Nottingham Health Profile Research Articles

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Prosthesis Donning and Doffing Questionnaire for Persons with Transtibial Amputations

ABSTRACT Introduction Satisfaction with the donning and doffing procedure of prosthesis is related to the quality of life of individuals with amputation, and it should be assessed to gather information about related challenges, thus forming the basis for possible solutions. This study aimed to investigate the construct validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Prosthesis Donning and Doffing Questionnaire for individuals with transtibial amputation. Materials and Methods After a translation/retranslation process, 30 individuals with transtibial amputation were recruited to evaluate the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. The participants were asked to fill in the Turkish version of the Prosthesis Donning and Doffing Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Prosthesis Survey, and the Nottingham Health Profile. The Prosthesis Donning and Doffing Questionnaire was readministered after 3 days. Results Test-retest reliability showed good intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC, 0.739; 95% confidence interval, 0.46–0.87). There was a statistically significant correlation between the Prosthesis Donning and Doffing Questionnaire, the Satisfaction with the Prosthesis Survey (rho = 0.419, P = 0.02), and Nottingham Health Profile (rho = −0.656, P = 0.0001), and its subsets (P < 0.05) showed construct validity. Conclusions The Turkish version of the Prosthesis Donning and Doffing Questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool to assess donning and doffing of prostheses for individuals with transtibial amputation.

The effect of adding whole-body vibration exercises to home exercise program on muscle strength in patients with post-polio syndrome.

Objectives This study aims to understand the effectiveness of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercises performed with home exercise program in patients with post-polio syndrome (PPS) in terms of muscle strength, fatigue, the quality of life, and laboratory parameters. Patients and methods Between October 2015 and March 2016, a total of 14 patients (7 males, 7 females; mean age: 45.1±6.6 years; range, 34 to 57 years) who were diagnosed with PPS were included in the study. The patients were randomized into two groups: the first group received WBV, home exercise program and patient education while the second (control) group received home exercise program and patient education. The patients were evaluated by knee isometric and isokinetic peak torque, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), serum creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase at baseline and at the end of the treatment. Results At the end of the treatment, the exercise program administered to the patients was found to be effective in increasing knee muscle strength in PPS patients (p<0.05). This difference was more apparent on the sequela side, isometric extension peak torque in the group with WBV. There was no significant change in the markers of muscle damage or NHP in both groups. Conclusion Inclusion of WBV in home exercise program in PPS patients does not seem to be superior, except for reducing the effect of fatigue on the patient's life.

Effectiveness of client-centered intervention delivered with face-to-face and telerehabilitation method after total knee arthroplasty—A pilot randomized control trial

Introduction Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) negatively affects the quality of life, perceived occupational performance, and satisfaction. Face-to-face rehabilitation services have been adversely affected by problems such as time, cost, accessibility, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The telerehabilitation (TR) method is recommended for these problems. This pilot study was planned to examine the comparison of client-centered (CC) intervention with TR and face-to-face (FF) method on quality of life, perceived occupational performance, and satisfaction after TKA. Methods Forty-eight older adults that after TKA (13 men and 35 women) were randomized to the TR group ( n = 24; 68.25 ± 3.32 years) or FF group ( n = 24; 68.91 ± 2.56 years). The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) was used to assess the quality of life, and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used to assess perceived occupational performance and satisfaction. Results There was no difference in all parameters between the groups before and after the intervention program (p &gt; .05). The intervention consisting of 4 days a week for 4 weeks and 45 min sessions applied with both methods had a strong effect size (p &lt; .001 for all). Conclusion As a result, CC intervention applied with both methods in the first postoperative week increased quality of life, perceived occupational performance, and satisfaction. Trail Registration: NCT04969432

Factors Associated with Kinesiophobia in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract Purpose This study aims to determine factors affecting kinesiophobia in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Materials and Methods The fear of movement was measured using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia in 60 patients with knee OA. Pain intensity was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale, quality of life with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), disability with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), anxiety and depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), balance with the Berg Balance Scale, mobility with the Timed Up and Go Test, and the physical activity status was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results Physical mobility and emotional reactions subscales of NHP, all WOMAC subscales and the HADS depression subscale were significantly related to kinesiophobia. Muscle strength, ROM, level of physical activity, balance, mobility and anxiety were not significantly related to kinesiophobia. Quality of life and disability explained 34.4% of the variation in the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia. Conclusions Kinesiophobia was associated with quality of life, disability and depression. It may be useful for clinicians to pay attention to the evaluation of psychosocial characteristics instead of physical performance parameters in order to increase treatment success in OA patients.

