The Dubousset Functional Test: a reliable and valid test in early stage Parkinson's disease patients.

INTRODUCTION: Dubousset Functional Test (DFT) is an assessment test evaluating the functional capacity and dynamic balance. The study aimed to examine the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the DFT in early stage Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Thirty-three early stage PD patients were recruited. The DFT was performed along with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, dual-task TUG, Functional Reach Test (FRT), 3-m backward walk test (3MBWT), Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). RESULTS: The test-retest reliability of the subcomponents of the DFT was excellent. The ICCs were as follows: 0.952, 0.955, 0.917, and 0.919, respectively. The correlation with subcomponents of DFT and TUG, dual-task TUG, FRT, 3MBWT, BBS, and POMA was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The standard measurement errors of the subcomponents of the DFT were 1.45, 1.39, 1.70, and 1.57, respectively. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the subcomponents was 2.05, 1.97, 2.41, and 2.22, respectively. CONCLUSION: The DFT is a reliable, valid, and easy-to-administer tool in assessing the balance and physical function of early stage PD patients.

Investigation of the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Sitting Balance Scale in individuals with stroke.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Sitting Balance Scale (SBS-T). METHODS: SBS-T was tested with 60 individuals with stroke. Test-retest reliability was calculated with the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Function in Sitting Test (FIST), The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Barthel Index (BI) were used to test the validity of SBS-T. The internal consistency of the SBS-T items was calculated with the Cronbach Alpha Analysis. Factor analysis and hypothesis testing were used for construct validity. Ceiling and floor effects were calculated for reliability. RESULTS: The intra-observer ICC was found to be 0.970 and the inter-observer ICC value was 0.999. The Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient was detected to be 0.955. A high correlation was detected between SBS-T and TIS, BBS, FIST, and BI (r = 0.861, p = 0.001; r = 0.849, p = 0.001; r = 0.906, p = 0.001; r = 0.848, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: As a result of the factor analysis, it was found that the scale was determined by one single factor. No ceiling and floor effects were detected. The Turkish version of the SBS is a valid and reliable scale for predicting mobility and functionality in stroke for use in clinical and scientific studies. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04801927.

Investigation of the validity and reliability of the 3-meter backward walk test in high functional level adults with lower limb amputation.

BACKGROUND: Backward walk training has an important place in the rehabilitation programs of lower extremity amputees. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the test-retest validity and reliability of the 3-meter backward walk test (3MBWT), minimal detectable change, and the cutoff time in high functional level adults with lower limb amputations (LLAs). Adults with LLA (n = 30) and healthy adults (n = 29) were included in the study. STUDY DESIGN: This is a randomized cross-sectional study. METHODS: The Modified Fall Efficacy Score, Rivermead Mobility Index, and Timed Up and Go test with the 3MBWT were used to evaluate the concurrent validity of the test. The second evaluation (retest) was performed by the same physiotherapist 1 week following the first evaluation (test). The validity was assessed by correlating the 3MBWT times with the scores of other measures and by comparing the 3MBWT times between adults with LLA and healthy adults. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability of the 3MBWT was excellent. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the 3MBWT was 0.950. The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change values were 0.38 and 0.53, respectively. A moderate correlation was found between the 3MBWT, Modified Fall Efficacy Score, Timed Up and Go test, and Rivermead Mobility Index ( p < 0.001). Significant differences in the 3MBWT times were found between adults with LLA and healthy controls ( p < 0.001). The cutoff time of 3.11 s discriminates healthy adults from high functional level adults with LLA. CONCLUSIONS: The 3MBWT was determined to be valid, reliable, and easy-to-apply tool in high functional level adults with LLA. This assessment is a useful and practical measurement for dynamic balance in high functional level adults with LLA.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Ottawa Sitting Scale in patients with acute stroke.

