The Comparison of Individual and Group Hybrid Telerehabilitation Methods in Women with Urinary Incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim is to compare the effects of the progressive training program (PTP), a new protocol, with two different hybrid telerehabilitation methods, on the parameters related to urinary incontinence in women with urinary incontinence. METHODS: A total of 50 participants with stress or mixed urinary incontinence participated in this two-arm, parallel-group, randomized, non-inferiority trial. Individual hybrid training (IHT) or group hybrid training (GHT) was given to women for 8 weeks. The Power, Endurance, Repetitions, Fast contractions, and Every Contraction Timed (PERFECT) scheme and surface electromyography were used to assess pelvic floor muscle function, whereas quality of life, exercise adherence, and symptoms were assessed by questionnaires and a 3-day bladder diary. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Linear mixed model analysis with the factors "time" and "group" was used to determine the effects of IHT and GHT. RESULTS: The primary outcome was changes in pelvic floor muscle function as evaluated using the PERFECT scheme and surface electromyography at the 4th and 8th weeks relative to baseline. No statistical difference was found between the groups except for "power" of the PERFECT scheme and "nocturnal urination frequency" (p > 0.05). The GHT showed significant improvement in P and nocturnal urination frequency at the end of the 8th week (p < 0.05). From baseline to week 8, the effect size for the P value was found to be small (Cohen's d = 0.33). CONCLUSION: Eight weeks of PTP did not lead to different results in incontinence-related parameters in either of the training methods. It may be better to conduct GHT in terms of implementing PTP in incontinence and training programs in terms of time, staff workload, and applicability.

Effects of body awareness therapy on balance and fear of falling in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of extrapulmonary comorbidities is essential in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Deterioration of balance and increasing fear of falling are two of the most significant extrapulmonary manifestations. Although pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is well-known and effective for COPD patients, there is a need for alternative treatments to enhance balance and alleviate concerns about falling. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Body Awareness Therapy (BAT), in addition to the PR program, on balance and fear of falling in patients with COPD. METHODS: Forty-three patients were randomized into two groups: the BAT + PR group (BAT: once a week, 60 min + PR: 30 min, seven days of the week) or the PR group (PR: 30 min, seven days of the week) for eight weeks. Primary (balance, fear of falling) and secondary (dyspnea, muscle strength, functional capacity) outcomes were assessed at two different times: the baseline and end of the eight weeks. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found in dynamic balance (reaction time η2 = 0.777, movement velocity η2 = 0.789, endpoint excursion η2 = 0.687, maximal excursion η2 = 0.887), static balance on firm ground (eyes opened η2 = 0.679, eyes closed η2 = 0.705), dyspnea (η2 = 0.546), muscle strength (η2 = 0.803), and functional capacity (η2 = 0.859) of the BAT + PR group (p < 0.05 for all). The improvement in fear of falling was significantly greater in the BAT + PR group than in the PR group (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.331). CONCLUSION: The BAT method added to PR was more effective than PR alone in improving balance and reducing the fear of falling in COPD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This randomized controlled study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04212676 , Registered 28 December 2019.

Effects of rigid and kinesio taping on plantar pressure distribution in patients with Lisfranc fracture sequelae.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Lisfranc fractures may regain functional status after anatomical fixation, but they may experience sequelae such as flatfoot deformity and pain associated with foot pressure distribution during weight-bearing. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the impact of Lisfranc fracture sequelae on both the injured and uninjured sides, and how does the antipronation taping affect plantar pressure distribution parameters? METHODS: Twenty-six patients who underwent anatomical fixation for Lisfranc fracture, displaying pronation on the injured side based on the Foot Posture Index-6 test, as well as 15 healthy subjects, participated in this study. Plantar pressure distribution measurements were conducted during barefoot walking for the healthy subjects. In the patient group, measurements were taken under two antipronation taping conditions (kinesio and rigid taping), as well as during barefoot walking. RESULTS: Participants who received anatomical fixation after Lisfranc fracture exhibited significant alterations in plantar pressure distribution parameters on both the injured and uninjured sides, as compared to the control group. After the application of Kinesio Taping to the injured side, there was no significant change observed in the plantar pressure distribution values (p > 0.05). The analysis of the rigid taping on the injured side revealed statistically worse values in peak pressure of the hindfoot (p = 0.027) and maximum force of the midfoot and toes (p = 0.005 and p = 0.013, respectively) compared to the injured barefoot condition. SIGNIFICANCE: Lisfranc fracture sequelae affected plantar pressure distribution on both injured and uninjured sides. Anti-pronation taping (kinesio and rigit), commonly used for foot conditions, did not lead to foot pressure distribution becoming more similar to that of the control group.

