Nuray Kirdi

Neurodynamic mobilization in the conservative treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome: long-term follow-up of 7 cases.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this case series is to describe the effect of nerve mobilization techniques in the standard conservative management of cubital tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS Seven patients with CTS participated in this study. Inclusion criteria were having grade 1 and grade 2 entrapment neuropathy according to the McGowan grading system and no other neuropathies. In the evaluation, gripping with grip dynamometer; palmar gripping with a pinchmeter; pain level and Tinel sign with visual analog scale; sensibility with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments; and functional status of the patients with the Turkish version of the Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Index were performed before starting a rehabilitation program, at the end of the 8-week rehabilitation program, and at 12-month follow-up. The physiotherapy program consisted of cold application, pulsed ultrasound, nerve mobilization techniques, strengthening exercises, postural adaptations, patient education, and ergonomic modifications. RESULTS Pain; Tinel sign; and Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Index scores were decreased, whereas grip and pinch strength increased in the observation period for these 7 patients. CONCLUSION This case series demonstrated that conservative treatment of CTS may be beneficial for selected patients with mild to moderate symptoms. The treatment included neurodynamic mobilizations, including sliding techniques and tensioning techniques, which are thought to enhance ulnar nerve gliding and restore neural tissue mobility. Conservative treatment using neurodynamic mobilization with patient education and activity modification demonstrated some long-term positive results.

Comparing routine neurorehabilitation program with trunk exercises based on Bobath concept in multiple sclerosis: Pilot study

This study compared trunk exercises based on the Bobath concept with routine neurorehabilitation approaches in multiple sclerosis (MS). Bobath and routine neurorehabilitation exercises groups were evaluated. MS cases were divided into two groups. Both groups joined a 3 d/wk rehabilitation program for 8 wk. The experimental group performed trunk exercises based on the Bobath concept, and the control group performed routine neurorehabilitation exercises. Additionally, both groups performed balance and coordination exercises. All patients were evaluated with the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), and Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) before and after the physiotherapy program. In group analysis, TIS, BBS, ICARS, and MSFC scores and strength of abdominal muscles were significantly different after treatment in both groups (p < 0.05). When the groups were compared, no significant differences were found in any parameters (p > 0.05). Although trunk exercises based on the Bobath concept are rarely applied in MS rehabilitation, the results of this study show that they are as effective as routine neurorehabilitation exercises. Therefore, trunk exercises based on the Bobath concept can be beneficial in MS rehabilitation programs.

Comparison of different methods of pulsed shortwave diathermy in knee osteoarthritis

AbstractPulsed short wave diathermy (PSWD) has become a popular physiotherapy modality over the past thirty years for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, there is no agreement about appropriate dosages for this application. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of two methods of PSWD using different parameters. The study population consisted of 40 patients (14 males, 26 females) with knee OA diagnosed following the American College of Rheumatology criteria. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: each of them was treated with one type of PSWD. After PSWD application, all patients received the same therapeutic ultrasound and progressive resistive exercise interventions. In both groups we observed similar significant differences between pre- and post-treatment measurements of quadriceps muscle strength, range of motion in active flexion, pain intensity, pain index of daily living activities, and time for walking over 25 meters distance. This study demonstrates that PSW...

Comparing routine neurorehabilitation programme with callisthenic exercises in multiple sclerosis

We conducted a study that examined the effectiveness of callisthenic exercises in multiple sclerosis. 30 individuals were divided into two groups. The first group did 15~callisthenic exercises and the second group did routine neurorehabilitation programme. Both groups did the programmes for three days per week over six weeks. Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F), muscle strength tests, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), Turkish versions of Short Form of 36 (SF-36), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) were used for evaluation. After physiotherapy programmes VAS-F, muscle strength, BBS scores decreased significantly in both groups. HAD anxiety score of the first group and HAD depression score of the second group changed significantly. There were no differences in MSFC and SF-36 scores in any groups. The difference between groups was not significant in any parameters, except for the muscle test for upper limbs of the second group. Callisthenic exercises are seen as a new therapy choice, which are different from routine exercises, in order to decrease fatigue, improve balance and muscle strength. Callisthenics are thought to be a beneficial tool for MS patients.

Pain and occupational risk factors in textile industry workers

AbstractThis study was planned to determine the effects of occupational risk factors in 180 textile industry workers. For this purpose a questionnaire was filled by 180 textile workers whose duties were dyeing (n = 40), sewing (n = 40), quality controlling (n = 49) and packaging (n = 51). Our results have shown that all subjects had pain localised in upper extremities; shoulder/neck, and low back. Pain increased during working. As a result of our study, when the collected data were examined for environmental risk factors, in most of the dyeing (97.5%), sewing (97.5%), quality controlling (93.9%), and packaging (86.3%) workers, their discomfort was due to environmental factors. It was determined that every group worked standing except sewing workers and all the workers except the dyeing group worked in a constant position with rhythmic and repetitive movements. We concluded that workers in the textile industry are exposed to many occupational risk factors for developing musculo-skeletal system pain.

Restoration of function on bilateral absence of extensor pollicis longus and brevis: A case report

Gelis tarihi: 13.08.2012 Kabul tarihi: 23.09.2012 Gazi University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, PT, Assoc Prof*; Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, PT PhD**; PT, Prof ***; Gazi University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, PT, PhD****; PT, MSc***** OlGu sunuMu

Chronic Elbow Instabilities: Medial and Lateral Instability

Elbow stability relies on a complex interaction between the bony articulations of the elbow joint, the capsuloligamentous structures, and dynamic muscle restraints. Elbow instability presents a spectrum from minor subluxation to dislocation. This review discusses the anatomy of the elbow joint, the mechanism and classification of elbow instability, and outlines treatment options available for acute and chronic elbow instability.

Physiotherapy approaches for iatrogenic injury of the spinal accessory nerve: a case report

AbstractThe spinal accessory nerve can be injured as a complication of various surgical procedures or traumas. The surgical procedures which may injure the accessory nerve are biopsy of lymph nodes, operations involving the neurovascular structures and resection of a tumour in the posterior triangle of the neck. The purpose of this case report is to describe the management of a 31-years woman with spinal accessory nerve injury following a biopsy of a tumour. Electromyography and faradic excitability tests demonstrated evidence of denervation in the trapezius. A decrease in the range of motion of the neck and shoulder, and sharp pain of acute onset and hyperaesthesia were the initial symptoms on the side of the surgery. Superficial heat, TENS, scapular and glenohumeral joint mobilisation, range of motion of the neck and shoulder and posture exercises were applied three times a week. After three months, the patient had regained normal functions of the neck and shoulder and had no symptoms even when lifting ...