Short Form-36 Subscale Scores Research Articles

High-intensity interval training in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: a randomized controlled study

Abstract Background Exercise is an effective treatment in a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has shown superior effect on cardiorespiratory fitness and equal or superior effect on morbidity and quality of life (QoL) compared to moderate continuous exercise training. However, evidence of the efficacy and risks of HIIT in patients with increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia remains limited. Purpose To evaluate the effects of HIIT on exercise capacity, QoL and burden of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) with or without cardiac resynchronization therapy. Methods Patients with ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy and ICD were randomized to a supervised 12-week HIIT program or to a control group continuing their usual exercise routines. HIIT consisted of four 4-minute intervals aiming at 85-95% of maximum heart rate (HRmax), and 3-minute active recovery aiming at 60-70 % of HRmax in between intervals, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were exercise capacity measured as peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) and QoL assessed with the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Main secondary outcome was the burden of ventricular arrhythmias analysed from remote patient monitoring data. Results Fifty-six patients were included (table 1). Three patients in the HIIT group did not complete the intervention. Two withdrew due to a knee injury and due to fear of SARS-CoV-2 exposure, respectively. One experienced an appropriate shock during exercise and was excluded from further training after clinical consideration. Fifty-three patients completed all follow-up examinations. HIIT significantly increased VO2 peak with 7.0 %, with no changes in the control group (p=0.001) (figure 1A). There was a significant increase in the SF-36 subscale scores on physical functioning (p<0.05), general health (p<0.05) and health change (p=0.001) in the HIIT group compared to the control group (figure 1B). There were no significant differences between groups in number of non-sustained or sustained ventricular tachycardias, anti-tachycardia pacing therapy or ICD shocks. Conclusions In patients with ICD due to ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy, a supervised 12-week HIIT-program significantly increased VO2 peak and QoL without increasing the burden of ventricular arrhythmias.Table 1:Patient characteristicsFigure 1:Peak oxygen uptake and QoL

Effects of virtual balance training and conservative rehabilitation on balance in chronic stroke patients

Objective: This study aimed to test the comparative efficacy of virtual balance training (VBT) and conservative rehabilitation (CR) relative to CR alone on balance in chronic stroke patients. Methods: Thirty patients with chronic stroke (>6-months post-stroke) were allocated into 2 groups (n=15) as Group CR and Group VBT. CR was performed for 60 min, 4 times a week, for 8 weeks in both groups. VBT was applied for 20 min, 4 times a week, for 8 weeks along with the CR, in Group VBT. Brunnstrom motor recovery (BMR) stage, spasticity degrees, Functional Ambulation Scale (FAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36) scale, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in both groups were assessed before and after treatment. Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to evaluate BBS data (p<0.05). Results: Although, no significant difference was observed between groups in terms of BBS scores, BMR stages, FAS scores, SF-36 scale scores, and spasticity degrees before and after treatment; significant improvements were observed in BBS scores, BMR stages, and FAS scores after treatment in both groups (p<0.05). Comparing the SF-36 subscale scores before and after treatment, significant differences were noted in emotional role limitation scores for Group VBT (p=0.03) and in pain scores for Group CR (p=0.01). Conclusion: VBT along with the CR in chronic stroke patients was not superior to the CR alone, in terms of improving balance, motor recovery, ambulation level, and quality of life.

P51. Which subscales of Oswestry Disability Index and Short Form 36 are related with sagittal and coronal parameters in degenerative lumbar scoliosis patients: a prospective study

