Investigation of the psychometric properties of "exercise Benefits/Barriers scale" in Turkish patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic disease accompanied by several symptoms and functional disabilities. Physical activity (PA) is crucial for disease management and patients' perception of exercise is essential for a rehabilitation plan. PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS) that is frequently used in previous studies in the RA population. METHODS: We included a total of 104 patients in our study. Test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 2,k). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Scale (BRAFS) were used for the convergent validity of the scale. For discriminant validity analysis, the total barriers and benefits scores were examined according to exercise status (yes/no), PA level (high/low), and fatigue severity (high/low). Additionally, standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change with 95% confidence (MDC95) are calculated. RESULTS: EBBS subscores showed moderate to excellent reliability (ICC: 0.71 to 0.98) and correlated PA (r = 0.453 and 0.515, EBBS-barriers and benefits subscores, respectively) and fatigue (r=-0.261 and -0.393, EBBS-barriers and benefits subscores, respectively). The SEM and MDC95 values were calculated as 2.03 and 7.96 for EBBS-benefits subscores and 0.93 and 3.65 for EBBS-barriers subscores. The EBBS-Benefits and Barriers subscores differed according to exercise status (p = .08), PA level (p < .01), and fatigue (p = .08). CONCLUSION: The results highlighted that the EBBS is a reliable and valid instrument to assess exercise benefits and barriers in patients with RA.

Associations of Upper-Extremity Exercise Capacity and Grip Strength With Cognitive Domains in Patients With COPD.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment (CI), which has been reported in COPD, has been related to physical performance. However, the association between CI and upper-extremity functions is unknown. We aimed to compare upper-extremity exercise capacity and grip strength between subjects with COPD with and without CI and to determine the relationship of upper-extremity functions with specific cognitive domains. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 76 subjects with COPD (mean age 66.8 ± 7.5 y, FEV1% 47.12 ± 14.10) were classified as with and without CI according to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Clinical characteristics, upper-extremity exercise capacity (6-min pegboard ring test [6PBRT]), grip strength (hand dynamometer), dyspnea severity (modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale), disease-specific health status (COPD Assessment Test), and disease-specific quality of life (St George Respiratory Questionnaire) were compared between groups, and the relationship of upper-extremity functions with cognitive subdomains was analyzed by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: The number of 6PBRT rings (P = .01) and the grip strength (P = .033) were lower in subjects with CI. Subjects with CI had lower FEV1% (P = .038), arterial oxygenation (P = .002), exercise habits (P = .033), health status (P = .01), quality of life (P = .042); and higher dyspnea (P < .001), smoking consumption (P = .032), emergency admission (P = .02), and hospitalization (P = .042). The adjusted model showed that executive functions and attention were related to upper-extremity capacity (ß = 14.4 and ß = 10.2, respectively) and hand-grip strength (ß = 1.85 and ß = 1.49, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that upper-extremity functions might be decreased especially concerning executive functions and attention in subjects with COPD with CI.

Investigation of factors associated with static and dynamic balance in early-stage lung cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Balance impairment and falls are common among patients after cancer treatment. This study aimed to compare static and dynamic balance functions in lung cancer survivors (LCS) and healthy controls and to investigate the factors related to balance in LCS. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected from lung cancer patients whose treatment had been completed within the previous 3 months (n = 60) and age and gender-matched healthy controls (n = 60). Clinical characteristics and history of falls were recorded. Pulmonary function tests and measurements of respiratory muscle strength were performed. Dynamic and static balance, fear of falling, knee-extension strength, physical activity level, dyspnea, comorbidity, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed using the Time Up and Go Test, Single Leg Standing Test, the Fall Efficacy Scale-International, hand-held dynamometer, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Modified Medical Research Dyspnea Scale, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Scale. RESULTS: LCS reported a higher fall rate and exhibited lower dynamic balance compared to controls (p < 0.05). The number of chemotherapy cycles, number of falls in the past year, fear of falling, perceived dyspnea, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%), maximal inspiratory pressure (%), knee-extension strength, physical activity score, and QoL score related to physical function were correlated with balance function in LCS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: LCS had a higher risk of falls and lower dynamic balance function which might be related to various clinical and physical parameters. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Identifying factors related to balance should be considered within the scope of fall prevention approaches for these patients.

