Shoulder proprioception changes in postmastectomy patients: an observational study.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer surgery can cause changes in the anatomical structure of the shoulder and in shoulder mobility, leading to the increased possibility of long-term arm morbidity such as lymphedema. This study aims to evaluate the active shoulder joint position sense (AJPS) with and without lymphedema in postmastectomy patients. METHODS: A total of 66 women, including 22 patients with lymphedema, 22 patients without lymphedema, and 22 healthy controls, were enrolled in the study. Pain severity was evaluated with the Numeric Pain Scale and edema severity was measured with circumferentially at 10 cm intervals. The normal range of motion of the shoulder joint was evaluated with the universal goniometer and the AJPS was assessed by active position repetition testing at 55°, 90°, and 125° shoulder flexion targets using the smartphone application "Clinometer." RESULTS: AJPS at 55°, 90°, and 125° shoulder flexion target angles with and without lymphedema were different in all target angles compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01). There was a difference between the absolute error value of AJPS at 55° flexion (p < 0.05), and no difference at 90° and 125° flexion between the with and without lymphedema groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows that the AJPS was negatively affected in with and without lymphedema postmastectomy patients compared to healthy controls. This result emphasizes the importance of adding personalized methods for the restoration of joint position sense in addition to rehabilitation programs generally applied to the patient group.

Effects of robotic-assisted gait training on physical capacity, and quality of life among chronic stroke patients: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Even though robotic therapy is becoming more commonly used in research protocols for lower limb stroke rehabilitation, there still is a significant gap between research evidence and its use in clinical practice. Therefore, the present study was designed assuming that the wearable mobile gait device training for chronic stroke patients might have different effects on functional independence when compared to training with a stationary gait device. The present study aims to examine the effects of gait training with ExoAthlet exoskeleton and Lokomat Free-D on functional independence, functional capacity, and quality of life in chronic stroke patients. METHODS: The present study included 32 chronic stroke patients. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. Functional independence of patients was evaluated by using Functional Independence Measure (FIM), physical function was assessed by using the 30-second chair stand test (30-CST), functional capacity was measured by using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and quality of life was assessed by using Short Form 36 (SF36). All participants underwent a conventional physiotherapy program for eight weeks, three sessions per week, and each session lasted 60 min. After the physiotherapy program, one group received gait training by using ExoAthlet exoskeleton (ExoAtlet 1 model/2019, Russia), while the other group received training by using Lokomat Free-D (Hocoma, Lokomat Pro Free-D model/2015, Switzerland). Participants were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: Results achieved in this study revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between FIM, 30-CST, 6MWT, and SF36 scores before and after the treatment in both groups (p < 0.05).There was no difference in FIM, 30-CST, and 6MWT results between Exoskeleton ExoAthlet and Lokomat Free-D groups (p > 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference between Exoskeleton ExoAthlet and Lokomat Free-D groups in terms of SF-36 sub-parameters "vitality", "mental health", "bodily pain", and "general health perception" (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the use of ExoAthlet exoskeleton and Lokomat Free-D in addition to conventional physiotherapy, was effective in improving functional independence, physical function, functional capacity, and quality of life among chronic stroke patients. Incorporation of robotic gait aids into rehabilitation for chronic stroke patients might offer significant advantages.

The effect of body awareness on trunk control, affected upper extremity function, balance, fear of falling, functional level, and level of independence in patients with stroke.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to examine the effects of body awareness on trunk control, affected upper extremity function, balance, fear of falling, functional level, and level of independence in patients with stroke. METHODS: 35 individuals between the ages of 21 and 78 who were diagnosed with stroke were included in the study. The body awareness of the individuals participating in the study was determined with the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ), trunk control with Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), the affected upper extremity functions with Motor Activity Log-28 (MAL,-28), and Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment (FMUEA), balance with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), fear of falling with Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale (TFES), functional level with Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index (BI) and level of independence with Functional Independence Measures (FIM). RESULTS: For patients participating in the study, 26% were female, 74% were male and 43% showed left, 57% showed right hemisphere involvement. In simple linear regression analysis, BAQ measurement had a statistically significant effect on TIS (F = 25.439 p = 0.001), MAL-28 (F = 7.852 p = 0.008), FMUEA (F = 12.155 p = 0.001), BBS (F = 13.506 p = 0.001), TFES (F = 13.119 p = 0.001), BI (F = 19.977 p = 0.001) and FIM (F = 22.014 p = 0.001) in patients with stroke. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, body awareness was found to be one of the factors affecting trunk control, affected upper extremity function, balance, fear of falling, functional level, and level of independence in patients with stroke. It was thought that there was a need for assessment of body awareness and include bodyawareness in rehabilitation programs in patients with stroke.

