCRL and 38 female HC participated in the study. Physical activity level was significantly lower in patients with BCRL when compared to HC (p ˂ 0.05). However, the number of participants who engaged in regular exercise was significantly higher in patients with BCRL than HC (33.2% vs 7.9%, p ˂ 0.05). The most common exercise barriers were fatigue (64.5%), having other responsibilities (60.4%), and weather-related factors (56.2%). Majority of the participants preferred to participate in a supervised (79.1%), structured (66.6%), combined-type (77.1%), and moderate intensity (79.1%) exercise program, and they preferred to be informed at the time of the cancer diagnosis (45.8%) by a physiotherapist (66.6%). Moreover, the most preferred exercise type was walking/jogging (66.6%). CONCLUSION: The present study showed inadequate physical activity and exercise behavior in patients with BCRL. Supportive care interventions are needed to overcome barriers for patients with BCRL. Preferences of patients and exercise enjoyment should also be taken into consideration to increase the participation in exercises.

An evaluation of participation restrictions and associated factors via the ICF-CY framework in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving maintenance chemotherapy.

Our aim was to determine impairments in physical functions, activity limitations, and participation restrictions with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health version for Children and Youth (ICF-CY) framework in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving treatment. Physical functions were assessed in terms of pain level, fatigue level, handgrip strength, and motor proficiency. Fine motor activities and lower extremity performance were assessed to determine activity limitations. Participation was assessed with a patient-reported questionnaire. Thirty children with ALL (mean age: 8.45 ± 3.33 years) were included. Pain and fatigue level were mild. Poor handgrip strength was found; their mean handgrip strength was 60% of the normative. Fifty-six percent of the children had below-average motor performance. Participation scores were considerably high, except for sport and physical functioning sub-score. Participation level was positively associated with bilateral coordination and duration after diagnosis, while negatively correlated with pain and fatigue level (p ˂ 0.05).Conclusion: The ICF-CY-based evaluation was useful to understand children's limitations in everyday life. Children with ALL need supportive interventions during treatments in terms of physical functioning and participation in activities. Children with ALL with higher pain and fatigue, poor bilateral coordination, and who were in earlier period after diagnosis had higher risk for participation restriction. What is Known: • Children with ALL had physical functioning limitations on treatments. • Participation restrictions were described in children with ALL off treatment. What is New: • The ICY-CY-based health and functioning evaluation allows health care professionals to globally determine limitations of everyday life in children with ALL on treatment. • Impairments in physical functions, pain severity, fatigue severity, and duration after diagnosis are associated with participation to everyday life in children with ALL on treatment.

Cross-cultural adaptation, validity and reliability of Turkish version of the Waterloo Handedness and Footedness Questionnaire-Revised.

This study investigated the validity and reliability of Turkish versions of the Waterloo Handedness and Footedness Questionnaire-Revised (WHQ-R and WFQ-R). Turkish versions of the WHQ-R and the WFQ-R, and other assessments (the Handedness Questionnaire and the Footedness Preference Test) were applied to 444 healthy participants aged between 18 and 65 years. The translation and cultural adaptation process of the WHQ-R and the WFQ-R was provided by the following proposed guideline. For test-retest reliability, translated versions were re-applied to 88 participants in a 7-day interval. Cronbach's alpha of the WHQ-R was 0.984 and that of the WFQ was 0.905. The test-retest intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) of the WHQ-R varied from 0.741 to 0.933 and those of the WFQ-R from 0.649 to 0.814. There were moderate to strong correlations between the WHQ-R and the Handedness Questionnaire (r = -853, p < 0.001) and between the WFQ-R and the Footedness Preference Test (r = -0.687, p < 0.001). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure of the WHQ-R and the WFQ-R. The results of this study demonstrated that Turkish versions of the WHQ-R and the WFQ-R are reliable and valid inventories for assessing handedness and footedness in this population.

