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BackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionLine dancing is a popular form of exercise shown to affect balance and mood positively. However, few studies examine its effectiveness in multiple sclerosis (MS). The study aims to investigate the effects of line dancing on balance, mood, and health-related quality of life in MS.Participants were randomized into the line dance (n =15) and the control groups (n =16). Outcomes were measured using the Berg Balance Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54) at baseline and post intervention.Post-intervention in the line dancing group, significant improvements were observed in balance, anxiety status, and health-related quality of life. When the groups were compared, significant differences were found in balance, anxiety, and the mental health composite of the MSQoL-54.This study recommends the use of line dancing as a therapeutic intervention in MS. Nevertheless, comparisons with different intervention approaches and follow-up studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Depression is a common symptom in schizophrenia and can negatively affect treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of goal‑oriented dance or movement therapy on depressive symptoms in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Methods: The study was designed as a randomised controlled rater‑blinded study, in which 32 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to either the intervention (dance movement therapy) group or control group. The intervention consisted of twice‑weekly goal‑oriented dance movement therapy sessions, with each session lasting approximately 40–50 minutes, for a total of 8 weeks. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia. Results: The depressive symptoms before and after the intervention were compared. No significant differences between groups were observed at baseline. There was no change in the control group, whereas a significant improvement on depressive symptoms was observed in the total Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia score in the dance movement therapy group after the intervention. Conclusions: Goal‑oriented dance movement therapy is an effective treatment for the depressive symptoms in schizophrenia patients in addition to conventional treatments. Although the results are favourable, further studies are needed to test its effectiveness. Implications for practice: In the traditional treatment of schizophrenia, it is important to evaluate depression and support the treatment with approaches such as dance movement therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: The study aimed to examine the effects of "Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance" (CO-OP) approach in terms of performance and satisfaction as well as functional status in children with cerebral palsy (CP) receiving neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) and determine the parents' satisfaction level. METHODS: Thirty-two children with CP were randomized to experimental (n = 16) or control (n = 16) groups, with n = 2 dropouts. Therapy was applied twice a week for five weeks. The experimental group received a CO-OP plus NDT, while the control group received only NDT. RESULTS: No baseline differences existed, except for years of schooling, which was higher in the experimental group. After treatment, there were statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in occupational performance and function, favouring children who received 5-weeks of CO-OP plus NDT over NDT alone (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CO-OP is expected to be beneficial if incorporated into CP rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to compare the mood, physical symptoms, cognitive failure, and life satisfaction in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and No/Mild PMS (No/Mild PMS). Methods: Totally 195 women participated in this study. The participants were divided into three groups according to the scores they received from premenstrual symptom screening tool. premenstrual symptom screening tool, beck depression inventory, beck anxiety inventory, cognitive failures questionnaire, and satisfaction with life scale were applied to all participants. Results: The study findings demonstrated that there was a significant difference between the groups in terms of the mean scores of anxiety, depression, cognitive failure, and life satisfaction (p<0.05). Women with PMDD group had significantly higher anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction scores than women with PMS and No/Mild PMS (p<0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of CFQ (p<0.05); however, the difference between groups was not significant in post-hoc comparisons. Conclusion: Women with PMDD had higher anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms and lower life satisfaction than women with PMS and No/Mild PMS. The results suggest that health professionals should be sensitive to the emotional and cognitive sides of PMDD/PMS. Holistic intervention programs may be developed considering current study findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims Shoulder problems are common in the general population. The aim of this research was to compare the short and long-term effects of trigger point deep friction massage and trigger point dry needling therapy on rest, activity, and the intensity of night shoulder pain and shoulder internal rotation in Subacromial Pain Syndrome. Methods Out of 73 outpatients diagnosed with Subacromial Pain Syndrome, 40 were selected according to agreed criteria and were randomly assigned to two groups. A total of 19 patients received trigger point deep friction massage and 21 received trigger point dry needling therapy. The trigger point deep friction massage group received treatment over 3 weeks and the trigger point dry needling therapy group received treatments over 4 weeks. Both groups received six treatment sessions and a programme of post-treatment exercises. The shoulder internal rotation angle was measured using a