Functional evaluation of patients with mastectomy lymphedema.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the availability of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in daily practice instead of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) test for the evaluation of fear of movement and to assess the functionality of the upper extremity in postmastectomy lymphedema patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2018 and July 2018, a total of 30 female patients (mean age 53.8±12.3 years; range, 35 to 80 years) with postmastectomy lymphedema were included in this study. The severity of lymphedema of the patients was measured circumferentially at 5-cm intervals. All patients were evaluated for upper extremity functionality using the Timed Functional Arm and Shoulder Test, hand grip strength using a hand dynamometer, and pinch strength using a pinchmeter. The TSK test was used for the evaluation of fear of movement and TUG test was used for the evaluation of functional status of lower extremity. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in functionality between the affected and unaffected side of upper extremity (p<0.05). According to the TSK results, all patients described themselves as kinesiophobic, and advanced fear of movement was found in 66.67% of the patients. However, according to the TUG scores, lower extremity functionality of all patients was normal. CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that, independently of the severity of lymphedema, fear of movement was seen in every patient and functionality of upper extremity decreased on the affected side. On the other hand, the TUG test may not be useful to asses fear of movement in daily practice regarding to functional scores of these patients.

Effect of Short-Term 3-Dimensional Schroth Exercises In Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: An Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine how a short-term Schroth exercise camp affects pain intensity, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), postural recovery, trunk muscle endurance, flexibility, dynamic balance, body image, perception of cosmetic deformity, and health-related quality of life in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: A single-group pretest-posttest design was conducted. Forty-five individuals between the ages of 10 and 18 years who were diagnosed with AIS were included in the study. ATR with scoliometer, postural symmetry changes with Anterior Trunk Symmetry Index and Posterior Trunk Symmetry Index, trunk muscle endurance with straight plank and side plank durations, dynamic balance with Y Balance Test, cosmetic deformity perceptions with the Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale, and health-related quality of life with the Scoliosis Research Society 22-item questionnaire. The participants engaged in a short-term Schroth exercise camp involving 4.5 hours of corrective exercises per day for 7 days. Above mentioned assessments were done on the first and last day of the exercise camp. RESULTS: After the Schroth exercise camp, participants showed decreased ATR, improved postural symmetry ratio, and greater trunk muscle endurance and dynamic balance scores. There were also improvements in cosmetic deformity perception and health-related quality of life (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This preliminary study suggests that a short-term Schroth exercise camp could have a beneficial effect for adolescents with AIS. Although the results of this study should be considered preliminary, the initial findings seem to be promising and repeatable.

Short-Term Changes in Chronic Neck Pain After the Use of Elastic Adhesive Tape.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to examine the short-term changes of elastic adhesive tape application on pain intensity and the range of motion (ROM), cervical region proprioception sense, and cervical flexor endurance of patients with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Thirty-four patients (male: 26, female: 8) between ages 20 and 55 with chronic neck pain having the complaints for at least 6 months were included in the study. Demographic information, pain intensity, cervical ROM, cervical flexor endurance, and cervical proprioception sense of the patients were evaluated. Results were examined 2 times. The first evaluation was conducted prior to elastic adhesive tape application and the second one was conducted 24 hours after the procedure. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 39.56 ± 17.09 years, average height was 165.65 ± 9.83 cm, average weight was 71.44 ± 15.79 kg, and average body mass index was 26.24 ± 6.62. A statistically significant difference was found between the measurement results of pain intensity, ROM of the joint in flexion, extension, right and left rotation, and cervical flexor endurance before and 24 hours after the application of elastic adhesive tape (P < .05). When the proprioception sense was examined, there was a significant difference between the results before elastic adhesive tape application and 24 hours after the same application in deviation angles except for right rotation (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed short-term changes following the use of elastic adhesive tape on cervical flexor endurance, pain, and cervical proprioception sense for patients with chronic pain.

