Purpose. Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that negatively affects quality of life and functional capacity. This study aimed to investigate the additive effectiveness of Kinesio Taping (KT) combined with a conventional exercise program on pain intensity, neck awareness, and functional status in individuals with chronic neck pain. Methods. This prospective, randomized, participant- and assessor-blinded clinical trial included 36 individuals with chronic neck pain who were randomly assigned to either the Conventional Exercise + Sham KT group (n = 18) or the Conventional Exercise + Real KT group (n = 18). Due to the nature of the intervention, the therapist applying the taping was not blinded. Pain intensity, neck awareness, and functional status were assessed at baseline and after a three-week intervention period by a blinded assessor. Results. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain intensity, neck awareness, and functional status after the intervention (p < 0.05)

Aim To investigate the effects of mirror therapy (MT) on reducing arteriovenous fistula cannulation-related pain and anxiety undergoing hemodialysis. Design A parallel-group, assessor-blind randomized controlled trial was performed according to CONSORT guidelines. Methods This study was conducted between October 2024 and January 2025 among 54 hemodialysis patients in a dialysis center. The participants were randomly divided into an experimental (MT) group (n = 27) or a control group (n = 27). Both groups received routine care, and the experimental group also received 2 weeks (6 sessions) of MT. In the experimental group, after the patient watched his or her arm in the mirror for 15 minutes, the cannulation procedure was performed. The control group was subjected to a routine procedure. The primary outcome was the cannulation-related pain score, and the secondary outcome was the anxiety score. Pain was measured a total of six times at each session, while the anxiety score was measured twice. Results Compared with those in the control group, the participants in the intervention group had significantly lower average pain scores during the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sessions in the nonadaptive phase (p < .001). The results of the ANCOVA revealed that when the STAI-I pretest score was statistically controlled, there was no significant difference between the mean STAI-I posttest scores of the intervention group and the control group according to the covariance analysis results (p = .089). Conclusions MT was found to be effective in reducing fistula-related cannulation pain, but it did not reduce anxiety. Hemodialysis nurses need to provide and implement routines for pain control during arteriovenous fistula cannulation. Cannulation with MT is a nonpharmacological, easy-to-apply and cost-effective method.

Aim: Communication during developmental disability diagnosis disclosure may influence parents’ emotional responses, understanding, and engagement with care. This study investigated parents’ experiences and preferences regarding disclosure and their evaluations of the communication behaviors of the person who initially communicated the diagnosis. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted between July and November 2020 with 95 parents of children diagnosed with developmental disabilities. A semi-structured questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, disclosure experiences and preferences, and perceived communication behaviors. Findings were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: The most common diagnoses were Down syndrome (22.1%), cerebral palsy (17.9%), and intellectual disability/developmental delay (16.9%). Most parents reported physician-led disclosure (73.7%), whereas 93.7% preferred disclosure by a physician. More than half received the diagnosis in a crowded or shared room (52.6%), while 93.7% preferred a private room. In addition, 31.6% reported receiving inadequate information about their child’s medical condition and treatment, and 35.8% stated that the person who initially communicated the diagnosis did not adequately recognize their emotional distress.Conclusion: Group-level distributions of reported experiences and stated preferences differed descriptively across several aspects of disclosure. The findings indicate areas requiring attention, particularly privacy, information provision, and emotional sensitivity. Because individual-level concordance was not analyzed, these results should not be interpreted as demonstrating within-parent mismatch. Improving privacy, empathy, clarity of information, and post-diagnostic guidance may enhance parental satisfaction and support engagement with care.

