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Early literacy skills, the foundational abilities necessary for the development of literacy, must be examined holistically in preschool children. This study aimed to investigate early literacy skills in preschool children and determine how variables related to literacy development can be clustered by using a dendrogram. The study was conducted on 166 preschool children (75 female, 91 male; mean age: 65.9±4.4 months). Hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) was used to find the variable clustering trends. The 44 variables related to literacy (sociodemographic factors related to the child and family, child–parent relationship, child's behavior, and social, sensory integration, motor, and auditory linguistic skills) that were closest to each other in the dendrogram were clustered, and the situation was summarized by reducing them to two main clusters and six sub-clusters. This study elaborates on the implications of reducing multivariate complexity using CA. It is recommended that the relationships among the variables in this dendrogram structure are considered when new hypotheses and studies related to early literacy are designed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare sensory processing skills and occupational performance between participants with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls. Eighty participants were enrolled in this study, 40 with multiple sclerosis and 40 with healthy controls. Participants were between 18 and 65 years of age and asked to complete the Adult Sensory Profile, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. The findings of the study revealed that participants with multiple sclerosis had a lower ability to register sensory input, a higher sensory sensitivity, and avoidance, as well as lower levels of performance and satisfaction in their daily occupations, compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.05). People with multiple sclerosis often experience difficulties with sensory processing and occupational performance in daily life. More research and practice are needed on the role of sensory processing and occupational performance in daily life in people with multiple sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-efficacy is pivotal for therapeutic relationships in occupational therapy. This study aimed to adapt SETUS to Turkish and assess the psychometric properties of SETUS-TR scale for Turkish occupational therapists. Beaton's cross-cultural adaptation guidelines were followed adapting scale to Turkish. SETUS-TR showed strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.83-0.94), acceptable construct validity, and reliable test-retest results (ICC: 0.87-0.94). Significant correlations (0.12-0.39) existed between SETUS-TR and reference test subscales. SETUS-TR is valid and reliable tool, evaluating Turkish occupational therapists' self-efficacy in therapeutic use of self. This research furthers understanding of therapeutic use of self in occupational therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aims were to translate the Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire (EDAQ) into Turkish, then test validity and reliability in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Turkey. Material and Methods: Phase 1: The EDAQ was forward and backward translated, culturally adapted following cognitive debriefing interviews with participants with RA (n = 10) and finalized by an expert committee. Phase 2: Participants (n = 215) completed a questionnaire including the EDAQ, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and Short-Form 36 v1 (SF-36v1). Two weeks later, the EDAQ was again completed for test–retest reliability (n = 82:38%). Internal construct validity was assessed using Rasch analysis. Internal consistency, concurrent validity, and test–retest reliability were assessed. Results: Following cultural adaptation, one item was removed, and examples increased or changed. Cronbach's α values were 0.71 − 0.93 for all EDAQ domains, that is, acceptable to good. The EDAQ met Rasch model requirements for fit (excellent construct validity: p > 0.05). Concurrent validity was moderate to strong for most EDAQ domains with HAQ (rs 0.49–0.81) and SF-36-v1 Physical Function (rs 0.42–0.70). There was excellent test–retest reliability for all domains (ICC (2,1): 0.95–1.00). Conclusion: The Turkish EDAQ is a valid, reliable measure of daily activity ability for use in practice and research with Turkish speakers with RA. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: The Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire provides a comprehensive evaluation of daily activity ability for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The Turkish Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire is a valid, reliable patient-reported outcome measure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, who considered it easy to complete. The Turkish Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire is suitable for use in clinical practice and research to evaluate daily activity ability in people with rheumatoid arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The growing aging population requires the development of new policies and programs to meet the needs and expectations of the elderly. Identifying priorities for the elderly's quality of life can be the foundation for rehabilitation services provided to the elderly. This study aims to assess the quality of life priorities in the elderly using the Turkish-adapted Mayers' Lifestyle Questionnaire (3). Method: The study included 171 elderly with a mean age of 74.72 ± 4.36 years. Participants completed a sociodemographic information form and the Turkish-Adapted Mayers' Lifestyle Questionnaire (3). Results: Quality of life priorities for elderly people were independence in reading and writing, participation in paid and/or voluntary