Relationship of muscle thickness, strength, and diaphragm function in adults with cystic fibrosis.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the muscle thickness, strength, and diaphragmatic function and relate them with clinical findings. Patients and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 54 participants (27 males, 27 females; mean age; 24.5±5.3 years; range, 18 to 45 years) between January 2017 and October 2017. Of the participants, 31 were adult CF patients, and 23 were age-and sex-matched controls. Patient demographics, 6-min walk distance, body mass index (BMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were evaluated. Each patient underwent pulmonary function tests. Quadriceps femoris thickness and diaphragm thickening fraction were assessed by ultrasonography. Upper extremity strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer. Results: There was no difference between the patients' and controls' BMI (p=0.052). However, patients' FFMI was lower than the controls' (p=0.010). The FFMI correlated with pulmonary function tests. Patients' both right and left quadriceps femoris muscles were thinner than the controls (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Patients with pancreatic insufficiency had thinner muscles than patients without pancreatic insufficiency. The control group had a stronger handgrip than CF patients (33.5±10.1 vs. 24.5±9.2 kg, p=0.003). Conclusion: Peripheral muscle wasting and weakness and lower functional capacity are highly prevalent in CF patients.

Implementation of standardized cystic fibrosis care algorithm to improve the center data-quality improvement project international collaboration.

BACKGROUND: A collaboration between the University of Michigan (U of M) Cystic Fibrosis Center (CFC) and Marmara University (MU) CFC was initiated to improve the health status of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) at MU through implementing Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives. The main aim was to improve lung function in children with FEV1pp <80. The secondary aim was to assess the changes in health related quality of life. METHODS: Included in the project were pwCF who received cystic fibrosis (CF) care at the MU CFC and were 6-18 years of age with an FEV1pp <80. Flow charts were created and a standardized CF care algorithm was implemented. Weekly case review were done to develop individualized treatment plans. Appropriate intervention was applied and patient data were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The Cystic Fibrosis Revised Questionnaire (CFQ-R) was completed. RESULTS: 55 pwCF were included (mean age:11.8 ± 3.3 years). Mean FEV1pp (SD) at baseline, 6 and 12 month was 63.7 (14.6), 66.9 (16.6), 70.4 (19.2), respectively, with a relative increase of 5.0% in 6 months (p:0.002) and 10.5% in 12 months compared to baseline (p<0.001). Physical functioning, eating problems and respiratory symptoms domains of the CFQ-R questionnaire were improved at the end of the one year for 6-13 (p = 0.024, p = 0.009, p = 0.002) and 13-18 year olds (p = 0.013, p = 0.002, p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: There was significant improvement in pwCF with FEV1<80%pp after implementing this QI project. The processes and assessments used can be adopted by other low-middle income countries to improve similar measures.

The safety and sustainability of bottle-pep therapy in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis.

INTRODUCTION: Airway clearance techniques, which include positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices, are essential in the pulmonary rehabilitation of cystic fibrosis (CF). Bottle-PEP is a low-cost but an effective alternative. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to document the sustainability and safety of Bottle-PEP therapy as a home rehabilitation aid. METHODS: The study has been designed as a prospective case series. Patients with CF at the age of 6-18 years in acute exacerbation period were included in the study. Bottle-PEP training was given by a competent physiotherapist to those patients who did not use any method, and those who currently use another device were followed up with their existing devices. Thus, patients divided into two groups were followed up for 1 year. The patients were evaluated by phone every 2 weeks for exacerbation, regular and proper use of the device, and satisfaction during their follow-up. The patients were evaluated every 3 months with pulmonary function tests, 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and quality of life. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included in the study. The acute exacerbation score of the patients was 4.5 in the Bottle-PEP group and 6 in the other group, showing no significant difference (p = .1). Treatment compliance scores were compared, the median value of the Bottle-PEP group was 24 the other group was 27 and there was no significant difference (p = .6). During follow-up of, there were no significant differences in FEV1, 6MWT and quality of life data (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Bottle-PEP treatment is not different from other devices in terms of long-term usability and safety in patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Comparison of cutaneous silent period parameters in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome with the healthy population and determination of its relationship with clinical parameters.