Effects of partly supervised and home-based exercise program in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine effectiveness of an individual exercise program by starting before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and continued with home exercise program after discharge up to 100 days after transplantation. METHODS: Totally, 50 patients were included in this study, and participants were assigned to two groups as intervention group (IG, n = 25) and control group (CG, n = 25). Participants were assessed at three time points: before HSCT, at the discharge, and at the 100th day after HSCT. Functional exercise capacity, physical functions, muscle strength, cognitive functions, quality of life, fatigue, and emotional status of the individuals were assessed. For IG, aerobic, muscle strengthening, endurance, and stretching exercises were performed through hospitalization, and an individual exercise and walking program was advised as home exercise program after discharge. RESULTS: Peripheral muscle strength and quality of life level was higher in IG than CG as a result of inpatient supervised exercise program (p Ë‚ 0.05). At the 100th day, positive effects of the home exercise program on cardiopulmonary exercise capacity, peripheral muscle strength, quality of life, and fatigue level continued when compared with CG (p Ë‚ 0.05). CONCLUSION: As a result of our study, an exercise program continued up to 100 days after HSCT which is individual and partly supervised by a physiotherapist has positive effects on physical functions, clinical status, fatigue, and quality of life level throughout HSCT. Exercise programs for individuals undergoing HSCT should be performed day by day according to the patients' daily clinical and hematologic status and their performance capacity.

Effect of a Core Stabilization Training Program on Performance of Ballet and Modern Dancers.

Kalaycioglu, T, Apostolopoulos, NC, Goldere, S, Duger, T, and Baltaci, G. Effect of a core stabilization training program on performance of ballet and modern dancers. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1166-1175, 2020-The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a core stabilization training (CST) program on performance of university-level ballet and modern dancers. Twenty-four dancers between the ages of 18 and 24 years participated in the study. Core stabilization training was performed for 45-60 minutes per day, 3 days a week, for 8 weeks. For 2 days, the training was conducted by an experienced physiotherapist, and the other day, each participant exercised on his or her own. Evaluation of physical fitness parameters included vertical jump performance, flexibility, dynamic balance, coordination, proprioception, muscle, and hip flexion isokinetic strength measures. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare pre- and post-test values. Statistically significant increases in vertical jump performance, dynamic balance, proprioception, and coordination parameters between pre- and post-training (p < 0.05) were observed. After the CST program, peak torque values for the hip flexor muscle isokinetic test of the dancers decreased (p < 0.05). Therefore, the results suggest that the CST program might be used to improve several physical fitness parameters such as jumping, proprioception, coordination, and dynamic balance. Such improvements will aid in the development of artistic skills for university modern dancers.

Short and long-term impairments of cardiopulmonary fitness level in previous childhood cancer cases: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To describe the impairments in physical fitness in individuals who were previously diagnosed and treated for childhood cancer. METHODS: Using the PRISMA-guidelines, a systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase using a combination of the following predefined keywords: "exercise capacity" OR "aerobic capacity" OR "fitness" OR "cardiorespiratory fitness" OR "cardiopulmonary fitness" OR "physical fitness" OR "exercise testing" OR "exercise tolerance" OR "exercise" OR "oxygen consumption" AND "leukemia" OR "childhood cancer" OR "childhood cancer survivors (CCS)". Studies that met our inclusion criteria were reviewed on methodological quality, while the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for evidence synthesis. RESULTS: A total of 2644 articles were identified from the database search. After screening based on the eligibility (abstracts) and inclusion (full texts) criteria, 49 articles remained. Even though the risk-of-bias scores in the studies were generally low, yet the results from those with high-quality studies revealed that poor fitness levels were prevalent in individuals with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumor, and mixed cancer histories, compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: A global glance at CCS shows poor levels of fitness that is continuous and life-long even after active cancer treatment has ended. Nevertheless, the results presented in this review were based on a limited number of high-quality studies suggesting the need to for additional clinical trials in the topic area.

Effects of multimodal exercise on clinical status and patient-reported outcomes in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

There are limited data available regarding effectiveness of exercise training in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We aimed to investigate effects of multimodal exercise program on clinical status and patient-reported outcomes including pain, fatigue, depression, and quality of life (QOL) level of children and their parents' QOL level. Twenty-six children undergoing HSCT participated in this study. Clinical status, pain, fatigue, depression, and QOL level of children were assessed three times: before HSCT, at discharge, and one month later. For intervention group (IG, n = 15), multimodal exercise program was performed five days a week, throughout hospitalization and children were advised to continue exercise program at home. For control group (CG, n = 11), being active as much as possible was advised. The number of painful day and pain intensity was significantly lower in IG than in CG during hospitalization (p < .05). Depression level decreased in IG at the time points (p ˂ .05); however, there was no significantly difference between groups. The QOL level was higher in IG than CG only at control measurements (p ˂ .05). In addition, QOL level of the parents decreased in both groups (p ˂ .05). There was no statistically difference between groups in terms of other clinical variables. The multimodal supervised exercise program has positive effects on children's pain and QOL level. Exercise program was also well tolerated by children during hospitalization. In addition, QOL levels of the parents were also negatively affected during hospitalization, and interventions aiming to increase QOL level of the parents should be considered.

