Nevin Ergun

Effects of mechanical massage, manual lymphatic drainage and connective tissue manipulation techniques on fat mass in women with cellulite

Objective  To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of three different noninvasive treatment techniques onfat mass and regional fat thickness of the patients with cellulites.

A comparison of different treatment approaches to patellofemoral pain syndrome

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to compare different treatment procedures and evaluate their efficiency in patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Eighty patients with PFPS were included in this study. They were divided into 4 groups according to the different treatment programmes: group 1 (n = 20): ice, electrical nerve stimulation, medial patellar glide and exercise; group 2 (n = 20): ice, electrical nerve stimulation, patellar taping and exercise; group 3 (n = 20): ice, patellar taping and home exercises; group 4 (n = 20): ice and home exercises. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations included pain, congruence angle, sulcus angle and patellar tilt angle obtained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Q angle, Cincinnati Knee Activity Rating Scale, hamstring and iliotibial band (ITB) flexibility, thigh circumference measurement and leg-length discrepancy. Statistically significant differences were found in all groups between pre- and post-treatment results in all tests, except sulcus angle. Results in g...

The effect of physical fitness training on reaction time in youth with intellectual disabilities.

The purpose of this study was to assess whether reaction time in persons with intellectual disabilities can be improved with an exercise program. 50 children and adolescents (M age = 14.7 yr., SD = 1.4, range = 11–18) with mild intellectual disability without Downs syndrome were randomly divided into control (20 boys, 5 girls) and experimental (19 boys, 6 girls) groups. The experimental group participated in a structured physical fitness program for 12 weeks. Reaction time was assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Significant improvements in reaction time were observed in the exercise group but not for the control group. Results indicated that reaction time can be improved with an exercise program in youth with intellectual disability.

The Relationship Between Body Composition, Anaerobic Performance and Sprint Ability of Amputee Soccer Players

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between body composition, anaerobic performance and sprint performance of amputee soccer players. Fifteen amputee soccer players participated in this study voluntarily. Subjects’ height, body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage (Jackson and Pollock formula) and somatotype characteristics (Heath-Carter system) were determined. The sprint performance at 10m, 20m and 30m was evaluated, whereas the counter movement jump (CMJ), relative CMJ (RCMJ), squat jump (SJ) and relative SJ (RSJ) tests were used for the determination of anaerobic performance. The results of the Pearson Product Moment correlation analysis indicated that body composition was significantly correlated with CMJ and SJ (p < 0.01), on the other hand, no measure of body composition was significantly related to the other component (p > 0.05). A significant correlation was found between CMJ, RCMJ, SJ, 10 m, 20 m and 30 m sprint performance (p < 0.05); whereas, in contrast, no measure of body composition was significantly related to the 10 m, 20 m and 30 m sprint performance (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicated that sprint performance was described as an essential factor in anaerobic performance whereas body composition and somatotype play a determinant role in anaerobic and sprint performance in amputee soccer players.

Is there a relationship between core stability, balance and strength in amputee soccer players? A pilot study

Background: The body is a kinetic chain and all the systems and muscle groups play important roles in this chain. Core stability, strength and balance are important components of performance within many sports, and in particular soccer. However, the relationship between these components is not fully understood. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between core stability, balance and strength in amputee soccer players. Study Design: Clinical pilot trial. Methods: Eleven amputee soccer players (mean age = 24.63 ± 6.48 years) participated in our study. A Kinesthetic Ability Trainer device was used to assess balance. Trunk strength was evaluated by isokinetic dynamometer. Gillet test was used to evaluate the sacroiliac joint movement. Modified plank test was used to determined dynamic core stability. Disability was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index. Results: The results showed that there was a correlation between flexor isokinetic trunk muscle strength at the velocity of 60°/sec and modified plank test (r = 0.630, p = 0.038). There was a negative correlation between flexor isokinetic trunk muscle strength at the velocity of 180°/sec and Oswestry Disability Index score (r = −0.649, p = 0.031). Conclusions: Amputee soccer is a sport which is generally performed with one limb balance with crutches. It is therefore perceived that a relationship between balance and sacroiliac mobility, and should be considered for evaluation process and performance analysis in amputee soccer. However, in future studies, we recommend that such evaluations on amputee soccer players should be carried out with increased numbers. Clinical relevance Many aspects should be considered in the evaluation of amputee soccer players. Core stability, balance and strength should not be ignored when designing a training program for an amputee soccer team.

Treatment of patellar tracking and pain in patellofemoral malalignment: Conservative versus surgery

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of non-operative and post-operative physiotherapy-rehabilitation programmes in patellofemoral pain syndrome that originated from patellofemoral malalignment. Forty-two subjects (21 non-operative, 21 post-operative) were included in the study. Pain, patellar tilt, congruence, sulcus and Q angles, Cincinnati scale, functional tests, hamstring tightness, iliotibial band tightness, and thigh circumference measurement were compared. When the pre-treatment data were compared within groups, there were statistically significant differences in favour of post-operative group as regards pain, hamstring tightness and Q angle (p < 0.05). When the post-treatment data were compared within both groups, there were significant differences in favour of postoperative group as regards pain, patellar tilt congruence angles, vertical jump tests, standing broad jump, and squat tests (p < 0.05).

