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This study aimed to examine the effects of a visual praxis‐based occupational therapy (VPOT) programme on reading and motor skills for children with developmental dyslexia (DD). Forty‐two children were included in the study. Additionally, before VPOT, the Reading‐Aloud and Reading‐Comprehension Test 2 (ORSRC‐2) and the Bruininks‐Oseretsky Motor‐Proficiency‐Test‐2‐Brief Form (BOT2‐BF) were applied to the participants. According to the study design, VPOT was applied to two sessions per week for 8 weeks to group A. During this period, group B was accepted as the control group. At the end of these 8 weeks, evaluation tests were applied to both groups. Then, group A was defined as the control group and Group B as the intervention group, and VPOT was applied to Group B. At the end of another 8 weeks, evaluation tests were applied to both groups for the third time. When the final ORSRC‐2 results were examined, VPOT was found to be an effective programme for improving reading skills. Additionally, when the final BOT2‐BF results were examined, VPOT was determined to be effective in improving motor skills (p < 0.05). We believe that it is important to carry out comprehensive studies such as the VPOT programme to solve problems in the physical and learning activities of children with DD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the effects of a visual praxis‐based occupational therapy (VPOT) program on reading and motor skills for children with developmental dyslexia (DD). Forty‐two children were included in the study. Additionally, before VPOT, the Reading‐Aloud and Reading‐Comprehension Test 2 (ORSRC‐2) and the Bruininks‐Oseretsky Motor‐Proficiency‐Test‐2‐Brief Form (BOT2‐BF) were applied to the participants. According to the study design, VPOT was applied to two sessions per week for 8 weeks to group A. During this period, group B was accepted as the control group. At the end of these 8 weeks, evaluation tests were applied to both groups. Then, group A was defined as the control group and Group B as the intervention group, and VPOT was applied to Group B. At the end of another 8 weeks, evaluation tests were applied to both groups for the third time. When the final ORSRC‐2 results were examined, VPOT was found to be an effective program for improving reading skills. Additionally, when the final BOT2‐BF results were examined, VPOT was determined to be effective in improving motor skills (p < 0.05). We believe that it is important to carry out comprehensive studies such as the VPOT program to solve problems in the physical and learning activities of children with DD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CLOSER is a computer-based exercise program that aims to improve older adults' health, fitness and social lives. This pilot study aimed to examine the effect of CLOSER, the first computer-based exercise program developed for older adults on a national scale, on those with a history of falls. Forty-eight older adults (71.33 ± 7.47) with a history of falling at least once in the last year were included in the study. Older adults performed CLOSER exercises for (balance maintenance, neck rotation, rhythmic walking, knee flexion and trunk rotation) 2 sessions per week for eight weeks. All individuals were evaluated at baseline and the end of the eighth week. The primary outcome measures were the 30-s Chair-Stand Test (p = 0.002), the Berg Balance Scale (p = 0.002), the Falls Efficacy Scale International (p = 0.003), the Timed Up and Go Test (p = 0.008) and the motivation level (p = 0.007) statistically significant improvements were observed. The results show that a CLOSER-computer-based exercise program effectively increases balance and reduces the risk and fear of falling. In the future, CLOSER could significantly contribute to the healthcare system as an alternative aid for home-based exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate physically disabled children of 6-10 years of age with cerebral palsy (CP) with regard to functional independence levels and preferences of activity; and to compare these characteristics with those of their healthy peers, and also to highlight the relationship of the mothers' depression level with the preferences of activity. Methods: Eighty children with CP and 80 healthy ones were enrolled to the study together with their mothers. The main research group (Group A) consists of equal numbers of boys and girls in 6-8 and 9-10 years of age, a total of 80 children with CP, while Group C (control) is composed of equal numbers of age-and sex-matched healthy children. Sociodemographic data and Preferences for Activities of Children measures were collected from all children, whereas Pediatric Functional Independence Measurement were applied to children with CP, and their mothers were evaluated through Beck Depression Inventory. Results: Among the children with CP, 47 were diplegic, 12 triplegic, 15 quadriplegic, one had total, and five had mixed type CP. Healthy children had higher levels of functional independence, and higher frequency of participation in the activities. Both groups of children mostly preferred to participate individual developmental activities and least in social-based activities. Mothers of children with CP had higher depression scores when compared to those of healthy children and depression scores of the mothers are inversely proportional to the total preference of participation in the activities in children with CP (p<0.05). Discussion and Conclusion: Functional independence level and depression status of mothers of children with CP had a significant repressive effect on preferences of participation in activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]