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) patients had various degrees of disability. Previous studies have been inconclusive as to the correlation between radiographic and clinical parameters in DLS. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Short Form 36 (SF-36) total and subscale scores and global spinal parameters in DLS patients. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> A prospective study. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> We enrolled 126 consecutive patients with degenerative de novo lumbar or thoracolumbar scoliosis patients who were referred to a tertiary hospital between August 2018 and December 2019. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> ODI and SF-36 total and subscale scores. <h3>METHODS</h3> Sagittal (sagittal vertical axis; thoracic kyphosis; lumbar lordosis [LL]; pelvic tilt; pelvic incidence [PI]; PI-LL) and coronal (Cobb angle [CA]; coronal C7 plumb line; pelvic obliquity) parameters were measured on whole spinal radiographs. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to reveal the relationship between parameters. <h3>RESULTS</h3> There were 76 female and 15 male patients with an average age of 70.2±8.4 years. The CA averaged 18.9±8.0°. ODI total score and SF-36 PCS had correlations with only coronal spinal parameters. ODI walking, standing, social life, and traveling domains were correlated with both coronal and sagittal parameters. Pain intensity, personal care, lifting, sitting and sex life domains were correlated with only coronal parameters. SF-36 physical function (PF) domain had correlations with both coronal and sagittal parameters. Bodily pain and vitality domains had correlations with only coronal parameters. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> Only coronal parameters were correlated with ODI total score and SF-36 PCS in DLS patients. Coronal parameters were also correlated with most ODI subscales and SF-36 PF, BP and VT subscales. Although sagittal parameters were not correlated with ODI total score and SF-36 PCS, those were correlated with some subscale scores of ODI (walking, standing, social life and traveling) and SF-36 PF subscale. Analysis using subscale scores of ODI and SF-36 is helpful to understand and treat various degree of disability in DLS patients. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Health-Related Quality of Life Evaluation Using the Short Form-36 in Patients With Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1-Associated Myelopathy.

BackgroundHuman T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy (HAM) is a neuroinflammatory disease, causing various neurological symptoms, including motor, sensory, and bladder and bowel dysfunctions. This study was designed to reveal the impact of HAM and related symptoms on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodsWe analyzed the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and clinical data of 538 patients with HAM registered in the HAM-net, a nationwide patient registry for HAM in Japan. HRQoL was evaluated using the SF-6D (a health state utility value calculated from the SF-36) and eight SF-36 subscales. A general liner model was used to estimate the impact of major HAM-related symptoms, including gait dysfunction, sensory disturbance in the legs (pain and numbness), urinary dysfunction, and constipation, on the SF-6D and SF-36 subscale scores.ResultsThe mean age and disease duration were 62.0 and 16.5 years, respectively. Of the patients, 73.2% needed walking aid; 42.7 and 67.1% had leg pain and numbness, respectively; 92.1% had urinary dysfunction; and 77.9% had constipation. The mean SF-6D score was 0.565, which was significantly lower than the national average (0.674 in the 60–69 years age group; p < 0.001), exceeding the minimal important difference (0.05–0.1). All the major symptoms were significantly associated with a decrease in the SF-6D score. The SF-36 subscale scores were significantly lower than the national standard of 50 (p ≤ 0.001), except for mental health (MH). Gait dysfunction was associated with lower scores in physical functioning (PF), limitations on role functioning because of physical health, bodily pain, general health perception (GH), vitality (VT), and social functioning; however, no association was observed between gait dysfunction and limitations on role functioning because of emotional problems and MH. Meanwhile, sensory disturbance in the legs was associated with a decrease in scores in all subscales. Urinary dysfunction was associated with worse PF, GH, VT, and MH. Constipation was associated only with PF.ConclusionHRQoL of patients with HAM was worse than that of the general population and was associated with all major symptoms. Thus, patients should be comprehensively managed to achieve better HRQoL.

Comparison of decompression, decompression plus fusion, and decompression plus stabilization: a long-term follow-up of a prospective, randomized study