Falls are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and reduce quality of life. Numerous balance assessment tools evaluate fall risk; however, data on their relationship with fall frequency are limited. To investigate the relationship between fall frequency and objective, functional, and self-reported balance assessment tools in PD patients. This cross-sectional study included 40 PD patients (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1–3). Fall frequency was recorded using a fall diary. Objective balance was assessed with the Biodex Balance System, functional balance with the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), and perceived balance confidence with the Falls Efficacy Scale–International (FES-I). Fall frequency was weakly correlated with the Overall Stability Index (r = 0.338, p = 0.033) and the dynamic gait subdomain of the Mini-BESTest (r = 0.331, p = 0.037) and moderately correlated with FES-I scores (r = 0.572, p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression revealed that the FES-I score was a significant independent predictor of faller status (χ²= 12.41, p < 0.001, Nagelkerke R² = 0.357); each one-point increase in FES-I score increased the odds of being a faller by 15.5

Son yıllarda görülme sıklığı artan Adölesan İdiopatik Skolyoz’da, kişiye özel tedavi seçeneklerin belirlenebilmesi ve takibin sağlanabilmesi için kapsamlı bir değerlendirme yapılması gerekmektedir. Uluslararası İşlevsellik, Yetiyitimi ve Sağlık Sınıflandırması (International Classifications of Functioning, Disability and Health- ICF) bu hastalarda, çok boyutlu bir değerlendirme yaklaşımına olanak sağlamaktadır. Bu derleme, klinisyenler ve araştırmacılar için Adölesan İdiopatik Skolyozlu olguların, ICF modeline dayalı olarak değerlendirilmesinde kullanılan subjektif ve objektif değerlendirme araçlarını, ICF bileşenlerine göre gruplayarak, geçerlik, güvenirlik ve uygulanabilirlik yönünden analiz etmeyi ve bu araçların hastaya özel seçiminde yol haritası çizmeyi amaçlamaktadır.

Background and Objectives: It is crucial to determine physical findings and outcome measures that affect functional status of the patients, and the impact levels of these parameters on patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the determinant and predictive effect of pain levels, shoulder range of motion (ROM) values, disability and health-related quality of life factors on functional status in individuals with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PRCT). Materials and Methods: Firstly, the functional status of 45 patients (mean age: 50.78 ± 5.28 years; 29 female) with PRCT, then activity and night pain levels with Numeric Pain Rating Scale, active flexion, abduction and external rotation of the shoulder ROM values with goniometer, disability level with Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder & Hand Questionnaire, and health-related quality of life levels with Short Form-12 were evaluated and recorded. Results: It was detected that all determinants whose effect on functionality was evaluated with a multiple regression model explained 76% of the variance, and this effect level was statistically significant (R square = 0.760, adjusted R square = 0.707, F = 14.272, p < 0.001). Detailed evaluation showed that flexion and external rotation ROM values (respectively; β = 0.54, p < 0.001; β = 0.38, p = 0.001) and disability level (β = 0.44, p < 0.001) had statistically significant determinant effects on functional status. No statistically significant results which could be correlated with functional status were found for activity and night pain, abduction ROM value, and health-related quality of life domains (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Shoulder flexion and external rotation ROMs and disability level were found to have a predictive effect on the functional status in individuals with PRCT. It is noteworthy that more subjective and patient-reported findings and outcome measures such as pain and health-related quality of life had no predictive effect on functionality. By determining the level of these effects, results were reached that can shed light on the literature by guiding the development of reliable assessment algorithms.