work, spiritual, and satisfying activities, and the ability to make choices about their lives. Conclusion: The study results showed that Mayers' Lifestyle Questionnaire (3) supports setting priorities by examining the quality of life of elderly people from a multidimensional perspective. The use of Mayers' Lifestyle Questionnaire (3) can contribute to the development of effective strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for elderly individuals. A holistic approach to each factor affecting quality of life will enable occupational therapists and other professionals involved with elderly people to consider person-centered factors in their interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Health Sciences / Türkiye Klinikleri Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) has caused various effects, changing people's lives and work styles. During this period, workplaces decided to work remotely, so people spent more time at home. Therefore, workers' personal and work lives were negatively affected. OBJECTIVE: This study planned to compare traditional and remote office workers' occupational balance and life satisfaction in Turkey during COVID-19. METHODS: Google Survey was used for data collection. Three hundred office workers (18–65 years old) from Turkey participated in the study. The occupational balance and life satisfaction levels of participants were assessed using the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (QB-Quest) and Personal Well-being Index-Adult (PWI-A). RESULTS: Data collected were analyzed statistically by the Independent Sample t-test. It was found that the remote office workers had lower levels of occupational balance (p = 0.02; r = –3.317) and life satisfaction (p = 0.01; r = –2.199) compared to the traditional office workers. CONCLUSION: Remote office workers were found to have lower occupational balance and life satisfaction than traditional office workers. In this period, when the way of working changes like COVID-19, it is crucial to determine office workers' occupational balance and life satisfaction and take precautions for their job performance and satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the sensory processing abilities of adults with acquired hearing loss and determine whether their sensory processing patterns differ from those of the general population and adults with normal hearing. Method: The study evaluated the sensory processing functions of 30 adults with acquired hearing loss using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and compared them with the sensory processing functions of 30 adults with normal hearing. Results: The results showed that individuals with hearing loss have a significantly higher sensitivity to stimuli related to motion, vision, activity and touch, exhibiting a low-registration sensory pattern and a sensation-avoiding pattern that differed from those of most individuals. Conclusion: Assessing sensory processing profiles can help identify specific sensory difficulties and inform individualised treatment plans. The study highlights the importance of considering sensory processing patterns in the management of hearing loss to improve overall well-being and quality of life for adults with hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore validity and reliability of the Allen Cognitive Level Screen-5(ACLS-5) in individuals with schizophrenia. One hundred and twenty individuals (n=60 with schizophrenia; n=60 healthy individuals) were participants. Test-retest reliability, discriminant validity and construct validity analysis were performed. According to the analysis of construct validity, there was a significant correlation between ACLS-5 and Social Functioning Scale (r=0.382-0.487, p<0.05) and between ACLS-5 and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (r=0.257-0.557, p<0.01). The ACLS-5 has shown strong test-retest reliability with an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC = 0.93) and discriminant validity (z=7.065, p<0.001). This study provides preliminary evidence for the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the ACLS-5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Health Sciences / Türkiye Klinikleri Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences / İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Istanbul Gelisim Universitesi Saglik Bilimleri Yuksekokulu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of the present study was to provide a Turkish cultural adaptation (EFORTS-T) of the Executive Functions and Occupational Routines Scale (EFORTS) and to investigate its psychometric quality in children with dyslexia. We culturally adapted the original English version of this instrument with internationally suggested methods. Participants included the mothers of either randomly selected children with dyslexia (study group, n = 158) or age and sex-matched typically developing children (control group, n = 167). These participants completed a demographic form, the EFORTS-T, and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Parent form (BRIEF-P). For internal consistency, the alpha coefficient of the new instrument was excellent (.93), and it showed satisfactory test-retest reliability over a 14-day interval (.91). The criterion-related validity between the EFORTS-T and the BRIEF-P was moderate (.73). Fit indices of the model supported its factor structure. In conclusion, our findings support the validity and reliability of the new Turkish version of EFORTS for evaluating EF and contributing to the daily occupational routines of children with dyslexia for Turkish respondents. Further studies are needed to apply this instrument to children of different age groups and psychiatric conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Parents of children with cerebral palsy face higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression, sadness, exhaustion and burnout. Parent-based therapies have been found