Effect of dual tasking on postural control in individuals with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of dual tasking on postural control in individuals with schizophrenia. METHODS: Fifteen outpatients with schizophrenia and 15 healthy controls were included. Postural control was assessed with postural sway velocity (PSV) using Balance Master System during three different tasks: single task (standing on a force platform), cognitive task (categorical verbal fluency) and motor task (holding a cup of water) in four conditions: on firm surface with eyes open (1) and closed (2), on foam surface with eyes open (3) and closed (4). RESULTS: Individuals with schizophrenia presented higher PSV during single standing on foam surface with eyes open and closed. During the cognitive task, they showed higher PSV on foam surface with eyes closed. During the motor task PSV in schizophrenia group was higher on firm surface with eyes closed and on foam surface with eyes open and closed. Individuals with schizophrenia showed higher PSV during cognitive task on firm surface with eyes closed compared to the single task. CONCLUSIONS: Dual tasking results in a deterioration in postural control in individuals with schizophrenia. A cognitive task specifically alters postural control in the absence of visual information suggesting a possible sensorimotor dysfunction in this population.

Are clinically recommended pelvic floor muscle relaxation positions really efficient for muscle relaxation?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Various positions for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) relaxation are recommended during PFM training in physiotherapy clinics. To our knowledge, there is no study addressing the most effective position for PFM and abdominal muscle relaxation. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of different relaxation positions on PFM and abdominal muscle functions in women with urinary incontinence (UI). METHODS: Sixty-seven women diagnosed with UI were enrolled in the study. The type, frequency, and amount of UI were assessed with the International Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form and bladder diary. Superficial electromyography was used to assess PFM and abdominal muscle functions during three relaxation positions: modified butterfly pose (P1), modified child pose (P2), and modified deep squat with block (P3). Friedman variance analyses and Wilcoxon signed rank test with Bonferroni corrections were used to evaluate the difference between positions. RESULTS: The most efficient position for PFM relaxation was P1 and followed by P3 and P2, respectively. The order was also the same for abdominal muscles (p < 0.001), P1 > P3 > P2. The rectus abdominis (RA) was the most affected muscle during PFM relaxation. The extent of relaxation of RA muscle increased as the extent of PFM relaxation increased (r = 0.298, p = 0.016). No difference was found between different types of UI during the same position in terms of PFM relaxation extents (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Efficient PFM relaxation is maintained during positions recommended in physiotherapy clinics. The extent of PFM and abdominal muscle relaxation varies according to the positions.

Falls in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis.

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become an important outcome for patients with liver cirrhosis as the number of transplantation candidates increases by the progression of treatment strategies. Falls and fall-related injuries are common in patients with liver cirrhosis and negatively affect HRQOL. Many factors increase the risk for falls such as minimal hepatic encephalopathy, psychoactive drugs, muscle strength, autonomic dysfunction, hyponatremia, and sleep problems. It is important to understand the underlying mechanisms for falls in cirrhotic patients to prevent severe injuries such as fractures, decrease healthcare costs, and improve HRQOL. Healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists and nurses, should be aware of the higher risk for falls in this population and therapeutic interventions must be designed for patients, especially those waiting on the transplant list.

Health Locus of Control and Physical Activity in Liver Transplant Recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Health locus of control has the potential to influence health behavior among individuals with chronic diseases. However, little is known regarding the relationship between locus of control and physical activity in transplant recipients. The aim of the study was to investigate health locus of control and physical activity in liver transplant recipients. METHODS: Seventy-six liver transplant recipients were enrolled. The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control - Form C, including internal, chance, doctors, and powerful others subdimensions, was used to evaluate the health locus of control. Physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form. RESULTS: The median internal health locus of control score was 28.54. Thirty-six participants had low, 35 participants had moderate, and five participants had high physical activity. Internal health locus of control was higher in patients having moderate activity compared to patients with low activity (p=0.04). "Doctors" subdimension of health locus of control was negatively correlated with walking (r=-0.38, p=0.02) and total activity scores among patients with low activity (r=-0.37, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Liver transplant recipients with moderate activity present higher internal health locus of control scores, suggesting a possible influence of physically active behavior on the beliefs of one's own control over disease management. As the activity level increases, the belief that health outcomes are largely the responsibility of health professionals decreases among liver transplant recipients with low activity. Promoting physical activity will help develop the control of one's own actions on health after liver transplantation.