BACKGROUND CONTEXTLumbar canal stenosis due to degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis is one of the most common indications for lumbar spinal surgery. However, from a long-term perspective, it is still unclear which of these procedures should be performed: decompression, decompression plus fusion, or decompression plus stabilization. PURPOSEThis study aimed to present the long-term results of a randomized controlled trial of surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGThis is a long-term follow-up of a previously reported randomized controlled trial. PATIENT SAMPLEPatients aged ≤75 years with single L4/5 level lumbar canal stenosis caused by degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis were enrolled at two hospitals from May 1, 2003, to April 30, 2012; the final follow-up was on May 20, 2021. OUTCOME MEASURESThe following data were collected: modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score for lower back pain, leg pain, and numbness, and scores from eight Short-Form 36 (SF-36) subscales preoperatively, 1 year postoperatively, 5 years postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. METHODSPatients were randomized to undergo decompression alone, decompression plus fusion, or decompression plus stabilization. The primary outcome measure was the change in VAS for lower back pain with secondary outcomes including the modified JOA score, VAS for leg pain, VAS for leg numbness, eight SF-36 subscale scores, and occurrence of reoperation at the last follow-up. RESULTSAmong 85 patients who were randomized, 66 responded to the current survey. The mean follow-up period was 12.3 years. The VAS score for low back pain improvement was not significantly different between the decompression and fusion groups at the mean follow-up of 12.3 years. Of the 12 secondary outcomes, 8 showed no significant difference between decompression and fusion, 12 showed no significant difference between decompression and stabilization, and 10 showed no significant difference between fusion and stabilization. CONCLUSIONSAlthough additional instrumentation surgery did not significantly improve low back pain at the mean follow-up of 12.3 years compared with decompression alone, fusion surgery provided clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to personal or emotional problems, and mental health compared with decompression alone. TRIAL REGISTRATIONUMIN000028114

Aquatic vs. land-based exercise after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in middle-aged active patients with a degenerative meniscal tear: A randomized, controlled study

BackgroundAwareness of the value of aquatic exercise (AE) in the postoperative rehabilitation has increased, and several inherent advantages of AE, such as adjustment of both resistance and muscle strengthening parameters makes good rationale for its inclusion in postoperative rehabilitation. This study aimed to determine and compare the benefits of AE and land-based exercise (LBE) on pain, functionality, and quality of life after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). MethodsThis randomized controlled study included 30 middle-aged (35–50), physically active patients who were randomized into LBE (n = 15) and AE (n = 15) groups after APM for a degenerative meniscal tear. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), single-leg hop test and Lysholm questionnaire scores in addition to isokinetic muscle strength values were evaluated at baseline, at fourth week immediately after cessation of exercise program and at eighth week follow-up visits. The exercise sessions were conducted in 1-h sessions per day, three days a week for a total of four weeks. ResultsSignificant improvement was observed in the VAS, single-leg hop test, Lysholm questionnaire, and most of SF-36 subscale scores in both groups at both fourth and eighth follow-ups. Isokinetic dynamometer revealed significant improvement in the peak torque values for extension at angular velocities of 60° and 180° at both follow-ups in the AE group. LBE group showed significant improvement in the peak torque value for extension only at an angular velocity of 60° only at fourth week follow-up. There was no significant difference between groups for any of these parameters at any of the follow-ups. ConclusionBoth AE and LBE programs had significantly improved pain, function, isokinetic muscle strength, and quality of life in patients after APM. Either type of exercise is essential as part of the rehabilitation protocol for good clinical outcomes after APM and should not be neglected (level II). ClinicalTrials registration numberNCT04925726.

Outcome of free gracilis muscle transfer for the restoration of elbow flexion in traumatic brachial plexus palsy.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of patients with free gracilis muscle transfer (FGMT) for the restoration of elbow flexion. Patients and methods Between January 2012 and January 2019, a total of 16 patients (13 males, 3 females; mean age: 27.3±11.7 years; range: 18 to 53 years) who underwent FGMF to achieve elbow flexion after traumatic brachial plexus palsy (TBPP) were retrospectively analyzed. Data including demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, etiology, affected side, injury level, accompanying injuries, time between injury and surgery, follow-up time, complications, whether nerve reconstruction and artery repair were performed previously, and details of the procedure were recorded. The outcome measures were elbow range of motion in degrees, muscle strength, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores.Results The mean follow-up was 30±11.5 (range, 24 to 42) months. Two patients had C5-C8 injuries, two patients had C6-T1 injuries, and all other patients had injuries to the C5-T1 roots. Muscle strength was M3/M4 in 11 (68.8%) patients, M2 in two (12.5%) patients, and M0 in one (6.2%) patient. The median active range of motion of the elbow joint in patients with successful results (M3 and above) was measured as 75 (range, 30 to 100) degrees. A statistically significant improvement was observed in the pre- and postoperative DASH scores and in some SF-36 subscale scores of patients with successful results.Conclusion Free gracilis muscle flap is a reliable option in the restoration of elbow flexion in patients with TBPP. Although there is an improvement in functional results, disability, and quality of life, there may be no change in patients’ mental status and pain.

