Psychometric properties of the Canadian occupational performance measure in older individuals.

Background/aim: The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is a person-centered assessment tool frequently used to identify occupational problems in older individuals and establish goals for geriatric rehabilitation. This study aims to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of COPM (COPM-TR) in older people. Materials and methods: One hundred older people completed the COPM-TR, and 25 of them participated in a retest within two weeks. The convergent construct validity analyses of the COPM-TR included conducting correlation analyses between the COPM-TR and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Lawton Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (Lawton-IADL) scales. The Performance and Satisfaction subscales were subjected to an item analysis for the internal consistency of the COPM-TR. A test-retest analysis was conducted to investigate the reliability. Results: According to convergent construct validity analysis, it was found that there is a moderate correlation between COPM-TR performance and FIM (r = 0.51), and a strong correlation between Lawton IADL (r = 0.62). Similarly, there was a strong correlation between COPM-TR satisfaction and FIM (r = 0.61) and Lawton IADL (r = 0.61). Test-retest reliability was excellent for performance score and good for satisfaction score (ICC values 0.92; 0.78, respectively). COPM-TR showed excellent-high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.92 for performance and 0.88 for satisfaction). Conclusion: COPM-TR is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to assess occupational performance in older people.

Effects of online coping skills training on stress, anxiety and social problem solving in young people: A randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Although most young people successfully manage the transition from childhood to adulthood, the speed and magnitude of these changes can cause stress that can exceed the coping abilities of many young people. Previous studies have suggested that adolescence is a vulnerable period for the development of psychiatric disorders; therefore, an adequate coping repertoire must be developed. AIMS: Our aims were to develop and implement a coping skills training for young people and to evaluate the results of the training. Therefore, the components of the coping skills training programs in the existing literature were used. METHODS: Young people from Turkey participated in this cluster randomised controlled trial (n = 89; mean age, 20.06 ± 1.44 years). Ten sessions of the coping skills training were applied in the study group (SG; n = 33), and one session was applied in the control group (CG; n = 56). To assess the effects of the coping skills training, all participants completed several psychological questionnaires (for stress, anxiety, coping and social problem-solving evaluations) at the beginning and end of the training. We performed an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). In cases where ANCOVA assumptions could not be met, the efficacy of the intervention was determined using the mixed design/split-plot analysis of variance. RESULTS: Compared with the CG, the SG had significantly reduced stress and anxiety levels and increased adaptive coping skills. Social problem-solving skills remained relatively similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: Complete and correct implementation of coping skills training among the youth may contribute positively to the development of adaptive coping skills by reducing their stress and anxiety levels. This online coping skills training program allowed young people to directly experience their response to stress and offered opportunities to try and develop different coping strategies. Coping skills should be considered for successful stress and anxiety management in everyday life.

The Impact of Screen Exposure on Screen Addiction and Sensory Processing in Typically Developing Children Aged 6-10 Years.

As technology continues to develop, children are spending more time in front of screens, which can lead to significant problems. For children aged 5 years and above, screen time of 2 or more hours per day on average is considered problematic. This study aimed to investigate the impact of screen exposure on screen addiction and sensory processing in typically developing children aged 6-10 years. The study analyzed 74 children who had a screen exposure time of 2 h or more and 71 children who had a screen exposure time of less than 2 h. The Dunn Sensory Profile was used to evaluate sensory processing skills, and the Problematic Media Use Scale was used to measure screen addiction. The group with high screen exposure showed statistically significant differences in screen addiction, distraction, and sedentary factors (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in other parameters. Based on these findings, it has been determined that excessive screen exposure leads to a more sedentary lifestyle, increased screen addiction, and distraction in typically developing children aged 6-10 years. It is important to consider the duration of screen exposure in typically developing children aged 6-10 years and to conduct further studies on this topic.

The effect of CLOSER-computer-based exercise program in older adults with a history of falls: A pilot study.

CLOSER is a computer-based exercise program that aims to improve older adults' health, fitness and social lives. This pilot study aimed to examine the effect of CLOSER, the first computer-based exercise program developed for older adults on a national scale, on those with a history of falls. Forty-eight older adults (71.33 ± 7.47) with a history of falling at least once in the last year were included in the study. Older adults performed CLOSER exercises for (balance maintenance, neck rotation, rhythmic walking, knee flexion and trunk rotation) 2 sessions per week for eight weeks. All individuals were evaluated at baseline and the end of the eighth week. The primary outcome measures were the 30-s Chair-Stand Test (p = 0.002), the Berg Balance Scale (p = 0.002), the Falls Efficacy Scale International (p = 0.003), the Timed Up and Go Test (p = 0.008) and the motivation level (p = 0.007) statistically significant improvements were observed. The results show that a CLOSER-computer-based exercise program effectively increases balance and reduces the risk and fear of falling. In the future, CLOSER could significantly contribute to the healthcare system as an alternative aid for home-based exercise.