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is one of the main neurological manifestations in primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS). For the detection of SFN, cutaneous silent period (CSP) measurement is gaining popularity recently due to its non-invasiveness and practical application. Evaluating SFN involvement in patients with pSS using CSP and evaluating its relationship with clinical parameters. Patients with a diagnosis of pSS and healthy volunteers demographically homogeneous with the patient group were included in the study. The CSP responses were recorded over the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. The latency and duration values of the responses were obtained. In patient group, EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) and Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) were applied for the evaluation of symptom severity, mood, quality of life, presence of neuropathic pain and central sensitization, respectively. The mean CSP latency was significantly longer in patient group compared to control group (p < 0.001). Mean CSP duration was also significantly shorter in patient group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in CSP parameters according to patients' neuropathic pain or central sensitization profile. There were significant correlations of CSP parameters (latency and duration, respectively) with ESSPRI dryness (ρ = 0.469, p = 0.004; ρ = -0.553, p < 0.001), fatigue (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.011; ρ = -0.505, p = 0.002), pain (ρ = 0.428, p = 0.009; ρ = -0.57, p < 0.001) subscores and mean ESSPRI score (ρ = 0.631, p < 0.001; ρ = -0.749, p < 0.001). When SF-36 subscores and CSP parameters were investigated, a significant correlation was found only between "bodily pain" subscore and CSP duration (ρ = -0.395, p = 0.017). In HADS, LANSS and CSI evaluations, a significant correlation was found only between HADS anxiety score and the CSP duration (ρ = 0.364, p = 0.02). As indicated by CSP measurement, SFN is more prominent in patients with pSS than in the healthy population. It is important to investigate the presence of SFN because of its correlation with the leading symptoms in the clinical spectrum of pSS.

A case report of lumbosacral plexopathy in a patient with a history of sacral chordoma and radiotherapy: Will the detection of myokymia on the EMG help to solve the case?1.

BACKGROUND: When a patient with a prior history of malignancy and radiotherapy develops progressive weakness as a presentation of plexus involvement, the differential diagnosis usually rests between radiation-induced plexopathy and invasion from recurrent tumor. The presence of myokymic discharges is helpful in differentiating radiation-induced from neoplastic plexopathy. OBJECTIVE: To present a case report of a patient with chordoma, a locally aggressive tumor, who was diagnosed with recurrent tumor accompanied by the occurrence of myokymia in needle electromyographic examination. METHOD: A 55-year-old male patient with a history of chordoma and radiotherapy presented to our outpatient clinic with complaints of foot drop, and impaired walking for two months. His latest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which was performed three months earlier did not show recurrence. Upon electromyographic evaluation, myokymia, the pathognomic electromyography abnormal wave for radiation plexopathy was detected supporting a diagnosis of radiation plexitis rather than recurrent neoplastic invasion. One month later he presented with more severe pain and was re-evaluated by an MRI, on which a mass was detected indicating relapse. CONCLUSION: With this case report, we would like to emphasize that the behaviour of the tumor should be considered and imaging should be repeated when tumors display aggressive or recurrent behaviour.

The effectiveness of additional long-term use of bottle-positive expiratory pressure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A single-blind, randomized study.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the long-term use of bottle-positive expiratory pressure (PEP) in addition to breathing exercises as a home-based rehabilitation aid on exercise capacity, spirometric parameters, and quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Patients and methods: From a total of 30 patients with stable moderate-to-severe COPD, 24 (22 males, 2 females; mean age: 62.4+7.2 years; range, 40 to 75 years) were included in the final study and randomized into two groups: the group that performed breath retaining techniques and the group that was instructed to use the bottle-PEP in addition to these techniques. Patients were evaluated with modified Medical Research Council scale, COPD assessment test (CAT), spirometry, St. George`s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) before, three months and six months after the initiation of the program. Results: In the bottle-PEP group, patients` mean 6MWD increased from 380.6±67.6 to 444.1±22.0 m (p=0.002), the mean CAT score decreased from 17.8±36.8 to 12.9±6.2 (p=0.03), and the mean SGRQ total score significantly decreased from 57.1±23.1 to 47.6±21.9 (p<0.05) after three months. The improvement in 6MWD continued in six months but disappeared in SGRQ and CAT scores. In the exercise group, only the 6MWD improved, and there were no significant improvements in other parameters regardless of time. There were no significant differences between the groups in any of the parameters at any follow-up session. Conclusion: While bottle-PEP does not significantly contribute when added to breathing exercises in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD in improving function and quality of life, it can be used as a safe choice in patients` home rehabilitation programs.