to increase parents' satisfaction with therapy, parent–child interactions and reduced parental stress. This study examined the effects of parent-based occupational therapy on stress levels, coping skills, and emotional skills and competencies of parents of children with cerebral palsy. Methods: A total of 15 children and their parents who were admitted to the paediatric rehabilitation unit for occupational therapy were divided into two groups (control group: n=7, study group: n=8) using the coin toss randomisation method. The control group received standard occupational therapy, while the study group received parent-based occupational therapy for 45 minutes a session, twice a week, until 10 sessions had been completed. Participants were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results: The study group showed a decrease in stress levels (P=0.034) and increases in coping skills (P=0.016), and emotional skills and competencies (P=0.036). In addition, only an improvement in parents' stress levels (P=0.046) was observed in the control group. Conclusions: The parent-based occupational therapy programme was more effective regarding stress levels, coping skills, emotional skills and competencies of the families of children with cerebral palsy compared to classical occupational therapy. This study is important in terms of demonstrating the benefits of parent-based occupational therapy for parents of children with cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Occupational Therapy / Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional is the property of Cadernos de Terapia Ocupacional da UFSCar and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We aimed to evaluate the effects of an occupational training program via telerehabilitation on well-being (WB), occupational balance (OB), intrinsic motivation (IM), and quality of life (QoL) in Syrian refugee children resettled in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a single-center, prospective, randomized, non-blinded trial in which children aged 13–15 years and attending a secondary school were recruited. OB, WB, IM, and QoL were evaluated via the OB Questionnaire (OBQ11), the Well-Star Scale (WSS), the IM Scale (IMS), and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). The intervention group attended online occupational therapy classes. Online classes were carried out as five sessions per week, each session lasting 1 h, for 3 weeks. Questionnaires were performed at the outset of the study and following the training program. Overall, 52 refugee children were randomized into the intervention and control groups, each including 26 children. The mean OBQ11, WSS, IMS, and PedsQL scores significantly improved more in the intervention group than in the control group. This was the first study investigating the effects of a customized online training course on OB, WB, IM, and QoL in Syrian refugee children, also affected unfavorably by the COVID-19 lockdown. Our results showed significant improvements in all the study scales that we used to quantify the alterations in the aforementioned traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is a generic questionnaire based on a semi-structured interview. We aimed to translate a Turkish version of the COPM (COPM-TR) and assess its reliability and validity. The COPM-TR was administered to 82 participants (42.2 ± 11.6 years and 32.9% of the participants were male) with multiple sclerosis (MS) for convergent validity and reliability analysis. The COPM-TR was administered with the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54), and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) to determine its convergent validity. Test-retest reliability (a week interval) was assessed by the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). There were moderately strong negative correlations between EDSS and performance and satisfaction score of COPM-TR. There were moderately strong positive correlations between MSQoL-54 physical and performance of COPM-TR and moderate positive correlations between MSQoL-54 physical and satisfaction of COPM-TR. Moderate positive correlations found between the MSQoL-54 mental and COPM-TR performance and satisfaction scores. Test re-test reliability of COPM-TR performance indicated excellent reliability. The current study demonstrates that the COPM-TR is a valid and reliable tool for measuring the perceived occupational performance and satisfaction of people with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Health Sciences / Türkiye Klinikleri Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Assessment of Children's Hand Skills (ACHS) and Children's Hand‐Skills Ability Questionnaire (CHSQ) are interconnected hand skills assessment tools that together contain parent questionnaire and observational assessment. With this quality, ACHS and CHSQ enable the therapist to obtain information about the child's real‐life performances as well as to conduct a clinical observational assessment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish versions of ACHS and CHSQ in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). Methods: A total of 112 children with HCP between 2 and 12 years of age were included. All participants were subjected to ACHS, CHSQ, Shriners Hospital Upper Extremity Evaluation (SHUEE) and ABILHAND‐Kids. Convergent construct validity was investigated through analysing the relationship between ACHS and SHUEE and between CHSQ and ABILHAND‐Kids. Discriminative construct validity was investigated through analysing the differences between genders for CHSQ and ACHS. For reliability, test–retest interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and internal consistency Cronbach's alpha were calculated and analysed. Results: ACHS showed very strong relationships with SHUEE's spontaneous functional analysis (r = 0.86) and grip–release function (r = 0.86) parameters with a strong relationship with positional