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Objective: The aim of our study is to examine the effect of differences in the levels of functionality of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on level of family involvement. Methods: Our study has been carried out with the relatives of ASD individuals attending Aydın Efeler Municipality Autism Sports and Life Center. The functional independence levels of children was assesed by using The Pediatric Functional Independence Criterion (WeeFIM), and The Family Impact Scale (FIS) was used to measure the impact on the families of children with chronic disabilities. Results: Our study was completed with the assessment of 98 individuals diagnosed with ASD (age=10.17±5.11, gender=15 female/83 male) and 98 pairs of their parents. As a result of the study, the total WeeFim score was determined as 94.73 ±20.26 (independent) and the family impact scale scores were determined as 63.03 ± 12. The correlation analysis showed the sub WeeFIM impact the financial burden my family, self-care, communication, social status were statistically significant and weak correlation score between the total score (p

ÖZ Amaç: Ülkemizde eğitim veren fizyoterapi ve rehabilitasyon lisans programlarının sayı ve kontenjanlarının artmasıyla, bu bölümde eğitim gören öğrenciler için iş bulma sorunları ortaya çıkmaya başlamıştır. Çalışmamız Türkiye’de devlet ve vakıf üniversitelerinde eğitim gören fizyoterapi ve rehabilitasyon lisans programı son sınıf öğrencilerinin işsizlik kaygılarını üniversite statüsü ve cinsiyete göre incelemek amacıyla planlandı. Yöntem: Araştırmamıza Türkiye’de eğitim veren farklı bölgelerden 10 üniversitenin fizyoterapi ve rehabilitasyon lisans programında eğitim gören 845 son sınıf öğrencisi (582 kadın, 263 erkek; ortalama yaş: 22,78±1,52 yıl) dahil edilmiştir. Lisans öğrencilerinin sosyo-demografik bilgileri alındıktan sonra İşsizlik Kaygısı Anketi uygulanmıştır. Sonuçlar: Çalışmaya katılan fizyoterapi öğrencilerinin işsizlik kaygısı puanları 70 üzerinden 39,90±8,53 şeklinde elde edilmiştir. Devlet üniversitesinde eğitim alan öğrencilerin işsizlik kaygıları (p=0,014), karamsarlık (p=0,001), başarma arzusu (p= 0,0001) ve çözüm arayışlarının (p=0,0001) vakıf üniversitesindeki öğrencilere göre daha yüksek olduğu görülmüştür. Tüm üniversiteler göz önüne alındığında, erkek öğrencilerin başarma arzularının kadın öğrencilere göre daha yüksek olduğu tespit edilmiştir (p=0,014). Akademik başarının işsizlik kaygısı ile pozitif yönde (r=0,072), başarma arzusu (r= -0,99) ve iyimserlik (r= -0,07) ile negatif yönde ilişkisi bulunmuştur. Tartışma: Çalışmadan elde ettiğimiz sonuçlar devlet üniversitesinde eğitim görmenin, erkek cinsiyetin ve yüksek akademik başarının işsizlik kaygısını artırdığını göstermiştir. Düşük aile gelir düzeyi, toplumlarda erkeğin aileyi geçindirmekle yükümlü birey olarak tanımlanması ve yüksek başarı düzeyi ile toplumda maddi ve manevi olarak daha kabul edilebilir bir birey olma düşüncesi gibi nedenlerin işsizlik kaygı düzeyini artırmış olabileceğini düşünmekteyiz. Fizyoterapistlere yönelik istihdam olanaklarının artırılmasına yönelik girişimlerin, bu popülasyondaki işsizlik kaygısını azaltacağı düşüncesindeyiz., Purpose: With the increase in the number and quotas of physiotherapy and rehabilitation undergraduate programs in our country, employment problems have started to arise for students studying in this program. Our study was planned to examine the unemployment anxiety of physiotherapy and rehabilitation undergraduate students studying at state and foundation universities in Turkey according to university status and gender. Methods: Our research included 845 senior students (582 female, 263 male; age: 22.78±1.52) studying in the physiotherapy and rehabilitation undergraduate program of 10 universities from different regions in Turkey. After obtaining social-demographic information of undergraduate students, The Unemployment Anxiety Questionnaire was applied. Results: Unemployment anxiety scores of physiotherapy students participating in the study were obtained as 39.90±8.53 out of 70. It was observed that the unemployment anxiety (p=0.014), pessimism (p=0.001), desire to succeed (p=0.0001) and seeking solutions (p=0.0001) of the students studying at the state university were higher than the students at the foundation university. It was found that male students' desire to succeed was higher than female students (p=0.014). Academic achievement was found to have a positive correlation with unemployment anxiety (r=0.072), but a negative correlation with desire to succeed (r= -0.99) and optimism (r= -0.07). Conclusion: Our results obtained from the study showed that studying at a state university, male gender, and high academic achievement increase unemployment anxiety. We think that reasons such as low family income level, identification of a man as an individual responsible for supporting the family, and the idea of becoming a more acceptable person financially and spiritually with a high level of success in society may have increased the level of unemployment anxiety. We believe that initiatives aimed at increasing employment opportunities for physical therapists will reduce unemployment anxiety in this population

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the upper extremity functions of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to compare them with those of healthy subjects. Methods: Thirty six diabetic participants (mean age: 55.05±5.85 years; 21 female, 15 male) and thirty six healthy participants (mean age: 53.52±7.74 years; 20 female, 16 male) were evaluated in this study. A hand dynamometer was used to examine grip strength of the participants. Upper extremities endurance was evaluated by using the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX). Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand Test (DASH-T) was used to determine upper extremity disability level. Results: Diabetic participants evaluated in this study showed lower scores in terms of upper extremity endurance (p0.05) Conclusion: In individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, there is a significant decrease in upper extremity endurance and an increase in the level of upper extremity disability level.

