The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the caregiving burden of individuals caring for patients with chronic neurological diseases.

BACKGROUND: Caring for neurological patients poses a serious burden on caregivers, even in normal times. It is likely that this burden has become even more painful post-COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the care burden of those who care for patients with chronic neurological diseases. METHODS: The study included 50 patients and 50 caregivers. All the tests were conducted twice, it was answered firstly, according to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic, and secondly, during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The depression levels of the patients and caregivers were assessed with the Beck Depression Scale, their sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, their quality of life was assessed with the RAND 36-Item Health Survey, and caregivers' burden of care was evaluated with the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. RESULTS: It was observed at the end of the study that the depression levels of patients (p = 0.00), and caregivers (p = 0.00) increased post-COVID-19 pandemic, the sleep quality of caregivers (p = 0.00), and patients (p = 0.02) decreased post-COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, it was determined that caregivers' burden of care increased (p = 0.00). Sub-parameters of the RAND 36-Item Health Survey, physical functioning (p = 0.02), role limitations due to physical health (p = 0.00), and role limitations due to emotional problems (p = 0.03) decreased for caregivers. CONCLUSION: In summary, we concluded that the well-being and psychological status of both patients and their caregivers were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effects of online education on prosthetics orthotics education during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: It is obvious that educational activities were affected globally due to the pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study was planned to examine the effects of online education on undergraduate degree (UD) and associate degree (AD) Orthotics and Prosthesis education in the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN: A crossectional online survey. METHOD: The Google Forms questionnaire was delivered to students of Orthotics and Prosthesis in the level of undergraduate degree and AD and academicians conducted in the study. Next, the participants were reviewed regarding their knowledge about devices used for online education and related technical problems. A 5-point Likert-type questionnaire with 18 questions that was developed specifically for this study was applied to examine their views on online education. RESULTS: The study included 472 participants who had a mean age of 21.30 ± 0.22 years. Among the participants, 262 were AD students (55.5%). Approximately 82% of the participants were used their mobile phones for connection. The connection problems, and inappropriateness of online education in applied course, preference of online education for theoretical courses, insufficiency of digital course materials, failure to access education easily, insufficiency of online examinations for measurement and evaluation, and preference of homework over online education were stated by 79%, 88.3%, 41.9%, 54.5%, 70.1%, 41.7%, and 42.8% of the participants, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both academicians and students experienced connection problems, and applied courses were not suitable for online education. Motivation to attend the courses was low in online education, relevant workload increased, online examinations were not sufficient for measurement and evaluation, and studies were more unplanned. It is necessary to switch to formal education after the pandemic.

Normal hip, knee and ankle range of motion in the Turkish population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to ascertain the effect of gender and cultural habits on hip, knee and ankle range of motion (ROM) and to determine the differences between the ROM of right and left side symmetric joints of the lower extremities. METHODS: The study included 987 (513 males and 474 females) healthy volunteers. Individuals with a history of illness, prior surgery or trauma involving any joint of either lower extremity were excluded from the study. The terminology and techniques of measurements used were those suggested by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. RESULTS: Left side passive hip flexion and active internal rotation was higher than the right side. Passive flexion of the hip joint was higher in male subjects and internal and external rotation was higher in female subjects. In the knee joint, passive extension was higher in males. Plantarflexion and inversion of the ankle joint were higher in male subjects and dorsiflexion and eversion were higher in female subjects. The differences were considered insignificant in clinical terms as all were less than 3 degrees. CONCLUSION: There is no clinically significantly difference between right and left side hip, knee and ankle joints ROM. Gender and cultural habits do not appear to have clinically significantly effects on lower extremity joint ROM.