Does working style affect the occupational balance and life satisfaction of office workers in Turkey? A comparison study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) has caused various effects, changing people's lives and work styles. During this period, workplaces decided to work remotely, so people spent more time at home. Therefore, workers' personal and work lives were negatively affected. OBJECTIVE: This study planned to compare traditional and remote office workers' occupational balance and life satisfaction in Turkey during COVID-19. METHODS: Google Survey was used for data collection. Three hundred office workers (18-65 years old) from Turkey participated in the study. The occupational balance and life satisfaction levels of participants were assessed using the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (QB-Quest) and Personal Well-being Index-Adult (PWI-A). RESULTS: Data collected were analyzed statistically by the Independent Sample t-test. It was found that the remote office workers had lower levels of occupational balance (p = 0.02; r = -3.317) and life satisfaction (p = 0.01; r = -2.199) compared to the traditional office workers. CONCLUSION: Remote office workers were found to have lower occupational balance and life satisfaction than traditional office workers. In this period, when the way of working changes like COVID-19, it is crucial to determine office workers' occupational balance and life satisfaction and take precautions for their job performance and satisfaction.

Are behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia related to sensory processing?

Problems with sensory processing may have an impact on the behavioral and psychological symptoms that can be seen in Alzheimer's patients. Examining the relationship between the two factors may provide a new perspective for the management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Mid-stage Alzheimer's patients completed the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile. The relationship between behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and sensory processing was investigated. Sixty individuals with a mean age of 75.35 (7.86) years and diagnosed with Alzheimer's Dementia 6.6 (2.92) years ago participated in the study. Individuals with severe behavioral and psychological symptoms had higher scores than individuals with moderate behavioral and psychological symptoms in low registration and sensory sensitivity quadrants . A relationship was found between sensory processing and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in mid-stage Alzheimer's patients. This study highlighted the sensory processing differences in patients with Alzheimer's dementia. In future studies, interventions for sensory processing skills may play a role in improving the quality of life of individuals by contributing to the management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Assessment of Participation within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF): The Turkish Validity and Reliability of the Participation Scale.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Participation Scale (P-Scale). METHODS: A total of 152 students, with a mean age of 20.27 ± 2.19, participated in the study. Sociodemographic information (age, gender, and family income) was recorded; all participants completed the P-Scale twice with a 15-day interval. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation were performed to analyze the validity and reliability of the P-Scale. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's alpha were used for scale reliability statistics and explanatory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analysis; Mardia's multivariate normality and assumption tests were used for the validity of the scale. The factor extraction methods were minimum rank factor analysis in EFA and weighted least squares mean and variance adjusted estimator polychoric correlation matrix in CFA. RESULTS: Internal consistency of the scale was found good with Cronbach's alpha (0.852) and excellent with McDonald's alpha (0.924). The EFA and CFA resulted in two-factored structure, with the explained variance found to be higher than 30%. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis demonstrated that the P-Scale had a satisfactory level of reliability and validity in Turkish university students.

Exploring the occupational lives of Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: Persons who become displaced due to situations such as war and natural disasters face extreme challenges in maintaining their occupational repertoires. This study aimed to explore the occupational lives of Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey. METHODS: This mixed method study used a cross-sectional design with a predominantly qualitative focus. Syrians living under temporary protection in Turkey were interviewed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to identify their perceived performance problems in the areas of self-care, productivity, and leisure. Additional probes were used to explore participants' reasoning for the choice of occupations and scoring, and occupational changes since arriving in Turkey. Socio-demographics were collected on the participants' age, gender, educational level, marital status, monthly house budget, social security, and number of persons within the household. Thematic analysis was used to undercover themes from the qualitative data. RESULTS: Thirty Syrians living under temporary protection in Turkey in Hatay province participated in this study (mean age: 29.66 ± 7.97 years [range = 18 to 50 years]): 16 women (mean age: 28.64 ± 8.04 years) and 14 men (mean age: 30.56 ± 8.05 years). Participants identified more significant problems in their performance of productive and leisure occupations than in self-care occupations. The following themes emerged: (a) having a house of our own: meeting basic needs and completing activities of daily living; (b) no money for shopping: past everyday occupations now luxuries; (c) feeling valued and important: having the ability but no job; (d) living day to day: Education, career, and marriage on hold; and (e) enjoyment in life: leaving behind family, friends, and occupational spaces. CONCLUSION: Syrians living in temporary protection in Turkey experience uncertainty within their occupational lives. Participants were able to meet their basic needs; however, precarity of employment limited their participation in previous occupations contracting their repertoires.