Synchronous and asynchronous telerehabilitation methods produce similar benefits in individuals with non-specific neck pain.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence exists on clinical benefits of synchronous and asynchronous telerehabilitation for patients with non-specific neck pain (NSNP); however, limited studies are comparing synchronous and asynchronous telerehabilitation (TR) programs in this population. The aim of this study was to estimate the relative effectiveness of an 8-week synchronous or asynchronous TR in improving pain, functional disability, kinesiophobia, and mobility in patients with NSNP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, controlled clinical trial carried out on 60 individuals with NSNP. Participants were randomly assigned to synchronous TR group (n = 30) or asynchronous TR group (n = 30) that received the same exercise program for 8 weeks. Pain measured by Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), disability measured by Neck Disability Index (NDI), kinesiophobia measured by Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), and cervical range of motion were used as outcome measures. Assessments were performed at baseline, 4th week, 8th week, and 16th week. RESULTS: The analysis showed a significant effect of time and significant interaction between group and time in NPRS, NDI, TSK, and cervical mobility scores (p < 0.05), yet the group effect was not significant (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups at all time points (p > 0.05) except for cervical right lateral flexion at 8th week (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Telerehabilitation technologies are expanding at a rapid rate, and it is essential to understand the outcomes produced using these technologies in health conditions. This study showed that synchronous and asynchronous telerehabilitation produces similar results in patients with NSNP, supporting that either method can be used interchangeably.

Is asynchronous telerehabilitation equal to synchronous telerehabilitation in COVID-19 survivors with classes 4-6?

INTRODUCTION: The first aim of this study was to compare synchronous and asynchronous telerehabilitation programs in COVID-19 survivors with classes 4-6 and determine the more appropriate telerehabilitation approach. METHODS: Thirty-six COVID-19 survivors with class 4-6 severity were randomly divided into two groups. Telerehabilitation programs were an 8-week exercise program that comprised pulmonary, aerobic, and strengthening exercises. Patients were assessed at the baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up for the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT), short physical performance battery (SPPB), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). RESULTS: The overall mean age of the study population was 54.06 (SD 10.50), and 15 (46.8%) were male. There were no significant differences between the two groups in any of the demographics and clinical characteristics at the baseline (p > 0.05), except for physical function (p < 0.05). There was a significant improvement in exercise capacity (p < 0.001) and lower extremity function (p < 0.01) within both groups in the short term and long term. There was a significant improvement in some subparameters of quality of life in both groups. As the synchronous group's short-term and long-term psychological status improved significantly, the asynchronous group's short-term psychological status improved significantly (p < 0.05). Telerehabilitation programs had similar effects, and only synchronous telerehabilitation outperformed asynchronous telerehabilitation in terms of physical function, role-emotional, and long-term anxiety. DISCUSSION: Asynchronous telerehabilitation was as effective as synchronous telerehabilitation in developing clinical and functional parameters when properly planned and implemented.

Is asynchronous telerehabilitation equal to synchronous telerehabilitation in COVID-19 survivors with classes 4­6?

