Assessing Lower-Extremity Visuo-Motor Reaction Time in Young Male Soccer Players: Test-Retest Reliability and Minimum Detectable Change of the Brain Pro System.

A reliable, versatile means of assessing visuo-motor reaction time (V-MRT) is important to football (soccer) players for many reasons, including the fact that faster V-MRT is a critical sport skill that may even play a role in reducing common sports injuries to the lower muscle extremities that can be associated with lost time on the field. We aimed to determine the test-retest reliability and minimum detectable change (MDC) of the Brain Pro System for assessing lower-extremity V-MRT in young male football players. We had 68 participants (M age = 16.35, SD = 1.71 years) perform two assessment sessions one-week apart. For test-retest reliability, we calculated a one-way intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) at the 95% confidence interval and provided the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) (MDC = SEM × 1.96 × âˆš2) for V-MRTs. We obtained excellent V-MRT test-retest reliability for dominant lower-extremity, non-dominant lower-extremity, and dominant and non-dominant lower-extremities (ICC2,1 = .93, 95%CI = .89-.96; ICC2,1 = .94, 95%CI = .91-.96; ICC2,1 = .96, 95%CI = .94-.97; respectively). The calculated MDC for the dominant lower-extremity V-MRT, the non-dominant lower-extremity V-MRT, and dominant and non-dominant lower-extremities (random) V-MRT were 1.21 seconds, 1.13 seconds, and 1.21 seconds, respectively. Brain Pro System had excellent reliability for assessing lower-extremity V-MRT in young male football players. The MDC values at the 95% confidence level (MDC95) we obtained were reliable for assessing clinically meaningful V-MRT changes.

Effects of 16-week circuit training on physical fitness parameters, pulmonary function, and quality of life in healthy women.

BACKGROUND: Circuit training (CT) is an important type of training that can combine different types of exercises in a single form of training. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 16-week CT on physical fitness parameters, pulmonary function, and quality of life in healthy women. METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy women (median age: 37.00 [31.50/39.50] years) were included in the study. CT was applied to the participants for a total of 16 weeks. Participants' body composition with the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis System, knee flexor and extensor muscle strength with the Biodex System-4 Pro, flexibility with the sit-and-reach test, pulmonary function with a spirometer device, and quality of life with Short Form-36 were assessed. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the participants' pretest and posttest median and interquartile range values of waist-hip ratio, body mass index, right/left knee flexor/extensor mean peak torque (60°/s,180°/s), right hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio (60°/s), flexibility, and SF-36 Mental Health Score (P˂0.050). There was no significant difference between the participants' pretest and posttest median and interquartile range values of total body fat, fat percentage, right H/Q ratio (180°/s), left H/Q ratio (60°/s,180°/s), pulmonary function, and Short Form-36 Physical Function Score (P˃0.050). CONCLUSIONS: CT decreased waist-hip ratio and body mass index, increased knee flexor/extensor strength and flexibility, and improved mental health. The 16-week CT may be an alternative approach to improve physical fitness parameters and mental health without any positive effects on body fat and pulmonary functions in healthy women.

The effects of inspiratory muscle training on cardiorespiratory functions in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Although inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has proven effective in adult rheumatic diseases, its impact on juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) remains unexplored. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of IMT in children with JIA. METHODS: Thirty-three children (13-18 years) with JIA were divided into two groups as exercise (n = 17) and control (n = 16). The exercise group performed IMT at home daily for 8 weeks. The initial IMT load was set as 60% of maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax ) and increased by %10 of the initial load every 2 weeks. The control group received no additional intervention. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ), FVC/FEV1 , PImax , and maximal expiratory pressure (PEmax ) were evaluated. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2max ), metabolic equivalents (METs), and maximal heart rate were measured with cardiopulmonary exercise test. Functional capacity and quality of life were assessed with 6-min walk distance and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 Arthritis Module. All participants were evaluated at baseline and post-treatment. RESULTS: FVC ( ↑ 0.20 (95% CI: 0.07/0.32) liters), FEV1 ( ↑ 0.14 (95% CI: 0.02/0.25) liters), PImax (↑19.11 (95% CI: 9.52/28.71) cmH2 O), PEmax (↑12.41 (95% CI: 3.09/21.72) cmH2 O), VO2peak (↑158.29 (95% CI: 63.85/252.73) ml/min), and METs (↑0.92 (95% CI: 0.34/1.49) [ml/kg/min]) significantly improved only in the exercise group (p < .05). The difference over time in FVC, FEV1 , PImax , VO2peak , and METs were significantly higher in exercise group compared to control group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: IMT seems to be an effective option for improving respiratory functions and aerobic exercise capacity in JIA.

