Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Prosthesis Embodiment Scale for Lower Limb Amputees.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic embodiment is the perception of the prosthesis as a part of the body, and it is important for acceptance and adequate and effective use of the prosthesis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Prosthesis Embodiment Scale for Lower Limb Amputees. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a total of 88 lower limb amputees. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach α coefficient. The test-retest reliability of the scale, which was reapplied after 7-10 d, was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient. Principal component analysis with Varimax rotation was used to analyze the factor structure. Spearman correlation coefficient with Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale subscales was calculated for concurrent validity. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 45.13 ± 15.05 years, and 76.1% were male. Internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.905) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.822) were high. 76.1% of the total variance could be explained by the 3 dimensions. Significant correlation was found with the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale subscales (r = 0.542 for psychosocial adjustment subscale, r = -0.452 for activity restriction subscale, r = 0.490 for prosthesis satisfaction subscale, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the Turkish version of the Prosthesis Embodiment Scale for Lower Limb Amputees is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to evaluate prosthetic rehabilitation outcomes.

The effects of different taping methods on patellofemoral alignment, pain and function in individuals with patellofemoral pain: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Athletic taping has long been a physiotherapeutic application in individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP). However, the therapeutic effects of local and proximal taping have not been fully determined. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of two different taping techniques applied in addition to exercise on patellofemoral alignment, pain, and function in individuals with PFP. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: An outpatient hospital clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with PFP aged 18-50 years (n = 36). INTERVENTIONS: Group 1 underwent only the exercise program. Group 2 underwent the exercise plus McConnell patellar taping (MPT), and Group 3 underwent the exercise plus femoral rotational taping (FRT) (6 weeks). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bisect offset index (BOI) and patellar tilt angle (PTA) were measured in relaxed and maximum voluntary contractions of the quadriceps muscle (MVCq) using magnetic resonance imaging. Pain intensity was assessed by the Visual Analog Scale for three conditions: at daytime rest, during activity, and at nighttime. Functional level was assessed by the Kujala Patellofemoral Scoring System. RESULTS: Significant improvements in the BOI of Group 2 at rest (p = .015; r = 0.593) and in PTA of Group 3 at MVCq (p = .010; r = 0.613) were found. Improvements in pain under all three conditions were significant within groups (all, p values < .050 and r > 0.5). The change in pain was similar between groups (all, p values > .05). All groups showed significant improvement in functional level (all, p values < .010 and r > 0.5). However, the increase in Group 3 was higher than that in Group 1 (p = .019). CONCLUSION: This study shows that MPT and FRT applications increase functionality and can affect patellofemoral alignment in different ways. In the treatment of PFP, more successful results can be obtained with appropriate taping techniques for the local and proximal region.

An examination of first aid knowledge levels of physiotherapists.

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapists who work with high-risk patient groups may face unexpected situations and complications during their professional practice that requires first aid knowledge. Clinicians may also use this first aid knowledge in public life. OBJECTIVE: This study was planned to evaluate the first aid knowledge levels and first aid proficiency perceptions of physiotherapists and to make suggestions in the light of the results obtained. METHODS: The data collection process of this cross-sectional study was carried out between March 1 and May 7, 2022. The sample of the study consisted of 224 physiotherapists (168 women), and the data were obtained with the help of an online questionnaire disseminated via Google Forms. The content of the questionnaire presented to the participants consisted of demographic information, institutions and units where they worked, inquiries about receiving first aid training, the content of these trainings, and 26 statements testing basic first aid knowledge. RESULTS: It was found that 25.4% (n:57) of the physiotherapists had provided first aid to someone before, whereas 81.2% (n:182) did not feel competent in applying first aid. Physiotherapists who received first aid training had a higher perception of competence. The median of the total number of correct answers obtained from the 26-statement questionnaire designed to evaluate the first aid knowledge levels was 19 (12-25), and the total number of correct answers of 33.5% (n:75) of the physiotherapists was below the median. There was no significant relationship between the age and tenure in the profession of the physiotherapists participating in the study and the total number of correct answers in the questionnaire (p > .05). CONCLUSION: The physiotherapists included in the study had low self-efficacy, knowledge, and skills in applying first aid. In this area, there is a need for structured practices and training to increase the first aid knowledge and competencies of physiotherapists.

