The impact of unsupervised regular walking on health: a sample of Turkish middle-aged and older adults

Regular walking is one of the most recommended and popular physical activity worldwide. This study (1) detected the effects of unsupervised regular walking on physical and cognitive functioning, emotional status, and quality of life in middle-aged and older adults and (2) compared the results with inactive controls. Forty middle-aged and older adults with a mean age of 56.30 ± 4.85 years (range 40-70) walking for at least 1 year, at least three times a week, and at least 45 min a day and 40 inactive participants with a mean age of 55.15 ± 5.64 years (range 40-70) participated. Before testing, sociodemographics of the participants were recorded. Body mass index and waist-hip ratio were calculated. The two groups were evaluated and compared in terms of physical functioning (handgrip strength, balance performance, cardio-vascular endurance, flexibility, muscular endurance and coordination), cognitive functioning (Mini Mental Test), emotional status (Beck Depression Inventory), and health related quality of life (CDC HRQOL- 4). The results obtained from this study showed that there were significant differences in terms of all outcome measurements between the groups (p < 0.05). The regular walking group had better scores in most parameters than the inactive controls. The results indicate that unsupervised regular walking improves health and is also a safe, cheap, and can easily be adapted into daily life. Therefore, it can be recommended to improve physical and cognitive functioning, emotional status, and quality of life of middle-aged and older adults. © 2011 European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity (EGREPA)

Applying the international classification of functioning, disability, and health in children with low vision: Differences between raters

Background/aim: This study was conducted to analyze the agreement between International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) raters and to show its applicability in children with low vision. Materials and methods: Twenty children (mean age: 11.70 ± 1.92 years) were included. To evaluate the independency of the sample, the Northwick Park Activities Daily Living questionnaire was used. The Low Vision Quality of Life Scale was used to evaluate quality of life. An ICF core set was developed to be used in this study. The core set consisted of 13 items for body functions, 3 items for body structures, 36 items for activity and participation, and 12 items for environmental factors. Results: High agreement was found between two raters in terms of subparameters of the ICF core set for activity and participation (r = 0.880, P = 0.000). Conclusion: The findings indicate that the raters showed strong agreement in terms of the ICF core set used in this study. This shows that the core set can be used to evaluate activity and participation of children with low vision. © TÜBİTAK

Şehirde ve kırsal kesimdeki yaşlıların ev güvenliğinin i̇ncelenmesi

AMAÇ: Yaşlanma sürecinde oluşan fizyolojik değişiklikler ve kronik hastalıklar yaşlıların, özelikle evlerinde yalnız yaşayanların kaza riskini artırmaktadır. Ev kazaları yaşlılar arasında en sık karşılaşılan sağlık problemidir. Bu çalışma bir ev güvenlik ve kontrol listesi kullanarak, şehirde ve kırsal kesimde yaşayan yaşlıların ev güvenlik durumunu belirlemek amacıyla tanımlayıcı olarak yapılmıştır. YÖNTEM: Aralık–Mart 2007 tarihleri arasında Türkiye’de şehirde yaşayan 330 ve kırsal kesimde yaşayan 182 olmak üzere toplam 512 yaşlı birey yüz yüze gözlem altında değerlendirilmiştir. Sosyodemografik bilgilere ilave olarak, katılımcıların ev durumları ve yaşam şekillerini belirten soruların yer aldığı bir anket uygulanmıştır. Ev güvenlik düzeyini belirlemek için bir Ev Güvenlik Kontrol Listesi kullanılmıştır. BULGULAR: Şehirdeki yaşlıların %51,8’i ve kırsal kesimdeki yaşlıların %42,8’i 65–69 yaşları arasında olup; şehirdeki yaşlıların %59,4’ü, kırsal kesimde yaşayan yaşlıların ise %61,5 eşi ile birlikte yaşadıkları saptanmıştır. Şehirde yaşayan yaşlıların %63,9’unun evinde kendine ait özel bir odası varken, kırsal kesimde yaşayan yaşlıların ise %53,8’inin kendine ait özel odası olduğu belirlenmiştir. Şehirde yaşayan yaşlıların sadece %2,1, kırsal kesimde yaşayan yaşlıların ise %0,5 ev güvenlik skoru mükemmel bulunmuştur. SONUÇ: Çalışmamızdan elde edilen sonuçlar Türkiye’de yaşayan yaşlıların birçoğunun evlerinin güvenlik açısından tehlikeli ve riskli olduğunu göstermiştir. Bu nedenle sağlık elemanları ve mimarların ev kazalarını önlemek için birlikte çalışmaları gerekmektedir