Purpose: Low back pain is well documented to be an extremely common health problem in all decades worldwide. Back pain affects 80% of people over the age of 30 at some point in their lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the low back pain risk among older adults., Materials and Methods: Five hundred fiftysix elderly people (279 females; 277 males; mean age: 71.45 +/- 5.99 yrs.) included the study. The pain intensity was measured using by the Visual Analog scale (VAS). The low back pain risk ratio of the older adults was evaluated using by a Low Back Pain Risk Scale., Results: While 60.4% of the participants reported low back pain (n: 335), the rest of the sample did not report low back pain (n: 221; 39.6%). The mean pain intensity of the participants with low back pain was 4.43 +/- 1.9 cm. When the risk of low back pain in all participants was examined, it was found that 39.5% of elderly participants without low back pain were at potential risk and 47% of elderly participants with low back pain were at significant risk., Conclusion: The findings indicate that mostly older Turkish adults who did not report low back pain are at risk in terms of low back pain. That's why older adults should be assessed for chronic low back pain to improve their quality of life.

Amaç: Bel ağrısının, tüm dünyada yıllardır oldukça yaygınbir sağlık sorunu olduğu belgelenmiştir. Bel ağrısı, 30 yaşüstü insanların %80'ini yaşamlarının bir noktasında etkiler.Bu çalışmanın amacı yaşlı erişkinlerde bel ağrısı riskinideğerlendirmektir.Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya beş yüz elli altı yaşlı (279kadın; 277 erkek; ortalama yaş: 71,45 ± 5,99 yıl) dahil edildi.Ağrı şiddeti, Visual Analog skalası (VAS) kullanılarakölçüldü. Yaşlı erişkinlerin bel ağrısı riski oranı, Bel AğrısıRiski Ölçeği kullanılarak değerlendirildi.Bulgular: Katılımcıların %60,4'ü bel ağrısı bildirirken(n:335), geri kalanı bel ağrısı bildirmedi (n: 221; %39,6). Belağrısı olan katılımcıların ortalama ağrı şiddeti 4,43 ± 1,9 cmidi. Tüm katılımcılarda bel ağrısı riski incelendiğinde, belağrısı olmayan yaşlı katılımcıların %39,5'inin potansiyel riskaltında olduğu ve bel ağrısı olan yaşlı katılımcıların%47'sinin önemli risk altında olduğu bulundu.Sonuç: Bulgular bel ağrısı bildirmeyen çoğunlukla yaşlıTürk erişkinlerin bel ağrısı açısından risk altında olduğunugöstermektedir. Bu nedenle geriatrik bireyler yaşamkalitelerini artırmak için kronik bel ağrısı açısındandeğerlendirilmelidir.

Purpose: Low back pain is well documented to be an extremely common health problem in all decades worldwide. Back pain affects 80% of people over the age of 30 at some point in their lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the low back pain risk among older adults. Materials and Methods: Five hundred fiftysix elderly people (279 females; 277 males; mean age: 71.45 +/- 5.99 yrs.) included the study. The pain intensity was measured using by the Visual Analog scale (VAS). The low back pain risk ratio of the older adults was evaluated using by a Low Back Pain Risk Scale. Results: While 60.4% of the participants reported low back pain (n: 335), the rest of the sample did not report low back pain (n: 221; 39.6%). The mean pain intensity of the participants with low back pain was 4.43 +/- 1.9 cm. When the risk of low back pain in all participants was examined, it was found that 39.5% of elderly participants without low back pain were at potential risk and 47% of elderly participants with low back pain were at significant risk. Conclusion: The findings indicate that mostly older Turkish adults who did not report low back pain are at risk in terms of low back pain. That's why older adults should be assessed for chronic low back pain to improve their quality of life.

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı nörolojik bozuklukları olan bireylerin ev güvenliği durumlarını ve buna bağlı riskleri belirlemektir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Denizli'de yaşayan nörolojik özrü olan seksen üç birey, araştırmanın örneklem grubunu oluşturmaktadır. Katılımcıların ev güvenlik durumlarını değerlendirmek için Ev Güvenlik Kontrol Listesi kullanılmıştır. Sonuçlar: Ev Güvenlik Kontrol Listesi puanlarına göre, katılımcıların% 93'ü (n = 77) "tehlikeli" evlerde yaşarken, %7'si (n = 6) 'iyi' evlerde yaşamaktaydı. Bu çalışma örnekleminde hiçbir katılımcı "mükemmel" bir evde yaşamamaktaydı. Tartışma: Sonuçlar, nörolojik rahatsızlıkları olan katılımcıların ev güvenliği puanlarının çok düşük olduğunu göstermektedir. Bundan dolayı, etkilenen bireylerin çevresi ve yaşam alanı, bariyersiz ve daha kolay yaşama imkânı verecek şekilde kısıtlılıklarına göre düzenlenmelidir., The aim of this study is to determine the home safety status and associated risks of individuals with neurological disorders. Material and Methods: Eighty-three individuals with neurological disorders living in Denizli constitute the sample group of the study. The Home Safety Checklist was employed in order to evaluate the home safety status of the participants. Results: While 93% of the participants (n=77) were considered to be living in ‘dangerous’ homes, 7% (n=6) had ‘good’ homes according to the Home Safety Checklist scores. In this study’s sample, no participant was considered to be living in a ‘perfect’ home. Conclusion: The results are indicative of the fact that the home safety scores of participants with neurological disorders are very low. In light of this, the environment and living area of the affected individuals should be adapted according to their limitations in such a way so as to enable them to live a barrier-free and easier life.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the musculoskeletal pain distribution, quality of life, and the hopelessness level in mothers with disabled children in different ambulation levels. Methods: This study included a total of 177 mothers (mean age: 36.1 ± 6.5 years) of children with disabilities. The mothers were divided into 3 different groups according to the ambulation level of their disabled children: Ambulatory children (Group 1), partially ambulatory children (Group 2) and non-ambulatory children (Group 3). Musculoskeletal pain distribution (body diagram) and pain intensity (The Visual Analogue Scale), four quality of life parameters (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health-Related Quality of Life -4 Questionnaire) and hopelessness level (Beck Hopelessness Scale) were evaluated in all mothers. Results: The results of our study showed that musculoskeletal pain was most common (79.1%) in the mothers of disabled children. The frequency and severity of back, shoulder and elbow pain in the mothers, number of activity limitation days and hopelessness level were found to increase significantly as the ambulation level in the child decreased (p< 0.05). Conclusions: The risk of musculoskeletal pain, participation in daily life and hopelessness level in the mothers increased as the ambulation level of the disabled children decreased. © 2018 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to show the effects of an 8-week Neurodevelopmental Treatment based posture and balance training on postural control and balance in diparetic and hemiparetic Cerebral Palsied children (CPC). Methods: Fifteen CPC (aged 5-15 yrs) were recruited from Denizli Yaǧmur Çocuklari Rehabilitation Centre. Gross Motor Function Classification System, Gross Motor Function Measure, 1-Min Walking Test, Modified Timed Up and Go Test, Paediatric Balance Scale, Functional Independence Measure for Children and Seated Postural Control Measure were used for assessment before and after treatment. An 8-week NDT based posture and balance training was applied to the CPC in one session (60-min) 2 days in a week. Results: After the treatment program, all participants showed statistically significant improvements in terms of gross motor function (p < 0.05). They also showed statistically significant improvements about balance abilities and independence in terms of daily living activities (p < 0.05). Seated Postural Control Measure scores increased after the treatment program (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that an 8-week Neurodevelopmental Treatment based posture and balance training is an effective approach in order to improve functional motor level and functional independency by improving postural control and balance in diparetic and hemiparetic CPC. © 2018 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Amac: Bu arastirmadaki temel amac Turkiye’de yurutulmekte olan fizyoterapi lisans egitim programlarinin son sinif ogrencileri ile programi yuruten ogretim elemanlari tarafindan degerlendirilmesiydi. Diger amaclar ogrencilerin ve ogretim elemanlarinin egitim programiyla ilgili memnuniyet duzeylerini karsilastirmak ve ogrencilerin ogretim elemanlarindan memnuniyet duzeylerini belirlemekti. Yontem: Bu calismaya fizyoterapist mezun etmekte olan bes universitedeki lisans programina kayitli 348 son sinif ogrencisi (yas ortalamasi: 22,86±1,56 yil) ve bu programlarda gorevli 69 ogretim elemani (yas ortalamasi: 37,38±2,86 yil) dahil edildi. Katilimcilarin programlarindaki egitim hizmetleri ile ilgili gorusleri iki anketle sorgulandi. Anket-1 (18 madde) egitim programinin icerigi, fiziksel ortam gibi alanlarla ilgili geribildirimleri yansitan ifadelerden olusmaktaydi. Anket-2 (20 madde) ise, ogrencilerin ogretim elemanlarini degerlendirdikleri anketti. Sonuclar: Anket-1’in sonuclarina gore, ogrencilerin ve ogretim elemanlarinin memnuniyet duzeyleri, egitim programinin icerigi, stajlarin etkinligi ve genel memnuniyet kategorilerinde en yuksekti. Fiziksel ortam, arac-gerec yeterliligi ve sinav kategorilerinde en dusuktu. Anket-2’nin sonuclarina gore, ogrencilerin memnuniyet duzeyleri iletisim becerileri, sinav ve not verme kategorilerinde en dusuktu. Ders hazirligi, mesleki bilgilendirme ve konu anlatim becerisi kategorilerinde en yuksekti. Tartisma: Sonuclar, Turkiye’de fizyoterapi egitiminin kalitesini artirmak icin son sinif ogrencilerinin ve ogretim elemanlarinin geri bildirimlerinin dikkate alinmasi gerektigini ortaya koymustur.