Comparison of Self-Efficacy and Problem-Solving Skills Between Women with Asthma and Healthy Controls: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: Problem-solving skills and self-efficacy are among the topics that are frequently investigated in people with various chronic conditions. However, there are limited studies on asthma patients. Our study aims to compare self-efficacy and problem-solving skills in asthma patients and healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 23 women with asthma [age: 39 (34-56) years] and 23 healthy controls [age: 42 (30-55) years] in the study. Participants' sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics, Asthma Control Test, and the Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale scores were recorded. We examined problem-solving skills with the Problem-Solving Inventory and self-efficacy with General Self-Efficacy Scale. We compared groups with the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Independent Sample t-test. RESULTS: Age, body mass index, educational status, marital status, and occupational status were similar among the groups (P > .05). However, smoking was significantly higher in healthy controls (P < .05). It was found that women with asthma had worse self-efficacy and problem-solving skills compared to healthy controls (P < .05). CONCLUSION: These results showed that there may be problems in socio-cognitive skills associated with the disease. Our study focused on the possibility that female asthma patients may have low levels of self-efficacy and problem-solving skills. Therefore, health professionals designing the rehabilitation program should take these skills into account while conducting the assessment as they may be useful in developing an efficient rehabilitation program.

Health-related physical fitness parameters in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare health-related physical fitness parameters of women with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) to a matched control group. METHODS: Thirty women with unilateral BCRL (lymphedema group, age = 55.00 (40.00-65.00) years) and 32 healthy women (control group, age = 49.00 (44.00-64.00) years) were included. Cardiorespiratory fitness with the UKK 2-km walk test, grip strength with a hand dynamometer, trunk muscle endurance with the McGill trunk muscle endurance tests, flexibility with the sit and reach test, body composition with a body composition analyzer, and waist-to-hip ratio were assessed. RESULTS: In the lymphedema group, 36.7% of women had mild lymphedema, 36.7% had moderate, and 26.7% had severe lymphedema. It was found that maximal oxygen consumption, physical fitness index, grip strength, trunk extensor and lateral flexor muscle endurance, and flexibility scores were higher in the control group than in the lymphedema group (p < 0.05). In addition, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio were found to be lower in the control group compared to the lymphedema group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the trunk flexor muscle endurance scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the health-related physical fitness parameters were adversely affected in women with BCRL compared to healthy women. The changes of physical fitness may be important for the assessment and the treatment of BCRL.

Investigation of factors associated with static and dynamic balance in early-stage lung cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Balance impairment and falls are common among patients after cancer treatment. This study aimed to compare static and dynamic balance functions in lung cancer survivors (LCS) and healthy controls and to investigate the factors related to balance in LCS. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected from lung cancer patients whose treatment had been completed within the previous 3 months (n = 60) and age and gender-matched healthy controls (n = 60). Clinical characteristics and history of falls were recorded. Pulmonary function tests and measurements of respiratory muscle strength were performed. Dynamic and static balance, fear of falling, knee-extension strength, physical activity level, dyspnea, comorbidity, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed using the Time Up and Go Test, Single Leg Standing Test, the Fall Efficacy Scale-International, hand-held dynamometer, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Modified Medical Research Dyspnea Scale, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Scale. RESULTS: LCS reported a higher fall rate and exhibited lower dynamic balance compared to controls (p < 0.05). The number of chemotherapy cycles, number of falls in the past year, fear of falling, perceived dyspnea, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%), maximal inspiratory pressure (%), knee-extension strength, physical activity score, and QoL score related to physical function were correlated with balance function in LCS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: LCS had a higher risk of falls and lower dynamic balance function which might be related to various clinical and physical parameters. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Identifying factors related to balance should be considered within the scope of fall prevention approaches for these patients.