Comparison of Self-Efficacy and Problem-Solving Skills Between Women with Asthma and Healthy Controls: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: Problem-solving skills and self-efficacy are among the topics that are frequently investigated in people with various chronic conditions. However, there are limited studies on asthma patients. Our study aims to compare self-efficacy and problem-solving skills in asthma patients and healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 23 women with asthma [age: 39 (34-56) years] and 23 healthy controls [age: 42 (30-55) years] in the study. Participants' sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics, Asthma Control Test, and the Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale scores were recorded. We examined problem-solving skills with the Problem-Solving Inventory and self-efficacy with General Self-Efficacy Scale. We compared groups with the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Independent Sample t-test. RESULTS: Age, body mass index, educational status, marital status, and occupational status were similar among the groups (P > .05). However, smoking was significantly higher in healthy controls (P < .05). It was found that women with asthma had worse self-efficacy and problem-solving skills compared to healthy controls (P < .05). CONCLUSION: These results showed that there may be problems in socio-cognitive skills associated with the disease. Our study focused on the possibility that female asthma patients may have low levels of self-efficacy and problem-solving skills. Therefore, health professionals designing the rehabilitation program should take these skills into account while conducting the assessment as they may be useful in developing an efficient rehabilitation program.

Investigation of the relationship between spinal posture and mobility to respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary functions in unilateral breast cancer surgery survivors: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Despite the research on structural and functional changes that may occur in breast cancer survivors, no study has investigated the relationship between spinal characteristics and the respiratory system. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between spinal posture and mobility to respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary functions in breast cancer patients who have completed their treatment METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 38 female breast cancer surgery survivors. Participants underwent the following evaluations: Chest wall mobility with a tapeline; postural assessments (spinal curvature, spinal mobility, and spinal inclination) with a non-invasive, computer-assisted electromechanical device; and pulmonary function test and respiratory muscle strength with a portable digital spirometer device. The relationship between spinal posture and mobility to respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary functions was analyzed by the bivariate correlation analysis. RESULTS: Increased thoracic curvature angle was associated with decreased FEV1 (r=-0.360, p=0.026) and decreased subcostal mobility (r=-0.385, p=0.017), and the increase in thoracic frontal mobility was associated with decrease in PEF (r=-0.342, p=0.036). Increased lumbar mobility was associated with increased FVC (r=0.324, p=0.047), and increased total spinal inclination mobility was associated with decreased MIP (r=-0.396, p=0.017). Chest wall mobility was associated with postural assessments at varying rates (the r value ranged from -0.357 to 0.661, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The changes in spinal posture and mobility of women who have undergone unilateral breast cancer surgery were associated with respiratory parameters and thoracic cage mobility. These patients' spinal posture and mobility should be taken into account in conjunction with respiratory functions for a comprehensive assessment.

Comparing Physical Activity and Quality of Life of Caregivers of Children With Physical Disabilities and Typically Developing Children.

There are conflicting reports of the level of physical activity (PA) and its relationship to quality of life (QoL) among caregivers of children with physical disabilities (CwPD). In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to compare the PA levels and QoL of two groups of caregivers - a CwPD group and caregivers of typically developing children (CwTD). We included 32 family caregivers in the CwPD group (22 women, 10 men; M age = 42.1, SD = 6.2 years) and 32 caregivers in the CwTD group (24 women, 8 men; M age = 42.3, SD = 6.1 years). We assessed PA with the International Physical Activity Scale-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and self-reported activity diaries, and we assessed QoL with the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Although the IPAQ scores and sitting times of caregivers in these two groups were not statistically different (p > .05), many parameters of self-reported activity diary data and total energy expenditure were significantly higher in the CwPD than the CwTD group (p < .05, effect size = .53-1.10). The CwPD group reported a lower QoL according to the SF-36 and its sub-scores (p < .05, effect size = .54-.77), and higher PA levels than those in the CwTD group. In the CwPD group, moderate, vigorous, and total PA scores were mildly to moderately associated with the total Qol score, and many of its subscores (r = .36 to .60, p < .05). The lower quality of life observed in CwPD, despite high-intensity physical activity levels, suggested that investigators and care providers should consider QoL in the CwPD group to be multifactorial and that here is a need for caregiver interventions to enhance QoL in this underserved population.