PURPOSE: To investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Ottawa Sitting Scale (OSS-T) in patients with acute stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) were used to determine the validity of the OSS-T. The OSS-T was re-applied by the same rater after an interval of 7 days to determine the reliability. To test inter-rater reliability, the evaluation was repeated by a second rater 1 day after the first evaluation. Reliability was quantified using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and validity was assessed by correlating the OSS-T scores with the results of the other measures. RESULTS: The ICC of the total OSS-T score for inter-rater reliability was 0.996 and for intra-rater reliability, it was 0.951. The Cronbach's α coefficient used to determine internal consistency was 0.980, which indicates excellent reliability. A strong positive correlation was found between OSS-T and TIS (rho = 0.861, p < 0.001), and between OSS-T and BBS (rho = 0.875, p < 0.001). An evident 2-factor structure was shown by the results of the factor analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that the OSS-T has strong measurement properties, making it a valid and reliable tool for research and clinical practice in patients with acute stroke.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIndependent sitting function is an important indicator of functional recovery and discharge from hospital.Unlike other sitting balance tools, the Ottawa Sitting Scale can even categorize patients with low balance reserve by applying all the items with and without foot support.The Turkish version of the Ottawa Sitting Scale is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate sitting balance in patients with acute stroke.

Comparison of gait speed, dynamic balance, and dual-task balance performance according to kinesiophobia level in older adults.

PURPOSE: The presence of kinesiophobia was identified in older adults. Studies have examined the effects of kinesiophobia in older adults with chronic pain. Studies examining the effect of kinesiophobia on gait and balance performance in older adults without pain are insufficient. The aim of this study was to compare gait speed, dynamic balance, dual-task balance performance according to kinesiophobia level in community dwelling older adults without pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five older adults were included. The socio-demographic data (age, height, weight, fall history, etc.) was recorded. Older adults were divided into two groups based on Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale scores. Scores below 37 were grouped as low level, scores above 37 were grouped as high level. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE), gait speed test, modified Four Square Step Test (mFSST), Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, dual-mFSSt test (additional cognitive and motor task) were applied for dual-task balance performance. RESULTS: Thirty-six participants(mean age 70.58 ± 5.59 years) had low kinesiophobia, the other 39 individuals(mean age70.94 ± 7.45 years) had high kinesiophobia. The age, gender, body mass index, cognitive status, and fall history were similar between groups (p > 0.05). The participants with low kinesiophobia were found to have better gait speed, dynamic balance, dual-task balance performance (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study results showed that the presence of high level of kinesiophobia affects gait speed, dynamic balance, dual-task balance performance, and dual-task cost in older adults. Therefore, a high level of kinesiophobia can lead to falls. It may be important to investigate the effects of kinesiophobia in older adults.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Muscle Strength, Trunk Control, Balance and Functional Capacity in Stroke Patients: A single-blinded randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of the study was to examine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, trunk control, balance, and functional capacity in stroke patients. METHODS: 21 stroke individuals were randomly divided into two groups as control group and treatment group. Respiratory function test, Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP) were evaluated. Also, Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were performed. Neurodevelopmental treatment program was performed in both groups for 5 days a week for 6 weeks, and IMT was given to the treatment group. IMT was started from 40% of MIP. RESULTS: After treatment, respiratory functions, respiratory muscle strength, and trunk control and balance improved in the treatment group. In the control group; however, only the balance level was improved. When the changes in the evaluation parameters between the groups were compared, there were only statistically significant differences in the TIS, Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) and MIP in the treatment group (p˂0.05), the change amounts in other evaluation parameters were similar (p˃0.05). When the effect size of the groups was compared, the effect size of the variables in the treatment group was found to be higher. CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, IMT, which was given in addition to the neurological physiotherapy and rehabilitation program to our patients, improved inspiratory muscle strength and trunk control. We believe that this result will raise awareness for physiotherapists working in the field of neurological rehabilitation about including respiratory muscle training in the rehabilitation program of stroke patients.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of Function in Sitting Test (FIST-T) in stroke.

