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Aims: To investigate the effects of a telerehabilitation program on walking performance, lower and upper extremity function, fall frequency, respiratory function, and satisfaction in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods: Thirty children (mean age 8.8 ± 4.2 years) were ambulant (Group 1), and 12 youth (18.5 ± 4.7 years) were non-ambulant (Group 2). The telerehabilitation program was applied by physiotherapists for 24 sessions (3 days/week). The 10-meter walking test, stand up from the supine position test, the modified upper extremity performance test, repetition of Lower and upper extremity movements, and the single breath count (SBC) test were administered. Fall frequency and satisfaction level were also recorded. Results: Significant improvement was found after telerehabilitation in upper extremity performance, repetition of lower and upper extremity movements, fall frequency, and SBC scores in Group 1. Changes in the 10-minute Walk and Stand Up from the Supine Position tests were not significant. There was a significant improvement in SBC scores in Group 2. Satisfaction with the service was 88%. Conclusions: The 8-week telerehabilitation program was effective in improving aspects of upper and lower extremity function, fall frequency, pulmonary function, and satisfaction levels in individuals with DMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Performing thoracic manipulations for neck pain can result in immediate improvements in neck function. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of thoracic manipulation on cervical joint position sense and cervical range of motion in individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain. METHODS: Eighty male volunteers between 18–25 years and having chronic or recurrent neck or shoulder pain of at least 3 months duration with or without arm pain were randomized into two groups: Thoracic Manipulation Group (TMG:50) and Control Group (CG:30), with a pretest-posttest experimental design. The TMG was treated with thoracic extension manipulation while the CG received no intervention. Cervical joint position error and cervical range of motion of the individuals were assessed at baseline and 5 minutes later. RESULTS: There was no difference in demographic variables such as age (p = 0.764), Body Mass Index (p = 0.917) and Neck Pain Disability Scale (NPDS) scores (p = 0.436) at baseline outcomes between TMG and CGs. Joint position error outcomes between the two groups following intervention were similar in all directions at 30 and 50 degrees. Differences in range of motion following intervention in neck flexion (p < 0.001) and right rotation (p = 0.004) were higher in TMG compared to CG. CONCLUSIONS: A single session of thoracic manipulation seems to be inefficient on joint position sense in individuals with mild mechanical neck pain. However, thoracic manipulation might be an effective option to increase flexion and rotation of the cervical region as an adjunctive to treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]