Effects of musculoskeletal system problems on quality of life and depression in students preparing for university entrance exam

BACKGROUND: This study was planned to investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal problems, depression, and quality of life in students preparing for university entrance exams. METHODS: A total of 180 students were included in the study, 104 were female (57.77%), and 76 were male (42.22%). Students were reached through the cram schools (“dershane”) in Denizli. Musculoskeletal system problems, depression status, and quality of life were determined with the Musculoskeletal-Postural Discomfort Scale (MDS), Boratav Depression Screen Scale (Bordepta), and Short Form-36 (SF-36), respectively. Demographic data, daily study, and sleep duration were also recorded. RESULTS: Students have moderate musculoskeletal discomfort. Musculoskeletal disorders and depressive symptoms are more observed in female students than male students (P = 0.000). The SF-36 results were significantly negatively correlated with the MDS and Bordepta scores. A significant positive correlation was found between musculoskeletal disorders and depression status (r = 0.351, P = 0.000). Sleep duration was negatively correlated with the MDS and Bordepta (r = −0.209, P = 0.005; r = −0.148, P = 0.047, respectively) and positively correlated with the SF-36 role limitation/emotional and social functioning subscales (r = 0.225, P = 0.002 and r = 0.191, P = 0.010 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal problems and depression status negatively affects general health status especially in female students who are preparing for university entrance examinations. Students should be informed about musculoskeletal problems by healthcare professionals and the study room, tables, and chairs should be arranged ergonomically. Further studies might be determined that why musculoskeletal disorders and depression status are more widely among female students.

Functional results of local corticosteroid injections in the management of shoulder pain

To investigate the intensity of pain, range of motion [ROM] of shoulder and functional status in patients with shoulder pain after subacromial injection. Mixed injection which was composed of 1cc/40 mg metilprednizolon asetat and 1 cc/9 mg bupivacaine was applied into subacromial zone for patients with shoulder pain. Patients were evaluated before injection and three months, one year after injection. ROM was measured with goniometer. Pain was evaluated with Visual Analog Scale [VAS]. General condition of extremities was evaluated with Constant Shoulder Score and functional status of shoulder was evaluated with Turkish version of Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH-T]. Short Form-36 was used to assess general health status of the patients. Beck Depression Scale was used for evaluation of depressive symptoms. Sixty two patients were evaluated. Mean age was 51.16 +/- 10.58 years. It was observed that there was significant decrease for pain intensity and BDI scores, and significant increase for ROM of shoulder. Significant improvement in the functional status of upper extremities was also observed in these patients. Improvements for functional status of upper extremities and pain relief in patients with shoulder pain at short term after injection was observed

Comparison of the physical and non-physical functioning between the patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy subjects

To investigate the relationship between physical functioning, non-physical functioning, and upper extremity functional abilities in patients with multiple sclerosis [MS] and healthy subjects. A total of 63 patients with MS [Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score; 3-8] and 52 healthy subjects attending the Pamukkale University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in Denizli, Turkey were studied in the period from February 2006 to June 2006. To allow further evaluation, 63 individuals with MS were divided into 2 groups according to their ambulation ability level. The physical functioning was assessed with the Functional Independence Measure [FIM], the Purdue Pegboard Test, and the Jebsen Hand Function Test, and the non-physical functioning was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]. Depressive symptoms were significantly elevated in the MS group versus the control group based on the BDI [p<0.0001]. In MS subjects, while there was good positive correlation between EDSS and BDI scores, there was a good negative correlation between EDSS and FIM scores [p<0.0001]. Non-physical functioning, especially depression, is strongly associated with activities of daily living and decreases functional abilities in MS patients. For this reason, we recommend that non-physical functioning should also be evaluated in patients with MS to plan the most suitable physical therapy program