Dystonia is defined as a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscular contractions that generate twisting and repetitive movements and/or abnormal postures [1].

Amaç: Mesleki farkındalık, o mesleğin yeterlilikleri, meslekle ilgili yasa ve yönetmelikler, görev ve sorumluluklarla ilgili önbilgi sahibi olmayı gerektirir. Bireysel istek her zaman insanların mesleğini tam olarak belirleyememektedir. Literatürde, ülkemizdeki fizyoterapi ve rehabilitasyon okullarındaki son sınıf öğrencilerinin mesleki farkındalık düzeyi kapsamlı bir şekilde değerlendirilmemiştir. Çalışmanın amacı, bu okullardaki son sınıf öğrencilerinin mesleki farkındalık düzeylerini değerlendirmek ve bölümü istekleri doğrultusunda tercih eden öğrencilerle, bölümü istemeden tercih eden öğrencilerin mesleki farkındalık düzeylerini karşılaştırmaktı. Yöntem: Bu çalışma için, Türkiye’deki 10 üniversite örneklem olarak seçildi. Katılımcılara mesleki farkındalıkla ilgili 10 sorudan oluşan bir anket uygulandı. Tanımlayıcı istatistikler hesaplandı. Öğrencilerin mesleki farkındalık düzeylerinin karşılaştırılmasında Ki-kare testi kullanıldı. Sonuçlar: Çalışmamıza 850 fizyoterapi ve rehabilitasyon bölümü son sınıf öğrencisi katıldı. Soruların % 71,19’una doğru cevap verildi. Katılımcıların % 77,29’unun bölümü isteyerek tercih ettiği belirlendi. Bölümü isteyerek tercih edenler ile istemediği halde tercih edenler arasında mesleki farkındalık açısından fark bulunmadı (p>0,05). Tartışma: Bu çalışmada son sınıf fizyoterapi ve rehabilitasyon bölümü öğrencilerinin çoğunda mesleki farkındalığın iyi düzeyde olduğu görüldü. Ancak bazı okullardaki mesleki farkındalık düzeyi orta seviyedeydi. Bu okullarda mesleki farkındalık düzeylerinin artırılması için seminerler ve söyleşiler gibi faaliyetlerin yapılmasının faydalı olacağını düşünüyoruz., Purpose: Professional awareness requires knowledge of the competencies of the profession, occupational laws and regulations, duties and responsibilities. Individual demand cannot always determine the profession of people. In the literature, level of professional awareness of senior students in physiotherapy and rehabilitation schools in Turkey has not been extensively assessed. The aim of the study was to evaluate level of professional awareness of senior grade students, and to compare professional awareness between the students who prefer the department on their willingness and the students who prefer the department unwillingly. Methods: For this study, 10 universities were selected to be as samples in Turkey. A 10-item survey was applied to the participants about professional awareness. The descriptive statistics were given. Chi-Square test was used to compare the students' professional awareness levels. Results: The 850 senior students from physiotherapy and rehabilitation participated in the study. The 71.19% of the questions were answered correctly. It was detected that 77.29% of the participants preferred due to their wish. There was no difference in terms of professional awareness among those who preferred the department whether based on their wish and not (p>0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was seen that most of the last year physiotherapy and rehabilitation students had good professional awareness. However, level of professional awareness in some schools was moderate. We thought that it would be beneficial to accomplish activities such as seminars and interviews for increasing the levels of professional awareness in these schools.

