Investigation of Predictors of Psychological Resilience in Occupational Therapy Students in Terms of Different Variables.

There is an increased number of publications concerning the mental health of occupational therapy students. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictors of psychological resilience in occupational therapy students in terms of different variables. Four scales measuring resilience, psychological flexibility, coping and coping attitudes were used in this study. Predictors of resilience were evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis with the backward elimination. It was determined that psychological resilience, psychological flexibility, and coping attitudes are interrelated concepts (p < 0.05). This is the first study to examine the predictors of the concept of resilience in occupational therapy students in terms of different variables. The results show that students' psychological flexibility and positive coping behaviors need to be improved to develop psychological resilience.

Investigation of the predictors of temporomandibular disorders in engineers across different variables: sociodemographic characteristics, neck pain and neck awareness.

PURPOSE/AIM: This study aimed to investigate the predictors of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in desk-bound engineers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI), The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), The Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS), Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (NBQ) and The Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire-Turkish (FreNAQ-T) were used for TMD severity, pain, disability, neck awareness. RESULTS: The study was conducted with 208 desk-bound engineers. Mild-to-severe TMD was detected in 78.9% of the subjects. Intensity of pain at rest and during activity was higher in female engineers compared to male engineers (p = 0.002 and <0.01, respectively) and mean FAI, NBQ, NPDS and FreNAQ-T scores were also higher than that of male engineers (p = 0.005, 0.005, 0.006 and 0.016, respectively). FAI, VAS, NPDS, NBQ and FreNAQ-T were found to be correlated with each other (p < 0.05). A statistically significant contribution to the regression model was observed for the variables gender, daily duration of computer use, neck pain at rest, and NBQ (p = 0.043, p = 0.043, p = 0.031 and p = 0.003, respectively). NBQ was identified as the most influential variable in this model, followed by neck pain at rest. CONCLUSIONS: Temporomandibular disorders are common among desk-bound engineers and are associated with neck pain, disability, and neck awareness. For this reason, it is important to take preventive and protective ergonomic approaches at the personal and institutional levels in desk-bound engineers.

Postural stability and flexibility responses of yoga training in women: Are improvements similar in both sexes?

The researchers' aim is to examine the postural stability and flexibility responses of yoga training in women. The authors conducted the yoga training program 2 days a week and they assessed flexibility using the sit and reach test, trunk hyperextension test and trunk lateral flexion test. The researchers measured static and dynamic balance employing the device and database system. Then, the authors repeated all assesments were at the end of the first, the fifth and the tenth sessions. As a result of this study, the researchers revealed that the male participants had significantly poorer results in a single parameter (longitudinal sway) when compared with the female group, but the groups were statistically equivalent in this parameter after the first yoga training session. The authors also revealed that yoga was effective in improving flexibility among healthy young adults of both sexes, although the males showed greater improvement than females in the flexibility results.

Turkish version of life balance inventory: Validity, reliability, and cultural adaptation study.

BACKGROUND: Life balance is an important concept in occupational therapy and is considered an essential component of the outcomes of life, such as happiness, and satisfaction of needs. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Life Balance Inventory (LBI) in healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of three stages: (1) translation and cultural adaptation, (2) testing internal consistency and reliability, and (3) checking construct validity of LBI. The LBI and the Juhnke-Balkin Life Balance Inventory were implemented. RESULTS: The study was completed with a total of 312 individuals. Cronbach's alpha for Turkish LBI (T-LBI) total score was 0.939. The test-retest ICC scores of T-LBI were found to be 0.986 for the 'health' subscale, 0.980 for the 'relationship' subscale, 0.974 for the 'identity' subscale, and 0.990 for the 'challenge/interest' subscale. The total ICC score of the inventory was 0.989. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: The T-LBI is a valid and reliable assessment tool for measuring life balance in healthy individuals. We believe that our results will anticipate to increase the number of studies on life balance in the field of occupational therapy in Turkey.

