Association between smartphone addiction and myofascial trigger points.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between smartphone addiction and miyafascial trigger points in university students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of university students was conducted for the purpose of this study. The participants were assessed based on age, gender, dominant side, the amount of time they spent on their smartphones, the purpose of their use, and their posture. The Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Form (SAS-SF) was used to determine addictes and non-addicts. The cut-off value of SAS-SF is 31 and above for male and 33 and above for female. RESULTS: There were 136 participants in the study. The posture score for addicts and non-addicts ones was not significantly different (p > 0,05), but the number of trigger points, maximal bending posture and trigger points in the right levator scapula and right cervical erector muscles were significantly higher in the smartphone addict participants (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone addiction in university students is associated with postural changes and trigger points in the bilateral levator scapula and right cervical erector muscles. Public health programs should be developed to raise awareness about smartphone addiction, encourage screen breaks, and emphasize physical activity and exercise regularly.

Efficacy of hippotherapy simulator exercise program in patients with stroke: a randomized single-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hippotherapy simulator on balance, postural control, mobility, functional capacity and independence level in people with stroke. METHODS: This study involved 26 people with stroke aged 18-65, who were randomly assigned to a Hippotherapy Simulator Group (HSG; n = 13) and a Conventional Exercise Group (CEG; n = 13). Patients underwent assessments using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PAS-S), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), 2-Minute Walking Test (2-MWT), and Barthel Daily Living Activity Index (BI) to evaluate balance, postural control, mobility, functional capacity, and independence before and after treatment. In the HSG, participants received 30 sessions of conventional exercises and hippotherapy simulator - a mechanical and robotic equipment with a dynamic saddle simulating horse movement - exercises over 6 weeks. Meanwhile, the CEG underwent 30 sessions of conventional exercises alone for 6 weeks. RESULTS: In the post-therapy evaluation between groups, BBS (p = 0.004) and 2-MWT (p < 0.001) scores were higher in HSG compared to CEG. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of PAS-S, RMI, TUG and BI scores (p > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between BBS, PAS-S, RMI, TUG, BI and 2-MWT scores before and after treatment in both groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hippotherapy simulator can be added to conventional exercises to improve balance and functional capacity in people with stroke.

Psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the fear avoidance components scale in patients with chronic pain related to musculoskeletal disorders.

BACKGROUND: The fear avoidance components scale (FACS) evaluates patients' cognitive, emotional and behavioral fear avoidance behavior. The aim of the study was to conduct the cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the FACS. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out with 208 patients (46.2 ± 11.4 years, 116 women, 92 men) diagnosed with chronic pain related to musculoskeletal disorders. Individuals were assessed with FACS, Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK), Beck depression inventory (BDI), Oswestry disability index (ODI), numerical pain scale (NPS), and pain catastrophizing scale (PCS). A total of 70 patients completed the FACS for the second time 3 days later. RESULTS: Internal consistency of the total score was excellent (Cronbach's alpha: 0.815). There was a strong correlation between FACS and TSK and PCS (r1 0.555, r2 0.678, p < 0.001). In addition, the relationship between FACS and BDI and NPS was moderate in terms of construct validity (r1 0.357, r2 0.391, p < 0.001). FACS had a two-factor structure, as expected. The test-retest reliability of the FACS was acceptable to excellent (ICC = 0.526-0.971). CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of FACS is a valid and reliable questionnaire for patients with chronic pain related to musculoskeletal disorders. The FACS provides a further advantage over identical questionnaires by evaluating cognitive, behavioral and emotional fear avoidance components.