dynamic analysis (r = 0.78). CHSQ's leisure (r = 0.80), school/education (r = 0.75) and activities of daily living (r = 0.76) domains showed strong relationships with the ABILHAND‐Kids. There was no difference between genders for ACHS and all domains of CHSQ (p > 0.05). All domains and total score of ACHS and CHSQ had perfect test–retest reliability (ICC > 0.90). ACHS had perfect internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.98); CHSQ had very high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.84). Conclusions: The Turkish versions of ACHS (ACHS‐TR) and CHSQ (CHSQ‐TR) are valid and reliable hand skills assessment tools in children with HCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a huge impact on patients and affects their ability to participate in meaningful activities. OBJECTIVE: To identify motor and non-motor factors that are associated with the participation level in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), leisure, social and religious activities in people with MS. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 110 individuals with MS. The used outcome measures are: Arabic version of the Activity Card Sort, Berg Balance Scale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Nine Hole Peg Test, 6-Minute Walk Test, Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis, Stroop test and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: Hand function, balance, gender and cognitive status can predict the participation in IADL (R2 = 0.425, P < 0.0001); depression, age, and cognitive status can predict the participation in leisure activities (R2 = 0.372, P < 0.0001), and fatigue, balance and cognitive status can predict social activities participation (R2 = 0.492, P < 0.000). CONCLUSION: Balance, cognition and fatigue affect the level of participation in instrumental activities of daily living, leisure, and religious and social activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with disabilities are facing not just health problems; they also experience restriction of participation due to various barriers. However, there is limited knowledge of which factors can be important to their community participation. Aim: This study investigated the factors that are associated with community participation of people with disabilities. Methods: A sample of 270 people with disabilities (aged range 18–55 years) recruited randomly through the "Turkish People with Disabilities Association". This study, followed a survey design, took place in 15 cities in Turkey and a city of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ), Functional Independence Measure, Measure of Quality of the Environment, Leisure Satisfaction Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Short-Form-12 were used. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyze the relationship of the dependent variable (CIQ) with the factors. Results: The results indicated that the community participation was importantly associated with employment and educational status, functional level, quality of life and satisfaction from leisure activities (p < 0.05). Wheelchair users' participation level was lower than that of the other mobility groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study provides a rich description of the multifaced nature of participation and its association with the factors such as employment, education, and leisure. Moreover, in terms of these factors and community participation, wheelchair users were the most disadvantaged group of people with disabilities at different mobility level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to translate the Measure of Quality of the Environment–Short Form (MQE-SF) into Turkish language and to evaluate the validity and reliability. The MQE-SF was culturally adapted via an internationally suggested method. A total of 185 volunteers with disabilities (age range = 18-55 y/o, 107 males; 78 females) from the Disabled People Association of Turkey completed the MQE-SF. To evaluate the MQE-SF's criterion/concurrent validity, the Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors (CHIEF) was also administered. Test–retest reliability was evaluated by administering MQE-SF to 85 participants a second time within 14 days of initial administration. The alpha coefficient measuring the internal consistency of the questionnaire were.84 and.83. The criterion-related validity was moderate between the MQE-SF Barriers and the CHIEF (r = –.46, p <.05). The questionnaire was moderately reliable in terms of the test–retest reliability (r =.69,.70 p <.05). The Turkish adaptation of the MQE-SF had good internal consistency and moderate criterion-related validity as well as test–retest reliability for people with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Pediatrics / Türkiye Klinikleri Pediatri Dergisi is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background : Children with Down syndrome have sensory integrative dysfunction as a result of limited sensory experience from lack of normal motor control. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of sensory integrative therapy alone, vestibular stimulation in addition to sensory integrative therapy and neurodevelopmental therapy, on children with Down syndrome. Methods : The present study was carried out at the Occupational Therapy Unit, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation of Hacettepe University. Forty-five children who were diagnosed as having Down syndrome by the Departments of Paediatric Neurology and Medical Genetics at Hacettepe University were assessed and randomly divided into three groups. Sensory integrative therapy was given to the first group (n =15), vestibular stimulation in addition sensory integrative therapy was given to the second group (n =15) and neurodevelopmental therapy was given to the third group (n =15). All children were evaluated with Ayres Southern California Sensory Integration Test, Pivot