Comparison of the Effects of Low-Dye and Kinesiology Taping in Plantar Fasciitis on Pain and Function: A Randomized Double-Blind Study.

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is becoming an increasingly common source of limitation in people's daily activities. As such, this study sought to investigate the effects of kinesiology taping (KT) and low-Dye taping treatments, used in conjunction with extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), on pain and function in patients with PF. METHODS: To conduct this randomized controlled study, 45 individuals with PF aged 18 to 65 years were included, with 15 individuals assigned to each group: the KT, low-Dye, and control groups. Pain intensity was evaluated using the visual analog scale, and functionality was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale before and after the study. Each group received three sessions of ESWT. RESULTS: When pretreatment and post-treatment differences were analyzed, first-step pain in the morning, pain with palpation, and pain after prolonged standing were reduced in the KT, low-Dye, and control groups (P < .05 for all). There were differences in the AOFAS total score in the KT (P <.001; r = 2.03), low-Dye (P < .001; r = 1.49), and control (P = .003; r = 0.92) groups. Low-Dye taping was more effective than the control in reducing pain with standing and improving AOFAS function scores (P < .05). Low-Dye taping and KT were effective in improving AOFAS total scores (P < .05) but were not superior to each other (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, taping techniques such as KT and low-Dye, combined with conventional treatments such as ESWT, may be beneficial for improving pain and function in individuals with PF. Further randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Effects of online education on prosthetics orthotics education during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: It is obvious that educational activities were affected globally due to the pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study was planned to examine the effects of online education on undergraduate degree (UD) and associate degree (AD) Orthotics and Prosthesis education in the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN: A crossectional online survey. METHOD: The Google Forms questionnaire was delivered to students of Orthotics and Prosthesis in the level of undergraduate degree and AD and academicians conducted in the study. Next, the participants were reviewed regarding their knowledge about devices used for online education and related technical problems. A 5-point Likert-type questionnaire with 18 questions that was developed specifically for this study was applied to examine their views on online education. RESULTS: The study included 472 participants who had a mean age of 21.30 ± 0.22 years. Among the participants, 262 were AD students (55.5%). Approximately 82% of the participants were used their mobile phones for connection. The connection problems, and inappropriateness of online education in applied course, preference of online education for theoretical courses, insufficiency of digital course materials, failure to access education easily, insufficiency of online examinations for measurement and evaluation, and preference of homework over online education were stated by 79%, 88.3%, 41.9%, 54.5%, 70.1%, 41.7%, and 42.8% of the participants, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both academicians and students experienced connection problems, and applied courses were not suitable for online education. Motivation to attend the courses was low in online education, relevant workload increased, online examinations were not sufficient for measurement and evaluation, and studies were more unplanned. It is necessary to switch to formal education after the pandemic.

A content comparison of 4 commonly used adult upper limb amputee outcome measurements with application of the refinements of International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health linking rules.

INTRODUCTION: The application of the refinements of linking rules to the outcome measurement methods provides an opportunity to obtain information concerning what the available instruments actually measure and how the instrument measures certain outcomes. The purpose of the study was to analyze the content of 4 commonly used upper limb amputee scales using the refined International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) linking rules. METHODS: The Upper Extremity Functional Status module of the Orthotics and Prosthetics User Survey (OPUS-UEFS), Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales, Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP), and Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand were analyzed by 2 health professionals for a content comparison based on ICF categories. The Kappa statistic was used to calculate the degree of agreement between 2 professionals. RESULTS: The scale questions were linked with 43 different ICF codes in this study. Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale addresses all ICF domains. All items of SHAP and most items of OPUS-UEFS were linked to the activity-participation domain. Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand items were linked with activity-participation and body function domains. The perspectives of OPUS-UEFS and SHAP are descriptive. The perspectives of Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand were descriptive and appraisal. The perspectives of Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale subscales were descriptive, appraisal, and needs or dependency. Estimated kappa values ranged from 0.44 to 0.91 for ICF codes. CONCLUSIONS: Most concepts in the scales were frequently linked to the activity-participation domain. We think that the results of this study will be a useful guide to clinicians and researchers in selecting relevant and appropriate outcome measurements for upper limb amputee rehabilitation.