Introduction The first aim of this study was to compare synchronous and asynchronous telerehabilitation programs in COVID-19 survivors with classes 4­6 and determine the more appropriate telerehabilitation approach. Methods Thirty-six COVID-19 survivors with class 4­6 severity were randomly divided into two groups. Telerehabilitation programs were an 8-week exercise program that comprised pulmonary, aerobic, and strengthening exercises. Patients were assessed at the baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up for the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT), short physical performance battery (SPPB), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) Results The overall mean age of the study population was 54.06 (SD 10.50), and 15 (46.8%) were male. There were no significant differences between the two groups in any of the demographics and clinical characteristics at the baseline (p > 0.05), except for physical function (p < 0.05). There was a significant improvement in exercise capacity (p < 0.001) and lower extremity function (p < 0.01) within both groups in the short term and long term. There was a significant improvement in some subparameters of quality of life in both groups. As the synchronous group's short-term and long-term psychological status improved significantly, the asynchronous group's short-term psychological status improved significantly (p < 0.05). Telerehabilitation programs had similar effects, and only synchronous telerehabilitation outperformed asynchronous telerehabilitation in terms of physical function, role-emotional, and long-term anxiety. Discussion Asynchronous telerehabilitation was as effective as synchronous telerehabilitation in developing clinical and functional parameters when properly planned and implemented.

A new device for assessment and training the human balance and coordination: Marmara Balance and Education System (MarBES).

BACKGROUND: Balance and coordination are important for performing activities of daily living. Balance and coordination assessment and training are used by physiotherapists in many different rehabilitation areas. Marmara Balance and Education System (MarBES) is a device developed to evaluate and improve balance and coordination. AIMS: To examine the test-retest reliability of the MarBES device. METHODS: Double-leg and single-leg (eyes open-closed) tests were applied to healthy young adult participants for balance testing on the MarBES device. Weight data is estimated from pressure sensors located in 4 different corners and a score is calculated with computer software for the individual's center of gravity (center of pressure X, Y) and the amount of deviation from the center for each axis. Weight transfer to the target surface was measured for assessment of the participants' coordination performance. Participants rested for 10 min and all measurements were repeated by the same evaluator. The obtained data were recorded and the reliability of the measurements was evaluated with Spearman's rho correlation analysis. RESULTS: A total of 40 healthy young individuals (28 female) with a mean age of 21 years were included. The balance assessments with MarBES showed moderate to good reliability (ICC: 0.535-0.903). The coordination assessment results showed moderate to good reliability (ICC: 0.575-0.712). CONCLUSIONS: Objective evaluation of balance and coordination parameters is very important in rehabilitation. Results of the study showed that the MarBES device developed by the researchers is a reliable method for the evaluation of balance and coordination in healthy young individuals.

The effect of kinesiophobia on physical activity, balance, and fear of falling in patients with Parkinson's disease.

PURPOSE: Kinesiophobia is defined as the fear of movement and activity resulting from a feeling of vulnerability to painful injury or re-injury. This study aimed to determine the effect of kinesiophobia on physical activity, balance, and fear of falling in patients with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: The study, which was designed as a cross-sectional type, was conducted with 86 patients with Parkinson's disease (age 61.25 SD [9.72] years old) by face-to-face interviews with the patients. The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, Berg Balance Scale, Falls Efficacy Scale, Visual Analog Scale - Fear of Falling, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale - motor score, and the Hoehn and Yahr scale were used to evaluate the patients. RESULTS: Patients with Parkinson's disease who had high levels of kinesiophobia had lower levels of physical activity, worse balance, and higher disease severity and fear of falling. A correlation was found between the Tampa Scale score and physical activity, balance, fear of falling, falls efficacy, and disease motor score (p < .001; r = -0.38, -0.54, 0.67, 0.57, and 0.37, respectively). According to multiple linear regression analysis, kinesiophobia explained the dependent variables to varying degrees ranging from 13% to 44% (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Parkinson's disease may have kinesiophobia. Rehabilitation programs to support functional capacity for these patients should be developed considering the presence of kinesiophobia.

Efficacy of different combinations of physiotherapy techniques compared to exercise and patient education in temporomandibular disorders: A randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the efficacy of different types of physiotherapy approaches in individuals with cervical myofascial painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). METHODS: Seventy-five participants with myofascial pain of jaw muscles and cervical myofascial pain were randomized into three groups: exercise group (E), low-level laser therapy group (LLLT), and manual pressure release group (MPR). All patients were assessed before treatment and after 12 sessions of treatment. RESULTS: Significant improvement was seen in all groups' pressure pain threshold (PPT) values (p < 0.01). Some masticatory and neck muscles' PPT changes in MRP and LLLT groups were significantly higher than the exercise group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Exercise therapy is an effective approach for treatment of TMDs. Additionally, LLLT combined with exercise and MPR combined with exercise have better effects than only exercise therapy. Multimodal treatment approaches should include exercise to achieve better results in clinical practice.