Assessment of the relationship between rectus femoris cross-sectional area and knee extension strength in the prosthesis users with transtibial amputation: A case-control study.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate cross-sectional area of the amputated-limb rectus femoris compared to the intact-limb and controls and to determine its correlation with functional strength and walking tests in prosthesis users with transtibial amputation. Patients and methods: Between October 2018 and April 2019, a total of 14 prosthesis users (12 males, 2 females; mean age: 47.1±16.2 years; range, 26 to 73 years) who met the inclusion criteria, and 14 age-, sex-, and dominancy-matched able-bodied controls (12 males, 2 females; mean age: 47.1±16.2 years; range, 26 to 73 years) were included in this case-control study. Cross-sectional area of rectus femoris (CSA-RF) was evaluated bilaterally by two independent examiners. Knee extension strength was measured bilaterally by using a handheld dynamometer. Functional strength and walking were assessed by Step-Up-Over and Walk-Across tests of the NeuroCom Balance Master® device. Results: The CSA-RF was found to be reduced in amputated-limb compared to the intact-limb and able-bodied controls (p<0.01). In the prosthesis users, the cross-sectional area difference between both limbs rectus femoris muscles was shown to be correlated with actual and functional knee extension strength, step length, and walking speed (p<0.05). Intra- and inter-observer reliability of CSA-RF on both sides were found to be good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.856-0.936). Conclusion: Ultrasonographic measurement of CSA-RF is a valid and reliable tool to assess the functional strength and walking in the prosthesis users with unilateral transtibial amputation.

Small touches to big walks -the impact of rehabilitation on Sjögren-Larsson syndrome: A case report.

Sjögren-Larsson syndrome (SLS) is a rare neurocutaneous disorder characterized by the presence of congenital ichthyosis, spasticity, and mental retardation. As with other rare genetic diseases, treatment is mainly symptomatic. Due to the absence of definitive treatment, lifelong follow-up and support of patients are important to improve the quality of life. A 7-year-old female child who was diagnosed as having SLS was referred to the rehabilitation clinic. After 20 sessions of a rehabilitation program, she started walking independently with the additional contribution of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). The contribution of the short-term rehabilitation approach and especially the administration of AFOs to the independence level of the patient is emphasized herein.

Comparison of telerehabilitation versus home-based video exercise in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a single-blind randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have lost their access to on-site rehabilitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Telerehabilitation can be a viable approach for these patients to protect their muscle strength and functional status. The aim of this study is to compare telerehabilitation with home-based video exercises. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Male, ambulatory DMD patients were randomized into telerehabilitation and video-exercise groups. Nineteen patients were included in the final analyses. Telerehabilitation consisted of live online exercises, while video exercise implemented a pre-recorded video as a home-based program. Both programs spanned 8 weeks, three times a week. Patients' muscle strength with a hand-held dynamometer, Quick Motor Function Test, North-Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Caregiver Burden were recorded before and after treatment. RESULTS: The 6MWT of the telerehabilitation group was391.26 ± 95.08 m before and387.75 ± 210.93 after treatment (p = 0.94) and 327.46 ± 103.88 m before treatment and313.77 ± 114.55 after treatment in video group (p = 0.63). The mean NSAA score of the telerehabilitation group were26.70 ± 8.04 before treatment and 25.20 ± 11.33 after treatment (p = 0.24). In the video group scores were 21.66 ± 6.65 before to 22.00 ± 8.61 after treatment (p = 0.87). There were no significant changes between groups at the end of the treatments. The telerehabilitation group's neck extension, bilateral shoulder abduction, and left shoulder flexion, bilateral knee flexion and extension, bilateral ankle dorsiflexion, and left ankle plantar flexion strength improved significantly and were better than the video group (p < 0.05 for all measurements). CONCLUSION: A telerehabilitation approach is superior in improving muscle strength than a video-based home exercise, but none of the programs improved functional outcomes in ambulatory patients with DMD.

