Investigation of the adaptation of older adults to online learning and artificial intelligence.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the adaptation of older adults, to online learning and artificial intelligence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 210 older adults (109 women; 101 men) aged 65 and over, were included. Hodkinson Mental Test, Online Learning Readiness Scale (OLRS) and Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale (AIAS) were used in evaluation. Older adults with 6 score and above in Hodkinson Mental Test, in which their cognitive level was evaluated, were included. Older adults were stratified according to their gender and age (Group I: 65-70 years; Group II: 71-75 years; Group III: 76 years and over). RESULTS: In comparison analysis between age groups, there was a significant difference in the total score and all subdimensions of OLRS in favor of Group I (p<0.05), and in the total score and all subdimensions of AIAS (p<0.05). When analyzed according to gender, "The computer/Internet self-efficacy" subdimension of OLRS was significantly higher in male older adults (p<0.05). "Learning" subdimension of AIAS was significantly higher in female older adults (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: With increasing age in older adults, the readiness for online learning decreases and the level of artificial intelligence anxiety increases. There is no difference between male and female older adults in the readiness for online learning and artificial intelligence anxiety levels, and it is moderate in both genders. In this context, we think that information about online and artificial intelligence applications for older adults would be beneficial.

Examining the Presence of Sarcopenia in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of sarcopenia, functional status, fear-avoidance behaviors, biopsychosocial status and quality of life in RA women with healthy controls. METHODS: 25 RA women and 25 healthy women were included in the study. Definition of sarcopenia was assessed using parameters recommended by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia (EWGSOP): Bioimpedance analysis for muscle mass (body fat ratio, skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass index); grip and knee extension strength for muscle strength and 4-m course gait speed test for physical performance was applied. Functional status was evaluated with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), fear-avoidance behaviors with the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS), biopsychosocial status with the Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (BETY-BQ), and quality of life with Short Form-36 (SF-36). RESULTS: While none of the healthy women had sarcopenia, severe sarcopenia was detected in 7 (28%) of the women with RA. When RA and healthy groups were compared; skeletal muscle mass (p: 0,004); skeletal muscle mass index (p: 0,011); grip strength-right (p:0.001) and left (p:0.001); knee extension strength-right (p:0.001) and left (p:0.001), 4-m course gait speed test (p:0.001), HAQ (p:0.001), TKS (p:0.001), BETY-BQ (p:0.001), SF-36 physical (p:0.001) ve mental component (p:0.001) results were significant in favor of the healthy group while there was no difference in body fat ratio (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In women with RA, the frequency of sarcopenia is higher, and functional status, fear-avoidance behaviors, biopsychosocial status and quality of life are worse than healthy.

Evaluation of balance in patients with systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to examine static/dynamic balance and proprioception of Systemic Sclerosis by comparing healthy and relationship with demographic and disease-related data. METHODS: 21 Systemic Sclerosis and 19 healthy were included.Berg Balance Scale (functional balance), Sensamove Sensbalance Maxiboard Software (static, dynamic balance:reaction time and travel time and proprioception), Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire/Health Assessment Questionnaire (health status), Medsger's Disease Severity Scale, Modified Rodnan Skin Score were used in evaluation. FINDINGS: Comparing the groups, there was significant difference in Berg Balance Scale (p:0.036); Health Assessment Questionnaire/Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (p:0.001); Static balance-center (p:0.001), front (p:0.001), back (p:0.001), left (p:0.001), right (p:0.021); proprioception-front (p:0.025);Reaction Time-front (p:0.031) and left (p:0.010);Travel Time-front (p:0.041) and left (p:0.014) in favor of healthy group.In Systemic Sclerosis, disease severity had moderate correlation with static balance-back (r:-0.504,p:0.020).Skin thickness had low correlation with Reaction Time-front (r:-0.449,p:0.041).Age had low correlation with Travel time-front (r:0.458,p:0.037) and proprioception-left (r:0.450,p:0.041); moderate with Travel time-back (r:0.515;p:0.017) and proprioception-front (r:0.539,p:0.012). INTERPRETATION: Compared to healthy, Systemic Sclerosis had worse health status, functional balance, static/dynamic balance and proprioception.This situation is related to disease severity, skin thickness and age. Evaluations made with objective methods may have the potential to determine the extent of the problem.Clinicians can guide the treatment of patients with SSc by evaluating their static/dynamic balance and proprioception.With early treatment, additional problems that may occur due to worsening of balance and proprioception can be prevented.Proprioception and dynamic balance evaluation can be performed for older patients, static balance when disease activity is high, and dynamic balance when skin thickness score is high.