goniometer, and pain intensities were measured using a visual analogue scale before the first session, after six sessions and after 1 year. Results According to both the short- and long-term data, significant improvements were seen in both groups for all parameters. However, when the groups were compared, no significant difference was found between the two interventions, although the trigger point deep friction massage intervention showed earlier improvements as the treatments could be carried out in 3 weeks, rather than the 4 weeks required for the trigger point dry needling therapy sessions. conclusions Both trigger point deep friction massage and trigger point dry needling therapy are effective in improving pain and shoulder internal rotation. Both groups maintained significant clinical improvement throughout the year. Although both interventions produced good results, trigger point deep friction massage treatments were completed in a shorter time and so demonstrated earlier improvements. Therefore, Trigger point deep friction massage may be regarded as the preferred option, particularly as no equipment is needed and is a non-invasive method of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals with diabetes mellitus have difficulty solving problems in meaningful occupations and have similar difficulties with self-care regimens. We examined the effects of an occupation-based intervention supported with problem-solving therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus on participation in and satisfaction with meaningful occupations, diabetes-related psychosocial self-efficacy, preferred coping strategies and individual well-being.Methods: This study was planned as a single-blind, randomised controlled study with a 3-month follow-up involving 67 adults with type 2 diabetes. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Diabetes Empowerment Scale, Brief COPE and five-item World Health Organisation Well-Being Index were used. This programme included evaluations, diabetes education, and problem-solving therapy. The intervention was conducted for 6 weeks, and each weekly session lasted approximately 60 min. Differences between groups were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Friedman test was used to calculate group-time interaction differences (i.e., baseline, after 6 weeks and after 3 months).Results: All participants identified the most significant occupational performance problems in self-care as personal care. Significant improvement was reported in the intervention group compared to the control group regarding participation in meaningful occupation, satisfaction with performance, psychosocial self-efficacy, and well-being results (p < 0.001) after the programme and 3 months of follow-up. Participant use of effective coping strategies, active coping and acceptance strategies, and self-efficacy, as revealed by the results, suggested improvement in favour of the intervention group (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Occupation-based problem-solving therapy encourages participation in meaningful occupations and improves psychosocial self-efficacy, effective coping styles, and well-being in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Problem-solving therapies that incorporate individuals' priorities via meaningful occupation can be used to lead to a meaningful and quality life for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03783598 . Retrospectively Registered. First Posted-December 21, 2018, Last Update Posted-February 18, 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to examine the effectiveness of relaxation training in women with PMDD through a randomized controlled design. Sixty-three women were recruited and randomized to relaxation training or control groups. The outcome measurements, administered at baseline and post-training, included the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). The intervention group received 12 sessions of relaxation training, including progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagination. While there were significant differences within the group in the relaxation training group, no significant differences were found in the control group. Relaxation training had a positive effect on reducing premenstrual symptoms, anxiety, depression and disability and improving quality of life in women with PMDD. More research is necessary to recommend relaxation training as a primary and long-term treatment and to understand how it should be included in a comprehensive treatment plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors of this study compared the effects of pilates exercises and connective tissue massage (CTM) on pain intensity; pain-pressure threshold; and tolerance, anxiety, progress, and health-related quality of life in females with fibromyalgia. It was a pilot, assessor masked, randomized controlled trial conducted between January and August of 2013. Twenty-one women with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to the pilates exercise program (six of whom did not complete the program), and 22 were randomly assigned to CTM (one of whom did not complete this program). Each group received the assigned intervention three times per week during a 4-week period. The Visual Analogue Scale, algometry, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and Nottingham Health Profile were used at baseline and at the end of treatments. Significant improvements were found in both groups for all parameters. However, the scores for pain-pressure threshold were significantly elevated and the symptoms of anxiety were significantly diminished in the exercise group compared to the massage group. Thus, exercise and massage might be used to provide improvements in women with fibromyalgia. The exercise group showed more advantages than the massage group and thus might be preferred for patients with fibromyalgia. However, an adequately powered trial is required to determine this with certainty. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

