Erdoğan Kavlak

Comparison of pain intensity, emotional status and disability level in patients with chronic neck and low back pain

OBJECTIVE This study was planned to compare of pain, emotional status and disability level in patients with chronic neck pain and low back pain. METHODS In this study, fifty patients with chronic low back pain (Group I) and fifty patients with chronic neck pain (Group II) at least 6 months were evaluated. A Visual Analog Scale was used to describe pain intensity. To determine emotional status of the subjects, the Beck Depression Scale was used The Oswestry Disability Index and the Neck Disability Index were used to evaluate disability level. RESULTS The mean age of the patients with low back pain and neck pain were 39.70 ± 9.71 years, 45.44 ± 10.39 years, respectively. It was not found a significant difference between in low back pain (Group I) and neck pain (Group II) in results of pain intensity (p= 0.286) and pain duration (p= 0.382). It was found a significant difference between group I and group II in results of emotional status (p= 0.000) and disability level (p= 0.000). The emotional status and disability level scores were found highest in patients with low back pain. CONCLUSION Chronic low back pain is affect in patients than chronic neck pain as a emotional status and disability level.

Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field and Swimming Exercise on Rats with Experimental Sciatic Nerve Injury

[Purpose] The current study aimed to reveal the therapeutic effects of a pulsed electromagnetic field and swimming exercises on rats with experimental sciatic nerve injury, which was induced with crush-type neuropathy model damage, using electrophysiological methods. [Subjects] In the current study, the sample consisted of 28 adult male Wistar albino rats. [Methods] The rats were randomized into four groups (n=7). Swimming exercise and PEMF (2 Hz and 0.3 MT) were applied one hour a day, five days a week, for four weeks. Electroneuromyographic (ENMG) measurements were taken on day 7. [Results] When the data were evaluated, it was found that the 4 weeks of PEMF and swimming exercises led to an increase in motor conduction rates and a decrease in latency values, but the changes were not significant in comparison with the control and injury groups. The compound muscle action potential (CMAP) values of the left leg were lower in weeks 2, 3, and 4 in the swimming exercise group in comparison with the control group, although for the PEMF group, the CMAP values of the left leg reached the level observed in the control group beginning in week 3. [Conclusion] PEMF and swimming exercise made positive contributions to nerve regeneration after week 1, and regeneration was enhanced.

Investigation of the relationship between kinesiophobia, physical activity level and quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain1

OBJECTIVE The aim of our study is to examine the relationship between kinesiophobia (fear of movement), physical activity level and quality of life. METHODS In this study, we assessed 112 patients consulting for low back pain (LBP) of ≥ 3 months duration. We used Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for physical activity level, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale for perception of kinesiophobia, Oswestry Disability Index for disability status of low back. RESULTS The results of this study, there was no statistically significant correlation between International Physical Activity Questionnaire, duration of pain, intensity of pain at rest and Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (p> 0.05). It was found a statistically significant correlation between pain intensity at activity (p= 0.009), disability level (p= 0.000) and Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale. Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale were highly negative correlated with sub-scale of SF-36 Quality of Life Index (general health, physical function, social status, bodily pain, role limitations due to physical health) (p= 0.000). CONCLUSION The kinesiophobia adversely affect the quality of life limiting the physical activity status of patients with chronic low back pain.

Expectations from Rehabilitation of Children with Cerebral Palsy: The Agreement between the Physiotherapists and Mothers

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the agreement between physiotherapists (PTs) and mothers (Ms) about the treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP) who received treatment in special education and rehabilitation centers. [Subjects] Ms of 130 children with CP (75 boys, 55 girls) and 130 PTs who applied rehabilitation programs were interviewed. [Methods] Clinical types and gross motor function levels of the children were recorded. A questionnaire consisting of 6 open-ended questions was used to describe the expectations and views of the PTs and Ms about the physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs for the children. [Results] The mean age of the children was 89.80±52.05 months. The mean treatment period for the children was 73.62±42.11 months. The mean age of the mothers was 35.47±5.79 years, and the mean age of the PTs was 28.07±7.28 years. We found a statistically moderate level of agreement between the PTs and Ms regarding the appropriateness of the treatment provided to the children. There was statistically insignificant agreement regarding the applied treatment methods and the appropriateness of the applied rehabilitation programs. [Conclusion] We believe that the views and expectations of the Ms should be taken into account by the PTs when preparing a treatment program for children with CP.

Stress and depression levels of mothers who give care to children with Cerebral Palsy and Mental Retardation: A comparison study

Erdoğan Kavlak Yazışma Adresi: Pamukkale University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Denizli. e-mail: kavlake@hotmail.com Abstract Purpose:Assessment of mothers who give care to children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and mentally retarded children (MR) by Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale and Caregiver Strain Index. Materials and methods: Fifty-six mothers living in Denizli (children with CP n=33, children with MR n=23) were included the study. Stress of mothers of CP and MR children at the process of giving care, were assessed with Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale and Caregiver Strain Index and conditions of depression were assessed with Beck Depression Inventory. Motor development levels of children with CP and MR were determined with Classic Motor Development Level. Results: When Classic Motor Development Level of children with CP were compared with Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale of mothers, a statistically significant and negative correlation was found (p=0.01). In comparison of Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale of mothers having children with CP and MR, there was a statistically significant difference towards stress burden of mothers with cerebral palsy children was higher (p=0.03). Conclusion: We found that caregiving stress of mothers of children with CP was higher. Better motor development level provides less burden of caregiving and depressive symptoms of mothers in disabled children.

Effectiveness of Neuro-Developmental Treatment (Bobath Concept) on postural control and balance in Cerebral Palsied children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to show the effects of an 8-week Neurodevelopmental Treatment based posture and balance training on postural control and balance in diparetic and hemiparetic Cerebral Palsied children (CPC). METHODS Fifteen CPC (aged 5-15 yrs) were recruited from Denizli Yağmur Çocukları Rehabilitation Centre. Gross Motor Function Classification System, Gross Motor Function Measure, 1-Min Walking Test, Modified Timed Up and Go Test, Paediatric Balance Scale, Functional Independence Measure for Children and Seated Postural Control Measure were used for assessment before and after treatment. An 8-week NDT based posture and balance training was applied to the CPC in one session (60-min) 2 days in a week. RESULTS After the treatment program, all participants showed statistically significant improvements in terms of gross motor function (p< 0.05). They also showed statistically significant improvements about balance abilities and independence in terms of daily living activities (p< 0.05). Seated Postural Control Measure scores increased after the treatment program (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that an 8-week Neurodevelopmental Treatment based posture and balance training is an effective approach in order to improve functional motor level and functional independency by improving postural control and balance in diparetic and hemiparetic CPC.