An analysis study describing physical fitness level of overweight subjects

Aim: This study was planned to compare the physical fitness level of overweight and normal subjects. Methods: 50 subjects were divided into two groups: Group I (25 controls; mean age: 29.52 +/- 7.94years) and Group II (25 overweight subjects; mean age: 35.21 +/- 8.31 years). Average of the Body Mass Index (BMI) scores of Group I and II were 21.68 +/- 1.90 kg/m², 28.35 +/- 3.24 kg/m², respectively. The subjects had no any health problems, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart diseases, neurological or musculoskeletal dysfunctions. All subjects were evaluated using the following physical fitness tests; Harward-Step, Push-ups, Sit-ups, Trunk Bending Forward & Backward, and Flamingo Balance. The results obtained from this study were analyzed using SPSS for windows statistical program (version 10.0). Results: The results showed that scores of Group II were significantly less than scores of Group I in terms of cardio-vascular endurance and a parameter of flexibility (trunk extension) (p<0.05). Conclusion: To gain weight is an important risk factor regarding healthy life, especially physical fitness level. These results show that the overweight subjects are at risk concerning cardiovascular diseases due to decreased cardiovascular endurance. Therefore, both overweight subjects and obese subjects should be evaluated using physical fitness tests in order to describe their physical health profile and to able to organize the most suitable preventive medical program to improve quality of life

Implementation of matrix rhythm therapy and conventional massage in young females and comparison of their acute effects on circulation

Objectives: To examine and compare the effects of massage and matrix rhythm therapy in young women on the peripheral blood circulation. Design: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Setting: Pamukkale University in Denizli, Turkey. Patients: Fifteen healthy women age 19-23 years. Intervention: Matrix rhythm therapy was applied to the left lower extremity for a single 30-minute session. At least 1 week later, massage was applied to the left lower extremity for 30 minutes in a single session. The same physiotherapist applied both sessions. Outcome measures: The blood velocity (cm/s), artery diameter (mm), and blood flow (ml/min) of the popliteal and the posterior tibial arteries were measured with color Doppler ultrasonography. All images were evaluated by the same radiologist. Results: After matrix rhythm therapy and massage application, blood velocity, artery diameter, and blood flow in arteries increased. However, matrix rhythm therapy caused a more prominent increase in the amount of blood flow in the popliteal and in the posterior tibial artery than did massage. After matrix rhythm therapy application, the average increases in the blood flow rates in the popliteal and the posterior tibial arteries were 25.29%±16.55% and 34.33%±15.66%, respectively; after the massage, the increases were 17.84%±17.23% and 16.07%±10.28%, respectively. Conclusion: Matrix rhythm therapy and massage increased peripheral blood flow in young women. Matrix rhythm therapy method resulted in more prominent increases. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc

Expectations of patients with hemiparesis from physiotherapy programme: concordance among patients, patients’ caregiver and physiotherapists

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the agreement between physiotherapists (PTS), patients and caregivers about the physiotherapy of patients with hemiparesis. Materials and methods: Fifty-two patients with hemiparesis (M¼24, F¼28), caregivers (N¼52) and PTs (N¼52) who applied for the physiotherapy programme were interviewed. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. A questionnaire composed of six questions was used to describe the expectations of the PTs, caregivers and patients about the physiotherapy programme. Results: The Kappa calculator revealed a statistically moderate level of agreement between PTs and caregivers (K¼0.532, p¼.0001), patients and caregivers (K¼0.496, p¼.0001) and PTs and patients (K¼0.401, p¼.0001) regarding the expectations of physiotherapy programme. Conclusion: Expectations of the patients and caregivers must be considered for rehabilitation; hence, participation in the therapy and efficacy of the physiotherapy programme will increase. Consequently, we believe that the expectations of the patients and caregivers should be considered by the PTs when preparing a treatment programme for patients with hemiparesis

Sağlıklı quadriseps femoris kasında handheld dinamometrenin intrarater ve interrater güvenirliği: Kas kuvvetinin etkisi

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın birinci amacı Quadriseps Femoris (QF) kas kuvveti değerlendirmesinde hand- held dinamometrenin (HHD) intrarater ve interrater güvenirliğini incelemekti. Çalışmanın ikinci amacı kas kuvvetinin güvenirliğe etkisini belirlemekti. Yöntem: Çalışmaya gönüllü 40 beden eğitimi programı lisans öğrencisi (BEÖ) (20 kadın, 20 erkek; ortalama yaş: 21,8±1,84 yıl) ve 50 fizyoterapi programı lisans öğrencisi (FÖ) (25 kadın, 25 erkek; ortalama yaş: 20,9±1,38 yıl) katıldı. Dominant taraf QF kas kuvveti HHD kullanılarak ölçüldü. Ölçümler iki son sınıf fizyoterapi öğrencisi tarafından bir hafta ara ile alındı. Güvenirlik için Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) hesaplandı. Bulgular: Intrarater güvenirlik için ICC beden eğitimi öğrencilerinde 0.82 ve fizyoterapi öğrencilerinde 0.83 bulundu. Benzer sonuçlar interrater güvenirlik katsayısında da bulundu. (BEÖ öğrenciler için ICC=0.84; FÖ öğrenciler için ICC=0.83). Diğer taraftan, BEÖ öğrencilerinin QF kas kuvvetinin FÖ’ne göre daha yüksek olduğu görüldü (p<0.05). Sonuç: Çalışmamız genç sağlıklı yetişkinlerde QF kas kuvveti değerlendirmesinde HHD’nin interrater ve intrarater ölçümcü güvenirliğinin mükemmel olduğunu ve güvenirliğin kas kuvvetinden etkilenmediğini gösterdi