Prone Test, Gravitational Insecurity Test and Pegboard Test. The hypotonicity of extensor muscles, joint stability, automatic movement reactions and locomotor skills were tested. Treatment programs were 1.5 h per session, 3 days per week for 3 months. Results : When these groups were compared, statistically significant differences were found in subjects’ performance of balance on right foot-eyes open, pivot prone position–quality score and locomotor skills-front tests (P <0.05). There were no significant differences in the other tests (P >0.05). Conclusion : The results of the present study showed that sensory integration, vestibular stimulation and neurodevelopmental therapy were effective in children with Down syndrome. It was concluded that when designing rehabilitation programs for children with Down syndrome, all treatment methods should be applied in combination, and should support each other... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS) is a self assessed questionnaire with 20 items created to measure body image perception of amputees. The questions assess how an individual perceives and feels about his or her body experience. But no Turkish version is available. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the ABIS for use with Turkish speaking lower limb amputees and to determine reliability. Methods: The sample consisted of 50 transtibial amputees. The mean age of the participants was 43.14, SD: 14.66. The ABIS has been filled by the patients for two times. Results: Internal consistency of the ABIS was very high (Cronbach alpha 0.834 for test and 0.842 for retest). The test-retest reliability was excellent for the ABIS (ICC = 0.939, 95% CI 0.895-0.965). Conclusions: The Turkish version of the ABIS is a reliable instrument to assess body image in lower limb amputees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Shoulder Pain And Disability Index (SPADI) is a self-report questionnaire developed to evaluate patients with shoulder problems. No validated Turkish version exists. This study sought to translate and culturally adapt a Turkish version of the SPADI and validate its use for assessing shoulder pain and disability in Turkish patients with shoulder pathology. Methods: One hundred forty patients (mean age, 60.31 ± 13.02 years) with shoulder problems participated. Patients completed the Turkish SPADI, the Short Form 36 (SF-36), and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaires. Results: Internal consistency of the SPADI was good (Cronbach alpha: 0.83 for pain and 0.83 for disability subscales). There was a significant relation between SPADI pain and SF-36 bodily pain (r: -0.594; P < 0.01), SPADI disability and SF-36 physical function (r: -0.339, P < 0.01), and SPADI disability and SF-36 physical role limitation (r: -0.317, P < 0.05). There was a significant relation between SPADI pain and DASH 1 (r: 0.354, P < 0.01) and SPADI disability and DASH 1 (r: 0.591, P < 0.01). Conclusions: The Turkish version of the SPADI is a reliable and valid instrument to assess pain and disability in patients with shoulder pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare pressure pain threshold (PPT) and tolerance (PPTO) in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy control. PPT and PPTO in different stages of disease were also investigated. This study included 31 subjects with definite MS and 31 healthy subjects matched per age and gender. The patients were divided into 3 subgroups according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale scores: between 1 and 3.5: early stage; between 4 and 6: mild stage; 6.5 and above: late stage. Our results have shown that PPT and PPTO tested on masseter muscle, bicipital tendon, thenar areas, middle finger tip and thigh of both sides were significantly higher in MS patients than in control. However, no significant differences were found comparing different stages of M.S. A defective pain perception should be taken into consideration in planning rehabilitation programs for MS patients of which patients and caregiver should be informed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sex hormone levels and pressure pain threshold (PPT) and pressure pain tolerance (PPTO) in healthy women. Forty-one volunteers with mean age 33.00 ± 6.28 years participated in the study. Before PPT and PPTO, plasma levels of estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) were determined. The PPT and PPTO were measured at masseteric muscle by pressure algometer. There was a significant positive correlation between estrogen, progesterone, prolactine and PPT and PPTO (p < 0.01), but there was no correlation between FSH and PPT, PPTO. It was concluded that sex hormone levels influence pain perception in healthy women. It must be taken into consideration that in pain treatment of women, due to fluctuation of hormone levels, perception of pain may change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ergonomic training and preventive physiotherapy program in visual display terminal (VDT) operators with musculoskeletal pain. The study was carried out at Software Corporation in Turkey and a total 40 volunteer VDT operators consisting of 15 female and 25 male were included the study. The mean age of subjects was 27.30 ± 4.70 years. The subjects were firstly evaluated by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health checklist to investigate the exposure of workers to risk factors associated with work-related upper limb problems using VAS (Visual Analog Scale) and RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment). One week after this initial evaluation, the subjects were trained with an ergonomic and preventive physiotherapy program. Two sessions lasting 6 hours in total were given to two groups with 20 subjects in each. After the training all subjects were re-evaluated. There was a significant difference between the results of pretraining and posttraining tests (p < 0.05). A significant