Respiratory outcome of spinal muscular atrophy type 1 patients treated with nusinersen.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory failure is the leading cause of mortality in spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) children. The current study aims to evaluate the effect of nusinersen treatment on respiratory outcome of the patients with SMA1. METHODS: In this retrospective, single-center study, 52 SMA1 patients treated with nusinersen were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into two groups based on their age at the time of their first nusinersen treatment (Group 1: ≤6 months, Group 2: >6 months). Respiratory outcome on the 180th day of treatment is defined as the type of ventilation support (spontaneous breathing, noninvasive ventilation (NIV), and tracheostomized or intubated on invasive mechanical ventilation). Demographic data, respiratory outcome, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders scores were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: On the 180th day of treatment, 46 of the 52 (88.4%) children were alive. Prevalence of the mortality was similar in both groups (P = 0.65). The comparison of respiratory outcome in patients between group 1 and group 2 was as follows: spontaneous breathing, 7 (43.7%) versus 4 (13.3%) (P = 0.03); NIV <16 h/day, 3 (18.7%) versus 4 (13.3%) (P = 0.68); invasive mechanical ventilation, 6 (37.5%) versus 22 (73.3%) (P = 0.01). There were no patients using NIV ≥16 h/day. There were significant improvements in Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders scores of the patients at day 180 in comparison with the baseline (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Early initiation of nusinersen treatment in SMA1 patients may alter the disease's natural course.

Interrater Reliability, Acceptability, and Practicality of Real-Time Video Pediatric Gait, Arms, Legs, and Spine for Musculoskeletal Assessment of Children During Telemedicine Visits.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: With the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, telemedicine applications gained momentum, and clinicians tried to develop various musculoskeletal examination methods to be used in telemedicine visits. The aim of this study is to investigate the interrater reliability, acceptability, and practicality of the real-time video Pediatric Gait, Arms, Legs, and Spine (v-pGALS) assessment used in the evaluation during the telemedicine visit. METHODS: The study was designed as cross-sectional. Twenty school-aged children who presented to outpatient clinics with musculoskeletal complaints were included. For interrater reliability, the children were evaluated by face-to-face examination with v-pGALS, and then the child was reevaluated by another physiatrist with real-time evaluation (online video call) with the help of a parent. For acceptability, the time taken and the discomfort caused were evaluated by patients/parents with the smiley face visual analog scale, whereas to assess practicality, the ratio of completeness to duration of examination completion was recorded. RESULTS: κ coefficient of the agreement was found to be 0.88 between the results of the face-to-face examination and online video examination, suggesting very good agreement between the 2 raters. Acceptability of v-pGALS by parents and patients was high; 60% of children and 80% of parents found the duration of examination acceptable, and 70% of the patients and 95% of parents reported no discomfort caused by examination. The duration of face-to-face examination was 5.75 ± 1.29 minutes, whereas the duration of online examination was 15.81 ± 4.9 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Video pGALS is a reliable, acceptable, and practical examination system that can be used for musculoskeletal assessment of children in telemedicine visits.

The effect of telerehabilitation on quality of life, anxiety, and depression in children with cystic fibrosis and caregivers: A single-blind randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Postural and aerobic exercises are essential in rehabilitation in cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study is to examine the effect of telerehabilitation on the quality of life, depression, and anxiety levels of children with CF and their caregivers' mood and anxiety levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients between the ages of 6-13 with CF were randomized into two groups. Study group received an exercise program three times a week via Zoom for 12 weeks. Cystic Fibrosis Revised Questionnaire (CFQ-R), Anxiety and Depression Scale in Children-Revised (RCADS) were applied to the patients and State-Trait Anxiety Scale (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were applied to the caregivers in the beginning and at the end of the program. Patients' FEV1 levels and 6-min walk tests were also measured. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patient-caregiver dyads, 14 dyads in each group, completed the study. The initial mean RCADS-Major depressive disorder score of the patients in the exercise group was 6.21 ± 3.11, and this value decreased to 3.92 ± 3.79 at the end of the study and was significantly better (p < 0.02). A similar significant change was observed when the RCADS-generalized anxiety disorder score decreased from the initial mean level of 6.28 ± 2.81 to 3.42 ± 2.65 (p < 0.01). There were significant changes in improvement in the body image in telerehabilitation group. Similar significant changes were not observed in the control group. Caregivers' anxiety and depression levels did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: A short-term telerehabilitation program improved patients' anxiety and depression levels, body image, and functional status. However, caregiver anxiety and depression levels did not change significantly.

