ABSTRACT
Background Accurate measurement of the range of motion (ROM) is crucial for guiding upper extremity rehabilitation. Inaccurate measurements can mislead clinicians and harm patient compliance. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of a smartphone application (Angulus) for measuring wrist and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint ROM. Methodology This study included 64 volunteers with no prior wrist injuries. The wrist flexion/extension, radial/ulnar deviation, and MCP joint flexion/extension ROM were assessed by an experienced physiotherapist (Assessor 1) using the Angulus and a standard two-arm goniometer. The validity of Angulus was evaluated by correlating it with the goniometer measurements using the Pearson correlation coefficient. For the reliability analysis, an inexperienced biomedical engineer (Assessor 2) performed the same measurements using Angulus twice in different sessions, in addition to Assessor 1. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were tested using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results The mean age of the participants was 29.5 ± 8.2 years, with 62% being female. The validity of the Angulus app measurements was indicated by the adequate to excellent correlation between the Angulus and goniometer measurements (ranging from 0.44 to 0.81). The intra-rater reliability of the Angulus app was excellent for Assessor 1 (ranging from 0.76 to 0.90) and adequate to excellent for Assessor 2 (ranging from 0.71 to 0.88). The inter-rater reliability of Angulus was excellent (ranging from 0.91 to 0.96). Conclusions Angulus is a valid and reliable method to measure the wrist and MCP joint ROM.
ABSTRACT
This case report reports the effects of an 18-week physiotherapy program in children with mitochondrial membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration (MPAN). The study involved two brothers, aged 11 and 12, who had been diagnosed with MPAN. The physiotherapy program was divided into three phases and consisted of 18 weeks of training with a pediatric physiotherapist, including balance, coordination, and strengthening exercises. Muscle strength was assessed using pediatric manual muscle testing, functional balance using the Pediatric Berg Balance Test (PBBT), static balance using the Single-Leg Stance Test, dynamic balance using the Functional Reach Test, postural control using the 5-Time Sit-to-Stand Test, and independence using the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM). Positive changes were observed in muscle strength, balance, and independence. After Phase I, PBBT scores (younger sibling +4, 8.1%; older +3, 6.8%) were higher than the minimal clinically important difference (MCID=3.66-5.83). After Phase III, although the PBBT scores improved (younger +2, 4.05%; older +1, 2.3%), the older sibling's score was not higher than the MCID. Thus, the two children showed visible improvements in both body structure and function, as well as activity and participation levels.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: The aim of this study was to demonstrate additional effects of task-oriented training (TOT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) regarding pain, dexterity, muscle strength, and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) within five weeks. Patients and methods: Between June 2016 and February 2018, a total of 46 female RA patients (mean age: 51.17±7.9 years; range, 29 to 68 years) who were volunteer for participating in the study were randomized into two groups as follows: conventional exercise group (Group 1) and conventional + TOT group (Group 2). The exercises of Group 1 included passive range of motion (PROM), isometric grip strength exercises, and mobilization of metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints. In Group 2, in addition to conventional exercises, the patients completed an exercise program consisting of washing their faces, using forks, drinking water from a glass, sitting up, and putting on a shirt. Exercises were performed twice a week for a five-week period. Before and after the exercise programs, hand grip strength was assessed with a Jamar hand dynamometer, hand dexterity with Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), pain with Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and ADLs with Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Duruöz Hand Index (DHI). Results: There was no significant difference in NHPT and Jamar in both groups (p>0.05). Although a significant decrease was observed within the groups in VAS and HAQ scores before and after the exercise programs in both groups (p<0.05), no significant difference was found between the groups (p>0.05). The DHI showed a significant improvement in Group 2 and a significant difference was observed between the two groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that exercise programs may be beneficial in alleviating pain and performing daily activities. Also, adding task-oriented training to a program may facilitate ADLs in RA patients.