Investigation of the ergonomic suitability and the health related quality of life among the students in online education during the COV?D-19 pandemic

Students suddenly came across with a new education system due to pandemic. Health education needs practices including manual skills so education method is totally affected in Faculties of Health Sciences. The aim of this study is to examine the ergonomic suitability of the studying posture and health-related quality of life of the students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Faculties of Health Sciences of the Universities in Northern Cyprus, a cross-sectional study design Ergonomic designs were evaluated from five pictures and a total score was obtained. Nottingham Health Profile was used to determine the quality of life during this new education version. Only 12.8% of the students used a great posture and some parameters of quality of life were found different between female and males (p&amp;#60;0.05). 73.0% of the students who received online education had an increase in the level of musculoskeletal pain during the pandemic. The students stated that they have pain in the shoulder area with almost 30%. Very few students perceived adequate postures during online lectures. Some gender related differences were found in quality of life. The study will guide managements of universities and health professionals in terms of workload of online health education and its risks to musculoskeletal system of young population.

Is USG-guided aspiration more effective than physiotherapy in the treatment of Baker’s cyst?

Aim: Previous publications have described various therapeutic modalities for symptomatic cysts, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cystostomy, physical therapy, and exercises. The objective of thise study was to elucidate the effectiveness of shrinking the cyst without steroidal injection and to compare aspiration with classic physiotherapy and exercises.&#x0D; Material and Method: This randomized, controlled trial involved 40 patients with Baker’s cyst. The participants were randomized into two groups, (I) an aspiration group (n=20) and (II) a control group (n=20). In the aspiration group, Baker’s cyst content was aspirated percutaneously under USG guidance, while no aspiration was performed in the control group. Pain was evaluated with a visual analog scale, while the Lysholm knee scoring scale and Cincinnati knee rating system were employed to determine functional status. Quality of life and disability were evaluated using the Nottingham Health Profile and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index .&#x0D; Results: Differences were observed in USG measurements (width, length, and area) and clinical parameters before and after treatment in both groups. However, although these differences were greater in the aspiration group, they were not statistically significant.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our results indicate that cyst aspiration performed with USG provides no additional effect to those of physical exercises and cold application. Exercise therapy and cold application should be considered before proceeding with an invasive procedure.

Effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and myofascial release techniques in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome

Purpose To compare the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and myofascial release technique in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome on pain, range of motion, muscle strength, quality of life, functionality and disability. Methods Thirty patients were randomly divided into two groups: proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group (n = 15) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation combined with myofascial release technique group (n = 15). Both treatment methods were performed 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Pain severity was assessed by Visuel Analog Scale, range of motion by a goniometer, muscle strength by digital hand dynamometer, quality of life by Nottingham health profile, functionality by arm, shoulder and hand problems questionnaire, disability by shoulder pain and disability index. All measurements were used before and after treatments. Pain severity, range of motion and muscle strength were also evaluated after the first session. Results After the treatment, shoulder pain, range of motion, muscle strength, functionality and disability were improved in two groups (p < 0.05). Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation showed improvement in pain, whereas myofascial release technique improved pain, physical activity, emotional state, sleep and total dimensions of life quality (p < 0.05). Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation was more effective in reducing activity pain, whereas myofascial release technique was more effective in increasing flexion, external and internal rotation range of motion, flexion and abduction muscle strength after the first session (p < 0.05). Conclusions The combined application of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and myofascial release technique has a more acute and cumulative positive effect on pain, range of motion, muscle strength, functionality, disability and quality of life in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

AN INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING QUALITY OF LIFE IN PARENTS OF CHRONICALLY DISABLED CHILDREN

Aim: The study's first objective is to compare differences between fathers and mothers with and without chronically disabled children. The study's second objective is to analyze factors influencing the quality of life of mothers and fathers with chronically disabled children comprehensively. Materials and Methods: One hundred sixty parents, 48 mothers and 22 fathers with chronically disabled children, 45 mothers and 45 fathers without chronically disabled children, participated in the research. Data collection was performed by employing the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Parenting Stress Index (PSI), Fatigue Severity Scale, Headache Impact Test (HIT), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: The childcare-related workload, HIT, NHP, BDI, and PSQI values of the mothers in the study group were significantly higher than those of the fathers in the study group, and the BDI and PSQI values of the mothers in the control group were significantly higher compared to the fathers in the control group (p&lt;0.05). Moreover, depression, parenting stress, headache, fatigue, and the percentage of childcare-related workload undertaken by the spouse were observed to affect the quality of life of parents having chronically disabled children (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: As a consequence, we see that parents of chronically disabled children are affected by their children's disabilities, whereas mothers are affected more. We think that planning multifaceted approaches on the issue will be useful.