Impact of coronavirus disease pandemic on performance and satisfaction, physical activity, and quality of life of the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the coronavirus disease pandemic in the elderly. METHODS: A total of 140 elderly with a mean age of 71.30±6.00 years (69 females, 71 males) who spent the coronavirus disease pandemic period at home were included. Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Visual Analog Scale (for pain intensity at rest and activity), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire, Three-Level Version Health States were used in the evaluation. Two scores are obtained in Canadian Occupational Performance Measure: one for performance and one for satisfaction. EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire, Three-Level Version consists of two parts: EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire, Three-Level Version descriptive system and EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire, Three-Level Version Visual Analog Scale. RESULTS: While female gender (p=0.006, p=0.001), using walking assistant (p=0.001, p=0.001), being single/widow (p=0.031, p=0.007), and history of falling (p=0.004, p=0.001) made difference in Visual Analog Scale (rest, activity), female gender (p=0.013) and being single/widow (p=0.020) made difference in satisfaction scores of Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Female gender (p=0.001), using walking assistant (p=0.001), and history of falling (p=0.010) made difference in EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire, Three-Level Version descriptive system. In addition, performance scores of Canadian Occupational Performance Measure had a low correlation with Visual Analog Scale (rest r=-0.198, p=0.019; activity r=-0.188, p=0.026) and had a moderate correlation with EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire, Three-Level Version descriptive system (r=0.327, p=0.001) and EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire, Three-Level Version Visual Analog Scale (r=0.307, p=0.001). Satisfaction scores of Canadian Occupational Performance Measure had a low correlation with Visual Analog Scale (rest r=-0.247, p=0.003; activity r=-0.223, p=0.008) and had a moderate correlation with EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire, Three-Level Version descriptive system (r=0.399, p=0.001) and EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire, Three-Level Version Visual Analog Scale (r=0.306, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The elderly who were women, single/widowed, using walking assistant, and having a history of falling were more affected during the coronavirus disease period.

Investigation of Biopsychosocial Status, Fatigue, Sleep Quality, Alexithymia, Cognitive Functions, and Quality of Life in Behçet's Disease.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Behçet's disease in terms of anxiety, biopsychosocial status, fatigue, sleep quality, alexithymia, cognitive level, and quality of life according to major and minor organ involvement. Methods: The study was planned as a single-centre cohort study. Fifty patients diagnosed with Behçet's (mean age 43±11.96 years) were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups as major organ involvement (uveitis, neuro-Behçet's, or vascular type Behçet's disease) and minor organ involvement (mucocutaneous type Behçet's disease). Biopsychosocial status was evaluated with Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (BETY-BQ), anxiety with Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), fatigue with Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) Scale, sleep quality with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), alexithymia with Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), cognition level with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and quality of life with Short Form-36 (SF-36). Results: In the comparison according to minor and major organ involvement, there was no significant difference between the groups in BETY-BQ, BAI, MAF, PSQI, TAS-20, MMSE and SF-36 (p>0.05). Conclusion: Behçet's disease negatively effects in parameters such as biopsychosocial status, fatigue, sleep quality, alexithymia and quality of life. The presence of major or minor organ involvement in the patients did not change these negative effects.

The validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale - straight forwardly in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of Turkish version of Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale-Straightforwardly (BFNE-S (TR)) in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Materials and Methods: 35 individuals (mean age: 53.3±13.0 years) diagnosed as SSc were included. Data on demographics, were collected via structured interview. All participants were evaluated by same investigator. The disability was evaluated with Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ), disease severity with Medsger's Disease Severity Scale, and skin involvement with Modified Rodnan Skin Score. BFNE-S (TR) was applied to the patients with SSc who did not receive any treatment for test retest at one-week intervals. Results: The one-factor structure was provided for all indices except Chi-Square. Factor loadings were significant. The patient responses to the BFNE-S (TR) demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α: 0.95). The floor effect (20%) percentage of patients who scored at floor level, was observed. Test-retest reliability of the scale was excellent with 0.91 (95%CI: 0.78-0.96). BFNE-S (TR) total score had positive correlation with SHAQ_Digestive (r=0.503) and SHAQ_Raynaud phenomenon (r=0.343)(p<0.05). Conclusions: The BFNE-S (TR) is a reliable and valid scale and can be used for measurement of fear of negative evaluation in SSc.

The effect of rheumatoid arthritis on upper extremity functions: A kinematic perspective.