The aim of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the effect of proprioceptive training on balance in patients with chronic neck pain (CNP).Forty patients participating in the study were randomly divided into study and control groups. Both of the groups underwent conventional physical therapy; additionally, the study group was rehabilitated with gaze direction recognition exercise (GDRE) for proprioceptive training. Exercises were performed during 3 weeks with five sessions per week. Pain intensity [visual analog scale (VAS)], neck disability [Neck Disability Index (NDI)], and balance [four step square test (FSST), single leg balance test (SLBT) with eyes opened and closed] assessments were conducted in the patients before and after the treatment and 3 weeks after the last session.No differences were observed between the groups in terms of pre-treatment measurements. There was a statistically significant decrease in VAS scores in both groups compared with pre-treatment conditions (p0.05). In addition, whereas a statistically significant improvement in the study group's NDI, FSST, and SLBT with eyes opened and closed scores was observed after the treatment, pre- and post-treatment results were similar in the control group (p0.05).Proprioceptive training should be included in physiotherapy programs to improve balance; it decreases the disability level in patients with CNP.

IntroductionChronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) and cognitive impairment (CI) may reduce body awareness in older adults. The first aim of this study was to determine the impact of CMP and CI on body awareness in older adults. The second was to search for the factors most affecting body awareness using logistic regression analysis.Material and methodsTwo hundred and 65 older adults (males: 138 and females: 127) aged 65 and over (mean age; 72.27 ±6.42 years) living in their own homes were included. We used the following evaluation methods: CMP intensity (Visual Analog Scale – VAS), cognitive status (Hodkinson’s Abbreviated Mental Test – HAMT), and body awareness (Body Awareness Questionnaire – BAQ). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factor most affecting the BAQ score.ResultsEighty-five point two percent of participants (n = 265) reported CMP (lower extremity pain: 74.6%; spinal pain: 66.6%; upper extremities pain: 44.4%). CMP intensity was higher in lower extremities (mean VAS: 5.73 ±1.86 cm). Gender differences in terms of CMP were found in favor of males (p = 0.0001). Mean HAMT score was 8.16±1.65. Gender difference in favor of males was significant (p = 0.0001). Mean BAQ score was 77.61±20.90; there was no significant difference between the gender (p = 0.142). There was a significant moderate positive correlation between body awareness and cognitive status (r = 0.382, p = 0.0001). However, a weak negative correlation was found between body awareness and pain intensity (r = –0.234, p = 0.0001). Regression analysis showed that living environment (rural area), low education level, low cognition level and increased CMP intensity significantly predicted body awareness.ConclusionsThe results obtained from this study indicate that cognitive impairment and pain should be reduced by improving body awareness among older adults. That is why health professionals should evaluate all related factors affecting body awareness before planning the most suitable rehabilitation program.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the agreement between physiotherapists (PTS), patients and caregivers about the physiotherapy of patients with hemiparesis. Materials and methods: Fifty-two patients with hemiparesis (M = 24, F = 28), caregivers (N = 52) and PTs (N = 52) who applied for the physiotherapy programme were interviewed. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. A questionnaire composed of six questions was used to describe the expectations of the PTs, caregivers and patients about the physiotherapy programme. Results: The Kappa calculator revealed a statistically moderate level of agreement between PTs and caregivers (K = 0.532, p =.0001), patients and caregivers (K = 0.496, p =.0001) and PTs and patients (K = 0.401, p =.0001) regarding the expectations of physiotherapy programme. Conclusion: Expectations of the patients and caregivers must be considered for rehabilitation; hence, participation in the therapy and efficacy of the physiotherapy programme will increase. Consequently, we believe that the expectations of the patients and caregivers should be considered by the PTs when preparing a treatment programme for patients with hemiparesis. © 2018, © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Objectives The aim of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the effect of proprioceptive training on balance in patients with chronic neck pain (CNP). Methods Forty patients participating in the study were randomly divided into study and control groups. Both of the groups underwent conventional physical therapy; additionally, the study group was rehabilitated with gaze direction recognition exercise (GDRE) for proprioceptive training. Exercises were performed during 3 weeks with five sessions per week. Pain intensity [visual analog scale (VAS)], neck disability [Neck Disability Index (NDI)], and balance [four step square test (FSST), single leg balance test (SLBT) with eyes opened and closed] assessments were conducted in the patients before and after the treatment and 3 weeks after the last session. Results No differences were observed between the groups in terms of pre-treatment measurements. There was a statistically significant decrease in VAS scores in both groups compared with pre-treatment conditions (p 0.05). Conclusion Proprioceptive training should be included in physiotherapy programs to improve balance; it decreases the disability level in patients with CNP.

Amaç: Bu çalışma, nörolojikhastalara bakım verenlerin bakım yükünün gövde kas kuvveti, enduransı veesnekliğine etkisinin incelenmesi amacıyla planlandı.Yöntem: Tanımlayıcıve kesitsel olarak planlanan çalışmaya 107 gönüllü katıldı. Tüm olguların BAKASBakım Verme Etki Ölçeği puanlarının ortancası hesaplandıktan sonra, olgularbakım yükü yüksek (n=58, 36K, 22E) ve düşük grup (n=49, 27K, 22E) olmak üzereiki gruba ayrıldı. Grupların gövde kas kuvveti,enduransı ve esnekliğinin değerlendirmesi için; gövde fleksör, ekstansörve lateral fleksör kaslarına kuvvet, endurans ve esneklik testleri uygulandı.Sonuçlar: Bakım yükü yüksek olan grubun yaş ortalaması 46,93±14,95 yıl ve düşük olangrubun ise, 42,00±14,55 yıldı. Grupların yaş, beden kitle indeksi, cinsiyet vetanılarına ilişkin özellikler benzer bulundu (p>0,05). Bakım yükü yüksekolan grubun gövde fleksiyon ve ekstansiyon kas kuvvetleri ile ekstansiyon velateral fleksiyon esneklik değerlerinin anlamlı olarak daha kötü olduğugözlenirken (p0,05).Tartışma: Nörolojik hastalara bakım veren bireylerde bakım yükünün artması, yapısal vefonksiyonel bozuklukların gelişimine katkıda bulunan gövde kas kuvveti veesnekliğinde azalmaya neden olabilir. Bu yüzden, bakım verme işinin dejeneratifetkilerini en aza indirebilmek ve bakım verme sürecinde verimliliği artırabilmekiçin, bakım verenlere ergonomik kuralların öğretilmesi ve gövde kas kuvvet veesnekliğini artırmaya yönelik müdahalelerde bulunulması önemlidir.