Sosyal İzolasyonda Fiziksel ve Psikolojik Olarak Sağlıklı Kalma: Erişkinler İçin Video Tabanlı Egzersiz Programı: Randomize Kontollü Çalışma

Objective: The study was to determine the physical activity (PA) levels of adults socially isolated at home due to the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic and to search the effects of the video-based exercise program (VBEP). Material and Methods: Healthy individuals (n=128; 90F, 38M) aged 40-60 years have participated through online questionnaire software in social media. Participants were randomly divided into as study (n=65) and control (n=63). Their PA level, quality of life (QoL), emotional state, sleep quality, and functional status were evaluated by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory (BDI) (BAI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and timed up-go test, respectively. Specially prepared 30-minute exercise videos (breathing, warm-up, aerobics, strengthening-cooldown exercises) were to the study group according to their PA levels (low, medium, high) determined by IPAQ, they were asked to perform these exercises daily for 6 weeks. No exercise program was given for the control group. Results: Groups were similar in terms of sociodemographic measures except for education level (p>0.05). In the study group all parameters and the control group only in the BDI, BAI, and NHP emotional reactions subscale scores (p<0.05) were significant. In group comparison, a significant difference was found in favor of the study group in IPAQ, BAI, PSQI, and NHP scores (except social isolation subscale score) (p<0.05). Conclusion: During social isolation, we found that VBEP is effective in improving the level of PA, QoL, sleep quality, emotional and functional status of the individuals. Therefore, we consider it effective in terms of preventive health. Also, VBEP can be used as an alternative method in the adult population.

Anxiety levels and health-related quality of life in parents of children with different types of physical disabilities

IntroductionDisability has negative effects on families’ psychological health and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the anxiety level and quality of life of parents having children with different physical disabilities, such as spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, and compare them with those of healthy children’s parents.MethodsHealth status and anxiety level of the parents were assessed by the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I and STAI-II). The impact on the parents and level of the children’s functional independence were evaluated by the Turkish version of the Impact on Family Scale (IPFAM) and Functional Independence Measure for Children. Functional activities of the children were assessed by the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI).ResultsA statistically significant difference was found between the control group and the parents having children with disabilities in terms of IPFAM and PEDI functional skills (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the IPFAM total scores of the disabled children and their healthy peers (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsThe impact on the families with physically disabled children did not change with the diagnosis type. A difference was observed between the parents of children with different physical disabilities and those of healthy children. Also, the functional skills of the children with disabilities were negatively affected compared with their healthy peers. Health-related quality of life of the families was influenced by the independence level of the children in daily living activities.

Validity and reliability of the full cup test in patients with chronic low back pain.

This study aims to determine the validity and reliability of the full cup test (FCT), evaluating the pain severity in patients with chronic low back pain. A total of 100 patients (70 women and 30 men) aged over 18 years with mechanical low back pain were enrolled in the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Pain severity was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and FCT, the functional state was assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the quality of life was assessed using the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). FCT was performed on the 1st day by two independent observers (G1 and G2) and 3 days after the first application, patients were readministered the FCT by G1. The mean age of participants was 56.04±12.33 years and mean body mass index was 27.7±4.3 kg/m². The reliability of the FCT and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was found to be 0.989 for intrarater compliance, ICC was found to be 0.984 for inter-rater compliance, and Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was α=0.994. External construct validity of the scale was confirmed with expected correlations with all subgroups of NHP except for social isolation, VAS and ODI (p<0.01). This study concludes that the FCT provides a reliable and valid instrument for measuring pain severity and loss of the function in patients with chronic mechanical back pain. We consider that FCT is a simple and easy test in patients with low education and advanced age.

