PREVALENCE AND RELATED FACTORS OF LIMITED HEALTH LITERACY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES

Purpose: Not knowing the dimensions of inadequate health literacy is an important public health issue not just for healthcare professionals but all population. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure that politicians see this as an investment and to encourage service to productive resources. It is important to be aware of limited health literacy to develop new and different strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of limited health literacy and to examine the relationship between health readiness and socio-demographic characteristics in patients with chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: A total of 423 patients who have different chronic musculoskeletal disorders were recruited into the study. The level of health literacy was measured using Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine and Newest Vital Sign instruments. The cognitive level of participants was estimated using Mini-Mental Status Examination Test. Results: Approximately 17.3 percent of participants assessed using Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine had limited health literacy. More than 27.2 percent of participants evaluated using the Newest Vital Sign had limited literacy and lower numeracy skills. Conclusion: Limited health literacy and numeracy skills are common in patients who have different chronic musculoskeletal disorders. It is associated with older age, lower level of education, and lower cognitive level. Healthcare literacy can be improved with various strategies in health services, and more successful outcomes can be obtained in treatment

Is balance exercise training as effective as aerobic exercise training in fibromyalgia syndrome?

WOS: 000353354800008PubMed: 25903448The aim was to compare the effect of aerobic and balance exercises on pain severity, myalgic score, quality of life, exercise capacity and balance in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). A total of 33 females diagnosed with FMS by the American College of Rheumatology criteria were recruited in this randomised controlled study and allocated to aerobic exercise (AE) or balance exercise (BE) groups. Exercises were performed three times a week, for 6 weeks on a treadmill or with a Tetrax interactive balance system (TIBS). Outcome measures were characterised by myalgic score, visual analogue scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), exercise testing, Timed Up-Go (TUG) and TIBS measurements. Comparisons from baseline to 6 weeks were evaluated using Wilcoxon test. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare differences between groups. Effect sizes were also calculated. Improvements in pain, myalgic score and FIQ were found in both groups (p < 0.05). While comparing groups, myalgic score was significant (p = 0.02, d = -1.77), the value was higher in AE. Exercise duration, Borg scale, resting blood pressures (RBP) and maximal heart rate were significant in AE. In BE, Borg scale, exercise duration was significant (p < 0.05). While comparing groups, diastolic RBP (p = 0.04, d = -0.92), exercise duration (p = 0.00, d = -1.64) were significant, with higher values in AE. TUG significantly changed in groups (p < 0.05, d a parts per thousand yen -1.22). Stability scores, eyes open while standing on elastic pads (p = 0.00, d = -0.98) and head back (p = 0.03, d = -0.74), were significant, with higher values in BE. This study showed that BE provided some improvements in FMS, but AE training led to greater gains. BE training should be included in comprehensive programs.Baskent UniversityBaskent UniversityThis study was supported by Baskent University Research Fund

PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Many studies which were published in other countries identified certain benefits and barriers to physical activity among young people. But there is no data about the subject pertaining to Turkish adolescents. This study tries to rectify this with a study of Turkish university students. Undergraduate university students (n = 303) were recruited to the study. Current exercise habits and perceived barriers to physical activity were assessed in the sample. Using a Likert Type scale, participants responded an instrument with 12 items representing barriers to physical activity. Mean scores were computed. External barriers were more important than internal barriers. "Lack of time due to busy lesson schedule", "My parents give academic success priority over exercise." and "lack of time due to responsibilities related to the family and social environment" were most cited items for physical activity barriers. There is a need for future research, which will be carried out with larger sample groups to develop national standardized instrument. It will be helpful for accurately identify perceived barriers and then recommend changes to enhance physical activity among young people

Effects of two different quadriceps strengthening exercise approaches on cardiovascular fitness in healthy female subjects: A single blind randomized study

WOS: 000304912300002PubMed: 22684198Objective: There are limited number of documents showing the relations between cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength. This study aimed to determine the effects of two different quadriceps strengthening exercise approaches on cardiovascular fitness in healthy female subjects. Methods: Forty female university students participated in this study on a voluntary basis. The participants were randomly assigned to do either isokinetic exercise (IE) or progressive resistive exercise (PRE) in two different groups. Both training schemes were performed three times a week for a period of two weeks. The subjects were given a maximum symptom limited exercise test on a treadmill before and after (each) training period. Results: Total exercise duration increased and Borg scale level decreased significantly after training in the two groups (p < 0.05). Maximal systolic blood pressure, recovery heart rate, and recovery diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the IE Group (p < 0.05). Resting and recovery systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the PRE Group (p < 0.05). Compared to PRE group, improvement for Borg Scale level, recovery heart rate and recovery diastolic blood pressure were more obvious in IE Group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that both quadriceps strengthening methods have displayed improvements in cardiovascular fitness. Further research with larger sample groups may need to be carried out

Investigation of Validity, Reliability and Acceptability of the Turkish Version of the 15D Questionnaire Health-Related Quality of Life on the People with Visual Impairment

Objective: This study aims to establish the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the 15D questionnaire in a population of visually-impaired subjects. Material and Methods: Fifty-seven people (mean age: 36.6 +/- 12.3 years) who have a visual impairment and 63 sighted people (mean age: 54.4 +/- 11.6 years) participated in this study. A background questionnaire, 15D questionnaire, the Family Affluence Scale (FAS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used. Results: Among socio-demographic variables studied, the age (r=-0.41; 95% CI:-0.61 to-0.17; p<0.05), having an additional chronic health problem (r=-0.46; 95% CI:-0.64 to -0.23) and BDI score (r=-0.63; 95% CI: -0.61 to- 0.17; p<0.05) were significantly correlated with 15 D index score. Reliability was assessed for subjects who participated both in the first and second interviews (N=52). Cronbach's alpha for the 15D questionnaire was 0.75 at Time 1 and 0.78 at Time 2, which was obtained after removal of two dimensions (dimensions # 6 and 7) from the index because of zero variance. ICC for the 15D index was 0.95. Conclusion: It was concluded that the Turkish version of the generic 15D questionnaire was an acceptable, valid and reliable measure of health related quality of life for people with visually-impairment.WoSScopu

Nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy in Turkey

EKER, LEVENT/0000-0001-7301-4073; Elbasan, Bulent/0000-0001-8714-0214WOS: 000314148700009PubMed: 22725837Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status, and provide information regarding anthropometric measurements of cerebral-palsied children living in the city of Ankara, Turkey. Method: A total of 447 children with cerebral palsy (CP) were participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were assessed for functional motor impairment by the gross motor function classification system (GMFCS). Assesment of nutritional status was based on the triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), arm fat area (AFA) estimates derived from TSF and mid-upper arm circumference measurements. TSF and AFA Z-scores were computed using reference data. Results: Cerebral-palsied children had lower TSF and AFA Z-scores compared to reference data from healthy children. The prevalence of underweight and overweight among boys was 8.3 and 9.5%, respectively, whereas it was 19.0 and 0.5% for girls. Underweight was more prevalent in the low functioning children than in moderate functioning children. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that cerebral-palsied children face nutritional challenges. Underweight is more prevalent than overweight among cerebral-palsied children. To optimize the outcomes of rehabilitation and prevention efforts, an understanding of the heterogeneity of nutritional status among children with CP is required

The Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI): Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Turkish version

Baltaci, Gul/0000-0002-6513-2499; EKER, LEVENT/0000-0001-7301-4073; Yuruk, Zeliha Ozlem/0000-0002-4408-6489WOS: 000356810600009PubMed: 25322741BACKGROUND: Turkish version of the Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) may help to assess shoulder function in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome (SAIS). OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapted UEFI into Turkish and to assess its acceptability, reliability, validity in patients with SAIS. METHODS: This study conducted with 93 SAIS participants. UEFI, the short version of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scale (Quick DASH), the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) were administered. Acceptability was assessed in terms of refusal rate, rates of missing responses, and administration time. Test-retest reliability was assessed with intra class correlation coefficient (ICC), internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Validity was assessed by floor and ceiling effects, skew of distributions and Pearson's correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the UEFI at Time 1 and Time 2 were as follows: alpha = 0.89 and alpha = 0.89. Average measure ICC was 0.80. The UEFI score demonstrated strong negative correlations with SPADI total score and Quick DASH score. There was not a significant correlation between the UEFI and mental health subscale score derived from SF-36. CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of UEFI is acceptable, valid, and reliable

The Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI): Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Turkish version

Baltaci, Gul/0000-0002-6513-2499; EKER, LEVENT/0000-0001-7301-4073; Yuruk, Zeliha Ozlem/0000-0002-4408-6489WOS: 000356810600009PubMed: 25322741BACKGROUND: Turkish version of the Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) may help to assess shoulder function in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome (SAIS). OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapted UEFI into Turkish and to assess its acceptability, reliability, validity in patients with SAIS. METHODS: This study conducted with 93 SAIS participants. UEFI, the short version of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scale (Quick DASH), the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) were administered. Acceptability was assessed in terms of refusal rate, rates of missing responses, and administration time. Test-retest reliability was assessed with intra class correlation coefficient (ICC), internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Validity was assessed by floor and ceiling effects, skew of distributions and Pearson's correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the UEFI at Time 1 and Time 2 were as follows: alpha = 0.89 and alpha = 0.89. Average measure ICC was 0.80. The UEFI score demonstrated strong negative correlations with SPADI total score and Quick DASH score. There was not a significant correlation between the UEFI and mental health subscale score derived from SF-36. CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of UEFI is acceptable, valid, and reliable

Comparison of Mini-squats and Straight Leg Raises in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

WOS: 000317807500004Objectives: In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of the straight leg raise exercise (SLRE) and mini squat exercise (MSE) on pain intensity, performance, muscle strength, physical function and balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients and methods: Forty female patients (mean age 59.93 +/- 10.61 years; range 30-65 years) who were admitted to Baskent University Hospital between February 2009 and February 2010 with bilateral knee OA were included in this randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial. The patients were assigned into two groups, including SLRE and MSE. Both exercise groups were scheduled for a three-week program of five sessions per week. Both groups also received an electrotherapy program in each session. Knee pain using the visual analog scale (VAS), physical performance using Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths using Cybex II, static balance using SportKAT 3000, physical function using Knee Injury and Osteoarhtritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Short Form (KOOS-PS) were assessed at baseline, at treatment end, and one month after treatment end. Results: No significant difference was found in static balance testing parameters after exercise program (EP) (p=0.659) and during follow-up period (p=0.327) between the groups. There was no significant difference in KOOS-PS scores after EP (p=0.398) and during follow-up (p=0.201) between SLRE and MSE groups. There was no significant difference in VAS scores after EP (p=0.149), however significant difference was found during follow-up (p=0.030) between SLRE and MSE groups. Mini squat exercise group had significantly higher TUG scores and higher right knee extensor torque at 60 degrees/sec (p=0.024), 90 degrees/sec (p=0.003), 120 degrees/sec (p=0.005) and 180 degrees/sec (p=0.017) compared to the SLRE group at the end of EP. Conclusion: Further studies are required including long-term follow-up and the evaluation criteria of the effectiveness of SLRE and MSE after this period