Investigation of the dual-task performance and affecting factors in female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Recent studies report that dual-task (DT) performance might be affected in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). This cross-sectional study aims to compare the DT performance in female patients with FMS and healthy controls, and to investigate the DT-related factors in these patients. This study was conducted at a university hospital between November 2021 and April 2022. Forty females aged 30-65, diagnosed with FMS, and 40 aged-matched pain-free healthy controls were included. All participants performed the Timed Up and Go Test under a single task (ST) and a cognitive DT condition, and the DT cost was calculated. The following evaluations were applied; The six-minute walk test, Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Trail Making Test, and the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. As a result of the study, the patient group showed lower performance than controls in both, ST and DT conditions (p < .05). Disease duration, pain and fatigue severity, functional capacity, leisure time and physical activity total scores, alexithymia scores, health status, and cognitive variables were correlated with DT performance in the patient group (p < .05). According to our results, we consider that the rehabilitation approach for females with FMS should take into account DT and related characteristics.

A Randomized Cross-Over Analysis of the 6-Minute Step Test When Administered in Different Music Listening Conditions to Healthy Young Adults.

The 6-Minute Step Test (6-MST) is a simple, inexpensive field test that is increasingly used to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness. Whether sufficient performance is revealed by this test and the effect on it of motivational factors such as music is unknown. In this cross-sectional, randomized, and crossover research design, we aimed to analyze 6-MST performance and test outcomes in different music-related auditory conditions of non-musical/non-rhythmic [NM/NR], musical/non-rhythmic [M/NR], and musical/rhythmic [M/R]). We had 38 healthy young adults (M age = 21.21, SD = 1.21 years; 60% male) complete all tests, and we measured their number of steps taken, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, perceived dyspnea, and fatigue on the modified Borg scale. We recorded individually calculated submaximal values according to heart rate reached after three tests. The number of steps increased in the M/R condition relative to other conditions (p = 0.003), and the amount of change in perceived leg fatigue was also higher in the M/R condition (p < 0.017). Despite variable test performances in different auditory conditions, we found no statistically significant difference in cardiovascular fitness and symptoms (p > 0.05). We concluded that the 6-MST is a useful tool for assessing maximum cardiac tolerance, especially if administered while listening to rhythmic music.

Effects of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program with and without telecoaching on health-related outcomes in COVID-19 survivors: a randomized controlled clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program with and without telecoaching on health-related outcomes in COVID-19 survivors. METHODS: A total of 42 COVID-19 patients who completed medical treatment were randomly divided into two groups: the study (telecoaching) group (n = 21) and the control (no telecoaching) group (n = 21). Both groups participated in an 8-week home-based PR program including education, breathing exercises, strength training, and regular walking. The study group received phone calls from a physiotherapist once a week. Both groups of patients were assessed before and after the program by means of the following: pulmonary function tests; the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale; the six-minute walk test; extremity muscle strength measurement; the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (to assess disease-related quality of life); the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36, to assess overall quality of life); and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: In both groups, there were significant improvements in the following: FVC; the six-minute walk distance; right and left deltoid muscle strength; Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire activity domain, impact domain, and total scores; and SF-36 social functioning, role-physical, role-emotional, and bodily pain domain scores (p < 0.05). Decreases in daily-life dyspnea, exertional dyspnea, and exertional fatigue were significant in the study group (p < 0.05), and the improvement in SF-36 social functioning domain scores was greater in the study group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A home-based PR program with telecoaching increases social functioning and decreases daily-life dyspnea, exertional dyspnea, and exertional fatigue in COVID-19 survivors in comparison with a home-based PR program without telecoaching.

Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Adaptation of the Yale Physical Activity Survey.