Effectiveness and safety of amitriptyline, duloxetine, and pregabalin in painful diabetic neuropathy: An observational study

Background: Studies comparing the real-world effectiveness, safety, and effect on quality of life (QoL) of drugs for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are scarce. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare effectiveness, safety and effect on QoL of amitriptyline (AMY), duloxetine (DUL) and pregabalin (PGN) in DPN. Materials and Methods: After ethics committee approval and informed consent, 75 outpatients (25 each) prescribed any one of above drugs were consecutively recruited in a prospective and observational study. Drug effectiveness was assessed by comparing difference in mean monthly visual analogue scale (VAS) score from baseline, obtained from pain diary. QoL was assessed by comparing total and domain-wise score on Nottingham health profile (NHP) questionnaire. Safety was assessed by comparing frequency of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Qualitative and quantitative outcome measures were compared using Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance, respectively. P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The difference in mean monthly VAS scores at the end of 4, 8, and 12 weeks was similar between the three drugs. Patients on PGN had smaller beneficial effects in total as well as emotional, energy, and sleep domains of NHP compared to other drugs. Sedation and dizziness occurred with all drugs but PGN had least incidence of sedation. Conclusion: AMY, DUL and PGN are equally effective and safe in DPN. Although PGN did not improve QoL unlike AMY and DUL, it had lower incidence of sedation.

Impact of Diabetes on the Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

: This study was designed to evaluate the impact of diabetes on functional capacity, level of physical activity, quality of life, dependency level and mortality risk in patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting. A total of 30 patients undergoing CABG procedure were assessed pre and postoperatively for their functional capacity by New York Heart Association classification and six-minute walk test, physical activity by Duke activity status index, dependency level by functional independency measurement, mortality risk by Society of thoracic surgeons, EuroSCORE II and CASUS and, quality of life preoperatively by Nottingham Health Profile questionnaire. Patients with a history of ≥10 years of diabetes were compared to the non-diabetics group. On analysis it was observed, that the diabetic group are older (68.67+7.52 years), hypertensive (87%), less obese, and have lesser ejection fraction than the non-diabetics. There was no significant difference between the group’s functional capacity, quality of life and mortality risk, but the diabetic group showed a significantly higher postoperative risk to stroke (p=0.042) and longer hospital stay (p=0.006). Dependency level, functional capacity and total ICU stay was reported to be more affected in the diabetics. Both the groups showed an improved dyspnea and angina after the surgery. The dependency level in diabetics (p=0.00) and non-diabetics (p=0.003) was also observed to decrease significantly with the surgery. The study concluded that diabetes has an impact on the functional capacity, physical activity, angina, dependency level, and total hospital stay in the individuals following bypass surgery.

Primer Total Diz Artroplastisi Hastalarında Rehabilitasyon Protokolüne Ek Olarak Uygulanan Manuel Lenfatik Drenajının Etkileri: Klinik Ön Sonuçlar

Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the clinical outcomes such as pain, kinesiophobia and quality of life of additional manual lymph drainage (MLD) technique in the after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery.Methods: Twenty-one TKA patients were randomly allocated to a control group (n:10) and MLD group (n:11). Both groups received routine postoperative rehabilitation. MLD group also received MLD in the first three days after surgery. Clinical assessment was undertaken on postoperative 3rd day and at 6th week. This included knee pain using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), kinesiophobia using Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS) and quality of life using Nottingham Health Profile (NHP).Results: VAS and TKS values of the MLD group on the 3rd day and at the 6th week were found to be significantly lower than the control group (p&amp;lt;0.05). The 6th week NHP values of the MLD group were found to be significantly lower than the control group (p&amp;lt;0.05). For all three values, within-group, and between-group according to processes the effect size of the MLD group is greater than the control group.Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated that addition of MLD application to the standard rehabilitation protocol of TKA positively affected the healing process and it also improved the quality of life by reducing postoperative kinesiophobia and pain level. Adding this special technique to the rehabilitation program in TKA surgeries will provide patient satisfaction and contribute positively to the improvement in clinical outcomes.