OBJECTIVE: This study was planned to compare of pain, emotional status and disability level in patients with chronic neck pain and low back pain. METHODS: In this study, fifty patients with chronic low back pain (Group I) and fifty patients with chronic neck pain (Group II) at least 6 months were evaluated. A Visual Analog Scale was used to describe pain intensity. To determine emotional status of the subjects, the Beck Depression Scale was used The Oswestry Disability Index and the Neck Disability Index were used to evaluate disability level. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients with low back pain and neck pain were 39.70 ± 9.71 years, 45.44 ± 10.39 years, respectively. It was not found a significant difference between in low back pain (Group I) and neck pain (Group II) in results of pain intensity (p = 0.286) and pain duration (p = 0.382). It was found a significant difference between group I and group II in results of emotional status (p = 0.000) and disability level (p = 0.000). The emotional status and disability level scores were found highest in patient's with low back pain. CONCLUSION: Chronic low back pain is affect in patients than chronic neck pain as a emotional status and disability level. © 2015 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Background and Aims: Low back pain is well documented to be an extremely common health problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the low back pain risk among older Turkish adults.

Aim and Scope: The aim of this study was to determine how previous (year 2014) and present (year 2017) conditions influence the satisfaction level of the final year students and lecturers in School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation at Pamukkale University (SPTRPAU). Materials and Methods: The study was conducted interviewing face to face with final year physical therapy students (N: 143; mean age=23.1 +/- 1.4 yrs) and lecturers (N: 28; mean age=38.3 +/- 7.4 yrs.). The study completed in 2017. Demographics including gender, age, academic grade average, year of work experience belonging to students and lecturers were recorded. Previous results obtained in 2014 compared with present results obtained in 2017. The same questionnaires created by Erden and Cavlak just used in 2014 were also used in this study of 2017. Questionnaire I (18 suggestions; Cronbach alpha=0,90) consists of statements reflecting the feedback on the content of the education program, canteen-rest areas, training program content, etc. was used by both students and lecturers. Questionnaire II (20 suggestions; Cronbach alpha=0,91) is used by students to rated their lecturers. Results: Mean academic grade of the students was 3.1 +/- 0.37 / 4. Mean work experience of lecturers was 13.4 +/- 6.60 yrs. Questionnaire I showed that the level of satisfaction of students about education program content, grading system, counseling services, internship activities, occupational skills and overall satisfaction increased significantly compared to research 2014 aresults. On the other hand, no differences were found in terms of the other categories in Questionnaire I rated by the students. The lecturers reported improvements in canteens and resting areas only. According to the results of the research 2014, there were significant improvements in terms of satisfaction level of the students and the instructors in all fields except the contents of the training program and the equipment (p

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the agreement between physiotherapists (PTs) and mothers (Ms) about the treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP) who received treatment in special education and rehabilitation centers., Subjects: Ms of 130 children with CP (75 boys, 55 girls) and 130 PTs who applied rehabilitation programs were interviewed., Methods: Clinical types and gross motor function levels of the children were recorded. A questionnaire consisting of 6 open-ended questions was used to describe the expectations and views of the PTs and Ms about the physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs for the children., Results: The mean age of the children was 89.80±52.05 months. The mean treatment period for the children was 73.62±42.11 months. The mean age of the mothers was 35.47±5.79 years, and the mean age of the PTs was 28.07±7.28 years. We found a statistically moderate level of agreement between the PTs and Ms regarding the appropriateness of the treatment provided to the children. There was statistically insignificant agreement regarding the applied treatment methods and the appropriateness of the applied rehabilitation programs., Conclusion: We believe that the views and expectations of the Ms should be taken into account by the PTs when preparing a treatment program for children with CP. © 2014 The Society of Physical Therapy Science.

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia. Gait and postural difficulties supersede tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia as drivers of disease burden in patients with advanced PD. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus on gait ability and balance performance in patients with PD. Material and methods: We studied 19 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at the 5th day and 6th month after surgery. Timed Up and Go Test, 12 m Walking Test, Chair Stand Test and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were used to assess mobility and balance performance. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS III) and Hoehn and Yahr Scale were also used. Results: All the patients' mobility ability and balance performance improved after surgery (p < 0.05). At the 6 th month after surgery, the Timed Up and Go Test scores were decreased from 56.05 ±42.52 to 21.47 ±20.36, the 12 m Walking Test scores were decreased from 100.44 ±66.44 to 28.84 ±19.79, the Chair Stand Test scores were increased from 4.00 ±4.66 to 11.68 ±4.43 and the BBS score was increased from 12.84 ±6.89 to 38.89 ±8.79. UPDRS total scores were significantly improved 6 months after surgery (p < 0.001). UPDRS total scores were decreased from 98.26 ±37.69 to 39.36 ±18.85. The Hoehn and Yahr Scale score was significantly decreased after surgery (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Surgical therapy is an effective treatment to improve gait ability and balance performance in Parkinson's patients. Copyright © 2014 Termedia & Banach.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to show the impact of chronic musculoskeletal pain of the spinal column and lower extremities on physical functioning, emotional status, and independency in older adults. [Subjects] In this cross-sectional study, 258 older adults (mean age, 71.98 +/- 5.86 years, 50.8% males, 49.2% females) living in their own residences were evaluated. [Methods] Pain intensity was analyzed using a visual analogue scale. Physical functioning was evaluated with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and a Six-Minute Walk Test. The Geriatric Depression Scale was used to determine emotional status. The independency in daily living of the participants was evaluated using the Lawton Brody IADL Scale. All participants were divided into two groups in accordance with the pain localization: the (1) spinal pain and (2) lower extremity pain groups. [Results] When the pain scores were compared, no significant differences between the two groups were found. The same results were found in terms of TUG scores. The spinal pain group had higher scores in terms of aerobic capacity than the lower extremity pain group. [Conclusion] The results indicate that chronic musculoskeletal pain in the lower extremities decreased aerobic capacity much more than spinal pain in older adults.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the influential factors of cognitive function in older adults. Methods: In this study, 377 older adults (mean age: 74.71 +/- 6.15 years) were examined. The Hodkinson Abbreviated Mental Test (HAMT) was used to describe cognitive function of the individuals. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL-4) survey tool was used to measure the quality of life. Possible influential factors of cognitive function were also detected. The following independent variables were included in the logistic regression analysis: age, gender, education level, residency, smoking habit, musculoskeletal pain, medication use, number of unhealthy mental days, number of unhealthy physical days, and activity limitation days. Results: The results indicated that the elderly with cognitive impairment showed low scores in terms of the three parameters of the CDC HRQOL-4. The findings also indicate that the following variables were found to significantly affect cognitive function: (1) age, (2) residency (rest home), (3) smoking (yes or quit), and (4) number of unhealthy mental days. Conclusion: Older adults should be assessed in terms of factors related to cognition, such as age, residency, smoking, and mood in order to plan the most suitable geriatric care. Copyright (C) 2013, Taiwan Society of Geriatric Emergency Si Critical Care Medicine. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. All rights reserved.