Comparison of treatment outcomes in chronic coccygodynia patients treated with ganglion impar blockade versus caudal epidural steroid injection: a prospective randomized comparison study.

BACKGROUND: Coccygodynia is one of the chronic, refractory painful musculoskeletal disorders. Interventional procedures are applied to patients unresponsive to initial treatment in coccygodynia. This study aims to compare the treatment outcomes of ganglion impar block (GIB) and caudal epidural steroid injection (CESI) in patients with chronic coccygodynia. METHODS: This study was a prospective randomized comparison study conducted between June 2019 and January 2021. Patients diagnosed with chronic coccygodynia were randomly divided into two groups: the GIB group and the CESI group. The severity of pain, presence of neuropathic pain, and quality of life were evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale, Leeds Assessment of the Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Scale, and Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12), respectively. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients in each group were included in the final analyses. While there was a significant decrease in pain intensity in both groups in the 3-month follow-up, this decrease was more significant in the GIB group at the 3rd week. There was a significant improvement in the SF-12 physical score and the number of patients with neuropathic pain in both groups in the 3rd week, but this improvement was not observed in the 3rd month. CONCLUSIONS: Although GIB may provide more pain relief in short term, both GIB and CESI are useful treatment methods in coccygodynia unresponsive to more conservative treatments.

Pros and cons of botulinum toxin injection therapy in cerebral palsy: A qualitative study exploring caregivers' perspective.

BACKGROUND: To describe and understand the experiences and beliefs of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy following botulinum toxin injection. METHODS: A descriptive case study approach with focus group interviews was employed. A semi-structured questionnaire was conducted to collect data. Twenty-one caregivers of children (3-13 years old) with cerebral palsy were recruited with a maximum variation sampling strategy to gain insight through different perspectives. Qualitative analysis with verbatim transcripts was analysed using a thematic approach. FINDINGS: Four themes emerged from qualitative analyses: acceptance of diagnosis, perceptions about treatment, caregivers' experiences with the health environment, and feelings and thoughts after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights caregivers' requests for information about the possible long-term effect of botulinum toxin, as well as information and support to provide the best rehabilitation programme immediately after injection.

The clinical effects of combining postural exercises with chest physiotherapy in cystic fibrosis: A single-blind, randomized-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effects of postural exercises as an adjunct to chest physiotherapy program on respiratory function, exercise tolerance, quality of life (QoL), and postural stability in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this single-blind, randomized-controlled trial, 19 pediatric CF patients (11 males, 8 females; mean age: 9.36 years; range, 6 to 14 years) were randomly allocated to chest physiotherapy and postural exercise program (Group 1, n=10) or chest physiotherapy program alone (Group 2, n=9) between March 2017 and October 2017. Respiratory functions were assessed with pulmonary function tests, whereas exercise tolerance with the Modified Shuttle Test (MST), quality of life with the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised Child Version (CFQR), and postural stability with the Limits of Stability Test (LOS). All tests were performed before treatment and six weeks, three months, and six months after treatment. RESULTS: Respiratory functions were improved in both groups; however, these changes were not statistically significant. The MST increased after treatment in both groups (p<0.001 and p=0.003 respectively), without a significant difference between the groups. Emotional function and treatment difficulties subdomains in CFQR were significantly increased only in the group with postural exercises (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The postural exercise program in addition to chest physiotherapy in pediatric CF patients whose postural changes were not taken place did not cause significant changes in respiratory function, exercise tolerance, and postural stability; however, it affected the emotional state well and improved the compliance with the treatment.

Respiratory and peripheral muscle involvement in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension due to congenital heart diseases.

