Yeşim Bakar

Comparison of Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy and Connective Tissue Massage in Women With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE This study analyzed and compared the effects of manual lymph drainage therapy (MLDT) and connective tissue massage (CTM) in women with primary fibromyalgia (PFM). METHODS The study design was a randomized controlled trial. Fifty women with PFM completed the study. The patients were divided randomly into 2 groups. Whereas 25 of them received MLDT, the other 25 underwent CTM. The treatment program was carried out 5 times a week for 3 weeks in each group. Pain was evaluated by a visual analogue scale and algometry. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and Nottingham Health Profile were used to describe health status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Wilcoxon signed rank test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS In both groups, significant improvements were found regarding pain intensity, pain pressure threshold, and HRQoL (P < .05). However, the scores of FIQ-7 (P = .006), FIQ-9 (P = .006), and FIQ-total (P = .010) were significantly lower in the MLDT group than they were in the CTM group at the end of treatment. CONCLUSIONS For this particular group of patients, both MLDT and CTM appear to yield improvements in terms of pain, health status, and HRQoL. The results indicate that these manual therapy techniques might be used in the treatment of PFM. However, MLDT was found to be more effective than CTM according to some subitems of FIQ (morning tiredness and anxiety) and FIQ total score. Manual lymph drainage therapy might be preferred; however, further long-term follow-up studies are needed.

Short Term Effects of Classic Massage Compared to Connective Tissue Massage on Pressure Pain Threshold and Muscle Relaxation Response in Women With Chronic Neck Pain: A Preliminary Study

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term effects of classic massage (CM) and connective tissue massage (CTM) on pressure pain threshold and muscle relaxation response in women with chronic neck pain. METHODS Participants included 45 female volunteers (ages between 25 and 45 years) presenting to the Köroglu State Hospital Neurosurgery Polyclinic who had experienced neck pain for 3 to 6 months. The volunteers were randomly assigned to 2 groups (CM or CTM to the thoracic spine and the neck). Each treatment was carried out for 1 session. Outcome measures were obtained before and after treatment, which included pressure pain threshold that was measured with an algometer and muscle relaxation response that was evaluated with electromyography biofeedback (EMG-BF). RESULTS Pressure pain threshold of the sternocleidomastoid muscle was significantly different for the CM (P < .05) group. The EMG-BF values were significantly different for the CTM group (P < .05). Comparing the results of CM and CTM, EMG-BF averages favored the CTM group (P < .05). CONCLUSION For the group of women with chronic neck pain that were included in this study, 1 treatment of CTM demonstrated relaxation responses and 1 treatment of CM demonstrated pain reduction.

The effect of parity on pelvic floor muscle strength and quality of life in women with urinary incontinence: a cross sectional study.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity after vaginal birth, and the effect of parity on PFM strength and quality of life (QoL) in women with urinary incontinence. [Subjects and Methods] Patients (n=241) who gave birth vaginally and experienced urinary incontinence were divided into three groups: group 1 consisted of women having 1–3 children, group 2 consisted of women having 4–6 children, and group 3 consisted of women having more than 6 children. All patients underwent detailed examination of the PFM. The Turkish version of the self-administered Incontinence Quality of Life Instrument (I-QoL) questionnaire was used to evaluate the effects of stress urinary incontinence on participants’ QoL. [Results] Comparison of PFM strengths showed a significant intergroup difference. Group 1 showed significantly higher PFM strength scores than those of groups 2 and 3. I-QoL scores related to stress incontinence showed a significant intergroup difference. As number of deliveries increased, quality of life decreased. Comparison of PFM strengths and I-QoL scores related to stress incontinence showed a significant intergroup difference. [Conclusion] Increasing the awareness of PFM training in women will reduce potential postpartum incontinence due to a weak PFM strength; and will increase quality of life.

Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy for Older People With Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Introduction Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a major health problem that may adversely affect quality of life and may cause significant morbidity unless early diagnosis of the problem and the development and testing of new treatments are considered. In recent years, complete decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) has been preferred in the treatment of venous and lymphatic problems. This study presents the results of CDP on edema, pain, and daily activities of older people with CVI. Methods A total of 62 patients aged 59 to 68 years (mean 64.95 ± 2.54 years) were treated for CVI with CDP (manual lymph drainage, skin care, compression, exercise). The following parameters were investigated: leg circumference, pain intensity, impact of the problem on daily activities, and distance of pain-free walking. The volume and circumference were measured at 9 levels (metatarsus, ankle, above ankle, mid calf, below knee, knee, above knee, mid thigh, top of thigh) on the lower limbs, before and after CDP, using a Leg-O-Meter. Results Limb volume, pain intensity, pain-free walking distance, and effects on activities of daily living improved significantly following the treatment (P < .01). Conclusions CDP can reduce the volume of CVI-related edema and reduce the pain caused by this condition in older people.

The effects of short-term use of compression stockings on health related quality of life in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

[Purpose] This study was aimed to analyse the effects of short-term use of compression stockings (CS) on symptoms and QoL in patients with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). [Subjects and Methods] Based on the CEAP classification C2 and C3, 117 patients with CVI were enrolled in this study. The participants were divided into two groups. The control group refused to use CS, however, was advised to do exercises and take skin care whereas the CS group used CS and performed exercise. The data were collected by using Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study (VEINES-QoL/Sym) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline and after four weeks of treatment and compared within and in between groups. [Results] The comparison of pre- and post-treatment differences between groups was statistically significant for all parameters. In the study group, pre- and post-treatment scores for each parameter were significantly different. However, elevated scores in the control group suggested worsening of the illness. [Conclusion] This study established that short-term use of CS in patients with CVI significantly improved disease specific and general QoL by reducing venous symptoms. Further studies with larger sample size are necessary to confirm these findings.