Bulgular: Katilimcilarin yas ortalamasi 36.88±10.45 yil idi. GAS ortalama degeri 3.32±2.90, emosyonel durum ortalamasi 8.54±7.77 ve VFA ortalama skoru 94.77±13.97 bulundu. Vucut farkindalik durumu ile GAS skoru arasinda negatif yonlu bir iliski bulundu. Vucut farkindalik durumu ile emosyonel durum arasinda negatif yonlu bir iliski bulundu; ancak Beck Depresyon skorunun minimal duzey depresif belirtileri gostermesi sebebiyle iliski anlamli bulunmadi (p=0.264). Vucut farkindalik durumu ile yasam kalitesi degerlendirmesi alt kategorilerinden enerji-bitkinlik duzeyi (p=0.001) ve genel saglik duzeyi arasinda (p=0.023) pozitif yonlu bir iliski bulundu.

Gerec ve Yontem: Kronik boyun agrisi nedeniyle tek seviyede servikal disk protez cerrahisi uygulanan 15 hasta ve “peek cage” uygulamasi yapilan 15 hasta degerlendirildi. Demografik ozelliklerin yani sira agri siddeti Gorsel Agri Skalasi ile, ozur durumu Boyun Ozurluluk Gostergesi ve yasam kalitesi SF-36 Yasam Kalitesi Anketi ile degerlendirildi. Degerlendirmeler cerrahi oncesi ve cerrahi sonrasinda 3. ayda tekrar edildi.

Objective The aim of our study is to examine the relationship between kinesiophobia (fear of movement), physical activity level and quality of life. Methods In this study, we assessed 112 patients consulting for low back pain (LBP) of ≥ 3 month's duration. We used Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for physical activity level, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale for perception of kinesiophobia, Oswestry Disability Index for disability status of low back. Results The results of this study, there was no statistically significant correlation between International Physical Activity Questionnaire, duration of pain, intensity of pain at rest and Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (p> 0.05). It was found a statistically significant correlation between pain intensity at activity (p= 0.009), disability level (p= 0.000) and Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale. Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale were highly negative correlated with sub-scale of SF-36 Quality of Life Index (general health, physical function, social status, bodily pain, role limitations due to physical health) (p= 0.000). Conclusion The kinesiophobia adversely affect the quality of life limiting the physical activity status of patients with chronic low back pain.

Background/aim: This study was conducted to analyze the agreement between International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) raters and to show its applicability in children with low vision. Materials and methods: Twenty children (mean age: 11.70 ± 1.92 years) were included. To evaluate the independency of the sample, the Northwick Park Activities Daily Living questionnaire was used. The Low Vision Quality of Life Scale was used to evaluate quality of life. An ICF core set was developed to be used in this study. The core set consisted of 13 items for body functions, 3 items for body structures, 36 items for activity and participation, and 12 items for environmental factors. Results: High agreement was found between two raters in terms of subparameters of the ICF core set for activity and participation (r = 0.880, P = 0.000). Conclusion: The findings indicate that the raters showed strong agreement in terms of the ICF core set used in this study. This shows that the core set can be used to evaluate activity and participation of children with low vision. © TÜBİTAK.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting multiple systems and mainly related to dopaminergic deficiency in the substantia nigra resulting in bradykinesia, rigidity and rest tremor. Pharmacological treatments are very successful in the early stages of the disease, but side effects and motor complications are the main problems as the disease reaches to advanced stage. In advanced PD patients, the most disabling complication of long term L-dopa treatment is the unpredictable swings between “on” state with L-dopa induced dyskinesias and “off” state. We will review the current pharmacological and surgical treatment options in advanced stage of PD. The major benefits of deep brain stimulation (DBS) are to smooth motor fluctuations and/or dyskinesia who does not achieve satisfactory symptom control with optimized medical therapy; patients with medically refractory tremor; who are intolerant of dopaminergic drugs; or the patients with a combination of these issues should be considered for DBS surgery. In recent years physical therapy focusing on gait and balance gained more importance. The advanced PD patients are good candidate for DBS. DBS can improve “on” time, reduce on-off fluctuations, and decrease levodopa-induced dyskinesias but, with the exception of tremor, does not provide motor benefits that exceed the patient’s best “on” medication state and emphasizing the contribution of new perspectives of physical therapies on motor functioning that enhance positive impacts of medical and surgical treatments.