Predictors of static and dynamic balance control in kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate balance control and lower extremity muscle strength in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) including a comparison to a healthy control group and determine the predictors of static and dynamic balance control after kidney transplantation. METHODS: In this study 40 KTRs and 40 healthy controls were included. Balance control was assessed using the Biodex balance system. The static postural stability test (SPST) and clinical test of sensory integration and balance (CTSIB) were used to assess static balance control whereas the dynamic postural stability test (DPST) and limits of stability test (LOST) were used for dynamic balance control. Lower extremity muscle strength was measured with a hand-held dynamometer. Renal functions and laboratory findings of KTRs were recorded. RESULTS: All the stability index scores of SPST and sway index in CTSIB were significantly higher in KTRs compared to healthy controls. The right anteroposterior stability index score in DPST and the reaction time in LOST were significantly higher whereas overall score in LOST and lower extremity muscle strength were significantly lower in KTRs. The linear regression analysis revealed that hemoglobin was the predictor of static balance control accounting for 11% of the variance and body weight was the predictor of dynamic balance control accounting for 34% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Balance control, both static and dynamic, are impaired in KTRs as well as lower extremity muscle strength. Hemoglobin level is a predictor of static balance control whereas body weight is a predictor of dynamic balance control after kidney transplantation.

Beliefs toward mental illness in Turkish physiotherapists.

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapists (PTs) are responsible for the prevention and promotion of physical and mental health. Their beliefs toward mental illness (MI) are important to disclose stigmatization. PURPOSE: To investigate the beliefs of PTs toward MI. METHODS: Beliefs toward Mental Illness Scale were sent to an e-mail network of Turkish Physiotherapy Association. The scale has three subscales: 1) Dangerousness; 2) Incurability and Poor Social and Interpersonal Skills (IPSIS); and 3) Shame. Total and subscale scores were used for analysis as higher scores indicated more negative beliefs. RESULTS: In total, 155 PTs completed the questionnaires. The median total score was 45/105, while Dangerousness, IPSIS, and Shame scores were 20/40, 23/55, and 0/10, respectively. Dangerousness score was higher in PTs with a bachelor's degree compared to PTs with a postgraduate education (p = .049). IPSIS score was higher in PTs who did not consult a health professional in the presence of MI compared to PTs who consulted (p = .023). Total and IPSIS scores were higher in PTs exposed to an individual with MI during physiotherapy sessions compared to PTs having a family member with MI (p = .006 and p = .012, respectively). CONCLUSION: Postgraduate education may affect the positivity of the beliefs regarding the dangerousness of MI. Negative beliefs about the curability of MI, frustration in interpersonal relationships, and perception that the mentally ill are untrustworthy may hinder the health-seeking behavior, even the individual is a health-care professional. Having a family member with MI may positively affect the beliefs of PTs in case of an exposure to a patient with MI during physiotherapy sessions.

Kinesiophobia, physical performance, and health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease.

Introduction: Kinesiophobia is an important risk factor for physical activity and exercise restrictions. It is important to assess kinesiophobia and identify high-risk patients to help prevent sedentary behaviour and increase exercise participation among cardiac patients. Aim: To evaluate kinesiophobia and its association with physical performance, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), patients' limitations and symptoms, and disease history in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Material and methods: Fifty-two patients diagnosed with CAD were enrolled in this study. Kinesiophobia was assessed with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia for Heart. The 5× Sit-to-Stand Test (5-STST), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) were used to assess physical performance. Patients' limitations and symptoms and HRQOL were evaluated with the Cardiovascular Limitations and Symptoms Profile. CAD duration and history of myocardial infarction (MI) were also recorded. Results: 87.2% of the patients had high level of kinesiophobia, which was higher in patients with previous MI compared to patients without history of MI (p = 0.031). Kinesiophobia was positively correlated with 5-STST duration, TUGT duration, angina, shortness of breath, HRQOL, and CAD duration, and it was negatively correlated with 6-MWT distance (p < 0.05). According to regression analysis, only angina was a significant predictor for kinesiophobia (p = 0.014). Kinesiophobia was found to be a predictor of physical performance and HRQOL (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Levels of kinesiophobia are high in patients with CAD, especially in those with a history of MI. Angina is a predictor of kinesiophobia while kinesiophobia is a predictor of both physical performance and HRQOL in CAD patients.