The relationship between health-related quality of life and demographic characteristics in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Introduction: The evaluation of health-related quality of life at specific intervals in chronic hepatitis B patients is important in terms of producing interventions aimed at raising quality of life. &#x0D; Aim: The purpose of this study was to measure health-related quality of life in CHB patients and to evaluate its association with demographic characteristics.&#x0D; Material and Method: The study was conducted with CHB patients presenting to the infectious diseases clinic between 01 January and 15 March, 2020. Date were collected demographic characteristics, and with the short form-36 (SF-36). &#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Two hundred fourteen patients diagnosed with CHB and receiving nucleos(t)ide therapy were included in the study. Patients’ mean age was 41.9±12.9 years, 60.7% (n=130) were men, 83.6% were married, and 44.9% were educated to middle school level. Mean scores on all subscales were higher among men. Patients’ SF-36 subscale scores differed significantly in terms of education. Unmarried individuals registered higher mean scales on the SF-36 subscales compared to married participants. The score distributions of housewives and clerical workers differed significantly on the physical functioning (PF), social functioning (SF), and physical role limitation (PRL) subscales (p

Prospective investigation of Oswestry Disability Index and short form 36 subscale scores related to sagittal and coronal parameters in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis.

This study investigated relationships of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Short Form 36 (SF-36) total and subscale scores with global spinal parameters in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). This was a prospective single-center study of 126 consecutive patients with DLS. Disability was evaluated using the ODI and SF-36 total and subscale scores. Sagittal and coronal parameters were measured. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to determine relationships between disability and radiographic parameters. The study population included 76 women and 15 men (mean age, 70.2 ± 8.4years). Mean Cobb angle was 18.9° ± 8.0°. The ODI total score and SF-36 physical component score were only correlated with coronal parameters. ODI pain intensity, personal care, lifting, sitting, and sex life domains were only correlated with coronal parameters. The walking, standing, social life, and traveling domain scores were correlated with coronal and sagittal parameters. The SF-36 bodily pain and vitality domain scores were only correlated with coronal parameters. The SF-36 physical function domain score was correlated with both coronal and sagittal parameters. Among the clinical and radiographic parameters, the personal care score and the coronal vertical-axis had the strongest correlation (r = 0.425), although the r2 value was only 0.18. ODI total score and most of the subscale scores were significantly, but weakly correlated with coronal parameters. Sagittal parameters were only correlated with some of the ODI and SF-36 subscale scores. Analysis using ODI and SF-36 subscale scores may aid in understanding and treatment of disability in patients with DLS.

The Effectiveness of Intercostal Nerve Block on Return to Work, Quality of Life, and Hand Grip Strength in Patients with Isolated Rib Fractures: a Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study

Rib fractures are the most common injuries in blunt chest trauma. Rib fractures can cause a lung injury or may occur in the form of an isolated rib fracture. Isolated rib fractures that are broken in single point are usually followed at home with analgesic treatment. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of intercostal nerve blockage on pain, quality of life, return to work, and grip strength in patients with isolated single point rib fracture that did not cause lung damage. Between March 2020 and August 2020, a total of 61 patients with the diagnosis of isolated rib fractures were included and divided into two groups. Group 1 (n=29) received one session of intercostal nerve blockage (0.5% bupivacaine 3mL and 5 μg epinephrine) and acetaminophen 500 mg b.i.d. +celecoxib 100 mg b.i.d., while group 2 (n=32) received acetaminophen 500 mg b.i.d. +celecoxib 100 mg b.i.d. Pain severity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale quality of life using the Short Form-36, and grip strength using a hand dynamometer at baseline, 1 week, and 1 month. On the second day of evaluation, the patients with Visual Analog Scale score of <3 were allowed to return to work. Of the patients, 44 (72.13%) were men and 17 (27.87%) were women with a mean age of 41.8 SD8.91 (range, 22 to 56) years. There was a statistically significant decrease in the VAS scores in all groups, after treatment compared to baseline, although only the grip strength and Short Form-36 subscale scores were significantly higher (p<0.05). There was also significant difference in the all scale scores in group 1 than group 2. We found significant correlation between the Visual Analog Scale and Short Form-36 subscales after the treatment. These results suggest that oral analgesia with intercostal nerve blockage is more effective than only oral analgesia on pain, quality of life, time to return to work, and grip strength in patients with isolated rib fractures.