References 1 Agce ZB, Ekici G. Person-centred, occupation-based intervention program supported with problem-solving therapy for type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. Two concerns have been expressed about the methodology of the study entitled "Person-Centred, Occupational-Based Intervention Program Supported by Problem Solving Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes". Problem-solving therapy has been a supportive approach in overcoming the occupational performance problems that develop due to diabetes treatment and complications. [Extracted from the article]

In this study, the authors examined the effects of the "Workplace Health Promotion Program" (WHPP) on pain, fatigue, stress, professional quality of life (Pro-QoL), and coping skills for nurses. The authors conducted a randomized control trial in 30 nurses who agreed to participate in this study. Progressive relaxation training, posture and breath exercises, and ergonomic suggestions as a WHPP were applied to the intervention group (n = 15) during the five weeks. The intervention group showed decrease in pain (p =.001), fatigue (p =.001), and stress levels (p =.003) and increase in coping skills and Pro-QoL (p <.05). In contrast, the authors observed no improvement in the control group. The authors concluded at the end of the study that WHPP remains effective in nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DMT is promising as part of psychosocial approaches in mental health disorders. • DMT is an effective treatment for psychopathology of schizophrenia. • DMT facilitates functional remission in schizophrenia. This study was designed as a rater-blinded, randomized, controlled study conducted in a community mental health center. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a goal-oriented dance and movement therapy (DMT) on symptomatology and functional remission in people diagnosed with schizophrenia. Thirty-two adults diagnosed with schizophrenia (ages 18–65) were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention comprised twice-weekly dance and movement therapy sessions for 8 weeks. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Functional Remission of General Schizophrenia (FROGS) were selected as outcome measures. Significant improvements were reported in negative symptoms, general psychopathology, and functional remission after the goal-oriented dance and movement therapy group in comparison with the control group. The findings of this study indicate that the goal-oriented DMT may be used for achieving more effective psychosocial outcomes. Further studies with long term follow up and larger samples are needed to support these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is a person-centered assessment tool frequently used to identify occupational problems in older individuals and establish goals for geriatric rehabilitation. This study aims to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of COPM (COPM-TR) in older people. Materials and methods: One hundred older people completed the COPM-TR, and 25 of them participated in a retest within two weeks. The convergent construct validity analyses of the COPM-TR included conducting correlation analyses between the COPM-TR and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Lawton Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (Lawton-IADL) scales. The Performance and Satisfaction subscales were subjected to an item analysis for the internal consistency of the COPM-TR. A test-retest analysis was conducted to investigate the reliability. Results: According to convergent construct validity analysis, it was found that there is a moderate correlation between COPM-TR performance and FIM (r = 0.51), and a strong correlation between Lawton IADL (r = 0.62). Similarly, there was a strong correlation between COPM-TR satisfaction and FIM (r = 0.61) and Lawton IADL (r = 0.61). Test-retest reliability was excellent for performance score and good for satisfaction score (ICC values 0.92; 0.78, respectively). COPM-TR showed excellent-high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.92 for performance and 0.88 for satisfaction). Conclusion: COPM-TR is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to assess occupational performance in older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) has a significant impact on daily life, but the fact that most diagnosed individuals are women makes it difficult to understand the occupational needs and lifestyle choices of male patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a client‐centered lifestyle intervention program in men with fibromyalgia and compare it with women. Methods: The client‐centered lifestyle intervention program was applied to 15 men with fibromyalgia in two sessions per week for 4 weeks in individual sessions and compared with data from 15 women who had previously participated in the same program. The Revised Fibromyalgia Questionnaire, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were used as outcome measures. Results: When comparing results between baseline and 4 weeks later, statistically significant differences were found in the male group in the areas of fibromyalgia severity (p =.001), occupational performance (p =.001), occupational satisfaction (p =.001), anxiety (p =.002), depression (p =.005), and life satisfaction (p =.002). It was found that occupational performance and occupational satisfaction increased significantly more in women than in men (p =.004 and p =.001, respectively). Conclusion: The client‐centered lifestyle intervention was shown to be effective in fibromyalgia severity, occupational performance, occupational satisfaction, anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction of both men and women with FMS. Levels of progress in occupational participation could show gender‐based differences. The study suggests that more attention should be paid to psychosocial factors when assessing men's occupational participation and planning appropriate interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational balance is a crucial concept in occupational therapy, accepted as a key component of health and well-being. The Occupational Balance-Questionnaire (OB-Quest) is designed as a standardized instrument to assess occupational balance. This study investigated the validity and reliability of the OB-Quest Turkish, which consisted of translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and analysis psychometric properties phases. The factor structure of the OB-Quest indicated a good model fit. The criterion-related validity showed a positive correlation with Beck Depression Inventory and a negative correlation with the 12-item Short Form Survey. The OB-Quest-Turkish showed questionable internal consistency and an excellent correlation between test-retest. