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Both quality of life (QoL) and caregiver burden are essential constructs in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) however; their relationship has never been investigated before. The aim of this study was to evaluate if there was any relationship between patients' QoL and caregiver burden. Patients with PH and their caregivers were included. Patients' age, sex, World Health Organization (WHO) functional class, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP), and six-minute walk distances (6MWD) were recorded. Patients' QoL was assessed using emPHasis-10 and caregiver burden with the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. 72 patient-caregiver dyads were included. Caregiver burden was significantly correlated with the QoL(r = 0.39 p <.003), but was not correlated with other clinical parameters. Patients' QoL showed significant negative correlation with the 6MWD(r = −0.46 p <.005). There is a moderate correlation between QoL and caregiver burden. Clinical parameters influence QoL, but they do not affect caregiver burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of postural exercises as an adjunct to chest physiotherapy program on respiratory function, exercise tolerance, quality of life (QoL), and postural stability in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Patients and methods: In this single-blind, randomized-controlled trial, 19 pediatric CF patients (11 males, 8 females; mean age: 9.36 years; range, 6 to 14 years) were randomly allocated to chest physiotherapy and postural exercise program (Group 1, n=10) or chest physiotherapy program alone (Group 2, n=9) between March 2017 and October 2017. Respiratory functions were assessed with pulmonary function tests, whereas exercise tolerance with the Modified Shuttle Test (MST), quality of life with the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised Child Version (CFQR), and postural stability with the Limits of Stability Test (LOS). All tests were performed before treatment and six weeks, three months, and six months after treatment. Results: Respiratory functions were improved in both groups; however, these changes were not statistically significant. The MST increased after treatment in both groups (p<0.001 and p=0.003 respectively), without a significant difference between the groups. Emotional function and treatment difficulties subdomains in CFQR were significantly increased only in the group with postural exercises (p<0.05). Conclusion: The postural exercise program in addition to chest physiotherapy in pediatric CF patients whose postural changes were not taken place did not cause significant changes in respiratory function, exercise tolerance, and postural stability; however, it affected the emotional state well and improved the compliance with the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to investigate whether the use of a lycra-based compression orthosis known as stabilizing input pressure orthosis (SPIO) vest improves trunk posture and hip lateralization in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to compare the effects of two- and six-hours daily wear of the orthosis. Patients and methods: Between December 2013 and July 2015, a total of 24 children with CP (5 boys, 19 girls; mean age 61.1 months; range 35 to 105 months) with impaired trunk control were included in this single-blind, randomized-controlled study. All were randomized to either of the three groups as the control group (received only conventional exercise therapy), the SPIO 2-hour group (worn orthosis two hours during therapy), and the SPIO 6-hour group (worn orthosis four hours in addition to two hours of wear during therapy). The Sitting Assessment Scale (SAS), Cobb angle, kyphotic angle, and Migration Index were used to evaluate the trunk posture and hip lateralization before treatment and at six months after treatment. Results: The SAS scores improved compared to baseline in all groups. The Cobb angle and kyphotic angle showed a significant decrease at six months after treatment only in the SPIO groups, while intra-group analysis of the Migration Index did not show a statistically significant difference. Changes in the radiographic assessments were similar among the groups, except for the kyphotic angles. The kyphotic angle showed less change in the control group. Comparison of the SPIO groups showed no significant differences in terms of the variables assessed. Conclusion: The SPIO vest improves the kyphotic posture, but not scoliosis and hip lateralization in children with CP with impaired trunk control when used in combination with the conventional therapy. Using the SPIO vest for two and six hours also yields similar outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to demonstrate the relationship between obesity and musculoskeletal system examination findings and functionality among 5-16 years old population-based sample. Patients and methods: This is a cross-sectional field study. Sample of this study was selected from 4,246 participants of a study, which assessed the prevalence of obesity among school children aged between 6-15 in Pendik, Istanbul, in 2013-2014 school year. Physical examination included inspection, gait, balance, muscle strength and range of motion (ROM) assessment. Turkish version of Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) was used. Physical examination findings and PODCI scores of "normal weight" and "overweight/obese" groups were compared. Correlation between body mass index (BMI), ROM and PODCI subscale scores were also evaluated. Results: A total of 318 children were included in the study. 39.3% (n=125) were normal weight, 61.7% (n=193) were overweight/obese. Pes planus was the most common musculoskeletal problem with a rate of 23.9%. We found that pes planus was more common (p=0.000), standing time on one leg was shorter (p=0.002), time to complete timed up and go test (TUG) was longer (p=0.004) and "happiness" subscale scores of PODCI were lower (p=0.000) in overweight/obese children compared to their normal weight peers. Range of motion values were decreased, especially on the lower limbs, in overweight/obese children (p<0.05) compared to normal weight children. Body mass index values showed a negative correlation with ROM and PODCI "happiness" subscale scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: Musculoskeletal problems are more common in overweight/obese children than in their normal weight peers. Increase in BMI correlates with decrease in balance, emotional functionality and ROM values. It may be possible to protect overweight/obese children from serious musculoskeletal disorders by interventions that reduce BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the muscle thickness, strength, and diaphragmatic function and relate them with clinical findings., Patients and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 54 participants (27 males, 27 females; mean age; 24.5±5.3 years; range, 18 to 45 years) between January 2017 and October 2017. Of the participants, 31 were adult CF patients, and 23 were age-and sex-matched controls. Patient demographics, 6-min walk distance, body mass index (BMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were evaluated. Each patient underwent pulmonary function tests. Quadriceps femoris thickness and diaphragm thickening fraction were assessed by ultrasonography. Upper extremity strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer., Results: There was no difference between the patients' and controls' BMI (p=0.052). However, patients' FFMI was lower than the controls' (p=0.010). The FFMI correlated with pulmonary function tests. Patients' both right and left quadriceps femoris muscles were thinner than the controls (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Patients with pancreatic insufficiency had thinner muscles than patients without pancreatic insufficiency. The control group had a stronger handgrip than CF patients (33.5±10.1 vs. 24.5±9.2 kg, p=0.003)., Conclusion: Peripheral muscle wasting and weakness and lower functional capacity are highly prevalent in CF patients., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article., (Copyright © 2023, Turkish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.)