Skeletal and respiratory muscle dysfunction has been previously described in patients with other etiologic subgroups of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) but has never been investigated in patients with PAH due to congenital heart diseases (CHD). This study aims to show the involvement of skeletal and respiratory muscles in these patients. This cross-sectional study included patients with PAH due to CHD and healthy controls. Patients' demographic properties, six-minute walk tests; shoulder abduction, handgrip, knee extension, and ankle dorsiflexion muscle strength, maximum inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressures (MEP) were measured. Deltoid, flexor digitorum superficialis, and profundus, tibialis anterior and rectus femoris muscles were visualized with ultrasonography and their cross-sectional areas (CSA) were also measured in both groups. 12 patients and 12 controls were included. Mean MIP was 104.22±32.57 cm H2O for healthy participants while 61.33±29.74 cm H2O for patients (p<0.001). For mean MEP, it was 100.08±26.05 cm H2O in healthy participants and 69.75±39.79 cmH2O in controls (p=0.004). When the strength of skeletal muscles was compared, there were significant differences between the groups in all measurements except for bilateral grip strength. In the correlation analysis, MIP and MEP values showed no significant correlations with clinical parameters. They showed significant moderate correlations with skeletal muscle strength. When CSAs of the muscles were compared, there were significant differences in all measurements except for left FDS and FDP and bilateral rectus femoris. This study showed that in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension due to CHD, respiratory muscle strength is significantly worse than healthy participants. Patients had also significantly worse skeletal muscle strength except for grip strength.

Quantitative Ultrasound Texture Feature Changes With Conservative Treatment of the Trapezius Muscle in Female Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We set out to assess whether quantitative ultrasound could be used to assess changes that occur after physical therapy in patients experiencing myofascial pain syndrome. METHODS: We consecutively recruited female subjects experiencing myofascial pain syndrome of the neck and shoulder region and provided 10 sessions of conservative physical therapy. A control group was recruited for textural analyses. We measured change in pain ratings, range of motion, and ultrasound texture features before and after the intervention and after 3 mos. RESULTS: We recruited 63 female myofascial pain syndrome subjects and 20 healthy controls. After treatment, the mean blob size (an ultrasound texture feature) value for each subject decreased from 30.84 ± 5.00 to 25.86 ± 5.67 on the right and decreased from 31.70 ± 5.51 to 28.08 ± 5.53 on the left (P < 0.0005). The blob count showed a significant increase only on the left side (P < 0.01). Corresponding to this were reductions in pain and disability scores after treatment and at 3 mos compared with retreatment (P < 0.0005 for all checkpoints). Cervical range of motion values were significantly increased only at 3 mos compared with pretreatment except for mean flexion range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound texture feature of blob size and count changes correspond to routine clinical outcomes after conservative physical therapy of myofascial pain syndrome in female individuals.

Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of Heckmatt Scoring System in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the intrarater and interrater reliability of the Heckmatt score in the upper extremity muscles in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and to investigate its relationship with the clinical features and quantitative echo intensity measurements. METHODS: The Heckmatt scores of multiple upper extremity muscles were calculated in 28 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and examined the relationships of these values with quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measurements and the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised. RESULTS: The Heckmatt scores showed strong intrarater and interrater correlations with Cohen's Kappa scores ranging from 0.7 to 0.91. In all investigated muscles, the Heckmatt scores showed moderate correlations with quantitative echo intensity measurements and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised dressing subscale. CONCLUSIONS: The Heckmatt score is a reliable method in evaluating muscles of the upper extremities in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It moderately correlates with quantitative values and functional status.

Caregiver Burden in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension.

Both quality of life (QoL) and caregiver burden are essential constructs in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) however; their relationship has never been investigated before. The aim of this study was to evaluate if there was any relationship between patients' QoL and caregiver burden. Patients with PH and their caregivers were included. Patients' age, sex, World Health Organization (WHO) functional class, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP), and six-minute walk distances (6MWD) were recorded. Patients' QoL was assessed using emPHasis-10 and caregiver burden with the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. 72 patient-caregiver dyads were included. Caregiver burden was significantly correlated with the QoL(r = 0.39 p < .003), but was not correlated with other clinical parameters. Patients' QoL showed significant negative correlation with the 6MWD(r = -0.46 p < .005). There is a moderate correlation between QoL and caregiver burden. Clinical parameters influence QoL, but they do not affect caregiver burden.