Early developmental support for preterm infants based on exploratory behaviors: A parallel randomized controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Preterm infants are at high risk for developmental disabilities, and their parents are at increased risk for high stress. Early intervention programs are applied to reduce these adverse outcomes. The primary aim is to compare the efficacy of the novel Explorer Baby early intervention program for the holistic development of preterm infants. The second objective was to compare the stress levels of their mothers. METHODS: Randomized clinical trial with 38 weeks-6 months corrected age preterm infants at low risk for cerebral palsy, randomly assigned to experimental (Explorer Baby) or active control neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) groups. Fifty-seven infants were enrolled in the study, and 51 (26 Explorer Baby, 25 NDT) completed it. Bayley III was used as a primary outcome before, during, and after the intervention. RESULTS: When we compared the changes between the groups before and after therapy, no significant differences were found in any of the primary or secondary outcomes (between-group comparisons). When comparing the changes in both groups before and after therapy (in-group comparison), the Explorer Baby group demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive (Hedges' g = .83) and explorative language skills (Hedges' g = .65), whereas the NDT group showed improved parent-child dysfunctional interaction (Hedges' g = 2.66) between T0-T1 and T0-T2. CONCLUSIONS: The Explorer Baby early intervention program may be a preferred option to support premature infants without brain injury, as it shows greater skill acquisition than NDT, although not statistically significant. Both methods are safe as they support premature babies without negatively affecting mothers' overall stress levels.

The effect of mobile application-based rehabilitation in patients with total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Mobile applications have been used frequently in post-operative orthopedic rehabilitation in recent years. However, no systematic review has emphasized the importance of mobile applications in the rehabilitation process after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile application-based rehabilitation practices in patients with TKA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, Web-of-Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Cochrane databases were searched. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool randomized trials 2 (RoB2) tools were used to demonstrate the methodological quality and risk of bias. RESULTS: A total of 584 articles were screened. Finally, six papers were included in the systematic review. PEDro scores ranged from 4 to 7 (median: 5.5), indicating fair to good methodological quality. All studies were classified as "some concerns" in RoB2. Mobile application-based rehabilitation demonstrated better scores on pain, range of motion (ROM), objective and subjective function, satisfaction and compliance in general. Meta-analysis proved that mobile application-based telerehabilitation demonstrated better results on subjective function (ES:0.57, 95% CI: 0.11-1.02). CONCLUSION: Compared to conventional rehabilitation, application-based telerehabilitation provides more effective results in function, pain and ROM. Furthermore, mobile application-based rehabilitation should also be considered regarding patient satisfaction and compliance.

A new device for assessment and training the human balance and coordination: Marmara Balance and Education System (MarBES).

BACKGROUND: Balance and coordination are important for performing activities of daily living. Balance and coordination assessment and training are used by physiotherapists in many different rehabilitation areas. Marmara Balance and Education System (MarBES) is a device developed to evaluate and improve balance and coordination. AIMS: To examine the test-retest reliability of the MarBES device. METHODS: Double-leg and single-leg (eyes open-closed) tests were applied to healthy young adult participants for balance testing on the MarBES device. Weight data is estimated from pressure sensors located in 4 different corners and a score is calculated with computer software for the individual's center of gravity (center of pressure X, Y) and the amount of deviation from the center for each axis. Weight transfer to the target surface was measured for assessment of the participants' coordination performance. Participants rested for 10 min and all measurements were repeated by the same evaluator. The obtained data were recorded and the reliability of the measurements was evaluated with Spearman's rho correlation analysis. RESULTS: A total of 40 healthy young individuals (28 female) with a mean age of 21 years were included. The balance assessments with MarBES showed moderate to good reliability (ICC: 0.535-0.903). The coordination assessment results showed moderate to good reliability (ICC: 0.575-0.712). CONCLUSIONS: Objective evaluation of balance and coordination parameters is very important in rehabilitation. Results of the study showed that the MarBES device developed by the researchers is a reliable method for the evaluation of balance and coordination in healthy young individuals.