Abstract Background Open heart surgery (OHS) often leads to declines in respiratory functions and functional capacity. Postoperative challenges, including changes in pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength, can negatively impact patients’ recovery and quality of life. Early physiotherapy interventions aim to support the restoration of respiratory and physical functions during the critical discharge phase. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity, as well as the relationships among these markers, in patients discharged after undergoing open heart surgery. Methods The pre-operative and post-operative discharge stage assessment results of 34 patients were examined. The evaluations included in the medical records consisted of demographic data, respiratory functions (spirometric measurements reported as % predicted and intraoral pressure measurements), and functional capacity measurement results. Results It was found that patients’ Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (% predicted) and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance at discharge were significantly reduced compared to pre-operative values. Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1) (% predicted), however, showed no statistically significant change. After applying Benjamini-Hochberg False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction, significant positive correlations were observed between FVC (% predicted) and Forced Expiratory Flow at 25–75% of Vital Capacity (FEF25-75) (% predicted); FVC (% predicted) and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) (% predicted); PEF (% predicted) and FEF25-75 (% predicted); PEF (% predicted) and Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP); FEV1 (% predicted) and 6MWT; Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and MEP; and MIP and 6MWT. Conclusions In patients undergoing OHS who received early physiotherapy, FVC and 6MWT distance significantly declined at discharge compared to preoperative levels, while PEF, FEV1, FEF25-75, MIP, and MEP did not show significant changes. The decreased FVC and FEV1 at discharge were specifically related to functional capacity. Therefore, routine assessment of respiratory muscle strength is essential in OHS patients, with results needing evaluation within homogeneous surgical groups to guide effective rehabilitation. Clinical trial registration This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT05932368) on June 20, 2023.

Virtual reality (VR), an emerging technology that is becoming increasingly widespread, shows promise as an effective rehabilitation strategy for various diseases. The aim of this study was investigating usability and acceptability of VR in people with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Nine people with early and middle stages of AD were included in the study. The immersive VR application was implemented via the BOBO® VR Z Headset. Selected YouTube VR films, such as relaxing animal and space videos, as well as museum tours, were watched. The VR experience of participants was assessed after a 15 minute application. The usability was evaluated with a survey prepared for this study, including questions evaluating aspects such as realism, comfort, enthusiasm, entertainment, and willingness to participate again. Participants' sickness symptoms were evaluated with the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, and their moods were evaluated with the Brunel Mood Scale. All participants found the application realistic and exciting. 4 of participants found the goggles uncomfortable and 2 of them stated that they would not want to apply it again. 4 of the participants experienced symptoms of general discomfort, fatigue, eye discomfort, and difficulty in concentrating. While the application was found to be feasible and acceptable for some participants, it was not for others. The discomfort, especially in the nose part of the headset, appears to be caused by the design factors of the device. Additionally, some participants experienced sickness symptoms. VR has the potential to serve as an alternative, offering a different and enjoyable approach within rehabilitation practices for certain individuals. However, we are of the opinion that the results of the application show individual differences and the immersive VR may not be suitable for all individuals with AD.

IMPORTANCE:Sarcoidosis is a restrictive lung disease marked by granulomatous inflammation affecting multiple organs. Despite its multisystem nature, therapeutic approaches for managing exercise intolerance and fatigue in pulmonary sarcoidosis require further research. OBJECTIVE:Our aim was to compare the effects of one-legged and two-legged cycling exercises on exercise capacity, fatigue, muscle strength, and quality of life in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis (stages 2-4). DESIGN:Randomized controlled trial. SETTING:This randomized controlled trial involved 26 patients, divided equally into one-legged and two-legged cycling groups. PARTICIPANTS:Patients diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis (stages 2-4). INTERVENTION:Both groups underwent an 8-week program, with 40-min sessions twice weekly. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:Assessments included the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT), Endurance Shuttle Walk Test (ESWT), Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), handheld dynamometer tests (quadriceps, tibialis anterior, gastrosoleus), blood lactate analysis, and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). RESULTS:Both groups showed significant improvements in fatigue, muscle strength, and quality of life. The one-legged group demonstrated superior results in total SGRQ and SGRQ activity scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:Both exercise protocols effectively enhanced exercise capacity and reduced fatigue in patients with sarcoidosis, with the one-legged approach offering specific advantages for activity-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVE:This study aims to investigate the effects of Mirror Therapy (MT) on spasticity and related parameters in stroke patients. METHODS:A systematic review was performed in databases PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Cochrane, and Scopus databases for published RCTs (Randomized Controlled Trials) from the date of each database's inception to May 2021. Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) in adult patients with stroke compared to conventional therapy, sham, and additional therapy control were included. Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of each study. RESULTS:The overall effect of MT on MAS was statistically significant and beneficial when studies were analyzed in terms of both upper and lower extremities (p < 0.001). MT demonstrated a large and beneficial overall effect on the Brunnstrom Assessment compared to conventional therapy (p < 0.001). The overall impact of MT on Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) was large and statistically significant (p < 0.001). However, a meta-analysis of three studies using the 10-meter walk test showed that the overall effect of MT was not statistically significant (p = 0.258). CONCLUSION:This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates reductions in upper and lower extremity spasticity and improved motor recovery with MT, both isolated and combined with other treatments, in adults with stroke. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER:CRD42021255154.