Investigation of the Effects of an Exercise Program on Physical Functions and Activities of Daily Life in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an implemented exercise program for children throughout the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) process. PROCEDURE: Twenty-two children aged between 3 and 17, who were earlier selected for HSCT, were divided into two groups-intervention and control. Children's physical function, functional performance, and activities of daily life (ADL) were assessed before HSCT, at discharge, and 1 month later. The exercise program, which consisted of strengthening, endurance, stretching, and relaxation exercises, was implemented to the intervention group for 5 days a week throughout hospitalization; and these exercises were given as home program at discharge. RESULTS: The results of the supervised exercise program during hospitalization showed that the children's physical function and functional performance increased statistically significantly in the intervention group (P < 0.05) and decreased statistically significantly in the control group (P < 0.05). For the ADL, no difference was found between the two groups (P ˃ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study determined that the exercise program had positive effects throughout the HSCT process, but these effects did not continue during the follow-up period. Exercise programs implemented by physiotherapists are important for children undergoing HSCT, and after transplantation it is necessary to continue supervised exercise program during follow-up.

Development and reliability of a Turkish version of the Short Form-Joint Protection Behavior Assessment (JPBA-S).

STUDY DESIGN: Clinical measurement. PURPOSE: To adapt the original JPBA-S to a Turkish version (TUR-JPBA-S) and to investigate its reliability in assessing patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Twenty-two participants with RA and 21 healthy people were videotaped while performing tasks listed in the TUR-JPBA-S. Two raters scored the video recordings for to evaluate inter-rater reliability. One rater re-analyzed the recordings at a different time point for intra-rater reliability. Participants with RA were asked to perform the same tasks after three to four weeks which was also recorded to evaluate test-retest reliability. RESULTS: Internal consistency (Cronbach's α value) was found to be high (0.89) for participants with RA. Our results demonstrate excellent intra-rater (ICC: 0.99, SEM 1.2) inter-rater (ICC: 0.99, SEM 1.7) reliability, apart from excellent test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.96). CONCLUSION: The TUR-JPBA-S is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing JP behavior in patients with RA in Turkey. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2.

Aerobic exercise improves oxidant-antioxidant balance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

[Purpose] Although oxidative stress is known to be present in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the effects of exercise on oxidative parameters are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute aerobic exercise on serum oxidant and antioxidant levels in patients with RA. [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen patients with RA and 10 age-matched healthy volunteers participated in this study. All participants wore polar telemeters and walked on a treadmill for 30 minutes at a speed eliciting 60-75% of maximal heart rates. Blood samples were obtained before, immediately and 24 hours after exercise and malondialdehyde (MDA) and total sulfhydrile group (RSH) levels were measured. [Results] Both groups had similar heart rates during the test but the treadmill speed of the RA patients was significantly lower than that of the healthy volunteers. Serum MDA levels were lower than in both groups immediately after exercise, with greater decrements in the RA patients than controls. MDA levels returned to baseline 24 hours after the exercise only in the controls; they remained low in the RA patients. There was a slight increase in serum RSH levels after exercise compared to baseline in both groups. [Conclusion] Moderate intensity treadmill exercise did not have any adverse effect on the oxidant-antioxidant balance. The results suggest that such an exercise may be safely added to the rehabilitation program of RA for additional antioxidant effects. Morever, this antioxidant environment is maintained longer in RA patients.

The effect of different taping techniques on transtibial amputation walking parameters: A case report.

Buerger disease is a nonatherosclerotic, segmental inflammatory disease of the occlusive tract, often involving medium-sized muscular and small-diameter arteries and veins of the extremities. If medical treatment is not successful, amputation is inevitable. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different kinesiological taping techniques on walking parameters of transtibial amputee with knee extension limitation. Two different kinesiological taping methods (Kinesio Tape and Dynamic Tape) were applied to the transtibial patient with knee extension limitation. Walking performance of patients was assessed with The Biodex Gait Trainer 2. Gait parameters without tape were as follows: average walking speed 0.38 m/s, average step cycle 0.48 cyl/s, average left step length 50 cm, average right step length 43 cm, coefficient of variation 9% at the left, and coefficient of variation 9% at the right. After applying Kinesio Tape and Dynamic Tape, these values were measured as follows: average walking speed 0.50.56 m/s, average step cycle 0.51.56 cyl/s, average left step length 61-60 cm, average right step length 53-54 cm, coefficient of variation 6%-5% at the left, and coefficient of variation 6%-4% at the right side. Dynamic Tape and Kinesio Tape both had positive effects on active joint motion and walking parameters. Regarding walking speed and step length, Dynamic Tape was found to be more effective than Kinesio Tape. Taping methods applied to amputees have positive effects on range of motion, which in return causes improvements on walking parameters.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Smart Tools Proneness Questionnaire (STP-Q).