Analysis of the consistency of information received from Alzheimer’s disease patients and their families in the quality of life and depression scales

Aim: This study aimed to examine the consistency of quality of life and depression scales using information obtained from&#x0D; individuals with Alzheimer disease (AD) and the family members of these patients.&#x0D; Material and Methods: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was ≥14 points patients who were diagnosed with&#x0D; AD (n:86) and their families(n:86) participated in the study. All individuals took the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form&#x0D; (GDS-SF), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Elderly Module&#x0D; Turkish Version (WHOQOL-OLD). Data obtained from 78 patients and their relatives who have completed all of the&#x0D; questions in the scales were evaluated. Patient and family scale scores were compared using correlation analysis and&#x0D; difference analysis.&#x0D; Results: A moderate to very high correlation was found between the GDS-SF, NHP, and WHOQOL results of the patients&#x0D; and their relatives (0.447-0.848). It was detected that while NHP correlation coefficients varied between 0.734 and 0.848,&#x0D; WHOQOL-OLD correlation coefficients varied between 0.447 and 0.696. When the difference between the scores of the&#x0D; answers given by the patient and his family was examined, a statistically significant difference was found only in the mean&#x0D; scores of NHP sleep, WHOQOL sensory ability, WHOQOL social participation and WHOQOL raw (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: In conclusion, NHP, GDS-SF, and WHOQOL-OLD consistency between the individual with AD diagnosis and&#x0D; their family. However, if information is to be obtained from the patient in evaluating the quality of life, choosing NHP&#x0D; instead of WHOQOL-OLD may lead to more accurate results.

WATSU therapy for individuals with Parkinson's disease to improve quality of sleep and quality of life: A randomized controlled study

Backgroundand Purpose: Sleep disorders are one of the most frequent non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to verify whether adding WATSU to land-based therapy leads to additional beneficial therapeutic effects regarding quality of sleep and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with PD. Materials & methodsA randomized control trial design was used. Participants completed nine-week interventions. The control group (CG) received land-based therapy, while the intervention group (IG) received the same land-based therapy and additionally WATSU. Sleep quality and QOL were measured at baseline and post-interventions by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Nottingham Health Profile, respectively. ResultsTwenty-eight participants completed the study. In contrast to CG, the IG presented with significant improvements in both, quality of sleep and QOL (p < 0.001). ConclusionWATSU has the potential to be an attractive adjunct therapy for producing positive health impacts regarding sleep quality, which may translate to an overall improvement in QOL of individuals with PD.

Introduction of the quality of life concept in practical medicine

The modern stage of medical development requires a multidisciplinary approach to studying the impact of treatment on human life. The social aspects are of great importance because the goal of treatment is to preserve or/and improve life. Therefore, the term "quality of life" is increasingly used in the world medical literature. The objectification of this indicator and its adaptation in practical medicine is a priority task. The concept of "quality of life" first appeared in 1958. In the future, this concept was developed in a research carried out by a group of professors at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) under Prof. R. Bauer in 1966. These researches initiated the quality of life study. In 1996, the WHO developed a definition of quality of life as an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns. The purpose of studying the quality of life in the medical field was to introduce treatment protocols and standardize medical care. An important criterion for evaluating the quality of treatment was to compare changes in the patient’s quality of life before and after using a particular medical protocol. The main methods of studying changes in the patient’s quality of life were the use of special questionnaires. The most common general-purpose questionnaires for assessing changes in quality of life are SF-36, WHOQoL-100, Sickness Impact Profile, Nottingham Health Profile, EuroQoL-5D, EORTC QLQ-C30. In Ukraine, as of 2020, there is no local questionnaire for either general or specialized purposes. But there are translations of the main questionnaires, for example, SF-36, EORTC QLQ-C30. Developing own questionnaire that fully complies with the standards of the MAPI Research Institute requires multi-center and multidisciplinary research. The study of changes in the quality of life is an integral part of a comprehensive analysis of new methods of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases. Analysis of changes in the quality of life using different approaches to treatment is possible provided that general and special purpose questionnaires and available clinical data are used. Using advanced statistical processing of the questionnaire survey allows you to increase the reliability of the research. There is a need to develop own specialized adapted nosological questionnaires for quality of life analysis. Assessment of the quality of life should become one of the main criteria for the effectiveness of medical care, as well as an independent indicator of the condition of patients during medical and social expertise, determining the prognosis, treatment tactics, and developing rehabilitation programs.&#x0D;

Assessment of physical function, quality of life, and medication adherence in elderly patients with rheumatic diseases

