The effect of pilates and a WhatsApp-based health intervention program on symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS): A randomized controlled study.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) reduces the quality of life of young women and negatively affects their mental health and productivity. Regular physical activity and lifestyle changes are effective in alleviating and eliminating PMS symptoms. Accordingly, this randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effect of pilates and a WhatsApp-based support program on reducing PMS symptoms. A support program including pilates exercises and sending text messages was applied for 8 weeks to the students in the intervention group, and no attempt was made to the students in the control group. In this study, it was found that a support program including pilates exercise and Whatsapp text messages significantly reduced PMS symptoms.

Effect of an online posture exercise program during the COVID-19 pandemic on students' musculoskeletal pain and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged sitting and poor posture can contribute to musculoskeletal pain and have a negative effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among young adults. Any prolonged posture leads to static loading of soft tissues and causes discomfort. Seated posture leads to inactivity causing an accumulation of metabolites, accelerating disk degeneration and musculoskeletal pain. Regular exercise has major contributions to the prevention and treatment of some health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the impact of online posture exercises on musculoskeletal pain and health related quality of life among university students receiving distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial involved 72 students divided into intervention (n= 35) and control (n= 37) groups. The intervention group followed an 8-week online stretching and posture exercise program. Baseline and 8-week results were measured using the SF-36 QoL Questionnaire and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). RESULTS: Students spent an average of 5.4 ± 2.5 hours daily at computers. While there was no difference between the scores of any region in the CMDQ in the control group, there was a decrease in the neck, right shoulder, left shoulder, waist, left upper leg, right lower leg, and left lower leg discomfort scores in the intervention group (p< 0.05). There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the total score of SF-36 and the sub-dimensions of vitality and mental health (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The online posture exercise program led to notable reductions in musculoskeletal pain and improvements in QoL among university students. Examining the effectiveness of online exercise programs in different age groups is important for health benefits during quarantines.

The effect of abdominal massage and stretching exercise on pain and dysmenorrhea symptoms in female university students: A single-blind randomized-controlled clinical trial.

In this study the researchers aimed to determine the effect of abdominal massage and stretching exercises on the severity of pain, dysmenorrhea symptoms and menstrual blood lost in university students. In this single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial 63 university students were included. Participants were randomly assigned into massage group, exercise and control groups. Our findings showed that the 2nd cycle scores related to abdominal-back pain and fatigue in the massage group and 2nd cycle scores related to mood change in the exercise group were significantly lower than those of the massage and control groups. However, there was no difference between groups in terms of the Visual Analogue Scale scores and blood lost. Our evidence indicates that massage was effective on abdominal-back pain and weakness, and exercise was effective on mood change.

The effects of pilates on posture and physical fitness parameters in 5-6 years old children: A non-randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Inactivity is a public health problem. Physical activity is beneficial at any age, but is even more critical in childhood for healthy development and growth. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this non-randomized controlled study was to investigate the effects of Pilates on posture and physical fitness parameters in 5-6 years old healthy children. METHODS: Four preschool classes were divided into two groups. Five-six years old 66 preschool children were assigned to the Pilates (n = 31) and control (n = 35) groups. The Pilates group received a Pilates program twice a week for 10 weeks. The control group continued their daily routines. Postural assessment was evaluated using the New York Posture Rating Chart test and physical fitness was evaluated with the Eurofit test battery. Children were blinded to assignment. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparisons between groups, and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used for within-group comparisons. RESULTS: In this study, within-group comparisons showed statistically significant improvements in the New York Posture Rating chart test (p < 0.001), Flamingo Balance, Sit and Reach, Standing Broad Jump, 30-Second Sit-Up, Bent Arm Hang, and 20-Meter Shuttle Run test scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pilates has positive effects on physical fitness parameters and postural evaluation in preschool children. This study suggests that Pilates can be an entertaining alternative physical activity in children aged 5-6 years. NUMBER: NCT05210426.

A Comparative Analysis of Chewing Function and Feeding Behaviors in Children with Autism.

The present study was aimed to compare chewing performance level and feeding behaviors of children with autism to their typically developing peers. A total of 56 children (37 children with autism, 19 typically developing children) participated in the study. Feeding-related characteristics and observational oral-motor characteristics of children were recorded. The Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS) was used to assess chewing performance level, the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was used to assess feeding behaviors of children, and the Turkish version of the Feeding/Swallowing Impact Survey (T-FS-IS) was used to evaluate the effect of the child's feeding and swallowing problem on their parents. Results showed that transition time to solid food intake for children with autism was later than typically developing children (p = 0.014), and they had more tongue thrusting (p = 0.009). There were differences between groups in terms of KCPS (p = 0.002), BPFAS (Total frequency score, p = 0.008; Child frequency score, p = 0.017; Parent frequency score, p = 0.021; Restriction score, p = 0.004), and T-FS-IS (Daily activities, p = 0.004; Worry, p = 009; Feeding difficulties, p = 0.031; Total score, p = 0.001). The present study shows that children with autism had worse chewing function and worse mealtime functioning compared to typically developing children. Their parents perceived mealtime behavior as more problematic, and parents' quality of life related to feeding/swallowing disorders was worse compared to parents of typically developing children. The study results reveal the importance of early assessment and intervention of chewing function and feeding behaviors in children with autism.