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/07380577.2021.2010160. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the influence of the duration of mobile phone use on heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy individuals. Methods: One hundred forty-eight individuals without any established systemic disease and who had undergone 24-h ambulatory ECG monitoring were included in the case-control study. All the individuals had been using mobile phones for more than 10 years. Three-channel 24-h Holter monitoring was performed to derive the mean heart rate, standard deviation of normal NN intervals (SDNN), standard deviation of 5-min (m) mean NN intervals (SDANN), the proportion of NN50 divided by the total number of NNs (pNN50), the root mean square differences of successive NN intervals (RMSSD), high (HF)-, low (LF)-, very low (VLF)-frequency power, total power components, and the LF/HF ratio. Individuals were divided into four groups according to their duration of mobile phone use [no mobile phone use (Control group), <30 min/day (Group 1), 30-60 min/day (Group 2), and >60 min/day (Group 3)]. Results: All the groups had similar features with regard to demographic and clinical characteristics. No significant arrhythmias were observed in any of the groups. The LF/HF ratio was higher, whereas the SDNN, SDANN, RMSSD, and pNN50 values were lower in the study groups than in the control group (p<0.05). No significant differences were identified among groups with respect to heart rate, VLF, and total power values (p>0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was shown that the duration of mobile phone use may affect the autonomic balance in healthy subjects. The electromagnetic field created by mobile phone use may induce HRV changes in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare functional mobility, depressive symptoms, level of independence, and quality of life of the elderly living at home and in the nursing home. Design: A prospectively designed, comparative study. Setting: A nursing home and a university hospital department. Participants: In this study, 33 elderly living in a nursing home and 25 elderly living at home, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and volunteered to participate, were included. Measurements: Sociodemographic characteristics were recorded. Functional mobility (Timed Up & Go Test), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale), level of independence (Kahoku Aging Longitudinal Study Scale), and quality of life (Visual Analogue Scale) scores were compared between the groups. Results: Functional mobility and independence level of the nursing home residents were higher than the home-dwelling elderly (95% CI: −4.88, −0.29 and 0.41, 6.30, respectively), but they had more depressive symptoms (95% CI: 0.30, 5.45), and their level of QoL was lower (95% CI: −15.55, −2.93). Conclusion: These findings are thought to be important and of benefit for health care professionals and caregivers as indicating the areas that need to be supported for the elderly living at home (functional mobility and independence) and in the nursing home (depressive symptoms and quality of life). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the effects of a client-centered lifestyle intervention for women with fibromyalgia syndrome on the levels of disease severity, occupational participation, anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction. The quasi-experimental controlled study was conducted at Occupational Therapy Department of Hacettepe University in Turkey between January 2018 and May 2018. Based on the literature review and basic assessments, a lifestyle intervention program was designed focusing both on the participants' occupational goals and the effects of fibromyalgia symptoms. The results were measured using the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Significant differences were found in intervention group compared to control in terms of COPM-Performance (p =.001), COPM-Satisfaction (p =.001), HADS-Anxiety (p =.009), and HADS-Depression (p =.001). Although FIQR and SWLS levels improved positively in the intervention group (respectively; p =.001 and p =.012), there was no difference between the groups. According to these results, the client-centered and occupation-based lifestyle intervention applied to individuals with fibromyalgia could be effective on occupational participation and psychological symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Mini-BESTest balance scale (Mini-BESTest-Turk) and provide a culturally adapted version for use in Turkish patients with stroke. Materials and Methods: A convenience sample of 84 Turkish patients with chronic stroke (28 female, 56 male; mean age: 59.52±14.04 years) was recruited. Researchers administered the scale, for the inter-rater reliability and twice within 7 days for the test-retest reliability. Mini-BESTest reliability study was performed by calculating internal consistency. The reliability of Mini-BESTest-Turk and its subsections was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Itemtotal correlation and test-retest reliability were calculated. For structural validity, factor analysis was performed. The construct validity of Mini-BESTest-Turk and Berg Balance scale (BBS) was assessed using Spearman correlation analyses. The minimum detectable change (MDC) at 95% confidence intervals (MDC 95%) was established. Results: The Mini-BESTest-Turk demonstrated test-retest [intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.994, 