Eight-week exercise program improved the quality of life of Alzheimer's patients through functional, cognitive, and biochemical parameters.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, it was aimed to examine the effect of 8-week exercise in Alzheimer's disease (AD) aged 65 and over through functional, cognitive, and biochemical parameters and irisin metabolism. METHODS: Two groups consisting of healthy individuals and diagnosed with Alzheimer's over the age of 65 were followed up with a combined exercise program of 45-60 min, 3 days a week, for 8 weeks. At the end of the exercise period, various cognitive and functional tests were performed on the participants, and blood samples were taken for biochemical parameters and irisin level measurements. RESULTS: In functional evaluations, while there was no difference in pre-exercise measurements of timed performance and quadriceps femoris muscle strength, there was a difference between groups in all other measurements (p < 0.05). Nutritional status increased significantly after exercise in AD individuals. Although there was an increase in mental score values after exercise, it was not statistically significant. Similar to the elderly with Alzheimer's, the improvements in functional tests in the healthy also led to improvements in activities of daily living and auxiliary activities of daily living. The exercise training did not have an effect on the lipid profile in AD patients, but showed an effect on glycemia and irisin levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Changes in functional, cognitive, and biochemical parameters after the exercise program improved quality of life in Alzheimer's patients.

Effects of nerve mobilization exercise as an adjunct to the conservative treatment for patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out with the aim of investigating the contribution of nerve mobilization exercises to the conservative treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: In this clinical trial, 28 patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups. The control group was composed of 14 patients who were treated conservatively with a program consisting of physiotherapy and supportive inserts, whereas 14 patients in the study group were given nerve mobilization exercises in addition to the same treatment. Allpatients were followed up for 6 weeks. Before treatment, subjects were evaluated for muscle strength, range of motion, pain, sensory tests, and clinical manifestations of tarsal tunnel syndrome. The evaluations were repeated after 6 weeks. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in favor of posttreatment values for range of motion, muscle strength, and pain in both groups (P < .05). Intergroup comparisons showed no difference between the groups for these parameters. Significant results were attained in the study group for 2-point discrimination and light touch and Tinel sign after treatment (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Patients in both groups showed improvement from conservative treatment. The results of the study group showed that nerve mobilization exercises have a positive effect on 2-point discrimination and light touch and Tinel sign.

Outcome of orthoses intervention in the rheumatoid foot.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of foot orthoses on pain, gait, and energy expenditure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Eighteen patients were evaluated for these parameters. Each patient was given a foot insert or shoe modification suitable for his or her foot deformity. Following 3 months of orthosis use, a significant difference was found in regards to pain (p < .05), step length and stride length (p < .05), and physiological cost index (p < .05). The results suggest that foot orthoses are an important feature in the rehabilitation of the rheumatoid foot.