The relationship between physical activity level and balance parameters, muscle strength, fear of falling in patients with hypertension.

The number of studies investigating the role of physical activity and exercise in hypertension (HT) patients is insufficient in the literature, and reports evaluating the relationship between HT, physical activity, and balance are lacking. This study aims to examine the relationship between physical activity levels and balance parameters, muscle strength, and fear of falling in patients with HT. 78 subjects with HT participated in this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of all participants were recorded. Blood pressure was evaluated using a sphygmomanometer, physical activity level was assessed using a SenseWear Armband, fear of falling was assessed using the Fall Efficacy Scale, balance was assessed using the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale, and muscle strength was evaluated using a digital handheld dynamometer. All 78 subjects completed the study as planned. The average age of participants was 57.75 ±â€…5.82, the mean systolic blood pressure was 133 ±â€…5.73, and the diastolic blood pressure was 84 ±â€…6.78. 34.2% of participants used angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, 38% used beta blockers, and 26% used diuretic drugs. A positive correlation between physical activity and balance scores of individuals with HT was found (P < .005). It was also found that low muscle strength was associated with balance and risk of falling (P < .005). There is a positive correlation between decreased physical activity levels and balance in participants with HT. The results suggest that people with HT who have poor balance also have decreased muscle strength against gravity, such as in the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus. Overall, we recommend that patients with HT should improve their physical activity levels.

Blood flow restriction training on physical parameters in elite male canoe athletes.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect blood flow restriction (BFR) exercises on muscle size, strength and athletic performance in elite canoe athletes aged 18 to 25 years. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial. The participants were divided into 2 groups: the intervention group (INT-gr) (n = 17, age: 18.59 ± 0.71 years) and the control group (CONT-gr) (n = 16, age: 18.81 ± 1.11 years). Anthropometric measurements, muscle size measured by ultrasound (US), strength measurements with an isokinetic dynamometer, and ergometer performance with an indoor ergometer were conducted before and after the exercise program. Knee flexion and extension and leg press one-repetition maximum (1 RM) tests were performed to determine the participants' training program. The INT-gr performed 1 RM 30% resistance training + BFR for 8 weeks, while the CONT-gr performed 1 RM 30% resistance training (RT) without BFR with their routine training program. US was used to measure the cross sectional area (CSA) and thickness of the quadriceps femoris (QF) and Hamstring (H) muscles in the pre-post design, and the isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the strength of bilateral 60˚/s and 300˚/s peak torque (PT) values of the QF and H. Sports performance was tested on an indoor ergometer at distances of 200, 500, and 1000 m. RESULTS: The changes in bilateral rectus femoris (RF) CSA and VL thickness measurements in the INT-gr were significant (P < .05). Ergometer performance measurements showed a significant improvement over CONT-gr at all distances (P < .05). In terms of strength scores measured by the isokinetic dynamometer, the right QF and H 300˚/s and the left QF 60˚/s PT values were significantly in favor of INT-gr. CONCLUSION: BFR exercises are effective to increase strength, muscle size, and ergometer performance in elite canoe athletes.

A pilot study of the effects of supervised exercise training on body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, muscle strength and functional capacity in individuals with bariatric surgery.

The main objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of functional exercise training (FET) and home exercise training (HET) on body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, muscle strength, and functional capacity in individuals with bariatric surgery. The sample of the study included 30 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery. The FET group had functional exercise training consisting of stretching, aerobic, strengthening, and balance exercises assigned by a physiotherapist (n = 15), and the HET group had the same exercises under supervision (n = 15). The training sessions were planned as × 3 per week for a period of 8 weeks. Body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, cardiometabolic risk status, muscle strength, and functional capacity of all individuals were evaluated before and after training. According to the measurements, body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), C-reactive protein, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk total score, and ten-year cardiovascular percentage risk decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while HDL-C, leg, back, and hand grip strength (right-left), and walking distance increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the FET group. In the HET group, there were significant increases in body fat percentage (BFM %), BFM, and body muscle mass percentage (BMM %) (p < 0.05), while body muscle mass (BMM), right hand grip strength, leg and back muscle strength, and walking distance scores significantly decreased (p < 0.05). It was concluded that personalized and supervised FET has a positive effect on body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, muscle strength, and functional capacity, and it can be recommended as a safe exercise model for bariatric surgery patients.