Inter and intra-examiner reliability of musculoskeletal ultrasound scanning of Anterior Talofibular Ligament and ankle muscles.

PURPOSE: Although the function of subjects with chronic ankle instability (CAI) has been examined, structural analysis by ultrasound scanning of the structures surrounding the ankle is limited. Before such structural comparisons between injured and uninjured people can be made it is important to investigate a reliable measurement protocol of structures possibly related to CAI. The aim of this study was to investigate the inter-intra examiner reliability of ultrasonic characteristics of selected structures in healthy subjects. METHODS: Eleven healthy participants were assessed by an experienced sonographer and inexperienced certificated examiner. Ultrasound images were collected of the ATFL length and ankle muscles of gastrocnemius medialis (GM), tibialis anterior (TA) and peroneals. Thickness was measured for the muscles, whilst cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured for the peroneals. Inexperienced examiner repeated the measurements a week later. RESULTS: Inter-examiner reliability was excellent for all structures (ICC3,1 = 0.91-0.98). Intra-examiner reliability shows excellent agreement for all structures (ICC3,1 = 0.92-0.98) except GM (good agreement) (ICC3,1 = 0.82). LoA, relative to structure size, ranged from 1.38 to 6.88% for inter-reliability and from 0.07 to 5.79% for intra-reliability. CONCLUSION: This study shows a high level of inter-intra examiner reliability in measuring the structures possibly related to CAI. Future research has been planned to investigate the structural analysis in CAI by using applied MSUS protocol.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Versus Low Level Laser Therapy in The Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is predominantly treated conservatively through some modalities such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT), yet the short effect of these modalities on pain and function is still ambiguous. This study aims to compare the short-term effectiveness of ESWT and LLLT on pain and function in patients with PF. METHODS: Participants (n=47) were randomly assigned into 2 groups as ESWT (n=27) and LLLT (n=20). ESWT (once a week) and LLLT (three times a week) were administered to the participants for 3 weeks. Foot function index (FFI) including pain, disability, and activity limitation subscales was administered at baseline and post-treatment. A reduction of one point in total scores was considered as a minimum clinically important difference. Repeated measures of ANOVA were used to analyze the changes in outcomes and compare the groups. RESULTS: There were significant main effects of time, and significant interaction effects between group and time on pain (P<0.001), disability (P<0.001), and activity limitation (P<0.05). The main effect of the group was not significant for all subscales (P=0.811, P=0.481, P=0.865, respectively). The LLLT group showed a significant decline in pain (P<0.001), disability (P<0.001), and activity limitation (P<0.001) while there was no change in the ESWT group over time (P=0.319, P=0.711, P=1.0 respectively). Consistently, 95% of participants in the LLLT had CID in the pain subscale whereas 48% of the ESWT group had. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT was found to be superior to ESWT as an effective approach in the short-term management of PF.

Does kinesiophobia limit physical activity and quality of life in asthmatic patients?

Kinesiophobia has been studied in musculoskeletal and neurological diseases. The aim of this descriptive study was to assess the level of kinesiophobia in stable asthmatic patients, and to determine whether it is an obstacle to physical activity and quality of life. A total of 62 asthmatic patients and 50 healthy control subjects were assessed using the tampa kinesiophobia scale (TSK) for kinesiophobia, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) for physical activity levels, and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) for quality of life. A high degree of kinesiophobia was determined in 54.8% of the asthmatic patients. The TSK scores were significantly higher ( P < 0.001), and the AQLQ scores were lower in the asthma group than in the control group ( P < 0.001). The IPAQ-SF level and AQLQ score were lower ( P < 0.001 for both) in the asthmatic group with a high kinesiophobia score. The TSK score was significantly associated with IPAQ-SF score ( r = -0.889; P < 0.001) and AQLQ score ( r = -0.820; P < 0.001) in asthmatic patients. According to linear regression analysis, kinesiophobia explained 84.40% of QoL and physical activity. Patients with a stable asthma were observed to have a high level of kinesiophobia compared with healthy subjects. High kinesiophobia levels may increase the disease burden by negatively affecting participation in physical activity and quality of life. While developing asthma education programs for asthma patients, it should be remembered that even in the stable period, kinesiophobia can develop. Preventive and therapeutic programs should include precautions to improve quality of life and physical activity against the effects of kinesiophobia.