Epilepsi Hastalarında Yaşam Kalitesine Psikosomatik Açıdan Yaklaşım

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate psychosocial functionality in patients with epilepsy using the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR) classification system that aims to identify patients with clinically significant and relatively weighted psychological factors and to compare it with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). In addition, it was aimed to validate the DCPR system by investigating the effects of psychosomatic diagnoses on the quality of life in the disease process. Materials and Methods: One hundred consecutive patients with epilepsy who were referred to the Epilepsy special branch outpatient clinic were included in the study. The control group consisted of 53 healthy volunteers. All participants underwent structured DCPR and SCID-I interviews and were investigated using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and a Sociodemographic Data Form. Results: Eighty-seven percent of the patients met the diagnostic criteria with the DCPR system while 82% of the patients met the diagnostic criteria with DSM (χ2(1, N =100) = 4.539, p = 0.04). Examination of the effect of diagnostic systems on SF-36 scores in patients with epilepsy with the hierarchical regression model showed that diagnoses in the DCPR system predicted most of the SF-36 subscale scores better. Conclusion: The DCPR system could detect psychological distress at a higher rate than DSM in patients with epilepsy. Syndromes in the DCPR classification were associated with poor quality of life in the patients. The DCPR classification is therefore valid in patients with epilepsy and may have advantages in a more comprehensive evaluation of patients.

The effect of psychodrama on quality of life and sleep in mothers of children with cerebral palsy

The different conditions such as impaired sleep quality, impaired quality of life and decreased psychological health have been reported in caregivers of children with disabilities. It was aimed in this study to determine if psychodrama intervention causes any change on the sleep and life quality of mothers of children with cerebral palsy. Psychodrama intervention in sessions of 2 h a week for 8 weeks was applied to psychodrama group, and the study was completed with 8 mothers in the psychodrama group and 14 mothers in the control group. The mothers were evaluated in terms of sleep quality assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and quality of life assessed by Short Form-36 (SF-36) before the treatment and at the end of the 8th week. The clinically significant improvements were detected in all SF-36 subscale scores in the psychodrama group compared to the control group, only score of bodily pain subscale showed a statistically significant percentage change. There was no difference between the groups in the percentage change in PSQI scores. This study has shown that psychodrama intervention had no effect on sleep quality while it might have clinically positive effects on all of the quality of life subscales.

Comparison of Effectiveness of Density and Number of Sessions of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized-Controlled Study

This study aimed to investigate the effect of density and number of sessions extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on pain, fatigue, disability, physical function, and quality of life in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). Between September 2019 and December 2019, a total of 94 patients with the diagnosis of PF were included in the study. All patients were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 33) received a total of 7 sessions of high-energy flux density (H-ESWT) (0.26 mJ/mm2 ) , group 2 (n = 31) received a total of 3 sessions of H-ESWT (0.26 mJ/mm2), group 3 (n = 30) received total of 7 sessions of low-energy flux density (<0.08 mJ/mm2) with 3 days interval. At baseline and 1 month after the treatment, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Short Form-36, Foot Function Index (FFI), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue Scale, and Six-Minute Walking Test (6MWT) scores were compared among the groups. Of the patients, 69 were females and 25 were males with a mean age of 45.0 ± 8.43 (range, 25-67) years. There were no statistically significant differences in the age, sex, demographic characteristics, and baseline VAS, FFI, 6MWT, and FACIT scores between the groups (p > .05). However, there was a statistically significant decrease in the VAS, FACIT, and FFI scores in all groups after treatment compared to baseline, although only the 6MWT, and Short Form-36 subscale scores were statistically significantly higher (p < .05). There was also a statistically significant difference in the scale scores in Group 1 versus Group 2 and in Group 2 versus Group 3. Our study results suggest that H-ESWT for high number of sessions is more effective than LESWT for low number of sessions on pain, quality of life, physical function, fatigue, and disability in patients with PF.