correlation between pain and RULA was also found (p < 0.05). This study revealed that preventive ergonomic training and physiotherapy programs were effective in reducing the musculoskeletal system pain, postural risk factors and work-related ergonomic and environmental risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of iodex iontophoresis and iodex phonophoresis methods on pain release in shoulder periarthritis. Fourty five cases who had shoulder periarthritis were randomly divided into three equal groups (n = 15). Iodex iontophoresis method was applied to the first group and iodex phonophoresis was applied to the second group. Third group was selected as control group to which placebo was applied. Pre-treatment and post-treatment pain scores were assessed by visual analog scale. In the result of pain assessment, the difference between the pre-treatment and post-treatment of pain measurements within groups was more significant in iontophoresis and phonophoresis groups than in the placebo group (p < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that iodex iontophoresis and phonophoresis methods were effective in decreasing pain. It can be concluded that application of iodex iontophoresis and phonophoresis would be alternative methods in addition to the other analgesic physiotherapy methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses a study which analyzed the effects of water exercises and swimming on the motor performance and physical fitness of an autistic child. Clinical presentation of the child; Medical tests administered to the child; Significance of water exercises to the physical health of the child.

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine whether people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was designed to investigate the validity and reliability of Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Methods: People with MS scores of 24 or higher were included in the study to the Mini Mental State Examination. People with any neurological, mental, and physical illnesses accompanying MS were not included in the study. The correlation between COPM and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 physical and mental scores (MSQoL-54) was assessed for external validity. For reliability, test-retest was performed with 1 week search and Cronbach' a coefficient was checked. Results: When external validity of COPM was examined, there was a moderate and high correlation between MSQoL-54 and EDSS scores. In consequence of these examinations, it was determined that the COPM was a valid measurement. On the reliability test, test retest and internal consistency coefficient were checked. Cronbach's a internal consistency coefficient was evaluated after re-testing with one week's search. Cronbach's a was found to be in the range of 0.9-1. Conclusion: COPM was found to be a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used academically and clinically in many diseases and disorders, especially people with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Exercise Therapy & Rehabilitation is the property of Yavuz Yakut and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Exercise Therapy & Rehabilitation is the property of Yavuz Yakut and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The effects of hydrotherapy on an ll-year-old girl with stage III Rett syndrome were investigated. Methods: The Halliwick method was used to apply hydrotherapy in a swimming pool twice a week for 8 weeks. The girl's physical abilities were assessed 3 times: before and 5 minutes after a single hydrotherapy session and after 8 weeks of hydrotherapy. The tests included analysis of stereotypical movements, functional hand use, hand skills, gait and balance, hyperactive behaviour, communication and social interaction. Results: Immediately after hydrotherapy, stereotypical movements decreased and this decrease continued during the following 8 weeks. The girl's feeding activities and hand skills increased markedly. After 8 weeks of hydrotherapy, her walking balance was improved, interaction with her environment increased and hyperactive behaviour and anxiety decreased. Conclusion: In conclusion, after the application of hydrotherapy, stereotypical hand movements had decreased and purposeful hand functions and feeding skills increased in this case. Whether hydrotherapy has a positive effect on the functional use of the hand in Rett syndrome should be investigated using more subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship among age, sex and academic performance with cognitive ability on healthy age groups. Methods: The subjects were 71 children, aged 4-11 years (x=7:11). The children were divided into four age groups: 22 of the 71 children were at kindergarten and 49 children were in primary education. Thirty nine children were girls and 32 were boys. Twenty six children had good academic achievement and 23 did not. Each child was tested on the LOTCA battery by the Occupational Therapy Unit of Hacettepe University School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. In this study, seven subtests were used from LOTCA (Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment). These are orientation for place, orientation for time, overlapping figures, praxis, reproduction of a two dimensional model, drawing a clock, and categorization. Results: Statistical analysis of the relationships demographic variables, academic achievement and performance on the battery revealed that age was significant, sex was insignificant and academic achievement was significant when correlated with cognitive abilities. Conclusions: The results suggest that cognitive abilities tested show some differences. For this reason, in the school or other educational settings, children who have low academic achievement should be assessed also for cognitive abilities and then provided with occupational therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]