Influence of Self-Reported Knee Instability on Outcomes Following Education and Exercise: A Cohort Study of 2,466 Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of self-reported knee instability on changes in knee pain and gait speed following patient education and supervised exercise therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: We included patients enrolled in the Good Life With Osteoarthritis in Denmark (GLA:D) program, an 8-week education and supervised neuromuscular exercise program. Patients were classified into 4 groups according to their level of self-reported knee instability (never; rarely; sometimes; most of the time or all the time). Knee pain intensity was evaluated on a 0-100 mm scale and gait speed from the 4 × 10 meters fast-paced walk test at baseline and after the program. Using linear regression, we examined the association between knee instability and the change in pain and gait speed, respectively. Sex, age, body mass index, physical activity level, and previous knee surgery were covariates in adjusted models. RESULTS: Among 2,466 patients with knee OA, mean baseline pain and gait speed varied between 38-59 mm and 1.39-1.56 meters/second in patients experiencing no instability and patients experiencing instability most or all the time, respectively. All instability groups improved in pain and gait speed. Compared to the no instability group, patients reporting instability most or all the time experienced larger improvements in pain (4.3 mm [95% confidence interval 1.2, 7.5]), while no difference between instability groups was found for gait speed. CONCLUSION: Knee OA patients with self-reported instability seem to benefit even more from a patient education and supervised exercise therapy program than OA patients without instability.

Immediate Effect of Kinesiology Tape on Functionality, Static and Dynamic Balance, Exercise Capacity, and Posture in Users of High-Heeled Shoes.

BACKGROUND: Using high-heeled shoes in daily life affects the stability of walking, body posture, and functionality. We aimed to determine the immediate effect of kinesiology taping (KT) on functionality, static and dynamic balance, exercise capacity, and posture in young women using high-heeled shoes. METHODS: Thirty-seven women who wore high-heeled shoes (mean ± SD age, 20.32 ± 1.37 years) were divided into control (n = 20) and study (n = 17) groups. Both limbs of study group participants were taped medially, laterally, and dorsally with KT; no application was made to the control group. Balance (TecnoBody postural line), functionality (vertical jump and functional reach tests), exercise capacity (6-Minute Walk Test), and human body posture (New York Posture Rating Chart) were assessed. RESULTS: Median use of high-heeled shoes was 8 hours daily, 5 days weekly, and 3 years in the study group versus 6 hours daily, 4 days weekly, and 4 years in the control group. Significance in functional reach distance was found within the control (P = .010) and study (P = .005) groups but not between the groups. Stabilometric monopedal right foot ellipse area (P = .016) and perimeter (P = .009); left foot ellipse area (P = .016), perimeter (P = .023), and front/back standard deviation (P = .018); and dynamic balance area gap percentage (P = .030) were significant within the study group. Posture, vertical jump distance, exercise capacity, stabilometric test results, and bipedal closed-eye and opened-eye results were similar within and between groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Kinesiology taping has no immediate effect on exercise capacity, vertical jump function, posture, and bipedal static balance but can modulate functional reach function, static monopedal leg balance, and dynamic equilibrium. Further studies are recommended to investigate the additive effect of KT with high-heeled shoes and after 45 min, 24 hours, and 72 hours.

The efficacy of exergaming in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Exergaming, one of the most recognized virtual rehabilitation tools, has been shown to be useful for promoting physical activity and enhancing postural stability for neurologic conditions. However, studies with exergaming programs for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) are limited. AIMS: We aimed to investigate the effects of exergaming given by visual and auditory stimulated assisted joint training device in addition to the conventional physiotherapy program on pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), functional status, kinesiophobia, proprioceptive acuity, muscle strength, and postural stability in patients with knee OA. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Sixty patients (47 female, 13 male) with knee osteoarhritis aged 40-65 years (57.36 ± 7.26) who were at stage of two to three according to the Kellegren Lawrence radiological evaluation were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups as study group (conventional physiotherapy + exergaming) and control group (conventional physiotherapy). Electrotherapy and exercise program were applied to both of the groups along 5 days a week for 6 weeks but exergaming only applied to study group. ROM, pain intensity, proprioceptive acuity, kinesiophobia, muscle strength, and postural stability of the patients were evaluated at the beginning and end of the treatment. RESULTS: In the intra-group analyses of all the assessments of the patients, there was a significant difference in the positive direction in both groups, except for the postural stability values. In the intra-group analyses of postural stability, there was a significant increase only in the study group. In comparison between the groups, proprioceptive acuity, ROM, functional status, and postural stability scores were significantly increased in the study group according to the control group; pain and kinesiophobia decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: In this study, the exergaming accompanied with conventional physiotherapy programs resulted more positive improvements on pain, ROM, postural stability, kinesiophobia, proprioceptive acuity, and functional status in patients with knee OA compared to the conventional physiotherapy program alone.