A mobile application tool for standing posture analysis: development, validity, and reliability.

BACKGROUND: Using mobile application for postural assessments has been drawing a rising interest due to widespread use of smartphones. Although there are some mobile applications in use, validated mobile tools for accurate postural assessment are still warranted. AIMS: This study aimed to develop Fizyoprint mobile application tool to assess standing posture and investigate the validity and reliability of the application in young adults. METHODS: A convenience sample of 20 young adults (12 men and 8 women with a mean age of 21.3 ± 2.2 years) and 2 physiotherapists as raters participated in the study. The participant's digital images were obtained from the anterior, posterior, and right lateral sides. The raters selected the anatomic reference points by using digital markers in the app screen, and the Fizyoprint application, with Turkish language option, calculated a total of 26 posture variables, including 11 distance and 15 angle variables. Each participant was assessed twice (1-week interval) by 2 raters with Fizyoprint. Inter- and intra-rater reliabilities were estimated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. The BioTonix™ posture analysis system was used for validation. RESULTS: A total of 80.7% (21 variables) indicated acceptable to excellent intra-rater reliability results. A total of 57.7% (15 variables) were found to be acceptable to excellent for inter-rater measurements. The results confirmed the validity of the Fizyoprint application for testing the standing posture. CONCLUSIONS: Fizyoprint application is a new, valid, free mobile tool with acceptable concordance with BioTonix™ postural analysis system for assessing standing posture. Further studies are warranted to test the current application in different populations and musculoskeletal conditions.

Technology-based and supervised exercise interventions for individuals with type 2 diabetes: Randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to estimate, for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), the extent to which glycemic control was affected by a 12-week program using mobile app and wearable smartwatch in comparison to supervised exercise training. METHODS: This study was a stratified, randomized, assessor-blind, controlled, pragmatic trial with three parallel groups which were supervised, mobile app and wearable smartwatch. Individually tailored exercise regimens delivered through a supervisor, mobile app and wearable smartwatch. Programs consisted of aerobic, resistance exercises, calisthenic, flexibility, balance, and coordination exercises. Primary outcome was change in glycemic control (HbA1c); secondary outcome was Six Minute Walk Test; and explanatory outcomes were exercise behaviour, muscle function, and physical capacity. The groups were contrasted for change in HbA1c and absolute reduction of ≥0.5% (Minimal Important Change). Linear and logistic regressions were used to compare the groups and generalized estimated equations were used to analyze the explanatory outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 90 people were randomized, 6 were lost over 12 weeks, leaving 84 with outcome data. The difference in HbA1c did not differ between the supervised and the technology groups combined and between the mobile app and smartwatch group. Proportions of people achieving a clinically meaningful difference on HbA1c between the supervised and technology groups were similar (46% vs 43%) and the associated OR was 0.87 (95%CI:0.34-2.28). Within the two technology groups, proportions of people achieving a clinically meaningful difference in HbA1c were 48% in the mobile app and 38% in the smartwatch groups and the associated OR was 0.65 (95%CI:0.21-2.03). The groups did not differ on secondary and explanatory outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our trial provide evidence that all outcomes have improved in all groups regardless of the exercise delivery method. Considering the supervised programs are not available for everybody, technological options are crucial to implement to help individuals self-manage most aspects of their diabetes.

Pedobarographic, Clinic, and Radiologic Evaluation after Surgically Treated Lisfranc Injury.