An investigation of the factors that influence functional improvement in stroke rehabilitation

Background/aim: The purpose of this study was to determine effect of age, sex, affected extremity, disability severity, treatment type, cerebrovascular accident (CVA) etiology, number of treatment sessions, and CVA duration on the functional improvement of the stroke patients who participated in a physical medicine and rehabilitation program. Materials and methods: The research sample consisted of 322 stroke patients. Clinical and demographic features including age, sex, affected extremity, disability severity, treatment type, CVA etiology, number of treatment sessions, and CVA duration were recorded. Functional status was evaluated retrospectively by using the functional independence measure (FIM) at admission and discharge. Results: It was detected that discharge FIM score of the patients exhibited an increase of significance level (p < 0.05). It was found that age, number of treatment sessions, CVA duration and FIM admission score were determinative parameters in FIM gain level (p < 0.05) while sex, affected extremity, and CVA etiology were not effective in FIM gain level (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Results show that functional improvement after rehabilitation was better in the younger ages, shorter CVA durations and moderate functional disturbances. The findings obtained may be useful for stroke rehabilitation triage.

Patellar tendon mechanical properties change with gender, body mass index and quadriceps femoris muscle strength.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess the effect and correlation of gender, body mass index (BMI) and quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle strength on patellar tendon (PT) thickness and stiffness in healthy sedentary individuals. METHODS: This study was carried out with 67 (36 female, 31 male) healthy sedentary individuals between the ages of 18-44 (28.0 ± 7.5 years). The individuals included in the study were divided into two groups according to their gender and BMI (18.5

Effects of occupational therapy on quality of life of patients with metastatic prostate cancer. A randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficiency of occupational therapy relative to a home program in improving quality of life (QoL) among men who were treated for metastatic prostate cancer (MPC). METHODS: Fifty-five men were assigned randomly to either the 12-week cognitive behavioral therapy based occupational therapy (OT-CBSM) intervention (treatment group) or a home program (control group) between March 2012 and August 2014 in the Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used to measure the occupational performance and identify difficulties in daily living activities. The QoL and symptom status were measured by The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 and its Prostate Cancer Module. A 12-week OT-CBSM intervention including client-centered training of daily living activities, recreational group activities, and cognitive behavioral stress management intervention were applied. RESULTS: The COPM performance and satisfaction scores, which indicate occupational participation and QoL increased statistically in the treatment group in relation to men who were included in the home-program (p less than or equal to 0.05). CONCLUSION: A 12-week OT-CBSM intervention was effective in improving QoL in men treated for MPC, and these changes were associated significantly with occupational performance.

The relationship between body mass index and footprint parameters in older people.

BACKGROUND: The relationship of body mass index (BMI) with footprint parameters has been studied in paediatric populations, but there are limited data regarding the effects of BMI on parameters in the elderly. OBJECTIVES: To establish the relationship between BMI and static footprint parameters in the elderly population. METHODS: 128 subjects aged 65 and above with no history of lower extremity surgical intervention and no significant lower extremity weakness were included in the current study. BMI and footprint parameters of arch angle, Chippaux-Smirak index (CSI), Staheli index (SI), arch index (AI) and footprint index (FI) were measured for each subject, and statistical analysis was done to investigate the correlation between BMI and the parameters. RESULTS: Weak correlations detected between all calculated indices and angles with BMI, except the left foot arch angle. CSI, SI and AI of the right foot were found to be positively correlated with BMI, while a negative correlation between the arch angle and FI of right foot was shown with BMI. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal a relationship between BMI and footprint parameters that are indicative of flatfoot in the elderly. This could be due either to confounding of the footprint measure by fat or possibly due to an as yet unknown structural change that requires further evaluation.