Postural stability, spinal alignment, mobility, and postural competency in women with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema after radical hysterectomy following gynecologic cancer: A case-control study.

PURPOSE: To compare postural stability, spinal alignment, mobility, and postural competency in women with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema after radical hysterectomy following gynecologic cancer with a matched control group. METHODS: Twenty-seven women with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema (lymphedema group, age: 54.14 ± 5.80 years) and 30 healthy women (control group, age: 51.90 ± 6.54 years) were included. The lymphedema severity was evaluated with circumferential measurements. Postural stability with the Biodex Balance System SD and the spinal alignment, mobility, and postural competency with the Spinal Mouse device were assessed. RESULTS: In the lymphedema group, it was found that 3.7% of the women had mild lymphedema, 7.4% had moderate lymphedema, and 88.9% had severe lymphedema. Static eyes open (EO) (overall, medio-lateral and antero-posterior) and eyes closed (EC) (antero-posterior) stability scores and dynamic EO and EC stability scores (overall and antero-posterior) were detected to be higher in the lymphedema group than in the controls (p < 0.05). Spinal mobility and postural competency scores were lower in the lymphedema group than in the control group (p < 0.05). In other parameters, there were no significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Decreased postural stability, spinal mobility, and postural competency were detected in women with unilateral lower extremity lymphedema; however, no difference was seen in spinal alignment. These changes should be taken into account in the assessment and the treatment of unilateral lower extremity lymphedema.

Pressure pain sensitivity, thermographic changes, function, life and sleep quality in patients with unilateral rotator cuff injury: A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION-AIM: This study aimed to assess pressure pain sensitivity, thermographic changes, functional status, quality of life, and sleep in individuals with unilateral shoulder pain due to rotator cuff tear and compare these parameters with the unaffected side and asymptomatic individuals. MATERIAL-METHOD: Thirty-two patients with unilateral rotator cuff injury and 32 volunteers without shoulder problems were included. Pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale, pressure pain sensitivity with a digital algometer, thermographic changes with a thermal camera, upper extremity function through the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Disability Questionnaire, sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and quality of life using SF-36. RESULTS: Pressure pain sensitivity of the deltoideus, supraspinatus, and subscapularis muscles in the affected limb was lower than in the unaffected limb (p = 0.027, p = 0.005, p < 0.001). Conversely, pressure sensitivity of the deltoideus, biceps brachii, and subscapularis muscles was higher in the patient group (p = 0.008, p = 0.042, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a decrease in temperature was observed in all patients, except for the trapezius muscles of the affected side (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study sheds light on altered pressure pain sensitivity and thermographic changes in individuals with unilateral shoulder pain due to rotator cuff tear. Additionally, the study highlights impairments in functional status, quality of life, and sleep in these individuals, emphasizing the broader impact of such injuries. Targeted interventions based on these findings have the potential to enhance overall well-being and functional outcomes for affected individuals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Case-control study, prognosis study.

Postural stability and its relation to knee flexor/extensor strength ratio in women with mild to moderate unilateral knee osteoarthritis: a case-control study.

