Evaluation of the effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback training in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback to an exercise pro- gram on pain, function, and electrical activity in the isometric contraction of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Methods: The study included 30 patients with PFPS. The biofeedback group received physiotherapy and an EMG biofeedback- guided exercise program, and the control group received only physiotherapy with a home exercise program. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and PFPS Severity Scale (PSS) were used to evaluate pain severity. The Kujala Patellofemoral Scale (KPS) and the Func- tional Index Questionnaire (FIQ) were used to evaluate the effect of knee pain on daily living activities and lower extremity function. Results: Compared to baseline, the VAS-current and severe pain, PSS, KPS, and FIQ scores and the mean and maximum iso- metric contraction values of the VMO and VL muscles were significantly improved in both groups. However, the maximum VMO and VL isometric contraction differential values were significantly increased only in the biofeedback group. Discussion and Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the EMG biofeedback adjunct to a physiotherapy program for PFPS produces additional benefits for pain relief, improvement of daily life activities, and increasing muscle strength

Plantar fasiiti olan hastalarda kinesiotaping uygulamasının ağrı, denge ve düşme riski üzerine etkisi

INTRODUCTION: Investigation of the effect of kinesiotaping on pain, balance, risk of falls and functional status in patients with plantar fasciitis syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thrity patients with plantar fasciitis were divided into two groups randomly. Exercise and ice application were suggested to both groups. Kinesiotaping was applied to intervention group and placebo taping was applied to the other group. Patients were evaluated before intervention and one week after the intervention. We used visual analog scale (VAS) for pain evaluation. Foot Function Index (FFI), Nottingham Health Profile were filled and measurements were taken with the Biodex Balance system to assess balance-and-falls risk. RESULTS: There was a decrease in VAS values in both groups but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. A statistically significant difference was found in treatment group in FFI-Disability score in functional comparison. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It was found that kinesiotaping for plantar fasciitis syndrome had a significant effect on pain, but this effect did not make a statistical difference compared to placebo.GİRİŞ ve AMAÇ: Plantar fasiit sendromu olan hastalarda kinesiotaping uygulamasının ağrı, denge, düşme riski ve fonksiyonel duruma olan etkisinin araştırılması YÖNTEM ve GEREÇLER: Çalışmaya dahil edilen 30 hasta randomize olarak eşit iki gruba ayrıldı. Her iki gruba egzersiz ve soğuk uygulama yapması önerildi. Tedavi grubuna ayaktopuk bölgesine kinesiotaping bantlama, kontrol grubuna ise aynı bölgeye yalancı bantlama yapıldı. Hastalar müdahale öncesi ve 1 hafta sonrasında değerlendirildi. Çalışmamızda hastaların ağrıları vizüel analog skala (VAS) ile değerlendirildi. Ayak Fonksiyon İndeksi (AFİ), Nottingham Sağlık Profili dolduruldu ve denge-düşme riski değerlendirmesi için Biodex Balance sistemi ile ölçümleri yapıldı. BULGULAR: Her iki grupta da VAS değerlerinde azalma oldu ancak gruplar arası istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark bulunmadı. Fonksiyonel karşılaştırmada AFİ-Yetersizlik skorunda gerçek bantlama lehine istatiksel olarak anlamlı fark saptandı. TARTIŞMA ve SONUÇ: Plantar fasiit sendromu için uygulanan kinesiotaping uygulamasının ağrı üzerine anlamlı etkisinin olduğu, ancak bu etkinin plaseboya göre istatistiksel bir fark oluşturmadığı görülmüştür

Epidemiologic data of trauma-related lower limb amputees: A single center 10-year experience

WOS: 000396914100021PubMed ID: 28038786Objective: The aim of this study is three fold: 1) to introduce epidemiologic data of patients with traumarelated amputations as a 10-year experience of a rehabitation center; 2) to determine comorbidities and secondary conditions of lower limb loss; 3) to determine the rehospitalization reasons for lower limb amputee patients. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary rehabilitation center in Turkey. Clinical and demographic data of amputees including sex, age, employment status, time since amputation, time after amputation to first hospitalization, length of hospitalization, how many times the patient was hospitalized, reason for hospitalization, stump complications, comorbid conditions, amputation level and K classifacation were documented. Results: Three hundred ninetynine patients with a mean age of 23,48 + 6,04 (4-74) years were included in this study. Mean duration after amputation was 119,71 +/- 68,86 months. Patients were 3,43 +/- 2,53 times hospitalized. Landmine explosion was the most common etiology of amputation with 370 patients (92.7%). Below knee amputation was the most common amputation level with 230 (50,77%) amputations. 399 patients were hospitalized 1369 times and the most common hospitalization reason were stump complications (356 times, 26,00%). Spur formation (202 times) was the most common stump complications. Pyscologic disorders were the most common comorbidity with 68 patient (37,56%). Conclusion: Patients with traumatic limb amputations are likely to experience several complications and comorbidities. Prevention of secondary conditions affecting those living with the loss of a limb is an important part of amputee rehabilitation and may prevent rehospitalization

Effects of two different degrees of lateral-wedge insoles on unilateral lower extremity load-bearing line in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of 5 and 10° lateral-wedge insoles on unilateral lower extremity load carrying line in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis using the L.A.S.A.R. posture alignment system. Patients and methods: Twenty subjects (10 females and 10 males, mean age 67.7 ± 5.4 years (range: 58–78) with bilateral medial knee osteoarthritis were included in the study. The laser line projected on the person by the L.A.S.A.R. posture alignment system showed joint load carrying line. The location of the joint load carrying line in static standing with one foot on the force plate was assessed with barefoot, and 5° and 10° lateral-wedge insoles. Displacement of the load carrying line was measured using a ruler placed tangentially to the patella at the level of joint line. Results: The load carrying lines measured with 5° and 10° lateral-wedge insoles were significantly laterally located compared to that without wearing insole (p < 0.001). 10° lateral-wedge insole caused a significant more lateral shifting of the load carrying line than 5° lateral-wedge insole (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both wedge insoles was effective in moving of the unilateral lower extremity load carrying line to the lateral. Lateral wedged insoles are biomechanically effective and reduce loading of the medial compartment in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis. Keywords: Lateral-wedge insoles, Osteoarthritis, Knee biomechanics, L.A.S.A.R. postur