Assessment of the reliability and usability of ChatGPT in response to spinal cord injury questions.

OBJECTIVE: The use of artificial intelligence chatbots to obtain information about patients' diseases is increasing. This study aimed to determine the reliability and usability of ChatGPT for spinal cord injury-related questions. METHODS: Three raters simultaneously evaluated a total of 47 questions on a 7-point Likert scale for reliability and usability, based on the three most frequently searched keywords in Google Trends ('general information', 'complications' and 'treatment'). RESULTS: Inter-rater Cronbach α scores indicated substantial agreement for both reliability and usability scores (α between 0.558 and 0.839, and α between 0.373 and 0.772, respectively). The highest mean reliability score was for 'complications' (mean 5.38). The lowest average was for the 'general information' section (mean 4.20). The 'treatment' had the highest mean scores for the usability (mean 5.87) and the lowest mean value was recorded in the 'general information' section (mean 4.80). CONCLUSION: The answers given by ChatGPT to questions related to spinal cord injury were reliable and useful. Nevertheless, it should be kept in mind that ChatGPT may provide incorrect or incomplete information, especially in the 'general information' section, which may mislead patients and their relatives.

The use of standing powered wheelchairs from the perspective of individuals with spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of standing powered wheelchair (SPWC) users with spinal cord injury (SCI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 20 participants with SCI. SPWC daily usage time (total, in sitting position and standing position) and the frequency of using the SPWC's standing feature were recorded. Participants' level of satisfaction and comfort associated with the SPWC were assessed on a five-point Likert scale. If there was a dissatisfaction reason with the SPWC, the issues related to it were recorded. Participants were asked about their positive and adverse experiences with the use of SPWC. RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 41.65 (± 9.35) years. Eighty percent were tetraplegic. Ninety percent of the participants stood for at least 30 minutes at least one day a week, and 55% stood for at least 30 minutes at least four days a week. The most commonly reported perceived benefits were improvement in activities of daily living, bowel movements, and blood pressure regulation, better perception of body image, and feeling better. The most frequently identified reasons for dissatisfaction with the SPWC were its big dimensions, heavy weight, and difficulty of use in indoor environment and on uneven surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show positive perceived experiences for SPWC users with SCI in terms of physical, social, and psychological aspects. Prospective controlled studies are needed to explore the benefits of SPWC use regarding secondary complications of SCI.

This paper shows that participants with spinal cord injury (SCI) report numerous perceived physical, social, and psychological benefits of using standing powered wheelchair (SPWC).Individual adjustments must be made for SPWCs. Before prescribing SPWC, the physician and physical or occupational therapist who specialises in wheelchairs should make the necessary evaluations based on the individual's abilities and needs. The necessity for special SPWC equipment and orthoses during standing should be evaluated.In SPWC users with SCI, neck discomfort may occur due to the contraction of non-postural innervated muscles such as the neck due to inadequate trunk control. In addition to the adjustable chest support in SPWC, equipment that provides additional chest support can be used for better control of the trunk. Better control of the trunk can contribute to improved neck comfort.

Comparison of the efficacy of oxygen-ozone and lidocaine injections in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.

Objectives: This study aims to compare effectiveness of oxygen-ozone injection versus lidocaine injection on the trigger point in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Patients and methods: Between April 2021 and December 2021, a total of 46 patients with MPS (8 males, 38 females; mean age: 44.7±10.4 years; range, 25 to 65 years) were included. The patients were randomized to either ozone injection (n=23) or lidocaine injection (n=23) groups. All injections were administered once a week for three consecutive weeks. The primary outcome measure was the pain severity assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcome measures were cervical lateral flexion range of motion (ROM), pain score (PS), and Neck Disability Index (NDI). The measurements were performed before the treatment, and at four and 12 weeks after treatment. Results: There was a significant effect of time for VAS, PS, and NDI scores in both groups. Compared to baseline versus Weeks 4 and 12, the VAS, PS, and NDI scores significantly decreased over time in both groups (p<0.001 for all). A significant group X time interaction was identified regarding the VAS scores. The mean difference in the VAS scores over time was significantly higher in the lidocaine group compared to the oxygen-ozone group (p=0.028). Conclusion: Oxygen-ozone and lidocaine injections of the trigger point can effectively improve pain and functional status. However, lidocaine injection appears to be superior in reducing pain compared to oxygen-ozone injection, but is not superior in improving function and PS.

Applying the WHO ICF framework to long COVID patients with persistent respiratory symptoms.

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.