Lower extremity alignment due to patellofemoral syndrome and dynamic postural balance.

STUDY DESIGN: This study is a prospective study. AIM: Lower extremity malalignment is an important etiologic factor in patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). We hypothesized that lower limb malalignment may affect dynamic balance and physical function. This prospective study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the lower limb alignment and the dynamic balance and physical function in patients with PFPS. METHODS: The study included 62 individuals with unilateral PFPS. Pain severity was assessed by the numerical pain scale and the pain duration was recorded. Lower extremity bone alignment was evaluated by the lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) and the medial proximal tibia angle. Dynamic postural balance was assessed by the star excursion balance test. The functional status of the patients was evaluated by the 30-second chair stand test. RESULTS: The mean duration of the pain was 24.2 ± 31.5 months and the mean pain severity was 8.1 ± 1.4. Although there was a significant difference found between the affected and unaffected LDFA values of lower extremities (p < 0.05), there was no difference found with regard to the dynamic balance values of the lower extremities (p > 0.05). However, significant changes of posterolateral balance were identified at a painful side without causing a postural dynamic imbalance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, we found a valgus deformity as a deterioration in the lower limb alignment of patients with PFPS which may cause a deterioration of posterolateral balance only. However, no change in postural dynamic balance was observed in the comparison of affected side and unaffected side. Dynamic postural balance has been influenced by many kinematic changes related to lower extremities including pelvis, hip, and ankle. Thus, reciprocal mechanisms in the anatomical structures may compensate the postural balance dynamically.

Evaluation of Plantar Foot Sensation, Balance, Physical Performance, and Fear of Movement in Substance Use Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Neuropathologic changes may occur in the nervous system due to long-term substance use, leading to functional disability with altering of balance. We know little about substance-related mechanisms that can cause movement disorders. This study investigated the effects of plantar foot sensation and balance on physical performance as an effect of substance use in detoxified patients. METHODS: Twenty-three users of cannabis, volatile agents, or narcotic/stimulant agents alone or in combination for at least 1 year (mean age, 27.6 years) and 20 healthy volunteers (mean age, 24.6 years) were included. Participant evaluations were implemented immediately after the detoxification process with psychiatrist approval. Depression, state-trait anxiety, and fear of movement levels were evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, respectively. Plantar foot sensations were evaluated with light touch, two-point discrimination, and vibration examinations. Balance was assessed with balance software and a balance board and force platform. Balance path, balance path distance, and center of pressure were recorded. Physical performance was evaluated with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in the final step. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in two-point discrimination of patients versus controls (P < .05). Significant differences were also found in balance values, particularly in the sagittal direction (P < .05). TUG test results of patients compared with controls showed a negative influence on physical function (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Detailed examination should be performed to understand movement disorders in substance users. Herein, substance users had impaired two-point discrimination and sagittal balance reciprocally. Thus, customized physiotherapy approaches to substance users should be considered to improve their movement disorders.

Is there a relationship between plantar foot sensation and static balance, physical performance, fear of falling, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients?

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between plantar foot sensation and static balance, physical performance, fear of falling, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 24 hemodialysis patients and 20 healthy volunteers. Light touch-pressure sensation (Semmes Weinstein Monofilament test kit), two-point discrimination sensation (esthesiometer) and vibration sensation (128 Hz diapason) were used to evaluate plantar foot sensation. Static balance was assessed by the one-leg standing balance test, physical performance by the Timed Up and Go test, fear of falling with the Fall Efficacy Scale, and quality of life with the Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index Dialysis Version. FINDINGS: There was a significant difference in plantar foot sensation, static balance, and physical performance of the patients compared to the healthy controls (P < 0.05). There was a strong correlation between static balance and physical performance with foot sensation in the hemodialysis patients (P < 0.05). There was also a strong correlation between static balance, physical performance, and fear of falling in hemodialysis patients (P < 0.05). The correlation between static balance, physical performance, and quality of life in the hemodialysis patients was strong (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The most important result of this study is that light touch-pressure sensation, vibration sensation, two-point discrimination sensation, static balance, and physical performance, all of which involve the activity of cutaneous sensory receptors on the sole of the foot, are reduced in individuals who undergo hemodialysis. The findings of this study suggest potential rehabilitation strategies that could be applied to this patient group.