The effects of Pilates on pain, functionality, quality of life, flexibility and endurance in lumbar disc herniation.

Aim: To assess the effects of clinical Pilates exercises (CPE) on the level of pain, functional status, flexibility, static and dynamic endurance of the trunk muscles and quality of life (QoL) in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Materials & methods: Individuals were divided into two groups: the CPE (6 weeks, three-times a week) group (n = 27) and the control group (n = 27). The clinical outcome measures were the visual analog scale for the evaluation of the pain intensity, Oswestry disability index for functional disability, short form-36 for health related QoL, sit and reach and hand finger floor distance test for the flexibility, side-bridge and sit-ups test for the static and dynamic endurance. Results: At the end of the 6 weeks the amount of decrease in the level of pain and Oswestry disability index, amount of increase in sit-reach test and hand-finger-to-floor distance, duration of the lateral bridge and sits-ups test and most of the short form-36 sub parameters was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the CPE group. Conclusion: CPE was an effective and safe method for symptomatic patients with lumbar disc herniation in reducing the pain level and functional disability and improving flexibility, static and dynamic endurance and partially their QoL. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03198273 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Effectiveness of clinical Pilates and home exercises in sagittal cervical disorientation: randomized controlled study.

Aim: To compare effects of clinical Pilates and home exercises on postural disorders, strength and endurance of deep cervical flexors (DCF), cervical range of motion (CROM), pain intensity and functional disability in sagittal cervical disorientation. Patients & methods: Fourty six patients were included and divided into two groups. Clinical Pilates group performed stabilization based exercise and home exercise group performed conventional exercises. Results: Craniovertebral, head tilt, cervicothoracic angles and strength and endurance of DCF muscles had improvement in favor of clinical Pilates group (p < 0.05). There was no difference between groups in terms of right-left acromial distance, pain intensity, functional disability and CROM parameters (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Clinical Pilates exercises have been found to provide clinically significant improvements in craniovertebral, head tilt, cervicothoracic angles and strength and endurance of DCF muscles. However, in the increase of CROM, decreasing pain severity and functional impairment parameters there was no superiority of both exercise training. Clinical trial registration number: NCT03352921 (Clinicaltrials.gov).

Lower extremity proprioceptive sensation in patients with early stage knee osteoarthritis: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Knee OA causes pain and proprioceptive impairment. The body acts as a closed kinetic chain, and deformation on the knee cannot only affect the knee joint but also can affect the other joints. OBJECTIVE: To assess the proprioception of lower extremity in early stage knee osteoarthritis compared with without knee osteoarthritis individuals. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 26 adults with early stage knee osteoarthritis and 26 subjects without knee osteoarthritis individuals. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index was used for clinical disease severity. Visual Analogue Scale was used for pain severity. Proprioception (position and motion sense) was measured by isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index total score was 10.9 ±â€¯5. Visual Analogue Scale scores during activity were found to be significantly higher than the scores at rest and night for both sides. Hip flexion and internal rotation joint position sense were significantly different between two groups (all p's < 0.05). Hip abduction, knee flexion, ankle and subtalar position sense, as well as hip and knee motion sense were similar between groups (all p's > 0.05). Ankle dorsiflexion and eversion motion sense were significantly different between two groups (all p's < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the hip flexion and internal rotation position sense and ankle/subtalar joints motion sense may be affected on early stage of knee osteoarthritis. Investigation of the mechanism of proprioception for joints and also focusing on the longitudinal relationship between proprioception, knee OA disease and symptoms is recommended for future studies.

The Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in Recovering From Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: A Crossover Study.