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ-TR). METHODS: Included in this study were 248 patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) according to Diagnostic Criteria for TMD Axis I protocol. Construct-related validity was evaluated through internal and external construct validity; convergent and divergent validities were evaluated by the average variance extracted (AVE), composite reliability (CR), and bivariate correlations between factors. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: All items of the MFIQ-TR had content validity and factor loadings above 0.5. The model statistics indicated a good fit. The convergent validity was very good (AVE > 0.5 and CR > 0.7), and the discriminant validity was satisfied. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the MFIQ-TR were excellent. CONCLUSION: The MFIQ-TR is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the impairment of mandibular function in Turkish patients with TMD.

A comparison of the effectiveness of splinting, exercise and electrotherapy in women patients with hallux valgus: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) is a very common foot deformity involving lateral deviation of the hallux and medial deviation of the first metatarsal head. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of HV night splinting, exercise and electrotherapy on the HV angle, and foot-specific health-related quality of life. METHODS: Sixty women (120 feet) with bilateral HV deformity were randomly assigned to one of three groups - an HV night splint (SP) group, an exercise (EX) group, and a high-voltage galvanic stimulation (HVPGS) (EL) group. The patients in SP group used the HV night splints while resting or sleeping for at least 8 h a day and the patients in the EX group performed exercises 3-4 times a day with 10 repetitions for the duration of the one-month treatment period. Twenty-minute HVPGS was applied in total over three weekly sessions for four weeks in EL group. Angular degrees (hallux interphalangeal angle (HIPA), HV angle (HVA), and intermetatarsal angle (IMA)) were determined before (t0) and three months after treatment (t2). Foot-specific quality of life was assessed using the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOFQ) at t0, after one month (t1), and at t2. RESULTS: All groups exhibited significant changes in the HIPA, HVA, and IMA angles and outcome measures (p ≤ 0.001). Decreases in the HIPA and IMA angles, and MOFQ-Pain subscale scores, were higher in the SP group than in the other two groups (p < 0.05). IMA angle at t2, MOFQ-Walking score at t1 and t2 and MOFQ-Pain subscale score at t1 were lower in the SP group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The SP group exhibited more positive effects in the parameters measured than the other two groups. A combination of these conservative treatment approaches may be more beneficial to improve HV symptoms with longer follow-up periods. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04393545.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish Version of Arthritis Research UK Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire (MSK-HQ-T) for assessing the general health status in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ax-SpA patients (42 males, 58 females; mean age 40.3±9.1 years; range, 18 to 65 years) who were able to speak and understand Turkish language were included in this study. All participants answered MSK-HQ-T, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and Short-Form 36 (SF-36). MSK-HQ-T was repeated five-seven days later for test-retest and internal consistency reliability. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.912, demonstrating high internal consistency. The test-retest score of MSK-HQ-T was 0.968, which was significant. The correlation of MSK-HQ-T with the subgroup scores of SF-36 was statistically significant (p<0.001). The correlation between MSK-HQ-T and the total scores of BASDAI and BASFI was statistically significant (r=-0.788, p<0.001; r=-0.743, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The MSK-HQ-T is a reliable and valid questionnaire to assess general health status in Turkish patients with ax-SpA.

Photobiomodulation Therapy Versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis.