BACKGROUND: Trunk control in sitting position after stroke is one of the most important determinants of independence in daily living activities and there is no gold standard assessment used to measure sitting postural control. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of Function in Sitting Test (FIST-T). METHODS: After translation was conducted, Function in Sitting Test, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Independent Measure and Trunk Impairment Scale were applied to 72 stroke patients (mean age was 59.26 ± 16.38 years; post-stroke time was 95.93 ± 59.64 days). For reliability and validity analysis the spearman correlation analysis was used. RESULTS: A positive, high correlation was found between the first application and repetition of Function in Sitting Test-T (ICC = 0.97, r = 0.95, p = .001). The internal consistency was high (Cronbach Alpha = 0.97), interrater correlation was high (Cronbach Alpha = 0.98) and a positive, high correlation was found with the scores obtained from the Berg Balance Scale (r = 0.82, p = .001), Functional Independent Measure (r = 0.84, p = .001) and Trunk Impairment Scale (r = 0.80, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the Turkish version of Function in Sitting Test is a valid and reliable scale for use in stroke patients, in clinical and scientific researches.

Investigation of the relationship between physical activity, kinesiophobia and fear of falling in older adults with chronic pain.

AIMS: This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity, fear of movement and fear of falling in older adults with chronic pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study includes 163 older adults aged 65 years and over, who live in a private nursing home. The cognitive functions of the individuals who participated in the study were evaluated with the mini-mental examination scale (MMES), fears of movement with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), fear-avoidance behaviour with the Fear-avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), physical activity levels with the Physical Activity Scale for Older (PASE), and the fears of falling were assessed with Tinetti's Falls Efficacy Scale (FES). RESULTS: In the correlation analysis, there was a weak correlation between age and fall risk (r = 0.349, p < 0.001), and PASETotal score (r = -0.020, p = 0.011). There was a weak positive correlation between Tinetti FES and FABQ scores (r = 0.349, p < 0.001), and kinesiophobia value (r = 0.259, p < 0.001), there was a weak negative correlation between Tinetti FES and PASETotal (r = -0.241, p = 0.002). A positive mid correlation was determined between kinesiophobia and the FABQ scores (r = 0.41, p < 0.001). The established regression model was found to be significant (F = 12.175; p < 0.001). Among the independent variables included in the model, FABQTotal (t = 3.589; p < 0.0001) and PASETotal (t = -3.325; p < 0.0001) significantly affected the fear of falling. CONCLUSION: The presence of chronic pain in older adults who have problems related to physical activity, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia due to advancing age may affect social participation, functional level, and quality of life significantly. Therefore, pain should be addressed in older adults and should be considered as an important issue in rehabilitation programs.

Comparison Of Short-Term Effects Of Virtual Reality and Short Foot Exercises In Pes Planus.

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality exercises (VRE) offers functional, multipurpose usage with a motivational approach. This study aimed to compare VRE and short foot exercises (SFE) in individuals with flexible pes planus. METHODS: Forty participants with pes planus were assigned to the SFE group (n = 20) or VR exercise group (n = 20). Both groups performed exercises three times a week for four weeks. The groups were assessed with a navicular drop test for the height of the medial longitudinal arch, craig Test for femoral anteversion, Star Excursion Test for balance,10 step test for performance. RESULTS: For two groups there is a statistically significant difference between before and after treatments(p < 0.05). There is no difference between VRE and SFE groups after treatments for all parameters(p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Two different 4-week-exercise programs for pes planus have a similar effect on performance, balance, and navicular drop values in both groups. It was considered that the practice of VR exercises like short foot exercises could also address rehabilitation goals, which included improving balance, performance, and foot posture. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04283357.