This study aimed to examine the convergent validity and test-retest reliability of the Turkish version of the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS-TR). Eighty-one volunteer older adults were included in the study. Test-retest reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Correlation coefficients between YPAS-TR and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), Short Form-36, and Short Physical Performance Battery were examined for convergent validity. Acceptable intraclass correlation coefficient values were reached for YPAS-TR energy expenditure, total physical activity time and summary, vigorous, leisurely walking, moving, standing, and sitting indices (intraclass correlation coefficient = .96-.99). There was a moderate correlation between energy expenditure and total physical activity time with PASE (leisure time activities), PASE (household activities), and PASE (total) (r = .478, r = .468, r = .570, r = .406, r = .490, r = .550, respectively, p < .001). Also, a weak correlation was found between summary and leisurely walking index with PASE (household activities), standing index with PASE (leisure time activities), and PASE (total) (r = .285, p = .010; r = .257, p = .021; r = .238, p = .033; r = .283, p = .010; respectively). The results of the study suggest that the YPAS-TR is a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used to assess the physical activity patterns of Turkish older adults.

Clinimetric properties of the Turkish version of the De-Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) in intensive care unit survivors - a cross-sectional observational study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the intra-rater reliability and the construct validity of the Turkish version of the De-Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. METHODS: Construct validity of the DEMMI was measured by correlating it with physical functioning scales. Known group comparison was made according to the Medical Research Council Sum Score (MRC-SS). Internal consistency was determined by measuring Cronbach α coefficient. Test-retest reliability was assessed by performing the DEMMI by the same researcher after 24 h and calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The minimal detectable change (MDC) value was calculated. RESULTS: One hundred and two patients discharged from the ICU were included. The ICC for intra-reliability was 0.972. The internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach = 0.991). The DEMMI total score was correlated with the Barthel Index (r = 0.791), Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (r = 0.722), MRC-SS (0.614), ICU length of stay (r = -0.515), and total mechanical ventilation duration (r = -0.488). The DEMMI was able to differentiate between MRC-SS subgroups (p < 0.001), whereby higher strength was associated with higher DEMMI scores. The MDC was determined to be 6.82 out of 100 points. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the DEMMI is reliable and valid for measuring mobility in ICU survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05196997Implications for RehabilitationThe Turkish version of the de-Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) is a reliable and valid outcome measure for the assessment of functional mobility in intensive care unit survivors.The Turkish version of the DEMMI could guide clinicians working in the field of intensive care in the planning of rehabilitation programs after discharge.

An investigation of the psychometric properties of the Turkish adaptation of the activity limitations in cerebral palsy questionnaire.

PURPOSE: To translate the ACTIVLIM-CP questionnaire, developed to assess global activity performance in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), into Turkish and to investigate its psychometric properties. METHODS: Eighty-nine children with CP, aged between 2 and 18 years (mean age: 10.08 ± 4.94 years), were included in the study. Internal consistency was measured by Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Convergent validity was evaluated through the pattern of correlations between the ACTIVLIM-CP with PEDI, ABILOCO-Kids, ABILHAND-Kids, and Wee-FIM scores. Known-group comparisons were made according to epilepsy existence and ambulation level measured by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). RESULTS: Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.990), and the ICC for the test-retest reliability was 0.990. There was a very strong correlation between ACTIVLIM-CP and ABILHAND-Kids (r = 0.946), WeeFIM (r = 0.900), PEDI Functional Skills and Caregiver Assistance scores (r = 0.954, r = 0.937, respectively), and ABILOCO-Kids (r = 0.817) (p < 0.001) score. ACTIVLIM-CP score was lower in children with epilepsy (p = 0.001) and in the high-level group according to GMFCS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Turkish adaptation of ACTIVLIM-CP is a valid and reliable scale for measuring activity limitations in children with CP and is compatible with other scales evaluating activity limitations. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT05184244IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONActivity limitation measurements are crucial and necessary to determine the global activity performance of children with CP.ACTIVLIM-CP was translated and culturally adapted to Turkish and showed good psychometric properties.ACTIVLIM-CP is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate activity performance in children with CP.

Outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation after lung resection in patients with lung cancer.