The effects of aging and gender on balance performance (BP) among ambulatory adults were investigated in the current work. If there was a relation between the BP and a history of falling, this was also detected. Two hundred and forty ambulatory subjects were divided into two groups depending on their age: (1) 125 middle-aged subjects (50-64 years); (2) 115 elderly subjects (65-75). The functional reach (FR) test, the timed up and go (TUG) test, the sit to stand (STS) test and the step test (ST) were used to evaluate the BP. The fall rate (1-2 in the last year) was 8% for the middle-aged group and was 13.9% for the elderly group. Middle-aged adults had better scores on all tests in comparison to the elderly people. There have been differences found between genders regarding the BP in both groups, except the FR scores in the middle-aged group. The FR distance of the faller subjects was rather low in comparison to non-faller elderly subjects. However, there were no significant differences between the faller and non-faller subjects in both groups regarding other tests' scores. The results of this study indicate that aging affects the BP year by year. The information in this paper can provide normative data to be used as a comparison to clinically obtained information. © 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The aim of our study is to examine the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery on severity of dystonia, mobility, emotional status, and health-related quality of life (QOL) in patient with dystonia. This study was carried out on a case of 41-year-old female with complaints of neck and arm pain, involuntary contraction for 30 years. GPİ-DBS was applied to the patient bilaterally in 2010. Global Dystonia Scale (GDS) was used to assess the severity of the patient's dystonia, effects on body parts and functions. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was applied to detect emotional status. 12- Meter Walking Test (mobility) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were used to evaluate quality of life. All assessments were repeated prior to surgery, after surgery 1st year and 3rd years. Prior to surgery, GDS was 112. Postoperative 1st and 3rd years, GDS was respectively 69/84. Prior to surgery, the total BDI score was 31. Postoperative 1st and 3rd years, GDS was respectively 28/40. 12-Meter Walking Test results were respectively 18/10/15 sec. for the prior to surgery, postoperative 1st. and 3rd years. General health status and physical function subscales of SF-36, respectively, prior to surgery were 30/75, postoperative 1st year was 60/85 and 3rd years were 20/35. GPI-DBS is a surgical procedure, which has positive effect on mobility, emotional status and QOL, in patient with dystonia., Çalışmamızın amacı distonili bir hastada derin beyin stimülasyon cerrahisinin mobilite, emosyonel durum ve yaşam kalitesi üzerine olan etkilerini incelemektir. Çalışma, 30 yıldır boyun ve kolda istemsiz kasılma ve ağrı şikâyetleri olan 41 yaşında bayan bir olgu üzerinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Hastaya 2010 yılında Bilateral Globus Pallidus İnterna (GPİ) yerleşimli derin beyin stimülasyon cerrahisi yapılmıştır. Hastanın distoni şiddetini, etkilediği vücut fonksiyonları ve kısımlarını değerlendirmek için Global Distoni Skoru kullanılmıştır. Emosyonel durumu belirlemek için Beck Depresyon Ölçeği, yaşam kalitesi için Kısa Form- 36(SF-36) ve mobilite durumunu değerlendirmek için 12 metre yürüme testi uygulanmıştır. Hastamızda bütün değerlendirmeler cerrahi öncesinde, cerrahiden sonra 1. yıl ve 3. yılda tekrar edilmiştir. Hastanın cerrahi öncesinde Global Distoni Skoru 112 iken cerrahi sonrası 1. yılda 69 ve 3. yılda 84 olarak kaydedilmiştir. Emosyonel durum toplam puanı cerrahi öncesinde 31 iken cerrahi sonrası 1. ve 3. yılda sırasıyla 28/40 kaydedilmiştir. 12 metre yürüme test sonuçları cerrahi öncesinde 18 sn iken, 1. yılda 10 sn ve 3. yılda 15 sn kaydedilmiştir. Yaşam kalitesi SF-36 alt ölçeklerinden genel sağlık durumu ve fiziksel fonksiyon cerrahi öncesinde sırasıyla 30/75 iken cerrahi sonrası 1.yıl 60/85 ve 3. yılda 20/35 olarak kaydedilmiştir. Distonili bir hastada GPİ derin beyin stimülasyon cerrahisi mobilite, emosyonel durum ve yaşam kalitesi üzerine olumlu yönde etkisi olan cerrahi bir yöntemdir.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among school children and the consequences that this problem may have in relation to gender. This study was designed as a cross-sectional 22-question questionnaire-based on LBP completed by a 10- to 18-year-old Turkish sample. The subjects were 624 school children (335 boys and 289 girls) who were attending primary, secondary or high schools in Denizli, Turkey (mean age = 13.91 years, SD = 2.34). Each subject completed the questionnaire under supervision by an investigator during school time. Data were analysed comparing the two genders. Two hundred and ninety-two school children (46.7%) had LBP. Boys were 153 (52.4%) and girls 139 (47.6%). Both boys and girls with LBP reported that LBP did not interfere negatively with their school performance (67.5%) and with daily activities (87.5%). The risk factors should be investigated at early stages of the life. Therefore, a national LBP prevention program should be performed at community level. © 2006 VSP.

In this retrospective study, we aimed to describe the distribution of the number and its percentages of ankle foot deformities caused by Cerebral Palsy (CP) in disabled children who have attend in several special education and rehabilitation centers in Turkey so as to improve their quality of life. A total of 436 children with CP (205 female and 231 male) were aged between 10 and 468 months (mean±SD: 91.94±63.61), who have been treated in selected special education and rehabilitation centers for this study, were analyzed about ankle-foot deformities. During analyzing medical files belong to all subjects were detected to obtain the data. Deformity percentage in both sides (bilateral) demonstrated a grater value relative to the matched the only side, including right or left side. It was also found that equinovarus deformity in ankle-foot showed a high percentage (n= 146, 33.5%) much more than the other type of deformities in both female (31.3%) and male (35.5%) cerebral palsied children. In addition, the pes planus deformity was detected as the second high valued deformity (26.1%) among all subjects. On the other hand, talipes calcaneus deformity had the lowest percentage in the study. As expected, the high frequency of the deformities was found in the spastic cerebral palsied children (n= 243). Otherwise the low frequency about deformities was detected in the diskinetic cerebral palsied children (n=5). In the present study, both equinovarus and pes planus deformities of the ankle-foot in cerebral palsied children were found as high percentage deformities in both genders. Moreover, spastic type CP leads to ankle-foot deformities much more than other types of CP.