95% confidence intervals: (0.981-0.998); p<0.001]. In the correlation for validation study, correlations between Mini-BESTest-Turk and BBS scores (r=0.925, p<0.001) were very strongly positive. MDC95 was 2.01 points. Conclusion: The reliability study showed that the Mini-BESTest-Turk had excellent internal consistency. The Turkish version of the Mini-BESTest scale (Mini- BESTest-Turk) seems to be a reliable and valid measure in patients with stroke. We believe that it may be useful in the follow-up of patients with stroke and clinical research. The ability to identify clinically significant changes was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the heart of the concept of lifelong learning (LLL) is the continual development of an individual's competences. A post-graduate education (PGE) is a process that contributes to an individual's LLL. The high self-consciousness (SC) of an individual is also important to succeed in PGE. The aim of this study is to examine the awareness of Health Sciences (HS) undergraduate students towards LLL and its relationship with the SC.A total of 184 individuals, 90 female and 94 male, were included in the study. Individuals' awareness of LLL, and SC, was assessed by LLL tendency scale, and SC scale, respectively. Their awareness of PGE, however, was evaluated using a questionnaire developed by the researchers. There was no statistically significant correlation between the total score of the LLL scale (p = 0.199) and the total score of the SC scale (p = 0.215) with the students' grades. There was no statistically significant relationship between level of knowledge about PGE and the questionnaire (p = 0.532). It was found that the percentage of individuals responding correctly to the questions in the questionnaire developed by the researchers and the participation rate in the examinations required for the PGE did not increase with the participants' grades. This percentage was higher in 2nd grade compared to the 3rd, 2nd compared to the 4th, and 4th compared to the 1st grade. According to the results of this study, higher grades of HS undergraduate students is not related to their awareness of LLL, SC and the level of their knowledge about PGE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: The aim of this study was to translate the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) into Turkish and to test its reliability and validity among Turkish women with urinary incontinence (UI). Methods: Three hundred and thirty-five women with symptoms of UI completed the Turkish versions of the KHQ, short forms of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), and the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI). Psychometric analysis of the KHQ included assessments of test-retest reliability, internal consistency, construct, and criterion validity. Factor analysis was used to explore the underlying structure of the KHQ. Results: The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ≥0.68) and test-retest reliability of the KHQ were found to be high ( p < 0.001). Interdomain correlation analysis showed good convergent validity among Role, Physical, and Social Limitations, with relatively higher correlations and divergent validity between Personal Relationships and other domains, with relatively lower correlations. Exploratory factor analysis identified three factors, namely, Daily Life and Emotions, Personal Relationship, and General Health Perception. The KHQ was also significantly correlated with IIQ-7, UDI-6, and ISI ( p < 0.01). Conclusions: The results suggest that the Turkish KHQ is a valid and reliable condition-specific quality of life instrument for Turkish women with UI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20). Methods: One hundred and twenty-eight women with pelvic floor disorders, including pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and anal incontinence were enrolled in the study. The Turkish version was developed using forward back translation. Construct validity was examined by correlation of clinical methods. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) compared the PFDI-20 and subscale scores. Cronbach's alpha assessed the internal consistency of the Turkish version. Results: The PFDI-20 has three subscales. The test-retest reliability of the PFDI-20 and subscale was excellent (ICC 0.96 to 0.98, p < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha value (0.79) was moderate for the PFDI-20. Construct validity demonstrated that the PFDI-20 and each subscale displayed significant correlation with other clinical methods used ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: The PFDI-20 is a valid and reliable condition-specific questionnaire for Turkish women with pelvic floor disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aims of this study were (1) to show the effects of musculoskeletal pain on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and (2) to look at gender differences in this field in elderly people living in Turkey. Subjects were 900 men and women (65 years of age or above), with a mean of 70.93±5.6 years. The centers for disease control (CDC) HRQOL-4 survey tool was used to measure HRQOL of the subjects. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to determine pain intensity. The subjects were also asked to indicate sites where they experienced pain in their body. Of the subjects, 72.1% reported musculoskeletal pain. The prevalence of pain was higher among women (85.5%) than men (61.8%). Pain of lower extremities was the most common in both sexes. Whereas the majority of the subjects with musculoskeletal pain reported fair–poor self-rated health, those without pain reported excellent–very good–good health. Compared with subjects who did not report pain, those with pain had increased the number of physically and mentally unhealthy days in the previous 30 days (p =0.0001). The investigators concluded that musculoskeletal pain interfered negatively with HRQOL, increasing the number of unhealthy days and decreasing physical and mental performance in the elderly participants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]