OBJECTIVE:To compare the effects of functional inspiratory muscle training (FIMT) with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in individuals with chronic stroke. DESIGN:Prospective, randomized controlled, double-blinded trial. SETTING:Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. PARTICIPANTS:Forty-two individuals (N=42) with chronic stroke (mean age 62.9y, 36.4% women in the FIMT group; mean age 60.3±8.3y, 40.9% women in the IMT group) completed the study. INTERVENTIONS:Both groups received neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) 3 times per week for 8 weeks. The FIMT group performed inspiratory muscle training simultaneously with NDT-based functional exercises (eg, bridging, kneeling, weight transfer), whereas the IMT group performed inspiratory training separately, combined with NDT in the same session. All participants also completed a home-based IMT program twice weekly. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:The primary outcomes were the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and maximal inspiratory pressures (MIP). Secondary outcomes included Trunk Control Test, maximal expiratory pressures (MEP), respiratory endurance (incremental threshold loading [ITL] test), spirometry values (Forced Expiratory Volume in the First Second, Forced Vital Capacity), balance (Berg Balance Scale), gait (timed Up and Go, 10-Meter Walk Test), core muscle activity (PRONE test), functional capacity (6-Minute Walk Test [6MWT]), and independence (Barthel Index [BI]). RESULTS:Both groups showed significant improvement in most outcome measures after training. However, the FIMT group demonstrated notably greater gains in trunk control (TIS and Trunk Control Test), respiratory muscle strength and endurance (MIP, maximal expiratory pressures, and incremental threshold loading), balance, walking speed, and transversus abdominis activity (P<.05). The mean between-group difference in TIS change was 2.62 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.67-3.57), with the lower bound of the CI exceeding the smallest worthwhile effect (0.31). FIMT also yielded superior improvements in MIP (7.48 cm H₂O; 95% CI, 2.43-12.52). No significant differences were observed between groups in 6-Minute Walk Test distance, spirometry results, or Barthel Index scores. CONCLUSIONS:FIMT produced greater improvements than IMT in trunk control, respiratory muscle function, balance, and gait speed in individuals with chronic stroke, suggesting it as a promising rehabilitation approach.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients frequently experience gait disturbances, which can be exacerbated in those with vestibular involvement. Various exercise approaches are available to address gait difficulties in this patient population, and the use of vestibular rehabilitation, in particular, has increased recently. However, the effects of this specific exercise approach on gait in MS patients remain unclear. Considering that gait comprises temporospatial, kinetic, and kinematic components, it is evident that existing research in this area is fairly limited. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the effect of a vestibular rehabilitation program compared to a conventional exercise program on kinetic and kinematic parameters of gait in patients with MS. Methods: MS patients aged 25-60 years with an EDSS score between 3.5 and 6.5 were included in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the vestibular rehabilitation group or the conventional exercise group. All participants underwent primary evaluation with Three-dimensional gait analysis and secondary assessments using the 2-Minute Walk Test, 10-Meter Walk Test, 5-Times Sit to Stand Test, and Visual Acuity Test. Results: The study was completed with 22 participants [age: 45.18 +/- 10.22, EDSS: 4.00 (3.50 - 5.00)]. Pelvic tilt range of motion, knee varus/valgus, ankle maximum external rotation, mean ankle rotation angles and the peak knee extension moment in the 30-60 % cycle of gait showed statistically greater improvement in the vestibular rehabilitation group compared to the conventional exercise group in post-treatment. After exercise trainings, there was no significant difference in temporospatial data between the two groups. Discussion: It was concluded that supporting the rehabilitation programs of MS patients with VR exercises contributed to the improvement of various kinetic and kinematic parameters of gait.