This study elucidates the cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Turkish version of the Smart Tools Proneness Questionnaire (STP-Q), designed to probe into individuals' engagement with smart tools within the Turkish cultural milieu. Undertaking a rigorous adaptation process, this investigation aimed to ensure the questionnaire's relevance and intelligibility, subsequently, assessing its psychometric properties within a cohort of 387 participants. The exploratory factor analysis revealed a tripartite structure that reflects the original instrument, covering utilitarian use, hedonic and social use, and the inclination to delegate tasks. This congruity underscores the STP-Q's adeptness in capturing the complex dimensions of smart tool interaction across various contexts. Demonstrated by a Cronbach's alpha of 0.954 and a test-retest reliability index of 0.851, the results affirm the questionnaire's exceptional internal consistency and significant temporal stability. Further, the execution of convergent validity assessments alongside the E-Learning Readiness Scale and the Nomophobia Questionnaire augmented the STP-Q's validity, unveiling correlations that delineate the intricate interrelations among smart tool proneness, e-learning readiness, and nomophobia. Conclusively, the STP-Q distinguishes itself as a reliable and valid instrument for gauging tendencies towards smart tool use among the Turkish populace, providing profound insights into digital behavior across different cultural backgrounds. Its confirmed three-factor structure and robust psychometric attributes render it an indispensable resource for both individual assessments and expansive digital behavior investigations, enabling cross-cultural comparisons and enhancing our understanding of technology engagement dynamics.

Swallowing kinematics and submental muscles activation during a newly designed maneuver called Mouth Open Swallowing Maneuver: A comparative study.

The aim of this study was to design a new maneuver called the Mouth Open Swallowing Maneuver (MOSM), and to compare swallowing kinematics and submental muscles activation (SMA) between MOSM and two current approaches used in dysphagia rehabilitation. Fifty healthy volunteers were asked to perform three repetitions of dry swallowing (DS) (control task), the MOSM, the Mendelsohn Maneuver (MM), and the Tongue-Hold Maneuver (THM) during videofluoroscopic swallowing study accompanied with simultaneous SMA recording. Swallowing kinematics were measured by frame-by-frame analysis on hyolaryngeal movement using ImageJ. Swallowing with maximum hyolaryngeal movement and SMA during these tasks was used for comparative analysis. Vertical movement of the hyoid during the MOSM was significantly greater than those observed during the DS and the THM (p<0.001, p<0.001). Horizontal movement of the hyoid during DS and the THM was significantly greater than that observed during the MM (p = 0.001, p = 0.001). Vertical movement of the larynx during the MOSM was significantly greater than those observed during DS, MM, and THM (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between tasks in horizontal movement of the larynx (p = 0.785). SMA during the THM was significantly greater than that observed during MOSM (p = 0.002). No significant difference was found between other tasks in terms of SMA (p>0.05). The MOSM as a newly designed maneuver was significantly superior to other maneuvers in increasing vertical hyolaryngeal movement. The THM has as much effect on hyolaryngeal movement as the MM. In this study, the MOSM was shown to be effective in increasing hyolaryngeal movement. ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS); the clinical trial registration number (NCT05579041).

Writing and reading training effects on font type and size preferences by students with low vision.

The effect of writing and reading training on preferred font type and size in low-vision students was evaluated in 35 children. An ophthalmologist confirmed low vision according to ICD-10-CM. Children identified the font type and size they could best read. The writing subtest of the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, read in 1 min., and legibility as measured by the number of readable written letters were used in evaluating the children. A writing and reading treatment program was conducted, beginning with the child's preferred font type and size, for 3 months, 2 days per week, for 45 min. per day at the child's school. Before treatment, the most preferred font type was Verdana; after treatment, the preferred font type and size changed. Students had gained reading and writing speed after training, but their writing legibility was not significantly better. Training might affect the preferred font type and size of students with low vision. Surprisingly, serif and sans-serif fonts were preferred about equally after treatment.