Psychometric properties of the Facial Disability Index in patients with facial palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to present the systematic review and meta-analysis of the psychometrical analysis of Facial Disability Index (FDI) studies. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the relevant electronic databases "PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and Cochrane Library." A total of 621 articles were obtained by searching the relevant keywords (PubMed: 384, Cochrane Library: 14, Web of Science: 132, Scopus: 91). A total of 8 papers were included. The four-point classification and rating-based "COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN)" tools were used to evaluate the bias risk and evidence levels. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha pooling of FDI total score was (ES): 0.803 (95% CI: 0.73-0.86). Heterogeneity for the Facial Disability Index-Physical Function (FDI-PF) and Facial Disability Index-Social Function (FDI-SF) subscore based on intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were I2 = 84.2% (ICC: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81-0.92) and I2 = 73.7% (ICC: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81-0.90), respectively. Correlational results between Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS) with FDI-PF and FDI-SF were 0.38 and 0.22, respectively. The correlations of FDI-PF with Short Form-12 Physical Component Summary (SF-12-PCS) and Short Form-12 Mental Health Component Summary (SF-12-MCS) were 0.43 and 0.28, respectively. Correlation results of FDI-SF with SF-12-PCS and SF-12-MCS were 0.23 and 0.57. The relationship results of Facial Clinimetric Evaluation with FDI-PF and FDI-SF were 0.71 and 0.57, respectively. CONCLUSION: FDI is a psychometrically valuable questionnaire, especially for the internal consistency, reliability, and validity. In clinical practice, the use of FDI would be valuable, in addition to clinician-based grading, to see more of patients' social influences precisely.

The effect of video exercise-based telerehabilitation on clinical outcomes, expectation, satisfaction, and motivation in patients with chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of exercise-based telerehabilitation in chronic low back pain (CLBP) has not been well studied. To our knowledge, no other studies have investigated the efficacy of video exercise-based telerehabilitation software in the remote management of home exercises in patients with CLBP. AIMS: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of the video-based exercise software on pain, function, quality-of-life, expectation, satisfaction, and motivation in individuals with CLBP. METHODS: A double-blind, two-armed randomized controlled trial was carried out with 50 individuals with CLBP. Participants were randomly allocated to either the telerehabilitation group (n = 25) or the conventional rehabilitation group (n = 25). The telerehabilitation group was followed up with a video exercise-based telerehabilitation software called Fizyoweb. The clinician was able to communicate with the patients through the software. The conventional rehabilitation group was given the same home exercises as the paper-based exercise instruction form. Pain, function, quality-of-life, and kinesiophobia were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. In addition, patient expectations were questioned at the initial evaluation; afterward, patient satisfaction and motivation were questioned at the eighth week. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of treatment, the telerehabilitation group achieved significant improvement in pain, function, quality-of-life, kinesiophobia, satisfaction, and motivation (p < 0.05). In addition, the telerehabilitation group reported more significant gains in all parameters compared with the conventional rehabilitation group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The video exercise-based telerehabilitation software positively affects clinical parameters and adherence to rehabilitation in patients with CLBP.