BACKGROUND:In terms of different scapula-focused interventions included in the treatment for restoration of altered biomechanics and diminished motor control in rotator cuff injuries, evidence supporting the superiority of any method is limited. PURPOSE:The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of scapula-focused interventions primarily on pain and function under the subtitle of rotator cuff injuries, and to synthesize evidence in order to inform clinical practice by compiling the current literature. STUDY DESIGN:Literature synthesis, systemic review. METHODS:PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Proquest, Pedro, and Google Scholar databases were searched based on December 2024 using the determined search strategy. PEDro scale for methodological quality and revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for risk-of-bias assessment were used. Studies obtained were evaluated independently by two researchers in terms of title, abstract, and full text. RESULTS:A total of 743 articles were identified from database searches. Eleven studies (565 participants/age range 20-66) of moderate-to-high quality, rated 5-9 according to the PEDro quality assessment, were included. In conservative rehabilitation of rotator cuff pathologies, scapular stabilization exercises showed a large effect size in reducing pain (Cohen's d = 2.07) and a large effect size in improving function (Cohen's d = 2.35). In postoperative rehabilitation of rotator cuff pathologies, scapular training exercises showed the greatest effect in improving function (Cohen's d = 1.58), while the combination of scapular training exercises and scapular manual interventions showed the greatest effect in reducing pain (Cohen's d = 1.18). Scapular stabilization exercises were also found to have a large effect size for shoulder abduction range of motion (Cohen's d = 2.07). CONCLUSIONS:It is concluded that additional scapular training exercises, and a combination of the scapular training exercises and scapular manual interventions create a significant difference in pain, function, and range of motion in individuals with postoperative rotator cuff injuries; whereas additional scapular stabilization exercises create a significant difference in pain and function in a conservatively treated rotator cuff patient.

Objective: This prospective study explored the connections between kinesiophobia traditionally defined as an irrational fear of movement due to expected pain or harm in chronic conditions, but in this study defined as the avoidance of movement due to fear of urinary incontinence, the severity of urinary incontinence (UI), the severity of urinary incontinence, and UI-related quality of life (QoL) among women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or mixed urinary incontinence (MUI), utilizing a newly developed UI-specific kinesiophobia scale. Methods: Between August and November 2024, 55 women aged 18-65 with SUI and MUI were recruited from a urology outpatient clinic. Participants completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL), and a novel three-item UI-specific kinesiophobia scale. Pearson correlation analysis assessed relationships between kinesiophobia, UI severity, and QoL. Results: Kinesiophobia showed a moderate positive correlation with UI severity (r = 0.548, p < 0.001) and a moderate negative correlation with QoL (r = -0.447, p = 0.001). Mean scores were 13.82 +/- 4.57 for ICIQ-SF, 59.55 +/- 20.60 for I-QOL, and 14.09 +/- 8.27 for kinesiophobia. Conclusion: UI severity significantly influences kinesiophobia, which in turn diminishes QoL in women with SUI and MUI. The UI-specific kinesiophobia scale offers a concise tool to measure movement-related fears, emphasizing the importance of holistic interventions, such as pelvic floor therapy and psychological support, to address both physical and emotional challenges in UI management.