Quality of Life in Adolescent and Young Adult Women With Dyspareunia and Endometriosis

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to quantify the prevalence of dyspareunia and its impact on quality of life (QOL) in adolescent and young adult women (AYA) diagnosed with endometriosis. MethodsEligible participants from the Women’s Health Study: From Adolescence to Adulthood, a longitudinal cohort study, were AYA 18–25 years who reported having had sexual intercourse. We included n = 151 AYA with a surgical diagnosis of endometriosis and n = 287 without known endometriosis. Participants completed a questionnaire including the Short Form-36 (SF-36) QOL survey, on which lower scores indicate impairment. Dyspareunia was defined as answering “yes” to having had pain during/within 24 hours following sexual intercourse. Normative-based scores for SF-36 subscales were calculated and compared between groups using linear regression adjusted for age, body mass index, educational level, and race. ResultsParticipants with endometriosis experienced dyspareunia twice as often (79%) than AYA without endometriosis (40%, p < .0001). In participants with and without endometriosis, all SF-36 subscale scores were significantly lower in AYA with dyspareunia than without. For six subscales, the negative impact was significantly stronger in AYA with endometriosis than those without, and mean scores were all less than the normative score, indicating impairment. ConclusionsMore than three quarters of AYA with endometriosis and two thirds without experience dyspareunia that negatively impacts both physical and mental health QOL scores. This impairment is stronger in those with endometriosis. Given the importance of relationships and peer engagement for identity formation during adolescence, dyspareunia could be particularly impactful. Clinicians should ask patients not only about contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted infections, but inquire about how dyspareunia may impact mental and physical well-being.

High-Energy Flux Density Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Versus Traditional Physical Therapy Modalities in Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized-controlled, Single-Blind Trial.

This study aims to investigate the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on pain, sleep, fatigue, disability, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Between March 2018 and September 2018, a total of 94 patients (16 males, 78 females; mean age 44.2±11.94 years; range, 19 to 74 years) with the diagnosis of MPS were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups. The treatment group consisted of 49 patients and a total of seven sessions of high-energy flux density ESWT (H-ESWT) (0.26 mJ/mm2) were given with three days interval. The control group consisted of 45 patients and the treatment of hot pack, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and ultrasound was given for five days for two weeks. At baseline and one month after treatment, the visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue Scale, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were compared between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the age, sex, demographic characteristics, and baseline VAS, SF-36, NDI, BDI, FACIT, and PSQI scores between the groups (p>0.05). In the ESWT group, there was a statistically significant decrease in the VAS, SF-36, NDI, BDI, FACIT, and PSQI scores after treatment compared to the baseline scores, while only the SF-36 subscale scores were statistically significantly higher (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant correlation between the VAS and SF-36 scores and the BDI, NDI, FACIT and PSQI scores after the treatment. Our study results suggest that H-ESWT is more effective than traditional physical therapy methods on pain, QoL, sleep, fatigue, depression, and disability in patients with MPS.

The Impact of Body Mass Index on Quality of Life in Women with Osteoporosis

Background: Improving the quality of life in osteoporotic women is one of the crucial goals of health systems. Hence, recognizing the factors affecting the quality of life in such patients is an important issue. The body mass index (BMI) seems to be capable of affecting quality of life. Besides, BMI is a quantitative index simple to measure. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of BMI on quality of life in a group of osteoporotic women. Methods: One hundred osteoporotic women aged 50 - 60 participated in this descriptive-analytical study. These women were referring to the internal clinic of Mousavi Hospital of Zanjan. The body mass index was calculated after measuring both height and weight. Based on the BMI, the patients were divided into three groups: BMI &lt; 18.5 underweight, 18.5 ≤ BMI &lt; 25 normal and BMI ≥ 25 overweight. The short form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire was employed for measuring the quality of life. Given the normal distribution of data, one-way-ANOVA and Independent t-test were utilized to compare the means of the three groups. In all tests, P &lt; 0.05 was accepted as a significant level. Results: Comparison groups using the one-way ANOVA test on SF-36 subscale and total QOL scores showed in all components of QOL; underweight, overweight and normal groups were significantly different (P &lt; 0.05). Considering the Independent t-test, osteoporotic women in overweight group reported a poor quality of life as measured by the SF-36. Yet, the quality of life score in the normal group and the underweight group did not have a significant difference. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that increased BMI negatively affects quality of life. Therefore, it can be avowed that keeping the BMI low and controlling it are effective in raising the quality of life in osteoporotic women. Thus, so as to improve the quality of life in those patients, therapists ought to take greater heed of their BMI and its changes.