Assessment of isokinetic hip muscle strength and predictors in patients with lower limb amputation: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine isokinetic features and analyze significant predictors related to activity level of patients with lower limb amputation. Patients and methods: Forty-three male patients (mean age: 32.9±8.8 years; range, 21 to 50 years) with lower limb amputation were recruited consecutively for this cross-sectional study between March 1, 2022, and June 30, 2022. The hip flexor and extensor peak torques and total work were evaluated by an isokinetic dynamometer. The secondary outcome measure was the Amputee Mobility Predictor. A linear regression analysis was used to determine factors independently affecting Amputee Mobility Predictor scores. Results: All data of patients with unilateral amputation, except for flexor (p=0.285) and extensor (p=0.247) peak torques on the dominant side, were higher than those of patients with amputation. Dominant side extensor peak torque was statistically higher than nondominant side extensor peak torque (59.4±30.7 vs. 43.4±32.0) in patients with bilateral amputation. No difference was detected between amputated and intact sides of patients with unilateral amputation. Both flexor and extensor total work on the amputated side of the patients with below-knee amputation were higher than the patients with above-knee amputations (63.5±21.1 vs. 94.1±34.3 and 67.1±34.0 vs. 113.0±51.5, respectively). Unilateral amputation (odds ratio: 7.442) and nondominant side extensor total work (odds ratio: 0.615) were found to be significant predictors related with amputee mobility predictor scale. Conclusion: It is possible to have an idea about the possible activity level of the patients with lower limb amputation with the help of the predictors obtained in the current study.

Comparison of thicknesses of talar cartilage, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius muscles between high-activity patients with unilateral traumatic transtibial amputation and nonamputated individuals: A clinical and sonographic study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the thicknesses of intact talar cartilage, tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GCM), and gastrocnemius lateralis (GCL) muscles of traumatic unilateral transtibial amputees with that of nonamputated individuals by ultrasound and to investigate the relationship between cartilage and muscle thickness measurements with clinical parameters. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with unilateral traumatic transtibial amputation, and 36 age-matched, sex-matched, and body mass index-matched nonamputated controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Subjects' talar cartilage, TA, GCM, and GCL muscle thickness measurements were performed using musculoskeletal ultrasound. Other outcome measures were 6-minute walking test, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, and Short Form-36. RESULTS: TA and GCM muscles were thicker on the intact limbs of the patients than those of the controls (p = 0.015 and p = 0.014, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in talar cartilage and GCL muscle thicknesses when patients were compared with control subjects. Talar cartilage thickness was positively correlated with body mass index, 6-minute walking test, and sport and recreation subscale score of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score. TA and GCM muscle thicknesses were positively correlated with the duration of prosthesis use and role limitations because of the physical health subscale score of Short Form-36. CONCLUSIONS: TA and GCM muscles were found to be thickened on the intact sides of traumatic unilateral transtibial amputees. The correlations between lower leg muscle thicknesses and clinical parameters suggest that the observed thickness change is not necessarily pathological and has potential impact on function at least in our young cohort.

Kinesiophobia and associated factors in patients with traumatic lower extremity amputation.

Objectives: The study aimed to demonstrate the level of kinesiophobia in patients with traumatic lower limb amputation (LLA) and to investigate the correlation between kinesiophobia and associated factors. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included 52 male patients (mean age: 37.8±8.7 years; range, 18 to 65 years) with traumatic LLA between March 2021 and July 2021. Kinesiophobia level was measured with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Pain intensity and prosthesis satisfaction were evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale. The Falls Efficacy Scale-International was used for the assessment of fear of falling. The Nottingham Health Profile was used to evaluate the quality of life. Results: The percentage of the patients with a high level of kinesiophobia was 40.4%. Kinesiophobia was significantly correlated with residual limp pain intensity (r=0.317, p=0.022), the number of falls (r=0.284, p=0.041), fear of falling (r=0.495, p=0.001), and quality of life (r=0.512, p=0.001). No significant correlations between kinesiophobia and intact limb pain intensity, low back pain intensity, or prosthesis satisfaction were detected. Regression analysis showed that the physical activity subscale score of the Nottingham Health Profile was a statistically significant predictor of high kinesiophobia scores. Conclusion: The findings suggest that limitations in physical activity were independently associated with kinesiophobia in patients with traumatic LLA. Fear and avoidance behaviors, which may limit physical activity, should be considered in the evaluation of individuals with LLA.

Does kinesiotaping affect standing balance in healthy individuals? A pilot, double-blind, randomized-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the immediate and short-term effects of kinesiotaping (KT) on balance, when applied to the ankles of healthy individuals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this pilot, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study, a total of 24 healthy male individuals (mean age 31.8 years; range, 22 to 40 years) were randomized into two groups as KT and sham between January 2014 to March 2014. The KT group had a therapeutic KT application which could provide the ankle stability. The control group had a prespecified sham application. Balance testing was done before, immediately after and 24 hours after the application of KT. Anteroposterior, mediolateral, and overall stability indexes (APSI, MLSI, and OSI, respectively) were measured and given in relative treatment effect (RTE). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant interaction between the intervention and time for all stability indexes. The main effects were evaluated. The main effect of time showed a significant difference in terms of RTE and mean ranks at all time points for the MLSI and OSI (p=0.034 and p=0.009, respectively). The KT of ankle had an immediate positive effect on standing balance of healthy individuals which did not sustain after 24 hours. The main effect of group showed that there was a significant difference in the RTE levels between the intervention groups for all indexes. Based on the rank means, the KT group had a better stability than the sham group for all indexes. CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that KT of ankle has an immediate positive effect on standing balance of healthy individuals by increasing mediolateral stability of the ankle.