PURPOSE/AIM: Knee muscles strength is an important factor influencing postural stability in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, there is no evidence regarding the relationship between the knee flexor/extensor strength ratio, which is suggested to be a good indicator of knee stability, and postural stability. We aimed to investigate postural stability and its relation to knee flexor and extensor strength and strength symmetry in women with KOA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five women with unilateral KOA and thirty-five asymptomatic women were assessed with the Prokin system to collect the following parameters during quiet standing with eyes-open and eyes-closed: ellipse area, perimeter, forward-backward standard deviation, mediolateral standard deviation, the average centre of pressure displacement on the x- and y-axises (COPX and COPY), and the limit of stability (LoS) score. Higher scores mean better balance for LoS and poorer balance for other parameters. Knee flexor and extensor strength were assessed bilaterally with the Lafayette hand-held dynamometer. RESULTS: The COPX during standing with eyes-closed was higher in women with KOA than controls and the LoS score was lower (p < 0.05, Cohens'd = 0.72 and 0.65). Postural stability was correlated with knee muscles strength and the flexor/extensor strength ratios in both groups (r = between 0.395 and 0.456 for LoS, r = between -0.335 and -0.639 for the others, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Women with KOA had poorer postural stability in the mediolateral direction during standing with eyes-closed and a worse LoS score than controls. Postural stability was related to knee flexor and extensor strength and the flexor/extensor strength ratio in women.

Sports injury prevention programmes from the sports physical therapist's perspective: An international expert Delphi approach.

OBJECTIVE: To provide consensus on how to plan, organize and implement exercise-based injury prevention program (IPP) in sports. DESIGN: Delphi. SETTING: LimeSurvey platform. PARTICIPANTS: Experienced sports physical therapists from the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy member countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Factors related to sports IPP planning, organization and implementation. RESULTS: We included 305 participants from 32 countries. IPP planning should be based on an athlete's injury history, on pre-season screening results, and on injury rates (respectively, 98%, 92%, 89% agreement). In total 97% participants agreed that IPP organization should depend on the athlete's age, 93% on the competition level, and 93% on the availability of low-cost materials. It was agreed that IPP should mainly be implemented in warm-up sessions delivered by the head or strength/conditioning coach, with physical training sessions and individual physical therapy sessions (respectively, 94%, 92%, 90% agreement). CONCLUSION: Strong consensus was reached on (1) IPP based on the athlete's injury history, pre-season screening and evidence-based sports-specific injury rates; (2) IPP organization based on the athlete's age, competition level, and the availability of low-cost materials and (3) IPP implementation focussing on warm-up sessions implemented by the strength/conditioning coach, and/or individual prevention sessions by the physical therapist.

Static and Dynamic Postural Characteristics in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Relationship with Dyspnea and Pulmonary Functions.

BACKGROUND: There is little evidence about posture influence and its relationship with pulmonary functions in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases(COPD) patients. OBJECTIVES: To compare spinal curvature, mobility, and postural competency in participants with and without COPD and investigate the relationship of postural characteristics with dyspnea and pulmonary functions in COPD patients. METHODS: We included 47 COPD patients and 47 age and gender-matched controls in our cross-sectional study. Participants underwent the following evaluations: modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale, respiratory function test, and postural measurements in the sagittal plane in a standing position using a non-invasive, computer-assisted electromechanical device. Postural variables were compared between groups, and the relationship between postural variables with dyspnea and pulmonary functions was analyzed by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: Thoracic and lumbar curvature were higher (p<0.05), thoracic mobility and spinal inclination were lower (p=0.011, p=0.030, respectively) in patients with COPD. Thoracic angle and spinal inclination increased in COPD patients (p=0.040, p=0.011, respectively) while only spinal tilt increased in the control group (p=0.010) under spinal loading. Thoracic angle and mobility were related with dyspnea (r2=0.25, p<0.001), forced expiratory volume in the first second (r2=0.56, p<0.001), forced vital capacity (r2=0.41, p<0.001), and RV (r2 = 0.42, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: COPD patients had greater thoracic and lumbar angles in the static upright posture and lower thoracic mobility and spinal inclination in the sagittal plane. It was observed that patients increase their thoracic angles to maintain postural stability in dynamic conditions. Thoracic angle and mobility were related to dyspnea and pulmonary functions.

Comparison of Immediate Effects of Foam Rolling and Dynamic Stretching to Only Dynamic Stretching on Flexibility, Balance, and Agility in Male Soccer Players.