Telephone-based joint protection education in lateral epicondylitis: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) can occur for many different reasons such as compelling repetitive movements in daily readings, incorrect posture use and work-related factors. Although several treatments are available for LE, the optimal evidence-based treatment remains uncertain. Joint protection techniques have been developed as a self-management intervention to reduce pain and disability and improve functionality by applying ergonomic approaches. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of telephone-based follow up on top of a home-based joint protection education programme on pain and functionality in individuals with LE. METHODS: Individuals were randomly assigned into 2 groups; 1) telephone-based group, receiving telephone-based follow-up on top of a home-based joint protection education programme, and 2) home-based group, receiving home-based joint protection education alone. Both groups were given training that increased awareness in LE and home-based exercise programme. In addition, telephone-based group was followed up by telephone three days a week for four weeks. RESULTS: Improvements from baseline to 4th week in Turkish version of the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation-pain (p = 0.001; effect size = 1.11) and function (p < 0.001; effect size = 1.77), Upper Extremity Functional Index (p = 0.001; effect size = 0.85) and The Turkish version of the Joint Protection Behavior Assessment-Short Form (p < 0.001; effect size = 1.54) in the telephone-based group were significantly higher than the improvements in the home-based group. CONCLUSIONS: Telephone-based follow-up in individuals with LE contributed to the awareness of pain, functionality and joint protection methods. Telephone-based joint protection education programmes can offer a health service within the scope of preventive and protective intervention programmes for LE.

Norm Determination Study of Trail Making Test, Enhanced Cued Recall Test and Clock Drawing Test for Turkish Sample Between 6-18 Years of Age.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the developmental stages-specific normative values of Trial Making Test (TMT), Enhanced Cued Recall Test (ECRT) and Clock Drawing Test (CDT) which are commonly used in adults for the evaluation of cognitive functions affected by psychiatric and neurological diseases and developmental disorders for a healthy Turkish sample between 6-18 years of age. METHOD: A total of 249 primary and secondary school students between 6-18 years of age and living in Ankara and educated in public and/or private schools participated in the study. Primary analysis was conducted by appropriate ANOVA and/or MANOVA for 2 (Developmental Stage: Middle-Late Childhood (6-11 years) and Adolescence (12-18 years)) x 2 (Gender: Female and Male) factorial design. In addition, another group of ANOVA and/or MANOVA analyses for 3 (Adolescence Sub-Stages) x 2 (Gender) was also performed for the adolescence stage that was sub-grouped as early (12-13 years), middle (14-15 years) and late (16+ years). RESULTS: Normative values were determined both for two different developmental stages and for the adolescence sub-stages. Comparisons indicated that main effect of gender and interactions were non-significant for all tests. On the other hand, the main effects of the developmental stage and adolescence sub-stages were significant for many of the test scores. CONCLUSION: As a result of the study, three neuropsychological tests and their normative values for children and adolescents were presented as available for use in future research.

Investigating the effect of smartphone addiction on musculoskeletal system problems and cognitive flexibility in university students.

BACKGROUND: Smartphone usage has become more common in daily life, and in certain situations, this may lead to addictive behavior. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the relationship between smartphone addiction and musculoskeletal problems and cognitive flexibility in university students. METHODS: Smartphone addiction was evaluated with the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms, and pain was measured with Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Cognitive flexibility was assessed with the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI). RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between SAS total score and musculoskeletal problems in the upper back, lower back, hip and feet (p < 0.05, r = 0.11; r = 0.16; r = 0.11; r = 0.13, r = 0.14). Smartphone addiction showed a significant positive correlation with neck pain, right hand pain and right arm pain (p < 0.05, r = 0.13; r = 0.17; r = 0.14). There was a significant negative correlation between CFI total score and SAS total score (p < 0.05, r = - 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone addiction is associated with musculoskeletal problems, pain and cognitive flexibility in university students. Encouraging an active lifestyle, physical activity, ergonomic arrangements, individual behavioral modification as well as environmental regulations and policies may eliminate the negative effects of smartphone addiction.

Response to Speech and Language Therapy According to Artery Involvement and Lesion Location in Post-stroke Aphasia.

PURPOSE: Aphasia is one of the most common complications after stroke and occurs in 21-38% of the patients during acute period. The present study aimed to investigate the response to speech and language therapy according to artery involvement and lesion location in patients with post-stroke aphasia. METHOD: The medical records of 107 patients with post-stroke aphasia (mean age, 58.8 ± 14.8 years) who were admitted to a single rehabilitation center for usual care after stroke were reviewed. Location of the ischemic lesion and involved artery was determined assessing the brain MRI of the patients. All the patients received 24 sessions speech and language therapy (3 days a week) as a part of 8-week rehabilitation program. Evaluation of the aphasia was performed with Gülhane Aphasia Test-2 (GAT-2) at baseline and at the end of the rehabilitation program. RESULTS: Baseline GAT-2 scores was significantly worse in patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) involvement compared to patients with other artery involvements (p = 0.007). While the GAT-2 scores of patients with MCA involvement were improved significantly after speech and language therapy (p < 0.001), the changes in those with anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) involvements were not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggested that speech functions might be more affected in ischemic lesion of MCA and response to SLT might be better in patients with MCA involvement.