Pelvic floor muscle function and symptoms of dysfunctions in midwifes and nurses of reproductive age with and without pelvic floor dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare pelvic floor muscle (PFM) functions in midwifes and nurses of reproductive age with and without pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and investigate the relationship between PFM function and the number, type and symptoms of PFDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 82 midwifes and nurses of reproductive age with (n = 51) and without PFD (n = 31) participated in the study. PFM function was assessed by digital palpation using PERFECT scale. Gynecological examination, ultrasonography, disease-specific questionnaires, questions and tests were used to assess symptoms of PFD. PFD was assessed in terms of risk factors, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse (POP), pelvic pain and sexual dysfunctions. RESULTS: Power parameter of PERFECT scheme was significantly lower in subjects with PFD compared to Non-PFD group (p = 0.002). 41% of the subjects with Power 5 PFM strength in PFD group were diagnosed as stage 1 POP, 5.8% as stage 2 POP, 15.7% of urge incontinence, 23.3% of stress incontinence and 10.5% of mixed incontinence. Both urinary incontinence and POP were detected in 15.7% of them. Among all subjects, incontinence symptoms decreased whereas POP and sexual function did not change as PFM increased. PFM strength was negatively correlated with the number of PFD (p = 0.002, r = -0.34). The type of dysfunction did not correlate with PFM strength (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: PFM strength only affects of urinary incontinence sypmtoms among all PFDs in midwifes and nurses of reproductive age. PFM strength may not be the main factor in the occurrence of PFDs as pelvic floor does not consist solely of muscle structure. However, it strongly affects the number of dysfunctions. Therefore, PFM training should be performed to prevent the occurrence of extra dysfunctions in addition to the existing ones even if it does not alter the symptoms.

Comparison of the effects of virtual reality-based balance exercises and conventional exercises on balance and fall risk in older adults living in nursing homes in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: There is limited information on effective balance training techniques including virtual reality (VR)-based balance exercises in residential settings and no studies have been designed to compare the effects of VR-based balance exercises with conventional balance exercises in older adults living in nursing homes in Turkey. The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of VR-based balance exercises on balance and fall risk in comparison to conventional balance exercises in older adults living in nursing homes. METHODS: A total sample of 18 subjects (65-82 years of age) with fall history who were randomly assigned to either the VR group (Group 1, n = 7) or the conventional exercise group (Group 2, n = 11) completed the exercise training. RESULTS: In both groups, Berg balance score (BBS), timed up & go duration, and left leg stance and tandem stance duration with eyes closed significantly improved with time (p < 0.05), but changes were similar in both groups (p > 0.05) after training, indicating that neither the exercise method was superior. CONCLUSION: Similar improvements were found in balance and fall risk with VR-based balance training and conventional balance training in older adults living in the nursing home. Both exercise trainings can be preferable by health care professionals considering fall prevention. Appropriate patient selection is essential.

Beliefs towards mental illness in Turkish physiotherapy students.

Mental health is a new area of specialization for physiotherapists. However, they usually meet patients with psychiatric co-morbidities secondary to other chronic diseases. It is important to explore the beliefs of future physiotherapists regarding mental illness in order to implement effective strategies to avoid possible stigmatizing attitudes that may interfere with the rehabilitation process. Moreover, the psychiatric field should be introduced to physiotherapists as a clinical and research area. Therefore, we aimed to question the beliefs of physiotherapy students regarding mental illness using the Beliefs towards Mental Illness Scale in two different universities in Turkey. The total score of 524 students was 46.5 ± 14.5 out of 105 while the Dangerousness Subscale score was 21.2 ± 5.8/40; Incurability and Poor Social and Interpersonal Skills Subscale score was 24.2 ± 9.3/55 and Shame Subscale score was 1.1 ± 1.9/10. Students who had a relationship with an individual having a mental problem and students who had consulted a psychiatrist/psychologist for any mental problem showed more positive beliefs. Future physiotherapists should be informed and trained regarding people with mental illness both to avoid stigma and to be aware of this area in physiotherapy settings. Therefore, it is important to implement new curricula for schools providing physiotherapy education including courses, lectures and clinical practices in the psychiatry field.