CONTEXT: Dynamic stretching (DS) is typically suggested during warm-up protocols. Also, foam rolling (FR), which is applied with a foam cylinder, has increased popularity in recent years. However, the combined effects of DS and FR in improving flexibility, dynamic balance, and agility performance are unclear in current literature. Therefore, this study aim to evaluate and compare the acute effects of DS as well as DS followed by FR (DS + FR) on flexibility, dynamic balance, and agility in male soccer players. DESIGN: This study was a crossover study with a within-subject design. METHODS: Thirty volunteer male soccer players (mean age 18.80 [0.66] y) were included in the study. Each participant performed the 2 sessions (DS and DS + FR) on separate occasions in a randomized order, with an interval of 72 hours. All sessions were performed in the indoor gym at the sports club. Flexibility was assessed by sit-and-reach test, dynamic balance was assessed by Y balance test, and agility was assessed by t test. RESULTS: Compared with the pretest results, significant improvement in flexibility was observed in both groups (change = 0.55, percentage change = 2.05, effect size [ES] = 0.15, P = .041; change = 0.64, percentage change = 2.36, ES = 0.20, P = .025; respectively). Balance scores did not significantly improve in either group (change = 0.40, percentage change = 0.45, ES = 0.09, P = .342; change = 0.93, percentage change = 1.02, ES = 0.23, P = .103; respectively). Agility performance significantly improved in both groups (change = -0.12, percentage change = -1.18, ES = 0.19, P = .021; change = -0.21, percentage change = -2.18, ES = 0.38, P = .005; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both DS and DS + FR improved flexibility and agility and did not affect balance. DS + FR was not superior to DS at improving flexibility and agility as compared only with DS. Both methods are effective warm-up protocols to augment factors related to injury risk and performance. It seems that further studies that investigate the combined effects of FR and DS are needed.

Development of an exercise attitude scale in Turkish for pregnant women: validity and reliability.

This study, conducted between October 2018 and May 2019, aimed to develop an Exercise Attitude Scale in Turkish (EAS-Turkish) for pregnant women and to determine its validity and reliability. The scale was prepared in Turkish to comprehensively measure pregnant women's exercise attitudes. Then, it administered in 253 pregnant women, who were native speakers of Turkish and older than 18 years, in the Obstetrics Polyclinic at Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Validity with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and reliability with test-retest and internal consistency methods were tested. The 37-item scale was found to be 2-dimensional (knowledge and benefit; barrier). All indexes of the goodness of fit (χ2/df = 2.0, Comparative Fit Index = 0.90, Goodness-of-fit Index = 0.85, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.06) indicated that the fit between the model and the sample data was acceptable. The item-total score correlations varied between r = 0.22 and 0.60. The Cronbach alpha coefficients were found as 0.90 for the whole scale, 0.91 for the knowledge and benefit sub-dimension, and 0.87 for the barrier sub-dimension. In the test-retest analysis conducted with 41 pregnant women, the reliability coefficients were detected as 0.93 for the whole scale and 0.84 for each sub-dimension. The EAS-Turkish for pregnant women was found to be a valid and reliable tool.

The comparison of regional spinal curvatures and movements in sitting posture in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy having minimal-to-moderate functional limitations.

AIM: To examine the regional spinal curvatures and movements in the sagittal and frontal planes during sitting position, and the ability to act independently in patients with CP and to compare the differences between children and adolescents with minimal-to-moderate functional limitations. METHOD: Twenty-one participants diagnosed with CP aged 5-16 years were included. The participants' Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels were determined and those at levels I (minimal functional limitation group: minFLG) or II-III (moderate functional limitation group: modFLG) were included. Spinal curvatures, mobilities, and inclinations in the sagittal and frontal planes were evaluated in the sitting position using a hand-held, computer-assisted non-invasive electromechanical device. Participants' functional independence levels were assessed with the Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM). RESULTS: In the sagittal plane, there were no differences in terms of spinal curvatures between the minFLG and modFLG (p > 0.05). Spinal mobility degrees for flexion (thoracic and lumbar regions and total spine), extension (sacral region), and total spine mobility scores were significantly greater in the minFLG (p < 0.05). In the frontal plane, lumbar spinal curvature significantly increased, and total spine mobility in the right/left lateral motions and functional independence decreased in the modFLG (p < 0.05). INTERPRETATION: The children/adolescents with minimal functional limitations had greater spinal mobility during flexion, extension, and lateral flexions. Spinal curvatures were similar between groups in the sagittal plane. The lumbar region posture scores in the frontal plane observed as lordoscoliosis were higher, and functional independence was lower in the modFLG.