CONTEXT: Kinesio taping (KT) is a popular taping technique used in the recovery process; however, in the relevant literature, there is no real consensus on its efficacy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether rectus femoris KT application after delayed onset muscle soreness enhances recovery of muscle soreness, edema, and physical performance. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 22 healthy amateur male athletes participated in this study. DESIGN: Randomized, crossover study. SETTING: Human performance laboratory of the university. INTERVENTIONS: Participants performed an exercise protocol inducing delayed onset muscle soreness. They accomplished 2 distinct trials, with or without KT. The washout period between trials was 6 weeks. For the KT condition, KT inhibition technique was used and applied immediately after exercise bilaterally on rectus femoris. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Range of motion, muscle soreness, and edema were measured at baseline, 30 minutes, 24, 48, and 72 hours postexercise. Dynamic balance, sprint, and horizontal jump were evaluated at similar time frame except for 30-minute postexercise. RESULTS: The findings showed that there were no significant differences between the KT group (KTG) and control group for all outcome variables (P > .05). Muscle soreness returned to baseline values 72 hours postexercise only within the KTG (P > .05). Although the horizontal jump performance decreased substantially from baseline to 24 and 48 hours postexercise only within the control group (P < .05), the performance increased significantly from 24 to 72 hours postexercise within the KTG (P < .05). Balance increased significantly from baseline to 48 hours postexercise (P < .05) in both groups. Balance also increased significantly from baseline to 72 hours postexercise only within the KTG (P < .05). The effect size of soreness which is our primary outcome was large in both groups (r > .5). CONCLUSIONS: KT is favorable in the recovery of muscle soreness after delayed onset muscle soreness. KT has beneficial effects on horizontal jump performance and dynamic balance.

Effectiveness of the muscle energy technique on respiratory muscle strength and endurance in patients with fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is characterized by a chronic and common musculoskeletal system pain that affects cervical mobility and inspiration. This may cause changes in thoracic mechanics. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of the muscle energy technique applied to cervical accessory respiratory muscles on respiratory muscle strength and endurance in patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: The participants were 37 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia. They were assessed for their respiratory muscle strength, respiratory muscle endurance, pain and fatigue severity, flexibility and disability. The muscle energy technique was applied to the scalene, upper trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid muscles after a superficial heat application. The treatment was continued for 3 weeks with 3 sessions per week. RESULTS: After the treatment, expiratory muscle strength and respiratory muscle endurance increased significantly. Severity of pain and fatigue and disability were reduced, cervical flexibility increased significantly (p< 0.05). The effect size was r⩾ 0.4 for all the variables. CONCLUSION: The muscle energy technique applied to cervical accessory respiratory muscles in patients with fibromyalgia who had complaints in the neck and back region positively increased respiratory muscle strength and endurance, cervical flexibility, and decrease pain intensity, fatigue and disability. It is recommended that subsequent randomized studies are carried out with a placebo control group.

The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB-T) scale.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the FAB(FAB-T) scale in the older Turkish adults. METHODS: The reliability and validity of the scale was tested on 200 community-dwelling older adults. FAB-T scale was scored by different physiotherapists on different days to evaluate inter-rater and intrarater reliability. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used for the evaluation of convergent validity, and the content validity of the FAB-T scale was investigated. RESULTS: The FAB-T scale showed very high inter- and intra-rater reliability. For inter-rater agreement, on the individual test items and total score ICC values were 0.92 (95 %CI; 0.90-0.94) and 0.96 (95% CI; 0.95-0.97) respectively. The intra-rater agreement, on the individual test items and total score ICC values were 0.93 (95 %CI; 0.91- 0.95) and 0.96 (95% CI; 0.95- 0.97) respectively. There was a good agreement between the FAB-T and BBS scales. A high correlation was found between the BBS and FAB-T scales [rho = 0.70 (%95 CI; 0.62-0.76)] indicating good convergent validity. Considering the content validity of the FAB-T scale, no floor (floor score: 0%) or ceiling (ceiling score: 6.5%) effect was detected. CONCLUSION: The FAB-T scale was successfully translated from the original English version (FAB) and demonstrated strong psychometric features. It was found that the FAB-T scale has very high inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Considering the convergent validity, the scale has high correlation with the BBS. The FAB-T has no floor and ceiling effect.

Evaluation of the physical activity level, nutrition quality, and depression in patients with metabolic syndrome: Comparative study.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex problem that contains risk factors related with obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and type-II diabetes. The incidence of MetS is increasing every year throughout the world.The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare physical activity levels, nutrition quality, and depression status of the individuals who are diagnosed with and without MetS.International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used. In addition, biochemical analysis and anthropometric measurements were also taken.According to IPAQ, 81.1% of the MetS group is inactive, 6.8% is active, and 5.1% is highly active, whereas 22.3% of the non-MetS group is inactive, 46.2% is active, and 31.5% is highly active. MEDAS was found to be lower in the MetS group. BDI levels were also determined high in the MetS group.Sedentary lifestyle, depression, and unhealthy nutrition habits are among the significant factors for the development of MetS. The knowledge levels of the people should be increased by developing national physical activity and nutrition guidelines.