Background: In this study, we aimed to examine the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation applied after resection in patients with lung cancer. Methods: Between October 2017 and December 2019, a total of 66 patients (53 males, 13 females; median age: 65 years; range, 58 to 70 years) who underwent lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer and who were not administered any chemotherapy or radiotherapy regimen were included in the study. An eight-week comprehensive outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program was applied to half of the patients, while the other half received respiratory exercise training. After the intervention, the results of both groups were compared. Results: In the pulmonary rehabilitation group, forced vital capacity value (p=0.011), six-minute walking distance (p<0.001), and Short Form-36 physical function, mental health, vitality scores increased significantly, while all scores of St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, dyspnea (p<0.001) and anxiety score (p=0.041) significantly decreased. In the group given breathing exercise training, only dyspnea (p=0.046) and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire symptom scores (p=0.038) were decreased. When the changes in the groups after pulmonary rehabilitation were compared, the decrease in dyspnea perception was significantly higher in the pulmonary rehabilitation group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Pulmonary rehabilitation program applied after lung resection in patients with non-small cell lung cancer reduces dyspnea and psychological symptoms, increases exercise capacity, and improves quality of life. It should be ensured that patients with lung cancer who have undergone lung resection are directed to the pulmonary rehabilitation program and benefit from this program.

Grip endurance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Its relationship between clinical characteristics, upper extremity functional disability, and quality of life.

AIM: The study's aim was to investigate the relationship of grip strength and endurance with clinical characteristics, upper extremity functional disability, and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHOD: We included 45 RA patients and 37 healthy controls in this cross-sectional study. All participants were evaluated using the maximal gripping test, static and dynamic grip endurance test, the Disability of Arm, Shoulder Hand Questionnaire, and Short Form-36, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. RESULTS: Moderate to strong correlations were found between functional disability and all of the grip-related variables. Physical, emotional, and social function sub-scores were correlated with grip strength on both sides and dynamic endurance on the dominant side. CONCLUSION: The study highlights grip-related variables associated with disability of the upper extremity. The grip strength was related to hand-wrist pain but not other clinical characteristics. Furthermore, grip strength on both sides and dynamic grip endurance on the dominant side were associated with some quality of life sub-scores. While therapists create a rehabilitation plan for RA patients, based on our findings, it may be beneficial to maximize therapeutic benefits on daily life and quality of life.

Is the repeated pulmonary rehabilitation program as effective as the first one in COPD patients?

Introduction: Although it is known that the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) decrease over time, the results of the repeat PR programs are contradictory. Our study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the initial and the repeat PR programs on functional outcomes in COPD patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty two COPD patients who completed a second PR program were included in our retrospective cohort study. Eight-week PR program was applied to the patients twice with at least a one-year interval in between. mMRC Dyspnea Scale, Six-Minute Walk Test, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, 36 Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were performed before and after both programs. The gains from the initial and the repeated programs were compared. Result: Six-minute walk distance, dyspnea, and quality of life improved following both programs (p<0.05). Improvements in six-minute walk distance (p= 0.009), dyspnea (p= 0.003), and SGRQ quality of life (p= 0.037 for activity score, p= 0.050 for total score) were found to be significantly higher in the initial PR program. Conclusions: Although many of the gains obtained from the repeated PR programs were similar to the initial PR program, the improvements in walk distance, perception of dyspnea, and quality of life obtained in the initial PR program were higher compared to the repeated PR program.

Convergent Validity and Test-Retest Reliability of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain.

Chronic neck pain (CNP) causes decreased functionality of the upper extremity. A standardized measurement tool is needed for evaluating upper limb capacity in patients with CNP. The unsupported upper-limb exercise test (UULEX) is a simple, inexpensive field test developed to measure peak arm exercise capacity, but there has been no report of its validity and reliability for use with patients with CNP. Our aim in this study was to determine the validity and test-retest reliability of the UULEX for this purpose. In this cross-sectional observational study, 44 patients (33 women, 11 men; M age = 37.7, SD = 13.2 years), performed the UULEX twice, within a 1-week interval for test-retest reliability as measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). We correlated the UULEX with the Six Minute Pegboard Ring Test (6PBRT), the 30-second Push-Up Test, and the Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) to assess its convergent validity. The UULEX demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability with ICC = 0.97 and 0.95 for test duration and the final weight on board, respectively. We found moderate to strong correlations between the UULEX and the 6PBRT (r = 0.844), the 30-second Push Up Test (r = 0.741) and the DASH (r = -0.639), and all were significant, (p < 0.05). MDC values were determined to be 57.7 seconds for test duration and 0.22 kg for final weight on board. Thus, the UULEX test was valid and reliable for assessing upper extremity functional capacity in patients with CNP.