An investigation of potential coronaphobia-related factors in adults and sleep quality relations.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to investigate potential coronaphobia-related factors in adults and to assess the relationship between coronaphobia and sleep quality. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 1262 participants. The Covid-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S) and Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS) were used to measure outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were constructed to determine risk factors for coronaphobia. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between C19P-S and JSS. RESULTS: The following risk factors were found to be associated with coronaphobia: gender, marital status, presence of chronic disease, staying home, and sleep disturbances. Female gender (OR = 2.23 and OR = 2.12), being married (OR = 1.31 and OR = 1.45), chronic disease status (OR = 1.39 and OR = 1.27), staying home (OR = 1.72 and OR = 1.35) and sleep disturbances (OR = 2.63 and OR = 2.49) were found to be associated with the likelihood of having a higher coronaphobia score (p < 0.05). Weak positive correlations were found between C19P-S and its subscales and JSS scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Female gender, being married, having chronic diseases, staying home, and having sleep disturbances were found to be risk factors for having high coronaphobia scores. Moreover, the severity of coronaphobia was associated with sleep disturbances. These results should be considered in the management of coronaphobia.

Is the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) a valid assessment tool for measuring physical activity of patients with axial spondyloartritis?

BACKGROUND: Determining the level of physical activity (PA) is an essential part of patient evaluation in axial spondylarthritis (axSpA). Subjective and objective methods are both frequently used methods for evaluating PA. Although subjective methods are cost-effective and easy to use, their accuracy for measuring PA is still questionable. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the concurrent criterion validity of a self-reported questionnaire (IPAQ-Short Form) when compared to an accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT) for measuring PA level in patients with axSpA. DESIGN: Cross-sectional design. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with axSpA with a median age of 39.0 (IQR 25/75: 30.0/46.0) years were included in the study. An accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT) was attached to the waist of patients at their first visits and was removed at their second visits, seven days later. Patients were asked to complete the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ) at their second visits. RESULTS: No significant correlations were determined between IPAQ and accelerometer (p > 0.05), except for the moderate PA (rho: 0.367, p < 0.05), and total PA (rho: 0.330, p < 0.05). It was also observed that IPAQ was underestimating energy expenditure for all types of PA. CONCLUSION: IPAQ might not be a valid tool for measuring PA level in patients with axSpA. Disease-specific subjective methods for determining the PA should be developed and validated for those patients.

The characteristics, disabilities, and spinal alignment of women with double crush syndrome: a case-control study.

AIMS: Double crush syndrome is a clinical condition composed of neurological dysfunction due to compressive pathology at multiple sites along a single peripheral nerve. The aims were to investigate the characteristics and disabilities of women with double crush syndrome, to compare the spinal alignment to healthy women, and to determine the cut-offs for the spinal alignment characteristics. METHODS: Twenty women with double crush syndrome (age: 49.50 ± 8.64 years) and 21 asymptomatic healthy controls (age: 44.76 ± 7.82 years) were included in the study. The physical characteristics, pain intensity, and symptoms were questioned. Disability with Disability of Arm and Shoulder Questionnaire and Neck Disability Index and spinal alignment with Spinal Mouse® (Idiag, Fehraltorf, Switzerland) were assessed. RESULTS: The pain intensity at rest, night, and during activity was 3.70 ± 3.25, 6.01 ± 2.77, and 7.15 ± 2.68 cm, respectively. The most bothersome symptom was numbness (65%). The symptoms were seen in hands and/or fingers (55%), arms (15%), shoulder blade (15%), and neck (15%). The Disability of Arm and Shoulder Questionnaire and Neck Disability Index scores were 58.64 ± 15.41 and 19.55 ± 6.37, respectively. The sagittal thoracic curvature (p: .011) and lumbar curvature (p: .049) increased, and the overall spine mobility (p<.001) decreased in the double crush syndrome patients. The cut-off points were detected as 54.5° (area under the curve: 0.680, p: .049, 40% sensitivity, 99.9% specificity) for the thoracic spinal curvature, and 113.5° (area under the curve: 0.667, p<.000, 65% sensitivity, 99.9% specificity) for the overall spine mobility. CONCLUSIONS: The double crush syndrome patients had moderate to severe pain and disability, increased thoracic and lumbar curvature, and decreased spine mobility. The cut-off values were found as 54.5° for thoracic curvature and 113.5° for spine mobility.