Objective: To compare the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on lateral epicondylitis (LE). Background: Although several authors have investigated the effects of PBMT and ESWT on LE, only one study to date has compared ESWT with PBMT. Ours is also the first study assessing patient satisfaction levels and quality of life in addition to comparing the two methods. Methods: Forty-three patients were randomly divided into two groups: 23 (mean age: 48.2 ± 9.4; 17 female, 6 male) were included in the PBMT group and 20 (mean age: 48.0 ± 9.9; 15 female, 5 male) in the ESWT group. PBMT was applied three times a week for 4 weeks, and ESWT once a week for 4 weeks. Stretching and eccentric strengthening exercises were also given to both groups as a home program. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) were used for evaluating upper extremity functions. Pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS), and muscle strengths were also assessed using a hand-held dynamometer. The 12-Item Short Form (SF-12) Survey Physical and Mental Component Scales were used to evaluate quality of life, and the global rating of change scale to evaluate patient satisfaction. Patients were assessed before treatment and at 12-week follow-up. Results: Improvements for elbow extension and shoulder flexion strength and for VAS movement were observed only in the PBMT group, whereas improvement of handgrip strength was present in both groups (p < 0.05). However, handgrip strength was superior in the PBMT group than in the ESWT group (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Both PBMT and ESWT are useful and can be used in the treatment of LE.

A comparison of the effects of mirror therapy and phantom exercises on phantom limb pain

Background/aim: Although mirror therapy (MT) and phantom exercises (PE) have been shown to reduce pain, the efficacy of these methods in terms of pain, quality of life (QoL), and psychological status (PS) has not been investigated and compared to date. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any difference between MT and PE in the treatment of phantom limb pain (PLP). Materials and methods: Forty unilateral transtibial amputees (aged 18­45 years) participated in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into 'MT group' and 'PE group'. QoL was assessed using Short-Form 36 (SF-36), psychological status using the Beck depression inventory (BDI), and pain intensity using a visual analog scale (VAS), before and at the end of the program, and on the 3rd and 6th months thereafter. Results: All assessments for all parameters improved significantly in both groups (P < 0.05). Comparison of the two groups revealed a significant difference in changes for VAS and BDI in all measurements, and in pre- and posttreatment scores for all SF-36 parameters (except for Role-Emotional) in favor of the MT group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: While pain intensity decreased and QoL and PS improved in both the MT and PE groups, these improvements were greater in the MT group.

Developing a shoulder pain scale for wheelchair basketball players.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain in wheelchair (WC) basketball players is common. Yet there was no scale to define shoulder pain. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to develop a shoulder pain scale for WC basketball players. METHODS: A five-step procedure was followed: Identifying the feature, writing down the items and drafting the form, formulating the final form, pre-pilot-pilot implementation, and validity-reliability analyses. The final form of the scale consisted of 15 items about self-care and sport-specific activities. RESULTS: External factor analysis showed that the scale had a two-factor structure which is "Shoulder Pain during Sports" and "Shoulder Pain during Self-care Activities". Pre-rotation results of factor analysis showed that if all of the items were loaded on the first factor, it would have an eigenvalue more than 7 times larger than the eigenvalue of the second factor. Therefore, it can be concluded that the scale can be used as a one-dimensional scale. The Cronbach's Alpha values were found to be 0.94 and 0.92 for the shoulder pain factor during sports and self-care activities, respectively. Total value was found to be 0.95. The corrected item-total correlation values were all above 0.60. CONCLUSIONS: This newly developed valid, reliable scale allows assessment of the shoulder pain of WC basketball players.

Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of Foot and Ankle Ability Measure for Patients With Chronic Ankle Disability.

The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure is a valid, reliable, and widely used self-reported questionnaire for the foot. It has been adapted and validated for a Turkish-speaking population. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence for validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Foot and Ankle Measure (FAAM-T) in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). A total of 316 patients with CAI were enrolled. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Validity was examined using correlations with the Short Form Health Survey version 2.0 (SF-36v2) questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha scores were 0.94 and 0.96 for the the FAAM-T ADL (Activities of Daily Living) and FAAM-T Sports subscales, respectively, indicating high internal consistency. For the second administration, Cronbach's alpha was found to be 0.96 for both subscales of the FAAM-T. The test-retest reliability of the FAAM-T was very high for both subscales with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.97 and 0.94, respectively (p < .001). The standard error of the mean and minimal detectable change were determined to be 2.5 and 6.7 for the FAAM-T ADL and 6.9 and 18.5 for the FAAM-T Sport. The FAAM-T ADL and Sport subscales were strongly correlated with the SF-36v2 PF (physical functioning; r = 0.51, r = 0.40, respectively; p = .001) and SF-36v2 PCS (physical component scale; r = 0.64, r = 0.55, respectively; p = .001). The weakest associations between the FAAM-T ADL and Sport and the SF-36v2 were noted for the mental health subscale (r = 0.08 and r = 0.03) and the SF-36v2 MCS (mental component scale; r = .05 and r = .006, respectively). This study provides evidence for validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability for the FAAM-T to evaluate patients with CAI.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Foot Function Index in patients with foot disorders