Parkinson hastalarında subtalamik çekirdek derin beyin stimülasyonunun fiziksel, emosyonel, kognitif fonksiyon ve günlük yaşam aktiviteleri üzerine etkisi

Aim: To describe effectiveness of deep brain stimulation of subthalamic nucleus (DBS STN) on physical, emotional, cognitive functions and daily activities in Parkinson's patients. Material and Methods: Ten patients (51.20 ±10.20 yr.) were assessed three times. The Time Up and Go Test, 12 m Walking Test and Chair Stand Test were used to assess mobility and balance. Purdeu Pegboard and hand writing tests were used to evaluate hand function. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) was used to detect depressive symptoms and anxiety score. The Unified Parkinson\'s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Hoehn &Yahr Scale were also used. The Schwab and England Test was used to evaluate the daily activities (ADL). Results: The results showed that all the patients' mobility and balance ability improved after surgery (p<0.05). Depressive symptoms/anxiety scores were found to be lower than before surgery (p<0.05). There were differences in terms of ADL and UPDRS scores after surgery (p<0.05). At six month after surgery; depressive symptoms decreased by 78%. ADL and UPDRS motor and total scores improved by 190%, 72%, and 78% respectively. Conclusion: STN DBS is an effective treatment to improve physical functioning, emotional status and daily activities in Parkinson's patients. However, it did not show any positive effect on cognitive function

Kronik yaygın ağrılı kadınlarda ağrı ve yorgunluğu etkileyen faktörler

Amaç: Bu çalışma Kronik Yaygın Ağrı’lı (KYA) kadınlarda ağrı şiddeti ve genel yorgunlukla ilişkili faktörleri incelemek amacıyla yapıldı. Gereç ve yöntem: KYA’lı 104 hasta dahil edildi. Yaş ortalaması 40.28±10.82 yıldı. Hem ağrı şiddeti hem de genel yorgunluk görsel analog skalası kullanılarak değerlendirildi. Hastane Anksiyete ve Depresyon Ölçeği anksiyete ve depresyon bulgularını tanımlamak için kullanıldı. Üç farklı anket (boş zaman aktivitesi, iş ve evde fiziksel aktivite) fiziksel aktivite düzeylerini tanımlamak için kullanıldı. Sonuçlar: Anksiyete skoru ağrı eşiğini etkileyen en yaygın faktördü (p=0.003). Diğer taraftan, orta düzeydeki evdeki fiziksel aktivite (p=0.027), işteki fiziksel aktivite (p=0.008) ve anksiyete skoru (p=0.027) genel yorgunluğu etkileyen anlamlı faktörlerdi. Tartışma: Sonuçlarımız anksiyetenin KYA’lı kadınlarda ağrı ve genel yorgunluğu etkileyen en önemli faktör olduğunu göstermiştir. Bu sonuçlar ağrı, yorgunluk ve anksiyete özelliklerinin ayrıca değerlendirilmesinin gerekli olduğu düşüncesini desteklemektedir.Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate factors related to pain intensity and global fatigue in females with Chronic Widespread Pain (CWP). Material and methods: One hundred four patients with CWP were included. The mean age was 40.28±10.82 years. Both Pain intensity and global fatigue were assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to describe anxiety and depression symptoms. Three different questionnaires (leisure time activity, and physical activity at home, at work) were used to determine physical activity levels. Dorsal regression was used to analyze the data. Results: The anxiety score was the most common factor affecting pain intensity (p=0.003). On the other hand, a moderate level of physical activity at home (p=0.027), physical activity level at work (p=0.008), and the anxiety score (p=0.027) were significant factors affecting global fatigue. Conclusion: Our results show that anxiety is the most important factor affecting both pain and global fatigue in women with CWP. These results also support the idea that the characteristics of pain, fatigue and anxiety should be evaluated separately

The impact of chronic low back pain on physical performance, fear avoidance beliefs, and depressive symptoms: A comparative study on Turkish elderly population

Objectives: The purposes of this study were: (1) to show the impact of chronic low back pain (CLBP) on physical performance, fear avoidance behavior and depressive symptoms in older adults; (2) to describe the relationships between outcome measurements obtained in this study. Methodology: Ninety-one participants with or without chronic low back pain were included in this study. Only four tests in the Back Performance Scale were used to assess the physical performance of the participants. A Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire related to physical activity and the Geriatric Depression Scale were also used to examine each subject. Results: The level of performance shown by elderly adults with low back pain was worse than elders without low back pain in the sock test and the pick-up test (p < 0.05). Little correlation between the finger-to-floor test and fear avoidance behaviour related to physical activity was found (p < 0.05). There was little/poor correlation between all performance tests and depressive symptoms (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings indicate that CLBP decreases physical performance, but increases fear avoidance behavior and depressive symptoms in elderly adults. At the same time, it was determined that performance level of elderly adults with back pain was related especially with depressive symptoms