Cross-cultural translation, validity, and reliability of the Turkish version of the Back Pain Attitudes Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: As the Back Pain Attitudes Questionnaire (Back-PAQ), a validated instrument, could be performed to evaluate biopsychosocial dimensions of back pain, it has not been translated and adapted for Turkish population. OBJECTIVES: It was aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Back-PAQ (versions of 34-item, 20-item, and 10-item) into Turkish language and analyse the validity and reliability of the Back-PAQ-Turkish version (Back-PAQ-Tr). STUDY DESIGN: Study of diagnostic accuracy/assessment scale. METHODS: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation process were carried out in several steps according to international best-practice guidelines. 173 participants with back pain were recruited. Turkish version of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-Tr) and Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ-Tr) were used to investigate the convergent validity. RESULTS: Internal consistency of the Back-PAQ-Tr, Back-PAQ-Tr-20, and Back-PAQ-Tr-10 were 0.82, 0.78 and 0.68, respectively. Test-retest reliability was excellent for Back-PAQ-Tr (ICC = 0.95) and Back-PAQ-Tr-20 (ICC = 0.95), but weak for Back-PAQ-Tr-10 (ICC = 0.50). A weak correlation was found between all versions of Back-PAQ-Tr and TSK-Tr & FABQ-Tr, except for the moderate correlation between Back-PAQ-Tr-10 and TSK-Tr (r = -0.51) & the physical activity score of FABQ-Tr (r = -0.51). Back-PAQ-Tr, Back-PAQ-Tr-20, and Back-PAQ-Tr-10 accounted for 66.2%, 60.5%, and 78.2% of the variance in the data set, respectively. CONCLUSION: The versions of 34-item and 20-item Back-PAQ-Tr are reliable and valid questionnaire to assess Turkish populations' attitudes and beliefs regarding back pain. Since the reliability of the 10-item version was determined to be quite low, we particularly recommend the use of the versions of Back-PAQ-Tr and Back-PAQ-Tr-20.

A Better Way to Decrease Knee Swelling in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial.

Objective: In this study, we compared the effects of intermittent pneumatic compression along with conventional treatment with cold-pack treatment along with conventional treatment on clinical outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Eighty-nine patients with knee osteoarthritis participated in this study. One group received ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, electrical stimulation, exercise, and cold packs. The second group received ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, electrical stimulation, exercise, and intermittent pneumatic compression. Range of motion, muscle strength, knee swelling, pain intensity, and functional status were measured at baseline and 4th week. Results: We found significant improvements in range of motion, muscle strength, pain intensity, and functional status after the treatment in both groups (p < 0.05). When comparing the effects of these two treatment programs, it was observed that the intermittent pneumatic compression treatment group had a better outcome in terms of knee swelling (p=0.028). Conclusions: According to the results, we could report that intermittent pneumatic compression therapy in addition to conventional treatment has significant positive effects on clinical outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis. We could also report that intermittent pneumatic compression therapy along with conventional treatment is superior to cold-pack therapy along with conventional treatment in terms of knee swelling in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This trial is registered with NCT03806322.

Clinical outcomes of kinesio taping applied in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare kinesio taping along with conventional treatment to conventional treatment alone and to report the results of both a single and repetitive kinesio taping application applied on quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscles on pain, range of motion, muscle strength, and functional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Fifty-four patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly allocated to two groups. A total of 28 patients were included in kinesio taping group, others were included in the control group. Before and after intervention, pain was measured with visual analog scale, range of motion was measured with universal goniometer, muscle strength was measured with dynamometer, and functional status was measured with Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. RESULTS: There were statistically significant improvements in measures of pain, range of motion, quadriceps muscle strength and functional status between pre- and post-treatment in both groups (p< 0.05). In comparison, there were no significant differences with these parameters between groups (p> 0.05). It was also found that significant difference was observed in terms of range of motion, pain, functional status between pre-treatment and post-taping in intervention group (p< 0.017). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we could report that kinesio taping has significant immediate effects after a single kinesio taping application on range of motion, pain and functional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis. We could also report that KT in addition to conventional treatment is not superior to conventional treatment alone in terms of clinical outcomes over 3 weeks later.