Objectives: This study aims to investigate cross-sectional area of the amputated-limb rectus femoris compared to the intact-limb and controls and to determine its correlation with functional strength and walking tests in prosthesis users with transtibial amputation., Patients and Methods: Between October 2018 and April 2019, a total of 14 prosthesis users (12 males, 2 females; mean age: 47.1±16.2 years; range, 26 to 73 years) who met the inclusion criteria, and 14 age-, sex-, and dominancy-matched able-bodied controls (12 males, 2 females; mean age: 47.1±16.2 years; range, 26 to 73 years) were included in this case-control study. Cross-sectional area of rectus femoris (CSA-RF) was evaluated bilaterally by two independent examiners. Knee extension strength was measured bilaterally by using a handheld dynamometer. Functional strength and walking were assessed by Step-Up-Over and Walk-Across tests of the NeuroCom Balance Master® device., Results: The CSA-RF was found to be reduced in amputated-limb compared to the intact-limb and able-bodied controls (p<0.01). In the prosthesis users, the cross-sectional area difference between both limbs rectus femoris muscles was shown to be correlated with actual and functional knee extension strength, step length, and walking speed (p<0.05). Intra- and inter-observer reliability of CSA-RF on both sides were found to be good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.856-0.936)., Conclusion: Ultrasonographic measurement of CSA-RF is a valid and reliable tool to assess the functional strength and walking in the prosthesis users with unilateral transtibial amputation., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article., (Copyright © 2022, Turkish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.)

Objectives: This study aims to investigate whether the use of a lycra-based compression orthosis known as stabilizing input pressure orthosis (SPIO) vest improves trunk posture and hip lateralization in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to compare the effects of two- and six-hours daily wear of the orthosis., Patients and Methods: Between December 2013 and July 2015, a total of 24 children with CP (5 boys, 19 girls; mean age 61.1 months; range 35 to 105 months) with impaired trunk control were included in this single-blind, randomized-controlled study. All were randomized to either of the three groups as the control group (received only conventional exercise therapy), the SPIO 2-hour group (worn orthosis two hours during therapy), and the SPIO 6-hour group (worn orthosis four hours in addition to two hours of wear during therapy). The Sitting Assessment Scale (SAS), Cobb angle, kyphotic angle, and Migration Index were used to evaluate the trunk posture and hip lateralization before treatment and at six months after treatment., Results: The SAS scores improved compared to baseline in all groups. The Cobb angle and kyphotic angle showed a significant decrease at six months after treatment only in the SPIO groups, while intra-group analysis of the Migration Index did not show a statistically significant difference. Changes in the radiographic assessments were similar among the groups, except for the kyphotic angles. The kyphotic angle showed less change in the control group. Comparison of the SPIO groups showed no significant differences in terms of the variables assessed., Conclusion: The SPIO vest improves the kyphotic posture, but not scoliosis and hip lateralization in children with CP with impaired trunk control when used in combination with the conventional therapy. Using the SPIO vest for two and six hours also yields similar outcomes., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

Background: The pediatric Gait, Arms, Leg, and Spine (pGALS) is a practical questionnaire for musculoskeletal (MSK) system evaluation in school-age children., Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability/practicality of pGALS Turkish translation in Turkey (cross-sectional study)., Methods: The Turkish translation of pGALS was administered to children (4-18 years) who attended to the Pediatric Emergency Department of Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey, and the outpatient clinic of the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department of Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, during 1 month in 2016. The demographics, complaints, final diagnoses, and pGALS parameters were noted. The acceptability of pGALS was evaluated using visual analog scale., Results: Ninety-five patients (median age, 108 months; male/female, 1.1) were enrolled. Sixteen patients (16.8%) had MSK diagnosis, whereas 79 (83.2%) had non-MSK diagnoses. Musculoskeletal diagnoses were as follows: scoliosis (n = 4), metatarsus adductus (n = 4), soft tissue injury (n = 3), lumber disk herniation (n = 2), muscle spasm (n = 1), Achilles tendinitis (n = 1), and tibia torsion (n = 1). The sensitivity was 64.7%, and specificity was 89.7% for positive response to 1 or more pGALS screening questions to detect abnormal pGALS. The most sensitive question was pain question. The most common abnormal pGALS components were spine and posture. The sensitivity and specificity of pGALS for detecting MSK diagnosis were 93.7% and 97.4%, respectively. The median duration of pGALS examination was 4 minutes. Most patients/parents found the duration acceptable (94.7%/97.9%, respectively) and reported that pGALS caused little/no discomfort (97.9%/96.8%, respectively)., Conclusion: This is the first study showing the Turkish version of pGALS as a valid, acceptable, and practical screening test in Turkey.