Efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in improving shoulder biomechanical parameters, functionality, and pain after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: A randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: Axillary lymph node dissection and radiotherapy have been associated with pain, physical symptoms, and decreased functional abilities in the upper extremity. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique on muscle strength, pain and functionality in this patient group in comparison with progressive resistance training (PRT). METHODS: The study was conducted with a randomized clinical trial design. Sixty-six women were included in the study and randomly divided into three groups: the PNF group (n = 22), the PRT group (n = 22), and the control group (n = 22). The participants were evaluated at the baseline and after eight weeks of treatment. Outcome measures were determined as pain (the Visual Analog Scale), upper extremity strength (isokinetic dynamometer), functionality (the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire), and perception of change (the Global Rating of Change Scale). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05288036. RESULTS: The results showed statistically significant changes in both treatment groups in terms of shoulder flexors/extensors, abductor/adductors, internal/external rotators strength/power/endurance measurement, pain, and functionality (p < 0.05). Concerning functionality and perception of change, the PNF group had a statistically significantly higher improvement compared to the remaining two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PNF is an effective technique in increasing upper extremity muscle strength, reducing pain during rest and activity, and improving functionality in patients receiving breast cancer treatment.

Effect of task-oriented training on pain, functionality, and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis.

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.

Investigating the effects of myofascial induction therapy techniques on pain, function and quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain.

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain (LBP) is well documented as a common health problem; it is the leading cause of activity limitation and work absence throughout much of the world, and it causes an enormous economic burden on individuals, families, communities, industry, and governments. The aim of this study was to comparatively investigate the effects of myofascial induction therapy (MIT) against pain neuroscience education (PNE) on pain and function in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHOD: Forty patients with CLBP were included and randomly divided into two groups according to the treatment program (40 min/session, 2 sessions/week during 8-week), as follows: the MIT and the PNE groups. The outcome measures were the fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ), Roland Morris disability questionnaire, McGill pain questionnaire, finger floor test, SF-36 quality-of-life questionnaire, and thoracolumbar fascia ultrasound imaging results. Patients were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS: Within both groups, all outcome scores showed a significant improvement (p < 0.05). After 8-week, SF-36 physical function, physical role and mental health scores significantly improved in MIT group compared with PNE group, finger floor test score significantly decreased in MIT group compared with PNE group, and FABQ score significantly decreased in PNE group compared with MIT group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although both MIT and PNE were found to be effective on pain and function in patients with CLBP, MIT techniques were substantially better in improving the mobility of trunk flexion and quality of life in these patients.

Comparison of the effects of treadmill and vibration training in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of treadmill training (TT) and whole body vibration training (WBVT) on attention, severity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and impairment of executive function behaviors, and quality of life in children with ADHD. METHODS: Thirty children (7-11 years of age) with ADHD were randomly assigned to either the 'TT' group or the 'WBVT in addition to TT' group (TT + WBVT). Both groups received TT for 8 weeks (3 days/week). The TT + WBWT group also received WBVT for 15 minutes. Stroop Test TBAG form, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), Conners' Rating Scale (CRS) and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) were applied at baseline and after 8 weeks of training. RESULTS: All assessment results significantly improved in both groups at the end of the program compared to baseline values (p < 0,05). There were significant differences between groups regarding improvements in CTRS-R/L and BRIEF-Teacher form in favor of the TT + WBVT group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that exercise training including TT and WBVT might be used in the treatment of ADHD but further research is required to provide evidence of the effectiveness of the whole body vibration training in the management of ADHD.

Are oropharyngeal exercises effective in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome?

OBJECTIVE: This study has been conducted to examine the effects of posture, cervical region and oropharyngeal exercises in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS). METHOD: Thirty patients with OSAS have been randomly divided into two groups. The first group received supervised exercise program including oropharyngeal, posture and cervical region exercises for 12 weeks. The patients in the control group have been informed about the posture but the exercise was not recommended. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Short Form 36 (SF-36), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) have been used in the evaluation of individuals participating in the study. Evaluations have been made at the beginning of the treatment and at the end of the 12-week exercise program. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements have been observed in the exercise group in PSQI total value, ESS score, SF-36 General Health Subscale and 6MWT (p< 0.05). Statistical significance could not be reached for other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep quality, general health, and functional capacity have been found to improve in OSAS patients with oropharyngeal exercises.