AIM: To examine the global upper extremity kinematics in 3D while performing "jar opening motion" in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and to compare these with healthy individuals. METHOD: Twenty-four women (12 healthy, 12 RA) were included. Evaluations were made with a JAMAR dynamometer, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and 3D kinematic analysis of global upper extremity during "jar opening motion." The time taken during "jar opening motion" was analyzed in 2 parts (Part 1, Part 2), with total time: part 1 + part 2. In addition, shoulder-to-table distance; elbow flexion angle; wrist extension angle; the area scanned and angular rotation by arm, forearm and hand were used in the analysis. RESULTS: Between groups, there was a statistical difference in: bilateral hand grip strength; part 1, part 2, total time; shoulder-to-table distance; elbow flexion angle; the area scanned by hand; angular rotation of arm and hand in favor of the healthy group (P < .05). In stepwise multiple regression analysis, the most predictive variable for disability was elbow flexion, explaining 53.9% of disability. CONCLUSION: Compared to healthy individuals, individuals with RA have slower motion, more elbow flexion, less hand grip strength, circular pattern in hand, rotation in arm and hand. Increased disability may result in greater load on elbow flexion.

An examination of the anxiety states of Turkish health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiety experienced by health care workers in different branches during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The cross-sectional study included 373 health care workers. Data were collected using an online questionnaire consisting of the Sociodemographic Form (32 items related to the working conditions of health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic) and the Penn State Concern Questionnaire. RESULTS: The anxiety levels of the female workers were significantly higher (p<0.001). The total Penn State Concern Questionnaire points were determined to be statistically significantly higher in those who need to protect the family during the pandemic (p=0.03), who were dissatisfied with their profession (p<0.001), and those whose workload had increased during the pandemic (p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The study results demonstrated that the levels of anxiety of health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic could be increased by young age, low level of experience, female gender, increased workload, and dissatisfaction with the profession.

An examınatıon of the anxıety states of Turkısh health care workers durıng the COVID-19 pandemıc: a cross-sectıonal study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiety experienced by health care workers in different branches during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The cross-sectional study included 373 health care workers. Data were collected using an online questionnaire consisting of the Sociodemographic Form (32 items related to the working conditions of health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic) and the Penn State Concern Questionnaire. RESULTS: The anxiety levels of the female workers were significantly higher (p<0.001). The total Penn State Concern Questionnaire points were determined to be statistically significantly higher in those who need to protect the family during the pandemic (p=0.03), who were dissatisfied with their profession (p<0.001), and those whose workload had increased during the pandemic (p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The study results demonstrated that the levels of anxiety of health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic could be increased by young age, low level of experience, female gender, increased workload, and dissatisfaction with the profession.

The Effectiveness of Matrix Rhythm Therapy in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized clinical study. OBJECTIVE: Our study was planned to determine the effect of matrix rhythm therapy (MRT) on pain, level of disability, and quality of life in chronic low back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Low back pain is a complex and heterogeneous disorder. Different therapy options can be applied in the treatment of low back pain. In the literature, there are very few studies showing the effect of MRT in patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: A total of 32 participants with a mean age of 36.41 ±â€Š8.91 years were randomly divided into two groups (intervention group and control group). Each participant was treated with ten sessions a combined physiotherapy program (hot pack, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, home exercise and patient education program). Additionally, intervention group received six sessions of MRT. Pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire), level of disability (Oswestry Disability Index) and quality of life (Short Form-36) were measured before and after the treatment programme. RESULTS: When pre- and post-treatment results were compared in the intervention group, a statistically significant difference was found in total pain level, disability level, and all subdimensions except the "Emotional Role" subdimension of Short Form-36 (SF-36) and total SF-36 scores (P ≤ 0.05). In the control group, statistically significant differences were found in disability level, the "Vitality" and "Bodily Pain" subdimensions of SF-36 and total SF-36 scores (P ≤ 0.05). When the delta values were compared between groups, there was a statistically significant difference only in the "general health perceptions" subdimension of SF-36 (P ≤ 0.05) in favor of the intervention group. CONCLUSION: It was determined that both the combined physiotherapy program and the MRT application in addition to the combined physiotherapy program have a positive effect on pain, disability level, and quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain.Level of Evidence: 2.

Investigation of the effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise program in patients with scleroderma: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: and Purpose: There were studies showing the positive effects of Tai Chi on sleep, fatigue, endurance, balance, anxiety and depression in rheumatologic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Tai Chi exercise program on trunk endurance, balance, sleep, fatigue, anxiety and depression in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 28 patients were randomly divided into two groups as Tai Chi (n:14, 53.35 ± 10.86 years) and home exercise group (n:14, 52.64 ± 9.45 years). Trunk Lateral Endurance Test, Berg Balance Scale, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, Fatigue Severity Scale and Fatigue Impact Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used for assesment. All evaluations were performed at baseline and at the end of the 10th week. RESULTS: After training, a statistically significant difference was observed in all parameters in Tai Chi group (p:0.00); there was a significant difference in trunk endurance and sleep quality in the home exercise group (p:0.00-0.03) compared to pre-training. When the delta values between groups were compared, Tai Chi group was superior to home exercise group in all parameters except trunk endurance (p:0.00-0.01). No side effects were observed during the exercises. CONCLUSION: As a result of our study; Tai Chi has a possitive effect on endurance, balance, sleep quality, fatique, anxiety and depression in patients with SSc. Tai Chi should be included in rehabilitation programs as a safe alternative type of exercise to improve trunk endurance, balance, sleep quality and reduce fatigue, anxiety and depression in patients with SSc.