BackgroundInherited bleeding disorders involve prolonged bleeding due to clotting protein deficiencies, with hemophilia A and B being the most common types. The severity of bleeding in people with hemophilia depends on the deficient factor level. Treatment includes coagulation factor concentrates, nonreplacement preparations, gene therapies, and physiotherapy, whereby bleeding is prevented, symptoms are reduced, and the quality of life is improved. Closed kinetic chain exercises improve joint stability and neuromuscular control by stabilizing the proximal base, making them favored in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Proprioceptive exercise training improves the sensorimotor system’s adaptability and injury prevention through tailored programs involving progressively complex movements and surfaces. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the effects of closed kinetic chain exercises and proprioceptive exercise training on improving balance and walking in people with hemophilia. MethodsThis study is a 3-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial with 63 people with hemophilia aged 13-25 years who meet the inclusion criteria. The primary outcome measures are medio-lateral swing, anterior-posterior swing, walking speed, and Hemophilia Joint Health Score. Secondary outcome measures are kinematic assessment of gait, one-leg stand test, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) test, proprioception assessment, and the Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia. Participants will be evaluated with the Biodex balance system for postural sway, 10-meters walking test for gait speed, Hemophilia Joint Health Score for joint health, Kinovea 2D motion analysis for kinematic evaluation of gait, one-leg stand test for balance measurement, 6MWD for functional capacity, digital goniometer for proprioception, and Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia for functional independence. Participants will be randomly assigned to a closed kinetic chain exercise group, a proprioceptive exercise group, or a control group. All participants in exercise training groups will receive a 30-minute education session on joint protection techniques and energy conservation prior to the first exercise session. Closed kinetic chain exercises will include progressive lower limb exercises of approximately 45 minutes each session. Proprioceptive exercise training will focus on vibration training; reposition exercises and proprioception exercises will be administered to increase proprioceptive input for the same duration as the other group. The control group will receive no intervention. All participants will undergo 24 exercise sessions (2 days a week for 12 weeks). After the treatment, the initial measurements will be repeated. ResultsThis study began in September 2023 and is scheduled to be completed in May 2025. A total of 34 participants have completed the study to date. ConclusionsThis study will investigate the effects of 2 different exercises on functional parameters in people with hemophilia. The effects of different exercise protocols on parameters such as postural sway, walking speed, and joint health will be evaluated. It is predicted that both exercise methods may have positive effects on balance and gait. Trial RegistrationClinical Trials.gov NCT05879549; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05879549 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/66770

This study aimed to compare the effects of manual lymphatic drainage and bandaging (MLDB) combined with calf muscle exercise training (CMT) and/or inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on edema, muscle strength, functional capacity, functionality, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with secondary lower limb lymphedema (LLL). A total of 76 patients (mean age: 47.06 ± 16.16 years; 84.2

PURPOSE:This study compared the effects of Neuro-Developmental Treatment-based trunk training, video game-based trunk training (VG-TT), and VG-TT with an orthotic garment in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. METHODS:Forty-two children with unilateral cerebral palsy received usual physiotherapy (2 d/wk) for 8 weeks (control period). They were then randomized to 8 weeks of Neuro-Developmental Treatment-based trunk training, VG-TT, or VG-TT with an orthotic garment (2 d/wk) alongside usual physiotherapy (intervention period). Primary outcomes were the Trunk Control Measurement Scale and Becure Balance Assessment System. Secondary outcomes included the Pediatric Berg Balance Scale and Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire. RESULTS:No significant improvements in trunk control were observed during the control period (P > .05), and all groups showed significant gains during the intervention period (P < .05). Functional and sitting balance improved in all groups throughout both periods (P < .05). However, no significant differences were found between intervention groups in trunk control, sitting balance, balance, or walking function (P > .05). DISCUSSION:Trunk-specific training enhances trunk control and functional balance in children with unilateral cerebral palsy. As no approach proved superior, interventions can be tailored based on individual needs and clinical context.