Investigation of the relationship between kinesiophobia and sensory processing in fibromyalgia patients.

Purpose/aim: The aims of this study are to investigate the relationship between kinesiophobia and sensory processing in fibromyalgia (FM) patients and obtain new information about kinesiophobia in light of these results.Materials and methods: This study has been conducted with 82 literate subjects aged 18-65 years and diagnosed with FM based on ACR 2010 diagnostic criteria. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was used for measuring functional status in FM patients, The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia was used for determine the levels of kinesiophobia and Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile was used for determine the characteristics of sensory process patterns of the individuals.Results: Among the participants, sensory sensitivity scores of 65.85% and sensation avoiding scores of 40.24% were higher than that in the general population. Sensation seeking scores of 48.78% the subjects were lower compared to the general population. A significant and weak positive correlation was found between the kinesiophobia scores and responses of sensory sensitivity and sensation avoiding (r = 0.23, p = 0.04; z = 0.29, p = 0.01)Conclusion: This is the first study conducted to investigate the relationship between kinesiophobia and sensory processing in fibromyalgia patients. However, different studies investigating this subject are warranted in order to be able to generalize the findings and increase the value of evidence.

The severity of chewing disorders is related to gross motor function and trunk control in children with cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE: The frequency of chewing disorders increases with decreasing level of gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Besides its frequency, the severity of chewing disorders is also important. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between chewing performance level and gross motor function, and trunk postural control in children with CP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 119 children with CP (age 2-10 years). Chewing performance level was determined by the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS). The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was used to determine the level of gross motor function. Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) was used to measure trunk control. RESULTS: Children with spastic CP with a median age of 4 years were evaluated, of which 50.4% were male. The percentages of patients classified to GMFCS levels I to V were 43.7%, 6.7%, 9.2%, 5.0%, and 35.3%, respectively. The median KCPS score was 3 (min = 0, max = 4). A good correlation was found between KCPS and GMFCS (p < .001, r = 0.70). Negative, excellent correlations between KCPS and SATCo static, SATCo active, and SATCo reactive postural controls were found (p < .001, r = -0.75, r = -0.77, r = -0.79; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of chewing disorders is related to the level of gross motor function and trunk postural control in children with CP. Clinical trial number: NCT03241160.

Validity of the Turkish Occupational Self Assessment for Elderly Individuals.

Occupational therapy practices in Turkey are increasing each year, but rehabilitation practitioners working in the occupational therapy field have limited instruments. The aim of this study was to analyze the validity of the Turkish version of the Occupational Self Assessment (OSA), which is based on the Model of Human Occupation. The data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to determine construct validity. The Turkish OSA was administered with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Old (WHOQOL-OLD) and the Functional Autonomy Measurement System (SMAF) to 117 elderly individuals to determine convergent validity. The Turkish OSA has acceptable construct validity scores (exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses). SMAF and WHOQOL-OLD Scales showed a moderately significant relationship with OSA competence total scores ( p < .01). The results indicate that the OSA is a valid instrument for determining occupational competence and values in elderly Turkish individuals.

Chewing side preference is associated with hemispheric laterality in healthy adults.

Purpose To investigate if chewing side preference (CSP) can be used as an indicator of hemispheric laterality in healthy adults. Materials and methods Seventy-five individuals were included. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to determine CSP and laterality test for preferred peripheral organs. Results Significant correlation between CSP and hand, foot, ear, and eye side preference was found (r = .41, p < .001; r = .34, p = .003; r = .35, p = .03; r = .36, p = .002). Conclusion Besides peripheral organs, the CSP can also be used in determination of hemispheric lateralization.

Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Eating Assessment Tool (T-EAT-10).

The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Turkish Eating Assessment Tool (T-EAT-10) among patients with swallowing disorders. One hundred and five patients completed the T-EAT-10 and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and criterion validity of T-EAT-10 were investigated. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) value with 95 % confidence intervals was calculated for test-retest reliability. The criterion validity of the T-EAT-10 was determined by assessing the correlation between T-EAT-10 and FOIS. All the patients in the study completed the T-EAT-10 without assistance. The mean time to complete the instrument was 1.8 ± 0.9 min. The internal consistency of the T-EAT-10 was found to be high with 0.90 Cronbach's alpha for test and 0.91 Cronbach's alpha for retest reproducibility. No difference between the test and retest scores of the T-EAT-10 was found (p = 0.14). A negative, moderate correlation between T-EAT-10 and FOIS was detected (r = -0.365, p < 0.001). The T-EAT-10 is a reliable and valid symptom-specific outcome tool for dysphagia in adult Turkish patients. It can be used in clinical practice and research.