A comparison of kinesio taping and classical massage in addition to cervical stabilization exercise in patients with chronic neck pain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Studies comparing the effectiveness of kinesio taping (KT) and classical massage (CM) in chronic neck pain (CNP) are scarce. This study aimed to compare the effects of KT and CM in addition to cervical stabilization exercise (CSE) in patients with CNP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated to KT + CSE and CM + CSE groups. Disability with the Neck Disability Index (NDI), pain with the Visual Analog Scale, cervical range of motion with a goniometer, and quality of life (QoL) with the 36-Item Short-Form (SF-36) were assessed baseline and after a 4-week treatment. RESULTS: Improvement was observed in NDI and physical component scores of SF-36 in favor of the KT + CSE group and in rotation movements in favor of the CM + CSE group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In CNP, KT + CSE was superior in improving disability and QoL compared to CM + CSE, whereas CM + CSE was superior in increasing rotation movements compared to KT + CSE.

Comparison of physical activity levels among different sub-types of axial spondyloarthritis patients and healthy controls.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to compare the physical activity levels among radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients, non-radiographic axSpA patients, and healthy controls and investigating the possible relationships between physical activity level and clinical features. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with radiographic axSpA (24 male), 33 patients with non-radiographic axSpA (23 male), and 35 age and sex-matched healthy controls (24 male) were included. The patients were assessed with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. Physical activity was measured by using an accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT). RESULTS: Physical and disease-related characteristics were comparable between groups (p > .05). Radiographic axSpA patients showed lesser physical activity compared to non-radiographic axSpA patients and healthy controls (p < .05). No difference was detected between non-radiographic axSpA patients and healthy controls (p > .05). Physical activity levels were correlated with different clinical features for each sub-type of axSpA. Decreased spinal mobility is the most correlated disease characteristic with lower physical activity level for both sub-types. CONCLUSION: It seems that disease sub-type in axSpA may alter the physical activity levels. Increasing physical activity levels might need different approaches for different sub-types of axSpA.

Acute effect of kinesiology taping on muscle strength, tissue temperature, balance, and mobility in female patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

AIM: The data on the action mechanism of the kinesiology taping (KT) used to reduce pain and inflammation, provide mechanical support, and facilitate or inhibit muscles in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee are contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of KT treatment on muscle strength, tissue temperature, balance, and mobility in female patients diagnosed with OA of the knee. METHODS: Thirty-four female patients (age: 60.26 ± 6.51 years) who were diagnosed with Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 2 OA according to the American Rheumatology Association (ACR-1986) criteria were included in the study. Patients who were performed KT with the superior Y, inferior Y, and U strip techniques were evaluated before and 30 min after taping. Muscle strength was assessed with a handheld dynamometer, tissue temperature with a thermal camera, balance with a monoaxial balance platform, and mobility the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. RESULTS: After taping, there was a significant increase in the muscle strength during both extension and flexion (p<.001, p=.005). There was no statistically significant difference in the tissue temperature and balance scores before and after taping (p=.219, p>.05). There was a significant improvement in TUG scores, which evaluated mobility, after taping (p=.033). CONCLUSIONS: Although KT treatment seems to be ineffective on tissue temperature and balance in the short term in patients with OA of the knee, we are of the opinion that patients should be included in the treatment program due to its positive effects on muscle strength and mobility.