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Objective: Our aim was to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture in post-stroke depression/anxiety disorders and to determine whether it reduces the need for anxiolytic and sedative drug use. Methods: This study included 54 stroke patients with depression and/or anxiety disorder. Patients were randomly assigned to the acupuncture treatment group (n = 27) or the control group (n = 27). A conventional rehabilitation program was applied to all patients and acupuncture was performed twice a week for 4 weeks. Patients were evaluated blindly by a psychiatrist at baseline (week 0), week 4 and week 8, using the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D) and Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAM-A), and drug doses were adjusted when necessary. The HAM-D and HAM-A scores at week 4 were pre-specified as the two primary outcome measures. Results: Within each group, there was a significant decrease in the mean scores of HAM-D and HAM-A at weeks 4 and 8. No between-group differences in HAM-A or HAM-D scores were seen at 4 weeks but there was a significant decrease in HAM-D scores in favor of the acupuncture group at week 8 (p < 0.025). At week 4, the number of cases whose selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) dose was increased was found to be significantly higher in the control group. Conclusion: While the study was negative with respect to its primary outcomes, the findings with respect to certain secondary outcomes suggests further research is warranted to determine if acupuncture treatment is an effective/safe treatment to alleviate post-stroke depression/anxiety. Trial registration number: NCT04283591 (ClinicalTrials.gov). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to accurately evaluate pain lasting longer than three months and falls under the category of chronic pain and to determine the risk factors to follow up and treat properly and to develop appropriate diagnostic and treatment algorithms. Patients and methods: Between March 2021 and December 2021, a total of 437 patients (162 males, 275 females; mean age: 44±14.6 years; range, 12 to 82 years) who were referred to the participating centers due to pain complaints and were diagnosed with post-COVID-19 condition according to the criteria defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups as nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain, and central sensitization, based on the physician's clinical evaluation and the Self-Report Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS) and Central Sensitization Inventory scores. Results: The most common diagnosis was nociceptive pain followed by central sensitization. Patients with nociceptive pain had less pain. It was found that not exercising regularly, having a chronic disease and being a woman were risk factors for central sensitization, having thyroid disease before COVID-19, and defining the current pain as very severe were risk factors for neuropathic pain. Conclusion: In the evaluation of post-COVID-19 pain, neuropathic pain and central sensitization should be also considered in addition to nociceptive pain and the severity of pain, systemic diseases and physical activity should be questioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sakarya University Journal of Holistic Health is the property of Sakarya University Journal of Holistic Health 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.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate long COVID patients with persistent respiratory symptoms through the application of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Patients and methods: This national, prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted with 213 patients (118 females, 95 males; median age 56 years; range, 20 to 85 years) with long COVID between February 2022 and November 2022. The ICF data were primarily collected through patient interviews and from the acute medical management records, physical examination findings, rehabilitation outcomes, and laboratory test results. Each parameter was linked to the Component Body Functions (CBF), the Component Body Structures (CBS), the Component Activities and Participation (CAP), the Component Environmental Factors (CEF), and Personal Factors according to the ICF linking rules. Analysis was made of the frequency of the problems encountered at each level of ICF category and by what percentage of the patient sample. Results: In the ICF, 21 categories for CBF, 1 category for CBS, and 18 categories of CAP were reported as a significant problem in a Turkish population of long COVID patients with persistent respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, eight categories for CEF were described as a facilitator, and four as a barrier. Conclusion: These results can be of guidance and provide insight into the identification of health and health-related conditions of long COVID patients with persistent respiratory symptoms beyond the pathophysiological aspects, organ involvement, and damage of COVID-19. The ICF can be used in patients with long COVID to describe the types and magnitude of impairments, restrictions, special needs, and complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is a common morbidity of stroke. Different treatment modalities can be used for optimizing the results and limiting the possible side effects. This research compares the effects of two therapies used to reduce the pain and improve the quality of life of the patients with HSP. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and suprascapular nerve blockage (SSNB) in patients with HSP. METHODS: In this clinical research, 24 patients with HSP who participated in a conventional rehabilitation program were randomized into TENS or SSNB treatment groups. A 100 mm visual analogue scale was used to assess the severity of pain. Passive range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder was measured. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) was used to evaluate spasticity of the upper extremities, and the Modified Barthel Scale was used to assess activities of daily living (ADL). Quality of life was measured using the Stroke-specific Quality of Life (SS-QoL) questionnaire. RESULTS: The pain scores of the SSNB group decreased more significantly (p < 0.05) than in the TENS group. SS-QoL scores at the 3rd week in both groups were significantly higher than before treatment (p < 0.05). MAS scores and Barthel scores after treatment did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: TENS and SSNB were beneficial in relieving pain and increasing passive shoulder ROM and ADL in all patients. The alleviating of pain was faster in patients who underwent SSNB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this clinical study was to investigate the relationship between fear avoidance beliefs and physical disability in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Method: A total of 195 patients with knee osteoarthritis were included in this cross-sectional study. Osteoarthritis severity was determined radiologically with the use of Kellgren-Lawrence staging approach. The ‘Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)’ was used to determine pain severity, symptoms, function in daily living, sports/recreation activities, and knee-related ‘Quality of Life (QoL)’. All patients were evaluated by the ‘Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire physical activity (FABQpa)’ survey. Results: Within the study group, 129 patients (78.7%) were female. The mean age was 62.6 (54–81) years. The mean body mass index was 30.17 (18.75 - 44.06) kg/m². The mean disease duration was 4.32 (1–15) years. Knee osteoarthritis was bilateral in 130 patients (66.7%). The radiological severity of knee osteoarthritis rated at stage II or III was 82.2%. The mean FABQpa rating was 17.17 ± 6.21 and 61% had a FABQpa score > 15. The mean KOOS on pain severity, symptoms, function in daily living, sport/recreation activities, and knee-related QoL scores were 65.15, 51.17, 58.29, 32.69 and 35.9, respectively. Significant correlations were found between FABQpa and KOOS pain, symptoms, function in daily living, sport/recreation activities, and knee-related QoL (p-values were 0.001 for all domains of FABQ). Conclusion: In this study, more than half of the patients with knee osteoarthritis had elevated fear avoidance beliefs. Moreover, fear avoidance beliefs on physical activity had significant relationships with pain, symptoms, functional disability and QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pamukkale Medical Journal is the property of Pamukkale Journal of Medicine 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: Low back pain affects 80% of people worldwide at least once in a lifetime and reduces the quality of life and causes absence from work. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pain and functional status of patients with lumbar disc disease who received blind caudal epidural injections (CEI) for pain relief. METHODS: The records of 107 patients who had been given CEI between September 2017 and January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion criteria were age > 18 years, > 3-month history of low back pain, and diagnosis of lumbar disc disease by magnetic resonance imaging. The epidural injection solution consisted of 2 mL of betamethasone sodium and 8 mL saline. Follow-up examinations were conducted 3 and 6 months post-injection and the patients were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: The most common disc pathology was at the L4–L5 level. The VAS and ODI scores indicated significantly reduced pain at 3 and 6 months compared with the pre-injection baseline. Two patients experienced total anesthesia and paresis of the lower limbs, but recovered fully after 2 weeks. Blood was aspirated during the injection in two patients, but second-attempt injections were successful in both cases. No other complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the blind method is safe for administering CEI to patients with chronic low back pain in the absence of radiological screening and results in significant pain relief with improved functional capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the prevalence, etiology, and risk factors of cervicogenic dizziness in patients with neck pain. Patients and methods: Between June 2016 and April 2018, a total of 2,361 patients (526 males, 1,835 females; mean age: 45.0±13.3 years; range, 18 to 75 years) who presented with the complaint of neck pain lasting for at least one month were included in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Data including concomitant dizziness, severity, and quality of life (QoL) impact of vertigo (via Numeric Dizziness Scale [NDS]), QoL (via Dizziness Handicap Inventory [DHI]), mobility (via Timed Up-and-Go [TUG] test), balance performance [via Berg Balance Scale [BBS]), and emotional status (via Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale [HADS]) were recorded. Results: Dizziness was evident in 40.1% of the patients. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) was the most common etiology for neck pain (58.5%) and accompanied with cervicogenic dizziness in 59.7% of the patients. Female versus male sex (odds ratio [OR]: 1.641, 95% CI: 1.241 to 2.171, p=0.001), housewifery versus other occupations (OR: 1.285, 95% CI: 1.006 to 1.642, p=0.045), and lower versus higher education (OR: 1.649-2.564, p<0.001) significantly predicted the increased risk of dizziness in neck pain patients. Patient with dizziness due to MPS had lower dizziness severity scores (p=0.034) and milder impact of dizziness on QoL (p=0.005), lower DHI scores (p=0.004), shorter time to complete the TUG test (p=0.001) and higher BBS scores (p=0.001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest a significant impact of biopsychosocial factors on the likelihood and severity of dizziness and association of dizziness due to MPS with better clinical status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agri: Journal of the Turkish Society of Algology / Türk Algoloji (Ağrı) Derneği'nin Yayın Organıdır is the property of KARE Publishing 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.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of home-based upper extremity circuit training exercises (CTEs) with supervised hospital program in male patients with traumatic complete paraplegia. Patients and methods: Twenty men with paraplegia (mean age: 38±10.1 years; range, 30 to 43 years) between January 2007 and November 2007 were randomized into two groups. The first group had supervised hospital CTE program, whereas the second group had home-based CTE. The effects of the upper extremity CTE by using elastic bands 60 min per day, five days a week, for a total of eight weeks (70% maximal oxygen consumption [VO2max]) were examined. The Cybex was used for the isokinetic testing of the upper extremities. The VO2max and maximum heart rate (HR) were assessed using an arm ergometer. The Craig Handicap Report Technique Short Form (CHART-SF) was used for the evaluation of functional independence and mobility. Serum lipid profiles were measured. Results: The mean injury duration was 7.9±2 years. The peak torque values of the upper extremities, VO2max, maximum HR, CHART-SF physical independence and mobility scores, and serum lipid profile were all improved in both groups (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in terms of the increase in the muscle strength and serum lipid levels between the groups (p>0.05). The improvement in the VO2max, physical independence, and mobility scores were greater in the supervised exercise group. Conclusion: Upper extremity strength, cardiovascular endurance, and lipid profile were improved after supervised and home-based CTE in the men with paraplegia. Home-based exercise programs may be good alternatives to the hospital rehabilitation for this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Osmangazi Journal of Medicine / Osmangazi Tip Dergisi is the property of Eskisehir Osmangazi University 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 interest in biological treatments that have the potential to modify cartilage biology has gradually increased in recent years. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (IA-PRP) injections on the femoral cartilage thickness, pain, functional status, and quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: : A total of 71 patients (109 knees) with knee osteoarthritis who were administered IA-PRP injections twice with two-week intervals were included in this study. The resting and activity pain values measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, the Lequesne index scores, and the quality of life scores measured using Short Form-36 (SF-36) were recorded before treatment and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. The femoral cartilage thickness was measured via ultrasonography before treatment, and at 3-month and 6-month follow ups. Obtained results were analyzed by the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 47.4 ± 10.4 years old. The resting and activity pain scores were significantly decreased at 1-month, 3-month and 6-month follow ups when compared to the pre-injection values (p < 0.05). Significant reductions were found in the Lequesne index and WOMAC pain, stiffness, and function scores at 1, 3, and 6 months (p < 0.05), while a significant increase was detected in the third month scores when compared to the first month. Significant improvements were determined in the physical functioning, physical role, pain, general health, and emotional role sub-scores during the 6-month period (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference with regard to the cartilage thickness at the follow ups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicated that the IA-PRP injections improved the pain, stiffness, physical functioning, and quality of life of knee osteoarthritis patients; however, they did not seem to affect the cartilage thickness during the 6-month follow up period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The outbreak of novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) has affected Turkey very seriously, as well as all around the world. Many urgent and radical measures were taken due to the high contagious risk and mortality rate of the outbreak. It is noteworthy that isolation recommendations and the provision of health services for pandemic have a negative impact on Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) services. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on the PMR services and physiatrists immediately after the first month of pandemic in Turkey. Patients and methods: An online survey consisting of 45 items was sent to the members of the Turkish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The main goal of the survey was to evaluate the changes in the provided service of PMR and conditions of physiatrists one month after the first reported COVID-19 case in Turkey. Results: A total of 606 PMR specialists and residents responded to the survey. The mean number of the patients visited the outpatient clinics was 148.2±128.5 per week before the pandemic, it significantly decreased to 23.4±33.1 per week after the first month of the reported first COVID-19 case. Similarly, the mean number of the patients of inpatient service significantly decreased from 21.7±39.3 per week to 2.5±10.0 per week after the first month of the pandemic. Most of the residents (69%) reported that their training was seriously affected due to pandemic. From the economic aspect, 69.2% of the participants who were working at private hospitals reported a decrease in their monthly salary, and 21% of them were sent to an unpaid vacation. A total of 21.9% of private-practice institutions paused their services. During the first month, 46.9% of the participants were assigned to the different services such as COVID-19 inpatient service, emergency or COVID-19 outpatient clinics. According to the Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Health guideline and algorithm, 15.7% of the physicians were in the category of healthcare workers with suspected COVID-19. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic affected seriously both the services and the PMR physicians as early as the first month. This effect is expected to become worse, when the duration of pandemic prolongs. Proper arrangements and measures should be planned to ameliorate the negative effects of the pandemic on the patients and PMR physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction article published in the Sakarya University Journal of Holistic Health. The article discusses the validity and reliability of the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (FEFA) in patients with spinal cord injuries. The authors highlight the importance of upper extremity motor functions in the participation of physical activity for individuals with spinal cord injuries. The article provides contact information for the corresponding author and includes publication details. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Spor Hekimligi Dergisi/Turkish Journal of Sports Medicine is the property of Turkish Journal of Sports Medicine / Spor Hekimleri Dernegi 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: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction in ankylosing spondylitis patients and healthy controls, examining the relationship between temporomandibular dysfunction and disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis patients, as well as associations with psychosocial factors., Methods: The study included 113 ankylosing spondylitis patients and 110 healthy individuals aged 18-75. Temporomandibular dysfunction presence was evaluated using Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Axis I. Disease activity was assessed with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index., Results: Among healthy individuals, 60.9% did not receive a temporomandibular dysfunction diagnosis, while 39.1% received at least one diagnosis. In contrast, 69.9% of the 113 ankylosing spondylitis patients received at least one temporomandibular dysfunction diagnosis, and only 30.1% were not included in any diagnosis group (p<0.001). Joint (p=0.001) and pain disorders (p=0.008) were significantly more common in the ankylosing spondylitis group than in the healthy controls. Significant associations emerged between Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (p<0.001) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (p=0.005) scores and pain disorders., Conclusion: Temporomandibular dysfunction is more prevalent in ankylosing spondylitis patients than in healthy individuals, linked to increased joint issues and pain associated with disease activity., Clinicaltrials.gov Id: NCT05839925.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of the microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knee (MPK) joint on self-mobility, body perceptions, depression, and quality of life in patients with unilateral transfemoral amputations (TFAs)., Methods: Thirty consecutive patients (28 males, mean age=38.5 years, age range=22-57) who had previously used non-MPKs and who were approved to use swing and stance phase-control MPKs were included in this 12-week clinical study. Before the MPK use and after the three-month follow-up, prosthetic use and locomotor capabilities were evaluated using the Houghton Scale and the Locomotor Capabilities Index (LCI-5), respectively. Body perception was assessed using the Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS). The depressive symptoms and quality of life were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score and the 36-Item Short- Form Health Survey (SF-36), respectively., Results: After MPK use, statistically significant ameliorations were observed in all outcome measures. The basic and advanced LCI-5 increased from 26.7±2.2 and 24.8±5.2 to 27.6±1.2 (p=0.007) and 27±2.1 (p=0.004), respectively. Houghton scores improved from 9±1 to 10.3±0.8 (p=0.000). The ABIS and BDI scores decreased from 43.2±10.9 and 5.7±6.6 to 37.1±8.9 (p=0.000) and 3.8±4.5 (p=0.015), respectively. Also, the SF-36 physical function and vitality subscales increased from 71.2±24.0 and 75.5±14.6 to 85.6±16.6 (p=0.001) and 81.7±14.1 (p=0.015), respectively., Conclusion: MPK use provides significant improvements in the locomotor capabilities, quality of life, and activities of daily living to patients with TFAs as well as improves their body image perceptions and depressive symptoms., Level of Evidence: Level III, Self controlled study.