Investigation of the correlation between knee joint position sense and physical functional performance in individuals with transtibial amputation.

INTRODUCTION: In individuals with transtibial amputation, the distal part of the lower extremity is lost. Therefore, the knee joint is of greater importance to be able to provide physical performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between knee joint position sense and physical functional performance in individuals with transtibial amputation. METHODS: The study included 21 subjects with transtibial amputation. A digital inclinometer was used to evaluate the joint position sense of the amputated side knee joint. The timed up and go test, the 4-square step test, and 10-m walk test were used to evaluate physical functional performance. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the associations between independent variables and functional performance tests. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 52.52 ± 15.68 years. The mean of the error in knee joint position sense was 5.33 degree (standard deviation = 3.08 degree). The error in knee joint position sense of the amputated limb predicted 45% of the variance in the 4-square step test and 22% of the variance in the 10-m walk test ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The knee joint position sense on the amputated side was found to be associated with physical functional performance in individuals with transtibial amputation. Residual limb knee joint position sense should be considered when prescribing prostheses and planning rehabilitation programs.

The investigation of acute effects of fascial release technique in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Fascial release technique is used for releasing fascial tissue to decrease pain, to increase range of motion, and to improve functional level. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acute effects of fascial release technique on pain, range of motion, upper extremity functional level, and fear of movement in individuals with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: Thirty volunteers with an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were included in the study. The individuals were randomly divided into two groups. One group received only conventional physiotherapy including hot pack, interferential current, and exercise program, while the fascial release technique was applied to the other group in addition to the conventional physiotherapy program for 2 weeks with 2 sessions per week. Individuals were assessed for pain intensity, range of motion, functional level, fear of movement before and after treatment, and satisfaction level after treatment. RESULTS: Demographic and clinical characteristics of the groups were similar (p > 0.05). Both groups showed improvement in pain, range of motion, and upper extremity functions (p < 0.05). Improvements in the treatment group were better than the conventional physiotherapy group (p < 0.05). Fear of movement was significantly decreased in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Both groups were similar in terms of satisfaction level (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fascial release technique is acutely effective on the pain, joint range of motion and upper extremity functions in the treatment of individuals with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and more successful results can be obtained by including it in the early rehabilitation program after arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery.

Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation for People with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Guidelines endorse to implement an integrated and multidisciplinary team approach in the management of people with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there is no net and clear finding that shows the supremacy of multidisciplinary team interventions over conventional interventions for people with PD. Therefore, we perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the supremacy of multidisciplinary interventions for people with PD. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were conducted. PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched from inception until May 2021. Randomized controlled trials comparing multidisciplinary intervention with conventional physiotherapy were included. The outcome measures were gait balance, disability status, quality of life, and depression level. The PEDro scale was used to systematically appraise methodological quality. Two reviewers screened, extracted, and performed a quality assessment of included studies independently. Review Manager V.5.4 (Cochrane Collaboration) software was used for statistical analysis. Heterogeneity was analyzed using I2 statistics, and a standardized mean difference with 95% CI and Pvalue was used to calculate the treatment effect for outcome variables. Results: A total of 6 studies with 1260 participants were included. The average PEDro methodological quality score was 6.67. No statistically significant difference between multidisciplinary and conventional rehabilitation on functional capacity (SMD: 0.69; 95% CI: -0.13, 1.51; P=0.10), disability status (SMD: 0.65; 95% CI: -0.16, 1.46; P=0.11), and quality of life (SMD: 0.28; 95% CI: -0.31, 0.59; P=0.08) was found. However, there is a statistically significant improvement in caregivers' anxiety levels in the multidisciplinary group (SMD: 0.39; 95% CI 0.06, 1.73; P=0.02). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis show no significant difference between multidisciplinary and conventional rehabilitation on functionality, disability, and quality of life. Caregivers' anxiety levels show improvement following multidisciplinary interventions. However, large-scale studies with long-term follow-up were required for concrete and clinical recommendations.