BackgroundThe proportion of older people in the total population has increased in Turkey as well as worldwide. As life expectancy rises, the increasing prevalence of rheumatic diseases poses major problems in the elderly. Comorbid diseases and the aging-induced changes in the endogenous immune response and the pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutic agents may complicate the decision to use a particular drug and result in a different clinical picture and treatment response. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the characteristics of chronic inflammatory diseases, their impact on physical function and quality of life, the prevalence of comorbid diseases that may complicate treatment planning, and treatment adherence in patients aged 65 years or older.ResultsOne hundred seventy-four patients were included and divided into two age groups: 18–64 years (group 1, n = 85) and 65 years or older (group 2, n = 89). The mean age of all recruited patients was 57.55 ± 16.98 years. Of 174, 99 (56.9%) were female and 75 (43.1%) were male. The mean duration of rheumatic disease was 7 ± 4.8 years and age at onset was 51.46 ± 14.78 years. Gender distribution differed significantly by age group (P = 0.024). The percentage of females in group 1 was 48.2% and 65.2% in group 2. The occupational status also differed significantly by age group (P < 0.001). 48.2% of group 1 were employed and 57.3% of group 2 were housewives. Marital status varied significantly by age (P < 0.001). The percentage of married was 74.1% in group 1 and the percentage of separated/divorced/widowed in group 2 was 28.1%. There was no difference between groups 1 and 2 in terms of place of residence (P = 0.459). The prevalence of comorbid diseases and the rate of use of medications for comorbid diseases (non-rheumatic treatments) were higher in elderly patients. The rate of use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) was 30.3% and biological agents 61.8% in the elderly group (≥ 65 years) (group 2) (P < 0.001). There were positive correlations between, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) domains in both groups. There was also a significant negative correlation between Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) and all dimensions.ConclusionsElderly and younger patients with rheumatic diseases have different demographic and clinical characteristics. Physical function and quality of life are more affected by rheumatic diseases and treatment adherence is poorer in the elderly. Our study found a positive correlation between physical function and quality of life in both age groups. The treatment adherence rating scale showed a negative correlation with physical function and quality of life scores, with individuals with poor treatment adherence having worse physical function and quality of life.

Evaluation of balance, fall risk, and related factors in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Objectives In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether fibromyalgia patients had a higher fall risk compared to healthy individuals and to identify its relationship, if there was an increase, with clinical features. Patients and methods Between March 2018 and September 2018, a total of 50 consecutive female patients with fibromyalgia (median age: 35 years; interquantile range [IQR], 27 to 40 years) and 50 healthy female volunteers (median age: 30 years; IQR, 23 to 40 years) were included in the study. Pain was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), life quality with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), balance functions with the Berg Balance Test (BBT), and the risk of falls with a posturography device. Disease activity of fibromyalgia patients was evaluated with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Results The mean fall risk index of the fibromyalgia patients was 45%. The fall risk index was significantly higher (p=0.010) and the BBT scores were significantly lower in the patient group (p<0.001). There was a significant difference in terms of fall risk between the control group and drug-free fibromyalgia patients; however, no significant difference was found between the balance scores of the two groups. In the fibromyalgia group, a weak positive relationship was determined between the fall risk index and the social isolation subscale of the NHP. Conclusion Our study results showed an increased risk of loss of balance and falls in fibromyalgia patients, compared to healthy individuals. This fall risk increase was also detected in fibromyalgia patients who did not use drugs. These findings suggest a possible relationship between social isolation and an increased risk of falls.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the satisfaction module of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Users' Survey.

Evaluation of prosthesis and orthosis (P&O) devices and service satisfaction in patients using P&O are important to understand the patient perspective and improve the quality of devices and the services. The aim of this study was to translate the original Orthotics and Prosthetics Users' Survey (OPUS) satisfaction module into Turkish and examine its psychometric properties in lower limb P&O users. Cross-sectional study. The Turkish versions of the OPUS-Client Satisfaction with Device (CSD) and Service (CSS) modules were applied to 157 individuals using a lower limb prosthesis or orthosis. The retest of the survey was applied 5-7 days later. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to determine test-retest reliability, and Cronbach alpha was used to determine internal consistency. Criterion validity was evaluated using the Nottingham Health Profile. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the factor structure of the Turkish version of the OPUS satisfaction module. The test-retest correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.92 for CSD and 0.91 for CSS) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84 for CSD and 0.95 for CSS) were high. A statistically significant correlation was found between the OPUS CSD and CSS modules and the Nottingham Health Profile (r = -0.325 for CSD module, r = -0.381 for CSS module, P < 0.001). The factor analysis revealed one-factor structure for both modules. This study demonstrated the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the OPUS satisfaction module, and it provides a useful starting point for future studies on this survey.