The relationship of pain on the upper extremity functions and quality of life in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of study was researching the relationship of pain in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome on Quality of Life (QoL) and upper limb functionality. METHODS: Demographical and physical measurements were performed by a physiotherapist. Pain levels were measured by Visuel Analog Scale at rest, on motion and in fatique, and the patients' results were recorded. Functionality levels were evaluated by 'Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire' and QoL by 'Short Form 12' (SF-12). Patients had 10 sessions of the physiotherapy and rehabilitation program. Assessments were repeated 1 month later. RESULTS: The mean age 49.97 ± 11.15 years of 28 patients were included. While pre- and post-treatment between pain and functionality evaluation found a significant relationship (p< 0.05); there was no significant relationship in QoL (SF-12 p> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result while we found statistical differences between pain and symptomatic status; there were no statistical differences between functionality, daily living activities and QoL. Appropriate rehabilitation programs should be taken into consideration to help patients obtain functionality, daily living activities and QoL.

The effect of Mulligan mobilization on pain and life quality of patients with Rotator cuff syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Mulligan mobilization techniques cause pain and affect the function in patients with Rotator cuff syndrome. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Mulligan mobilization on pain and quality of life in individuals with Rotator cuff syndrome. METHODS: This study was conducted on 30 patients with Rotator cuff syndrome. The patients were randomized into Mulligan and control group. All the patients participating in this study were treated with conventional physiotherapy. Additionally, the Mobilization with movement (MWM) technique was used in the Mulligan group. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), goniometer for the normal range of motion (ROM) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires were used for assessment. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was found in the post-treatment VAS, DASH, SF-36, and ROM values significantly improved in both groups (p< 0.05). However, the Mulligan group showed much better results when compared to the control group in ROM, VAS, DASH (p< 0.05). In the SF-36 questionnaire, significant results were obtained for both groups, except the social function parameter. For the SF-36 parameters, both groups performed equally. CONCLUSIONS: Mulligan mobilization was more effective than general treatment methods for pain as well as normal joint motion, DASH scoring and some parameters of SF-36 compared with general treatment methods.

Comparison of effectiveness of the home exercise program and the home exercise program taught by physiotherapist in knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Home-based exercise therapy is effective in reducing pain and improving function in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the effectiveness of the home exercise program and the home exercise program taught by a physiotherapist in knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: The study was conducted with 80 patients with knee osteoarthritis. The patients were randomized into two groups. The first group was given the home exercise brochure by the orthopedist, while the second group did home exercises under the guidance of the physiotherapist. The goniometer for the range of motion (ROM) of the knee, Myometer for evaluation of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles strength, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used for evaluation. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were found in the post-treatment ROM, VAS, quadriceps and hamstring muscles strength, WOMAC and SF-36 values in both groups (p< 0.05). When the change values were compared, the evaluation results of group II were better than group I statistically (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study proved that home exercises taught by a physiotherapist were more useful for patients with knee osteoarthritis. When the home exercise program is implemented, a new role is created for a physiotherapist.

Comparison of the effects of virtual reality-based balance exercises and conventional exercises on balance and fall risk in older adults living in nursing homes in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: There is limited information on effective balance training techniques including virtual reality (VR)-based balance exercises in residential settings and no studies have been designed to compare the effects of VR-based balance exercises with conventional balance exercises in older adults living in nursing homes in Turkey. The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of VR-based balance exercises on balance and fall risk in comparison to conventional balance exercises in older adults living in nursing homes. METHODS: A total sample of 18 subjects (65-82 years of age) with fall history who were randomly assigned to either the VR group (Group 1, n = 7) or the conventional exercise group (Group 2, n = 11) completed the exercise training. RESULTS: In both groups, Berg balance score (BBS), timed up & go duration, and left leg stance and tandem stance duration with eyes closed significantly improved with time (p < 0.05), but changes were similar in both groups (p > 0.05) after training, indicating that neither the exercise method was superior. CONCLUSION: Similar improvements were found in balance and fall risk with VR-based balance training and conventional balance training in older adults living in the nursing home. Both exercise trainings can be preferable by health care professionals considering fall prevention. Appropriate patient selection is essential.

Why is lip augmentation with autologous fat injection less effective in the vermilion border?

Lip augmentation is a well tolerated procedure leading to a more youthful appearance. Augmentation of lips is most frequently performed with autologous tissue, biomaterials, or alloplastic materials. Autologous fat grafting is a simple procedure because of the ease of harvesting and subsequent injection into selected sites. Fat injection is suitable for the bulk of the red lips, but is less effective for the vermilion border. This study was performed to determine why fat injection is less effective for the vermilion border.