Effectiveness of dry needling versus a classical physiotherapy program in patients with chronic low-back pain: a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

[Purpose] We compared the effectiveness of dry needling with a classical physiotherapy program in patients with chronic low-back pain caused by lumbar disc hernia (LHNP). [Subjects and Methods] In total, 34 subjects were allocated randomly to the study (n=18) and control groups (n=16). In the study group, dry needling was applied using acupuncture needles. The control group performed a home exercise program in addition to hot pack, TENS, and ultrasound applications. Pain was assessed with the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire. The number of trigger points and their pressure sensitivity were evaluated with a physical examination (palpation). The Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess depression. The Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale was used to assess fear of movement. [Results] In the study group, the calculated Cohen's effect sizes were bigger than those in the control group in terms of pain, trigger point-related variables, and fear of movement. Effect sizes for reducing depressive symptoms were similar in both groups. [Conclusion] These results suggest that dry needling can be an effective treatment for reducing pain, number of trigger points, sensitivity, and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic low-back pain caused by lumbar disc hernia.

Determining the relationship of kinesiophobia with respiratory functions and functional capacity in ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease that affects the axial skeleton, causes inflammatory lower back pain, and structural and functional disorders, which affect quality of life negatively.The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of kinesiophobia in AS on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and functional performance.Thirty-one individuals with AS (n = 19 male, n = 12 female) who were suitable on the basis of the Modified New York (MNY) criteria were included in the study. The participants were given the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), in addition to the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TKS), PFTs, respiratory muscle strength, pain evaluation, and 6-minute walking test (6MWT).The mean values were found as the following: TKS, 41.65 ±â€Š7.59; pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, 6.23 ±â€Š2.86; forced vital capacity (%) (FVC), 75.35% ±â€Š17.92%; forced expiratory volume in first second (%) (FEV1), 73.45% ±â€Š17.20%; FEV1/FVC (%), 75.58% ±â€Š15.99%; peak expiratory flow (%) (PEF), 54,90% ±â€Š20.21%; forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% (FEF25-75), 77.71% ±â€Š27.05%; maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), 62.06 ±â€Š31.68; maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), 95.94 ±â€Š36.60; 6MWT, 445.88 ±â€Š99.48. The scores obtained in TKS were found related to the values of FVC (%), FEV1 (%), chest expansion, BASFI, modified Schober test, lumbar lateral flexion, cervical rotation, and total BASMI score (r = -0.43, -0.36, -0.41, 0.42, -0.49, -0.56, -0.52, 0.56, respectively; P < .05).Kinesiophobia is a condition that may arise in individuals with AS, which has negative effects. Physiotherapists have a responsibility to eliminate kinesiophobia beliefs and prefer therapy method in line with this responsibility.

The effects of clinical pilates exercises on bone mineral density, physical performance and quality of life of women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate effects of Clinical Pilates Exercises on bone mineral density (BMD), physical performance and quality of life (QOL) in postmenopausal osteoporosis. METHODS: Forty-one women were recruited to the study. The subjects were divided into two groups, as the Pilates group and the control group. Subjects were evaluated for BMD at the lumbar region. Physical performance level was measured. Pain intensity level was scored with Visual Analogue Scale. QUALEFFO-41 was used for assessing QOL. RESULTS: BMD values increased in the Pilates group (p < 0.05), while BMD decreased in the control group (p< 0.05). Physical performance test results showed significant increases in the Pilates group (p< 0.05) whereas there was no changes in the control group (p> 0.05). Pain intensity level in the Pilates group was significantly decreased after the exercise (p< 0.05), while it was unchanged in the control group. There were significant increases in all parameters of QOL in the Pilates group. Conversely, some parameters of QOL showed decreases in the control group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pilates Exercises is effective to increase BMD; QOL and walking distance and also beneficial to relieve pain. Physiotherapist can use Pilates Exercises for the subjects with osteoporosis in the clinics.