INTRODUCTION: Lisfranc injuries are rare, often missed, and may cause permanent structural deterioration of tarsometatarsal joint, despite optimal management. Consequently, a Lisfranc injury may lead to disruption of the biomechanics of the normal foot during walking and may alter the plantar pressure distribution, which is essential for proper gait mechanics. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to specify the dynamic plantar pressure, radiographic and clinical features, after surgically managed Lisfranc injuries. METHODS: This study was carried out over a period of 10 years and included 62 patients who were surgically treated for Lisfranc injury, with mean 57-month follow-up. Radiological (intermetatarsal, Kite's, first metatarsophalangeal, Meary's, Hibbs' and calcaneal pitch angles, and medial cuneiform-fifth metatarsal distance), pedobarographical, and clinical results with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score assessments for both feet were assessed. RESULTS: In the radiological assessment, the mean first intermetatarsal (p = 0.006) and Meary's angle (p = 0.000) were decreased on the injured feet compared to the uninjured feet on the anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. In the pedobarographic assessment, the injured feet midfoot contact time increased (p = 0.03), and maximum force (p = 0.001), total peak pressure (p = 0.008), and contact area (p = 0.017) decreased, compared to the uninjured feet. The mean AOFAS score was 75/100 at the final follow-up visit. There was seen to be reduced both contact surface area and time of the midfoot. CONCLUSION: Despite surgical management of Lisfranc injuries, the injured foot does not regain functional, radiological, or pedobarographical levels as compared to the uninjured foot for ≥ 57 months.

Cervical proprioception accuracy is impaired in patients with axial spondyloarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Proprioception is the awareness of body parts and includes joint position sense, kinesthesia, and sense of force. Cervical spine is one of the major affected areas in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and is an essential region for proprioceptive receptors. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cervical joint proprioceptive accuracy by using cervical joint positioning error (JPE) method in patients with axSpA and healthy controls. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: JPE was calculated for cervical motions in the directions of flexion, extension, rotations, and lateral flexions. Time since diagnosis, symptom duration, spinal mobility, functional status, quality of life, disease activity, and pain were evaluated in axSpA patients. Cervical JPE of axSpA patients was also compared according to radiographic status, biologic use, and existence of cervical syndesmophytes. RESULTS: Eighty-two axSpA patients (52 males) and 71 healthy subjects (53 males) were evaluated. Cervical JPE was higher in patients with axSpA compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.001), except left lateral flexion (p = 0.10). Cervical proprioceptive accuracy for extension and left rotation was better in biologics+ subgroup compared to biologic- subgroup (p < 0.05). No other differences were detected related to radiographic status nor existence of cervical syndesmophytes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cervical proprioception accuracy is impaired in patients with axSpA. It seems that controlling disease activity by using appropriate medication may have a positive effect on cervical proprioception accuracy.

Comparison of functional exercise capacity, quality of life and respiratory and peripheral muscle strength between patients with stable angina and healthy controls.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare functional exercise capacity, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary function and quality of life between patients with stable angina and healthy controls. METHODS: We compared 33 patients with stable angina (55.21 ± 6.12 years old, Canada Class II-III, left ventricular ejection fraction: 61.92 ± 7.55) and 30 healthy controls (52.70 ± 4.22 years old). Functional capacity (6-minute walk test (6-MWT)), respiratory muscle strength (mouth pressure device), peripheral muscle strength (dynamometer), pulmonary function (spirometer) and quality of life (Short Form 36 (SF-36)) were evaluated. RESULTS: 6-MWT distance (499.20 ± 51.91 m versus 633.05 ± 57.62 m), maximal inspiratory pressure (85.42 ± 20.52 cmH2O versus 110.44 ± 32.95 cmH2O), maximal expiratory pressure (83.33 ± 19.05 cmH2O versus 147.96 ± 54.80 cmH2O) and peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary function and SF-36 sub-scores were lower in the angina group versus the healthy controls, respectively. CONCLUSION: Impaired peripheral and respiratory muscle strength, reduction in exercise capacity and quality of life are obvious in patients with stable angina. Therefore, these parameters should be considered in stable angina physiotherapy programmes to improve impairments.