The effectiveness of specific exercise types on cardiopulmonary functions in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a systematic review.

The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of specific exercise types on pulmonary functions, aerobic and functional capacity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). A systematic search of Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, MEDLINE (EBSCO), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), CINAHL (EBSCO), PUBMED, AMED, EMBASE (OVID) was conducted in January 2016. The outcome measures were spirometric measurements, chest expansion, 6 minute walk distance (6MWD), pVO2, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). The search strategy was applied with limitation of date and language and this initial electronic search resulted in 143 relevant studies. After duplicates were removed, the titles and abstracts of 52 articles were screened. Of these, 14 full-text articles met initial criteria and were retrieved for review, with eight studies meeting final inclusion criteria. Both specific and conventional exercise groups showed significant improvements in BASDAI and BASFI scores (p < 0.05) in patients with AS, although there was no significant difference between two exercise groups. As for pulmonary functions, the specific exercise groups have greater improvements than conventional group in spirometric measurement, chest expansion (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between specific conventional exercise types in 6MWD (p > 0.05). Specific exercises are an effective adjuvant therapy to enhance cardiopulmonary functions in patients with AS; therefore, it is assumed that in addition to the medical treatments, specific exercise therapy might reduce the cardiopulmonary complications related with AS.

Effects of phase I complex decongestive physiotherapy on physical functions and depression levels in breast cancer related lymph edema.

[Purpose] Breast cancer-related upper extremity lymph edema is known to cause physical, functional and psychological impairments in women after modified radical mastectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of phase I Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy (CDP) on physical functions and depression levels in women with breast cancer-related upper extremity lymph edema. [Subjects and Methods] Fifty-eight subjects with breast cancer-related upper extremity lymph edema were the subjects of this study. The arm circumference, shoulder range of motion (ROM), muscle strength and depression levels of the subjects were assessed before and after phase I CDP treatment. [Results] After phase I CDP, there was a statistically significant reduction in circumference measurements at all levels of the affected arm. There was not any statistically significant difference in muscle strength after CDP. The shoulder ROM improved after treatment. There was a significant reduction in the Beck Depression Inventory score. A significant positive correlation was found between depression levels and circumference measurement. [Conclusion] Based on the results we suggest that by reducing limb volume, beside improving physical functions, phase I CDP can affect psychological status, especially depression which is very common in women with breast cancer-related upper extremity lymph edema.

Upper extremities and spinal musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors in students using computers.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of computer usage on the musculoskeletal system discomforts (MSD) of Turkish university students, the possible risk factors and study implications (SI). METHODS: The study comprised a total of 871 students. Demographic information was recorded and the Student Specific Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (SsCMDQ) was used to evaluate musculoskeletal system discomforts. RESULTS: The neck, lower back and upper back areas were determined to be the most affected areas and percentages for SI were 21.6%, 19.3% and 16.3% respectively. Significant differences were found to be daily computer usage time for the lower back, total usage time for the neck, being female and below the age of 21 years (p<0.05) had an increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: The neck, lower back and upper back areas were found to be the most affected areas due to computer usage in university students. Risk factors for MSD were seen to be daily and total computer usage time, female gender and age below 21 years and these were deemed to cause study interference.

The effect of gender and level of vision on the physical activity level of children and adolescents with visual impairment.

This study was planned in order to determine physical activity levels of visually impaired children and adolescents and to investigate the effect of gender and level of vision on physical activity level in visually impaired children and adolescents. A total of 30 visually impaired children and adolescents (16 low vision and 14 blind) aged between 8 and 16 years participated in the study. The physical activity level of cases was evaluated with a physical activity diary (PAD) and one-mile run/walk test (OMR-WT). No difference was found between the PAD and the OMR-WT results of low vision and blind children and adolescents. The visually impaired children and adolescents were detected not to participate in vigorous physical activity. A difference was found in favor of low vision boys in terms of mild, moderate activities and OMR-WT durations. However, no difference was found between physical activity levels of blind girls and boys. The results of our study suggested that the physical activity level of visually impaired children and adolescents was low, and gender affected physical activity in low vision children and adolescents.