The effects of therapeutic exercises on pain, muscle strength, functional capacity, balance and hemodynamic parameters in knee osteoarthritis patients: a randomized controlled study of supervised versus home exercises.

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of low-intensity exercise programs for lower extremities, either supervised or at home, on pain, muscle strength, balance and the hemodynamic parameters of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients. This randomized study included 78 patients with knee OA in 2 groups of supervised and home-based exercise program. Exercises were applied to the first group in the clinic as a group exercise program and were demonstrated to the second group to be performed at home. Before and after the 6-week exercise program, assessment was made of pain, quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths, 6-min walk test (6MWT), and non-invasive hemodynamic parameters. Results of the 78 patients, 56 completed the study. Pain, muscle strength, and 6MWT scores showed significant improvements in both groups. There were also significant differences in the amount of change in pain and muscle strength (pain: p = 0.041, Rqdc: 0.009, Lqdc: 0.013, Rhms: 0.04) which indicated greater improvements in the supervised group. The balance scores of supervised group showed a significant improvement (p = 0.009). No significant change was determined in hemodynamic parameters of either group. Conclusion according to the results of this study showed that low-intensity lower extremity exercises conducted in a clinic under the supervision of a physiotherapist were more effective than home-based exercises in reducing post-activity pain levels and improving quadriceps and right hamstring muscle strength. Both the supervised and home exercise programs were seen to be effective in reducing rest pain and increasing 6 MW distance in knee osteoarthritis patients.

Kinesiophobia in relation to physical activity in chronic neck pain.

BACKGROUND: Little research is available concerning physical activity and its determinants in people with chronic neck pain. OBJECTIVE: To explore the relation between kinesiophobia and physical activity and gender effect on these relations in people with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Ninety-nine subjects (34 men and 65 women) with chronic neck pain were participated in the study. Pain intensity was assessed with Visual Analog Scale and kinesiophobia degree was determined by using Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. Level of physical activity was assessed with short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: There was no statistically correlation between neck pain intensity and kinesiophobia degree (p= 0.246, r= 0.123) and physical activity level (p= 0.432, r= -0.083). It was also found that kinesiophobia degree was not correlated to physical activity level (p= 0.148, r= -0.153). There was a negative correlation between kinesiophobia degree and physical activity level only for women, not for men (p= 0.011, r= -0.318). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that although people with chronic neck pain reported higher pain intensity and fear of movement, pain intensity and kinesiophobia degree did not associate to their physical activity levels. It can be speculated that high kinesiophobia degrees cause low physical activity levels for women, but not for men.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish "Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation" questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scale is a self-administered outcome questionnaire used to determine level of pain and disability in wrist problems. The scale includes pain (PRWE-P) and function (PRWE-F) subscales, the latter consisting of specific function (PRWE-SF) and usual (PRWE-UF) function. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish versionof the PRWE scale. METHODS: Permission was sought and received from the original author of the PRWE for a Turkish translation for use in the study. The study included 110 patients (85 female and 25 male; mean age: 50.8±1.53 years; range: 18 to 85) with distal radius fracture, carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist ganglion cyst, De Quervain syndrome, Kienböck disease, and connective lesions affecting the wrist, all of whom completed the Turkish version of both the PRWE (PRWE-T) and the Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand scale (DASH). Reliability and validity of the PRWE-T scale were evaluated via an internal consistency analysis and a factor analysis respectively. The level of correlation between PRWE-T and DASH scores was also examined. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated as 0.86, 0.82 and 0.88 for PRWE-P, PRWE-F and PRWE-T respectively for the scale and all subscales. The PRWE-T scale was found to be highly reliable. A statistically significant correlation was found between PRWE-T and DASH in the criterion-related validity analysis (Spearman's rho=0.9). CONCLUSION: The PRWE-T was found to be valid and reliable. It is therefore suggested for use in evaluating patient-based pain and disability levels in routine clinical practice.