Gender and age impact on plantar pressure distribution in early adolescence.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate gender and age effect on dynamic plantar pressure distribution in early adolescence. METHODS: A total of 524 adolescents (211 women and 313 men; mean age: 12.58 ± 1.11 years (range: 11-14 years)) participated in pedobarographic measurements during gait at self-selected speed. Data of peak pressure (PP), maximum force (MaxF-Newton), body weight corrected maximum force (BW_MaxF), contact area (CA-cm2) were analyzed for total foot and four plantar regions (hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot and toes). RESULTS: Higher toes PP was found in the ages of 12-14 years in females compared to males (253.79 ± 104.93 vs 216.00 ± 81.12 for the age of 12, p = 0.011, 264.40 ± 65.02 vs 227.21 ± 83.4 for the age of 13, p = 0.044, 299.75 ± 140.60 vs 238.75 ± 103.32 for the age of 14, p = 0.005). Females' higher MaxF especially for toes (136.24 ± 48.54 vs 115.33 ± 46.03, p = 0.008) and smaller CA especially for forefoot (50.12 ± 5.79 vs 54.4893 ± 6.80, p = 0.001) were considerable in the late of early adolescence. Forefoot (305.66 ± 82.14 females p = 0.001, 281.35 ± 79.59 males p < 0.001) and total foot PP (374.08 ± 113.93 females, p = 0.035, 338.61 ± 85.85 males p = 0.009) at the age of 14 was significantly higher than in younger ages in both gender groups. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that especially the age of 14 years in early adolescence is a critical age for alteration in plantar pressure distribution. Interestingly females tended to increase their toe and forefoot plantar pressures compared to males by increasing age. We suggest that gender and age impact on toes plantar pressure alterations in early adolescence may be a possible risk factor for further foot impairments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Diagnostic Study.

The relationship between objective balance, perceived sense of balance, and fear of falling in stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to investigate the relationship between objective balance, fear of falling, and perceived sense of balance (PSB) in stroke patients. METHODS: Seventy patients aged 18-65 years with chronically developed hemiplegia or hemiparesis were enrolled in the study. Patients' objective balance scores, fear of falling, and PSB were obtained using the berg balance scale (BBS), the falls efficacy scale (FES), and a visual analog scale, respectively. The Standard Mini-Mental Examination was performed to exclude patients with mental disorders from the study. RESULTS: There was a moderate negative correlation between PSB and BBS scores (p = 0.001, ρ = -0.588); a strong negative correlation between BBS and FES scores (p = 0.001, ρ = -0.808); and a strong positive correlation between PSB and FES scores (p = 0.001, ρ = 0.714). We found that BBS scores had negative correlation with PBS scores in left hemiplegic patients while there was no any relationship between BBS and PBS scores in right hemiplegic patients. CONCLUSION: PSB assessment, besides the BBS, should be considered among the routine assessment methods that enable the rehabilitation team to be aware of patients' balance capacities.

Efficacy of neurodevelopmental treatment combined with the Nintendo(®) Wii in patients with cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of Nintendo(®) Wii games in addition to neurodevelopmental treatment in patients with cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty hemiparetic cerebral palsy patients (16 females, 14 males; mean age, 6-15 years) were included in the study and divided into two groups: a neurodevelopmental treatment+Nintendo Wii group (group 1, n=15) and a neurodevelopmental treatment group (group 2, n=15). Both groups received treatment in 45-minute sessions 2 days/week for six weeks. Use of the upper extremities, speed, disability and functional independence were evaluated using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test, ABILHAND-Kids test, and Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (self-care) before and after treatment. [Results] There were statistically significant improvements in all parameters for group 1 and group 2 (except quality of function) after six weeks of treatment. Intergroup analysis showed that group 1 was superior to group 2 in mean change differences in the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test. [Conclusion] Our results showed that neurodevelopmental treatment is effective for improving hand functions in hemiplegic cerebral palsy. To provide a enjoyable, motivational, safe, and effective rehabilitation program, the Nintendo(®) Wii may be used in addition to neurodevelopmental treatment.