Wheeled mobility skills of wheelchair basketball players: a randomized controlled study.

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of wheelchair basketball sport on the functional abilities of wheelchair users. Method: This is a randomized controlled study. Wheelchair basketball players (n = 111) and non-player (n = 85) were included in this study. We administered the questionnaire version of the wheelchair skills test questionnaire (WST_Q), recording the participants’ capacity and performance scores on each of 32 skills. Results: Player group have the baseline values of WST_Q higher than control group. The mean total percentage score of player group was significantly greater than control group (p < 0.05). The get over 15 cm level (respectively, rations of capacity and performance of groups: player/control: 50.5–20% and 54.1–24.7%) and the ascends 10° incline (player/control 96.4–48.2% and 98.2–54.1%). Conclusions: Participation in regular wheelchair basketball sport may preserve and augment functional abilities in with wheelchair user Implications for rehabilitation The skills-sports relationship is reciprocal. With increased wheelchair skills, people may be more inclined to engage in sports; subsequently, with greater sports, wheelchair skills could improve. Wheelchair mobility skills during clinical rehabilitation should reflect the daily activities and needs of each wheelchair user. WST-Q provides advantages in terms of requiring less time and material in using of clinical.

Investigation of the Efficacy of Different Physiotherapy Methods for Neck Pain

Objectives This study was carried out to compare the efficacy of mobilization, Kinesio tape [KT], and classic treatment methods in patients with neck pain. Methods Sixty patients with neck pain were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups with 20 patients in each, for classic therapy, classic therapy plus mobilization, and classic therapy plus KT administered respectively to the first, second, and third groups. Pain levels and effects of the pain on daily life were assessed, respectively, with a visual analog scale and neck disability index [NDI]. Results Following the treatment, decreases were observed in pain and NDI scores in all three groups [P<0.001]. However, no significant difference was observed in the inter-group comparison [P>0.05]. While all three groups individually responded significantly to treatment, none of the groups superseded the others. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that KT and mobilization may be helpful as an alternative treatment in neck pain. Multi-centered studies in which the efficacy of KT and mobilization can be compared more objectively would be beneficial.

Effects of Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy on an Older Female Patient With Psoriasis-Related Primary Lymphedema

In this study the effectiveness of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) in a patient with psoriasis-related primary lymphedema is reported. We describe a case of 61-year-old woman with bilateral lower extremity primary lymphedema diagnosed with lymphoscintigraphy. She had lymphedema for 5 years and lymphedema of the left extremity was more severe than that of the right. The CDP program was applied once a day 5 days a week for 7 weeks and continued as a home program after 7 weeks. Assessments were performed before, right after, and 1 month after the treatment. After the CDP program, we detected a significant decrease in the volume of the lower extremities, especially on the left side. Furthermore, complaints related to lymphedema, such as discomfort and feeling of tension and heaviness on the lymphedema area, and limitation in functional activities, improved with this program. Active and passive range of motions of the knee and ankle improved in the affected side. At 1-month-follow up, the volume of extremities further decreased and other improvements maintained at the level after treatment. CDP can be an effective treatment method in psoriasis-related primary lymphedema but further studies, especially of larger sample size, are needed.

Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy Treats Skin Changes like Hyperkeratosis Caused by Lymphedema.

Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive, and often debilitating condition. Primary lymphedema is a lymphatic malformation developing during the later stage of lymph angiogenesis. Secondary lymphedema is the result of obstruction or disruption of the lymphatic system, which can occur as a consequence of tumors, surgery, trauma, infection, inflammation, and radiation therapy. Here, we report a 64-year-old woman presenting with hyperkeratosis, a lymphedema due to metastatic uterus carcinoma. In this paper, we present the effects of complex decongestive physiotherapy on lymphedema and hyperkeratosis.

THE EFFECT OF BODY AWARENESS THERAPY AND AEROBIC EXERCISES ON PAIN AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE PATIENTS WITH TENSION TYPE HEADACHE

Background: This study is to investigate the effect of Body Awareness Therapy (BAT) and Aerobic Exercises on pain and quality of life in patients with Tension-Type Headache (TTH). Materials and Method: Sixty individuals with TTH diagnosis who referred Neurologist were incorporated into study. The individuals were randomly grouped into 3 as BAT (n=20), aerobic exercise (n=20) and control group (n=20). Pain severity of the individuals was evaluated by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and pain diary, disability with ache; by Pain Disability Index (PDI) and Headache Impact Tests (HIT) and quality of life was evaluated by SF-36. Subsequent to first assessments, 3 sessions of 60 minutes per week throughout 6 weeks totally. Results: When the groups were compared at the end of the study, a significant decrease was observed in VAS, PDI and HIT values in the individuals in the BAT and aerobic exercise groups. With the individuals in group BAT and aerobic exercise all parameters of quality of life were observed to be increased significantly. Conclusion: BAT and aerobic exercise programs to be applied on TTH patients were concluded to be important in decreasing the pain, in increasing the quality of life and in reducing pain-related daily constraints of the individuals.