Hand functions and joint position sense in patients with psoriatic arthritis- a comparison with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthropathy accompanied by peripheral and axial joint involvement. Hand involvement has been demonstrated by various imaging methods in patients with psoriatic arthritis. However, few studies evaluated the hand in terms of functionality. The aim of the study is to compare hand functions and wrist joint position sense in psoriatic arthritis with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls. METHODS: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (n = 21), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 21), and healthy controls (n = 21) were included in this cross-sectional study. The measurements were performed by a hand dynamometer for grip strength and endurance, and by a pinchmeter for pinch strength. Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire was used to evaluate the functional disability. A goniometric test was used to assess wrist joint position sense. FINDING: Patients with psoriatic arthritis had worse hand functional outcomes and higher position errors than healthy controls (p < 0.05). In addition, in terms of all variables, patients with psoriatic arthritis were found to be similar to the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (p > 0.05). INTERPRETATION: Our study revealed that hand functions and wrist joint position sense were affected as much in patients with psoriatic arthritis as in patients with rheumatoid arthritis whose hand involvement is frequently reported in the literature. The grip endurance in psoriatic arthritis was assessed for the first time. Our results highlighted the necessity of treatment programs that include strength, endurance, and proprioception in patients with psoriatic arthritis who have hand involvement at least as much as those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Static and Dynamic Postural Characteristics in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Relationship with Dyspnea and Pulmonary Functions.

BACKGROUND: There is little evidence about posture influence and its relationship with pulmonary functions in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases(COPD) patients. OBJECTIVES: To compare spinal curvature, mobility, and postural competency in participants with and without COPD and investigate the relationship of postural characteristics with dyspnea and pulmonary functions in COPD patients. METHODS: We included 47 COPD patients and 47 age and gender-matched controls in our cross-sectional study. Participants underwent the following evaluations: modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale, respiratory function test, and postural measurements in the sagittal plane in a standing position using a non-invasive, computer-assisted electromechanical device. Postural variables were compared between groups, and the relationship between postural variables with dyspnea and pulmonary functions was analyzed by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: Thoracic and lumbar curvature were higher (p<0.05), thoracic mobility and spinal inclination were lower (p=0.011, p=0.030, respectively) in patients with COPD. Thoracic angle and spinal inclination increased in COPD patients (p=0.040, p=0.011, respectively) while only spinal tilt increased in the control group (p=0.010) under spinal loading. Thoracic angle and mobility were related with dyspnea (r2=0.25, p<0.001), forced expiratory volume in the first second (r2=0.56, p<0.001), forced vital capacity (r2=0.41, p<0.001), and RV (r2 = 0.42, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: COPD patients had greater thoracic and lumbar angles in the static upright posture and lower thoracic mobility and spinal inclination in the sagittal plane. It was observed that patients increase their thoracic angles to maintain postural stability in dynamic conditions. Thoracic angle and mobility were related to dyspnea and pulmonary functions.

Investigation of Body Awareness and Affecting Factors in Patients with Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Major weight loss after bariatric surgery (BS) makes the body sensitive to the environment. The factors associated with body awareness are unknown in patients with BS. In this study, we aimed to investigate the body awareness and the affecting factors in patients with BS. METHODS: Our study included 81 patients who had BS at least 6 months ago and 40 people of the same age and gender who had not. Participants' body awareness was evaluated with the Body Awareness Questionnaire, body compositions with bioelectric impedance device, joint position sensation (JPS) with photography method, physical activity level with International Physical Activity Questionnaire, quality of life with the Short Form-36, depression status with the Beck Depression Inventory, and cognition with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale. Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests were used for the comparison of the groups, and Spearman correlation analysis was used for in-group correlation analysis. RESULTS: Body awareness was found to be higher in patients with BS compared to the control group (p = 0.002). Body awareness had a positive correlation with cognition (r = 0.277, p = 0.012), quality of life sub-scales (r = 0.245-0.374, p < 0.05), the amount of change in total body weight (r = 0.241, p = 0.027), and body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.269, p = 0.032); negative correlation with depression (r = - 0.409, p = 0.016) and deviation in the JPS (r = - 0.223, p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Body awareness of patients with BS was found to be high after surgery. Body awareness in patients with BS is associated with the amount of weight loss and BMI, depression, cognition, JPS, and health-related quality of life.