Reliability and Validity of Turkish Version of The Brief-BESTest in Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND: The Brief-BESTest is the short version of the BESTest used to evaluate balance and fall risk in a multiple disease populations. The clinicians need practical, short application scales to evaluate the risk of falling, balance and rehabilitation results. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Brief-BESTest (Brief-BESTest-T) in stroke patients. METHODS: This study included a total of 40 subacute and chronic stroke patients (mean age of 60.28 ± 9.96 years). The Brief-BESTest, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) and 10 m walking test were applied to the patients. RESULTS: A strong correlation was observed between the1st and 2nd evaluation Brief-BESTest-T total scores (r = 0.933). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was excellent. According to the correlation analysis performed to test the inter-rater reliability, a very high correlation (r = 0.906) was observed between the Brief-BESTest-T total scores. A high correlation was found between the Brief-BESTest-T and BBS and TUG, while a moderate correlation was found between the FRT, FES, and 10 m walking test. The clinical cut-off point for the Brief-BESTest - T was determined to be 9 points with an AUC of 0.872. There were no floor and ceiling effects found. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the Brief-BESTest-T had excellent internal consistency, intra-rater, and inter-rater reliability. Its concurrent, discriminant, and known-groups validity were also good and had no substantial floor and ceiling effects.

Validity and Reliability of The 3-Meter Backward Walk Test in Individuals with Stroke.

OBJECTIVES: The 3-m backward walk test (3MBWT) is used to evaluate neuromuscular control, proprioception, protective reflexes, fall risk and balance. The aim of our study was to reveal the test-retest reliability and validity of the 3MBWT in stroke patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included a total of 41 stroke patients [age 59 (35-78) years]. 3MBWT, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were applied to the patients. The second evaluation (retest) was carried out by the same physiotherapist two days following the first evaluation (test) in order to measure test-retest reliability. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.974 (excellent). For intra-rater agreement, the ICC values in the individual test were 0.985. The SEM value was 1.11 sec, the MDC value was found to be 1.57 sec. A moderate correlation was revealed between the 3 m-backward walking speed and BBS (r: -0.691, p: 0.001) and TUG (r: 0.849, p: 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The 3MBWT was observed to be valid and reliable in stroke individuals. It is an effecive and reliable tool for measuring dynamic balance and falls in stroke.

The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of Brunel Balance Assessment (BBA-T).

Background: The Brunel Balance Assessment Scale (BBA) is a valid, reliable scale for evaluating functional balance and mobility in patients with stroke. It should also be fast, simple, portable and inexpensive for use in clinical practice.Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of Brunel Balance Assessment (BBA-T) in post-stroke patients.Methods: One hundred and five stroke patients (49 female, 56 male) with a mean age of 65.45 ± 11.33 years were included. Standardize Mini-Mental Test (SMMT), BBA, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) and Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) were performed to the patients.Results: According to correlation analysis, a very strong relationship was found between first and second evaluation total BBA-T scores (r = 0.909). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was excellent. According to the Pearson correlation analysis performed to test inter-observer reliability, a very high correlation (r = 0.946) was observed among BBA total scores performed by the first and second physiotherapists. The BBA-T correlated with the BBS (r = 0.879), RMI (r = 0.862), and PASS (0.847). There was no floor observed for the BBA-T scale in this sample. However, the ceiling effect was found.Conclusions: The results of our study indicate that the Turkish version of BBA-T is a reliable and valid balance and mobility scale that can be used in the rehabilitation of stroke patients.

Evaluation of the functional capacity, respiratory functions and musculoskeletal systems of the children with chest pain for non-cardiac reasons.

Daskapan A, Sanli C, Aydogan-Arslan S, Çiledag-Özdemir F, Korkem D, Kara U. Evaluation of the functional capacity, respiratory functions and musculoskeletal systems of the children with chest pain for non-cardiac reasons. Turk J Pediatr 2017; 59: 295-303. Chronic chest pain in healthy children and adolescents generally arises from non-cardiac factors. The purpose of our study was to compare the evaluation results of effort test, respiratory function and musculoskeletal system in children and adolescents with chest pain for non-cardiac reasons with healthy children and adolescents. Physical activity level was determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The respiratory function test was performed using a spirometer. The posture analysis was performed to determine the upper body deformities. The effort test was performed on a treadmill. The two groups were similar in terms of the physical activity levels, respiratory function and effort test results (p > 0.05). The rate of the rounded shoulder, kyphosis was significantly higher in the patient group with chest pain (p < 0.005). Consequently, the musculoskeletal system findings including the pectoralis minor shortness, rounded shoulder, and thoracic kyphosis could have a role in non-cardiac chest pain.