BACKGROUND:Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is a significant health issue for individuals in occupations requiring extensive use of electronic devices. Kinesiology taping (KT) and self-cervical sustained natural apohyseal glides (SNAGs) are potential techniques for managing NSNP. However, the existing literature lacks consensus on their effectiveness. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of KT and self-SNAGs applied to the cervical region of long-duration electronic device (LDED) users. METHODS:The study was a single-blinded, two-arm, and parallel randomized controlled trial approach. LDED users who had symptoms of pain in the cervical region were randomly allocated to either the KT (n = 15) or self-SNAGs (n = 15) group. Outcomes included upper trapezius (UT) muscle activity, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), joint position sense error (JPSE), and respiratory muscle strength. Participants were evaluated at baseline, 4 weeks post-intervention and at a 1-month follow-up. RESULTS:There was statistical significance in UT muscle activity, VAS, and JPSE after the 4 weeks period of treatment within the groups. There was statistical significance in respiratory muscle strength only in the group that received self-SNAGs (p = 0.032). There was no statistical difference between the two groups after treatment in all outcomes apart from JPSE during extension (p = 0.028). Group by time interactions showed no statistical significance across the three timelines between groups. DISCUSSION:KT and self-SNAGs have desirable effects on pain intensity, proprioceptive sense, and upper trapezius muscle activity among LDED users with symptoms of NSNP. However, self-SNAGs were more effective in improving respiratory muscle strength than KT.

BACKGROUND:Effective postoperative pain management following cervical spine surgery is essential for optimal recovery. This study was conducted to determine the short-term effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) on pain and functionality in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery. METHODS:Ninety patients diagnosed with cervical disc herniation, cervical stenosis or cervical spondylolisthesis who underwent posterior cervical spine surgery were randomly assigned to three groups: Group I (conventional rehabilitation [CR] + KT, n = 30), Group II (CR, n = 30) and Group III (KT, n = 30). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), range of motion (ROM), Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPAD), Upper Extremity Functional Index-15 (UEFI-15) and short form-36 (SF-36) were assessed at baseline, on the first and third days after intervention, and after the follow-up period. RESULTS:Statistically significant difference in mean changes across all scores was observed among the three groups, favouring the CR + KT group (p < 0.001). CR + KT intervention significantly improved VAS, PTT, NPAD and SF-36 emotional scores after treatment, with improvements maintained at 2-week follow-up (p < 0.001). In terms of treatment interaction, CR + KT intervention showed a significantly larger effect size on PPT and NPAD scores (p < 0.001). CR + KT and CR groups demonstrated similar improvements in functionality (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION:Integrating KT into a CR programme during the early postoperative phase of cervical spine surgery may improve clinical outcomes, specifically in pain intensity, PPT, disability levels and emotional components. However, the addition of KT to the CR programme does not appear to provide any meaningful benefits in terms of functionality compared to the CR programme alone. SIGNIFICANCE:This study reveals that integrating the KT method into the CR programme during the early postoperative period after cervical spine surgery can serve as a supportive and complementary intervention, particularly for painful conditions.

Aim/Objective: Obesity and inadequate physical activity are the leading global health problems. Overweight and obese individuals generally can not achieve the recommended physical activity level due to their low physical fitness level. The purpose of present review is to investigate and evaluate the effects of objectively measured physical activity in overweight and obese adults. Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline statement. PubMed and PEDro databases were searched. The randomized controlled trials published from January 2015 to November 2021 that investigating the relationship between obesity and objectively measured physical activity in adult individuals were browsed. A total of 298 articles were identified from the database searches. PEDro for methodological quality of studies and Cochrane Collaborations’ tool for risk of bias were used. Seven studies which were moderate-to-high levels of evidence were included. The protocol of this review is available from PROSPERO (CRD42022315492) Results: The results of the studies were investigated in three categories: advice-based, behavioral-based, and exercise-based. Three studies evaluating anthropometric measurements showed a significant difference in BMI and weight; two studies showed a significant difference in waist circumference in favor of the exercise group. Most of the studies showed improvement in physical activity level in favor of all intervention categories. Conclusion: Exercise-based interventions can be used for improving anthropometry and body composition; exercise-based and advice-based interventions can be used for the VO2peak value, and exercise-based, advice-based and behavior-based interventions can be used for the PAL.