Scapular resting position, shoulder pain and function in disabled athletes

Background: Despite the fact that the number of disabled individuals participating in sports is increasing, there are only sparse reports in the literature concerning overuse injuries. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare scapular resting position, shoulder pain, and function in wheelchair basketball, amputee soccer, and disabled table tennis players. Study design: Descriptive study. Methods: A total of 63 disabled players from amputee soccer, wheelchair basketball, and disabled table tennis participated in our study. Scapular resting position was taken as primary outcome; pain and function were taken as secondary outcome measurements. Scapular resting position was evaluated with Lateral Scapular Slide Test. Visual Analog Scale was used for evaluating shoulder pain intensity. Quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire were used to assess upper extremity function. Results: There was a significant difference in shoulder pain, function, and scapular resting position in all groups (p < 0.05). Paired comparisons between amputee soccer and wheelchair basketball players and also amputee soccer and disabled table tennis showed difference for all measurement parameters (p < 0.05). Conclusion: When the results are evaluated, it may be stated that amputee soccer players have better scapular resting position than other sports. Crutch usage may not negatively affect scapular resting position and perceived function as much as wheelchair usage. Exercise techniques for shoulder and resting position could be included in training programs of disabled athletes. Clinical relevance Wheelchair/crutch usage is a risk, and special exercise techniques for shoulder and dyskinesis could be included in training programs to prevent injury. However, it may not just be important for wheelchair athletes, it may also be important for amputee soccer players. In particular, total upper extremity evaluations and exercises could be added within exercise programs.

Activation of Selected Ankle Muscles During Exercises Performed on Rigid and Compliant Balance Platforms

STUDY DESIGN Experimental laboratory study. OBJECTIVE To compare how the design of 2 balance platforms affects ankle musculature activation for various weight-bearing exercises. BACKGROUND Balance platforms are widely used in both training and rehabilitation, and a better understanding of how platform design and type of exercise modify the demands on the ankle musculature may be helpful in staging exercise progression. METHODS Surface electromyography was used to measure the activation level of the fibularis longus, tibialis anterior, and medial gastrocnemius while performing 4 exercises on 2 different balance platforms (compliant and rigid). Twenty-four (12 females, 12 males) healthy, sedentary subjects participated in the study. Analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS There was no significant interaction between balance platforms and exercises (P>.05), and the type of platform did not influence muscle activation for the 3 muscles monitored (P>.05). The highest activation level for the fibularis longus and medial gastrocnemius was obtained during single-leg stance, and for the tibialis anterior during the single-leg squat (P<.05). CONCLUSION In this study, although the demands on the ankle musculature were similar for selected exercises performed on a compliant versus a rigid balance platform, muscle activation level varied based on the exercise.

Long term test-retest reliability of Oswestry Disability Index in male office workers

BACKGROUND The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is one of the most common condition specific outcome measures used in the management of spinal disorders. But there is insufficient study on healthy populations and long term test-retest reliability. This is important because healthy populations are often used for control groups in low back pain interventions, and knowing the reliability of the controls affects the interpretation of the findings of these studies. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to determine the long term test-retest reliability of ODI in office workers. METHODS Participants who have no chronic low back pain history were included in study. Subjects were assessed by the Turkish-ODI 2.0 (e-forms) on 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 15th, 30th days to determine the stability of ODI scores over time. The study began with 58 (12 female, 46 male) participants. 36 (3 female, 33 male) participated for the full 30 days. STATISTICS Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Friedman tests were used. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by using nonparametric statistics. All tests were done by using SPSS-11. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference among the median scores of each day. (χ= 6.482, p >  0.05). CONCLUSION The difference between median score of the days with 1st day was neither statistically nor clinically significant. ODI has long term test re-test reliability in healthy subjects over a 1 month time interval.

Comparison of virtual reality exergaming and home exercise programs in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome and scapular dyskinesis: Short term effect

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the short term effects of home exercise program and virtual reality exergaming in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS). Methods A total of 30 patients with SAIS were randomized into two groups which are Home Exercise Program (EX Group) (mean age: 40.6 ± 11.7 years) and Virtual Reality Exergaming Program (WII Group) (mean age: 40.33 ± 13.2 years). Subjects were assessed at the first session, at the end of the treatment (6 weeks) and at 1 month follow-up. The groups were assessed and compared with Visual Analogue Scale (based on rest, activity and night pain), Neer and Hawkins Tests, Scapular Retraction Test (SRT), Scapular Assistance Test (SAT), Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST) and shoulder disability (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)). Results Intensity of pain was significantly decreased in both groups with the treatment (p < 0.05). The WII Group had significantly better results for all Neer test, SRT and SAT than the EX Group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Virtual reality exergaming programs with these programs were found more effective than home exercise programs at short term in subjects with SAIS. Level of Evidence Level I, Therapeutic study.