Objective: The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of gender and cultural habits on hip, knee and ankle range of motion (ROM) and to determine the differences between the ROM of right and left side symmetric joints of the lower extremities.Methods: The study included 987 (513 males and 474 females) healthy volunteers. Individuals with a history of illness, prior surgery or trauma involving any joint of either lower extremity wereexcluded from the study. The terminology and techniques of measurements used were those suggested by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Results: Left side passive hip flexion and active internal rotation was higher than the right side. Passive flexion of the hip joint was higher in male subjects and internal and external rotation was higher in female subjects. In the knee joint, passive extension was higher in males. Plantarflexion and inversion of the ankle joint were higher in male subjects and dorsiflexion and eversion were higher in female subjects. The differences were considered insignificant in clinical terms as all were less than 3 degrees.Conclusion: There is no clinically significantly difference between right and left side hip, knee and ankle joints ROM. Gender and cultural habits do not appear to have clinically significantly effects on lower extremity joint ROM., Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, cinsiyetin ve kültürel alışkanlıkların kalça, diz ve ayak bileği eklem hareket açıklığına (EHA) olan etkisini ve alt ekstremitenin sağ ve sol taraf simetrik eklemlerinin EHA’ları arasında fark olup olmadığını belirlemekti.Çalışma planı: Çalışmaya 987 (513 erkek ve 474 kadın) gönüllü alındı. Alt ekstremite eklemlerinden herhangi birisiyle ilgili hastalık öyküsü bulunan, ameliyat veya travma geçirmiş olanlar çalışmaya dahil edilmedi. Terminoloji ve ölçüm tekniklerinde Amerikan Ortopedik Cerrahlar Akademisi’nin yönergeleri temel alındı.Bulgular: Sol taraf kalça pasif fleksiyonu ve aktif iç rotasyonu sağ tarafa göre daha yüksek olarak ölçüldü. Kalça ekleminde; pasif fleksiyon erkeklerde daha yüksek olduğu halde, iç ve dış rotasyon kadınlarda daha yüksekti. Dizde; pasif ekstansiyon erkeklerde daha yüksekti. Ayak bileğinde; plantarfleksiyon ve inversiyon erkeklerde daha fazla iken, dorsifleksiyon ve eversiyonun kadınlarda daha fazla olduğu görüldü. Ölçülen farklılıkların hiçbiri üç dereceden fazla olmadığı için klinik olarak anlamlı değildi.Çıkarımlar: Kalça diz ve ayak bileği EHA’larında sağ ve sol taraf arasında klinik olarak anlamlı bir fark olmadığı, cinsiyet ve kültürel alışkanlıkların alt ekstremite eklemlerindeki EHA’yı klinik olarak anlamlı bir şekilde etkilemediği saptandı.

Purpose: The current study aimed to reveal the therapeutic effects of a pulsed electromagnetic field and swimming exercises on rats with experimental sciatic nerve injury, which was induced with crush-type neuropathy model damage, using electrophysiological methods. Subjects: In the current study, the sample consisted of 28 adult male Wistar albino rats. Methods: The rats were randomized into four groups (n=7). Swimming exercise and PEMF (2 Hz and 0.3 MT) were applied one hour a day, five days a week, for four weeks. Electroneuromyographic (ENMG) measurements were taken on day 7. Results: When the data were evaluated, it was found that the 4 weeks of PEMF and swimming exercises led to an increase in motor conduction rates and a decrease in latency values, but the changes were not significant in comparison with the control and injury groups. The compound muscle action potential (CMAP) values of the left leg were lower in weeks 2, 3, and 4 in the swimming exercise group in comparison with the control group, although for the PEMF group, the CMAP values of the left leg reached the level observed in the control group beginning in week 3. Conclusion: PEMF and swimming exercise made positive contributions to nerve regeneration after week 1, and regeneration was enhanced. © 2014 The Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.

Objectives: To examine and compare the effects of massage and matrix rhythm therapy in young women on the peripheral blood circulation. Design: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Setting: Pamukkale University in Denizli, Turkey. Patients: Fifteen healthy women age 19-23 years. Intervention: Matrix rhythm therapy was applied to the left lower extremity for a single 30-minute session. At least 1 week later, massage was applied to the left lower extremity for 30 minutes in a single session. The same physiotherapist applied both sessions. Outcome measures: The blood velocity (cm/s), artery diameter (mm), and blood flow (ml/min) of the popliteal and the posterior tibial arteries were measured with color Doppler ultrasonography. All images were evaluated by the same radiologist. Results: After matrix rhythm therapy and massage application, blood velocity, artery diameter, and blood flow in arteries increased. However, matrix rhythm therapy caused a more prominent increase in the amount of blood flow in the popliteal and in the posterior tibial artery than did massage. After matrix rhythm therapy application, the average increases in the blood flow rates in the popliteal and the posterior tibial arteries were 25.29%±16.55% and 34.33%±15.66%, respectively; after the massage, the increases were 17.84%±17.23% and 16.07%±10.28%, respectively. Conclusion: Matrix rhythm therapy and massage increased peripheral blood flow in young women. Matrix rhythm therapy method resulted in more prominent increases. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

[Purpose] This study was conducted on university students with nonspecific low back pain in order to determine the independent variables that affect their pain. [Methods] A total of 514 students were included in this study. Pain was evaluated using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A special form was prepared in order to evaluate the following independent variables: gender, weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), working periods sitting straight (television, computer, seminar, etc.), working periods bending at a table (reading, writing, etc.), using lumbar support while sitting, the mean duration of pain within the last one year, type of pain, time of the pain, faculty, class, physical activity habits and smoking. The collected data were evaluated using the CHAID (Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection) analysis method. [Results] The working hours bending at a table, physical activity, height, weight, BMI and educational departments were found not to affect the severity of the pain. The pain severity was affected by the duration of pain complaints within the last one year, the duration of working staying upright, smoking, classes, usage of lumbar support and age variables. [Conclusions] The results of this study show that nonspecific low back pain of university students is affected by many factors such as smoking, class, age, using a computer and lumbar support. © 2013 by the Society of Physical Therapy Science.

Objectives: The purposes of this study were: (1) to show the impact of chronic low back pain (CLBP) on physical performance, fear avoidance behavior and depressive symptoms in older adults; (2) to describe the relationships between outcome measurements obtained in this study. Methodology: Ninety-one participants with or without chronic low back pain were included in this study. Only four tests in the Back Performance Scale were used to assess the physical performance of the participants. A Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire related to physical activity and the Geriatric Depression Scale were also used to examine each subject. Results: The level of performance shown by elderly adults with low back pain was worse than elders without low back pain in the sock test and the pick-up test (p < 0.05). Little correlation between the finger-to-floor test and fear avoidance behaviour related to physical activity was found (p < 0.05). There was little/poor correlation between all performance tests and depressive symptoms (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings indicate that CLBP decreases physical performance, but increases fear avoidance behavior and depressive symptoms in elderly adults. At the same time, it was determined that performance level of elderly adults with back pain was related especially with depressive symptoms.

Introduction Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia. Gait and postural difficulties supersede tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia as drivers of disease burden in patients with advanced PD. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus on gait ability and balance performance in patients with PD.