Background/aim: The Foot Function Index (FFI) is a valid, reliable, and widely used self-reported questionnaire for the foot. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence for the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the FFI (FFI-TR) among patients with foot disorders such as plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus, pes planus, and hammertoe deformities. Materials and methods: One hundred and fifty-nine patients with foot disorders were enrolled. The psychometric properties of the previously translated and adapted FFI-TR were assessed. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Construct validity was examined for correlations with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Results: Cronbach's alpha ranged between 0.821 and 0.938. Reproducibility was satisfactory, with intraclass correlation coefficient values between 0.960 and 0.985. Weak correlations were found between FFI-TR and some SF-36 subscales for validity (|rho| < 0.30). There was a ceiling effect for the activity limitation subscale. There were no floor effects for any items or application times. Good accuracy was determined for all scores. Conclusion: FFI-TR is a reliable and valid scale. This tool can be used in routine practice and clinical research for evaluating foot disorders and foot-related functional impairments.

The profile of upper extremity muscular strength in female wheelchair basketball players: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the profile of upper extremity muscle strength in female wheelchair basketball players with that of sex-matched non-disabled controls. METHODS: Nineteen female subjects were enrolled in this study. These were divided into two groups. Group 1 (N.=10) consisted of wheelchair basketball players and Group 2 (N.=9) of non-disabled individuals. Muscular strength in the shoulder was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Isometric and isotonic muscular endurance in the shoulder joint was evaluated in terms of the length of time subjects could hold a 5-kg dumbbell at 45° and the number of abduction repetitions to 45° with a 5-kg dumbbell in 30 seconds, respectively. Pinch strength and hand grip strength were measured using a Pinch gauge and hand dynamometer, respectively. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of all parameters of muscular strength in the shoulder joint, hand grip and pinch strength. Upper extremity muscular strength in female wheelchair basketball players was greater than in the non-disabled controls. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the difference in muscle strength between the groups mostly derived from using wheelchairs due to players' intense training and busy match schedules. Additionally, the profile of upper extremity muscle strength in female wheelchair basketball players in our study can be used as basic data for the introduction of exercise rehabilitation programs and as a guide for future research.

A comparison of the effects of exercises plus connective tissue massage to exercises alone in women with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a 6-week combined exercise program with and without connective tissue massage (CTM) on pain, fatigue, sleep problem, health status, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Patients were randomly allocated into Exercise (n = 20) and Exercise + CTM (n = 20) groups. The exercise program with and without CTM was carried out 2 days a week for 6 weeks. Pain, fatigue, sleep problem with Visual Analog Scales, health status with Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and quality of life with Short Form-36 were evaluated. After the program, pain, fatigue and sleep problem reduced, health status (except of the scores of FIQ-1 and FIQ-10), physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, bodily pain, role limitations due to emotional health, vitality, and general health perceptions parameters related to quality of life improved in the Exercise group, (P < 0.05). In the Exercise + CTM group, pain, fatigue and sleep problem decreased, health status and quality of life improved (P < 0.05). Pain, fatigue, sleep problem, and role limitations due to physical health improved in the Exercise + CTM group in comparison to the Exercise group (P < 0.05). The study suggested that exercises with and without CTM might be effective for decreasing pain, fatigue and sleep problem whereas increasing health status and quality of life in patients with FMS. However, exercises with CTM might be superior in improving pain, fatigue, sleep problem, and role limitations due to physical health compared to exercise alone.