The Correlations Between Disease Specific Quality of Life, Short Form-36 and Clinical Variables in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Objectives This study aims to assess the correlations between disease specific quality of life (QoL), general health status and clinical variables in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and also to determine a cutoff value for the disease specific QoL questionnaire.Patients and methods A total of 124 patients (80 males, 44 females; mean age 40.6±11.1 years; range, 20 to 65 years) who fulfilled the modified New York criteria for AS were included in this cross-sectional study. All patients received a comprehensive rheumatologic assessment including disease specific instruments for disease activity, functional status, spinal mobility and QoL. Furthermore, short form-36 (SF-36) was used to determine general health status. Pain levels of the patients were assessed with visual analog scale (VAS). Pearson’s analysis was used to assess correlation among variables, with moderate, strong, or very strong correlations if the value was between 0.40-0.69, 0.70-0.89, and 0.90-0.99, respectively. To determine a cutoff value for the ankylosing spondylitis quality of life (ASQoL) score, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was computed according to clinical parameters which have the strongest correlations with ASQoL.Results The mean ASQoL score was 8.8±4.9. There was a significantly positive correlation between ASQoL and disease activity, functional status, spinal mobility and pain VAS whereas there was a significantly negative correlation between ASQoL and the SF-36 subscale scores except for mental health and emotional role (p<0.001). The strongest positive correlation was found between ASQoL and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (r=0.721, p<0.001) whereas the strongest negative correlation was found between ASQoL and the first question of SF-36 (r=-0.844, p<0.001). A cutoff value of eight in ASQoL showed good discriminative properties for impaired QoL where sensitivity and specificity were simultaneously maximized according to disease activity (AUC=0.84 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.770-0.908, p<0.001]) and the patients’ global health status (AUC=0.85 [95% CI: 0.782-0.923, p<0.001]) in patients with AS.Conclusion There was a strong correlation between ASQoL and disease activity as well as the patients’ global health status in patients with AS. A cutoff value of eight in ASQoL could be used with good discriminative properties for impaired QoL in AS.

Vision-related and health-related quality of life in patients with giant cell arteritis.

To establish if there is a difference in health-related quality of life and vision-related quality of life in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of giant cell arteritis compared with those with clinical features suspicious for the disease at initial presentation but in whom giant cell arteritis is ultimately excluded. A cross-sectional study of 116 patients who presented to two tertiary referral hospitals in Ireland with symptoms suspicious for giant cell arteritis was performed between August 2011 and June 2017. The Vision Core Measurement 1 and Short Form-36 questionnaires were used as assessment tools. The mean (standard deviation) age of all 116 participants was 69.4 (9.3) years of whom 74 (63.8%) were female. In the giant cell arteritis group, 19.7% had permanent loss of vision and 54.7% had non-permanent visual disturbance. Vision Core Measurement 1 score in the giant cell arteritis group correlated with worse eye visual acuity (r = 0.4233, p = 0.0002). The Short Form-36 subscales of role physical (p = 0.0002), role emotional (p = 0.024), and the mental composite score (p = 0.012) were significantly worse in patients with giant cell arteritis. A significant correlation was found between vision-related quality of life scores and all Short Form-36 subscale scores except bodily pain (r = -0.215 to -0.399, p < 0.05 for all), and between social functioning and visual acuity in the better eye (r = -0.242, p = 0.038). Vision-related quality of life is an important subjective concern for both patients presenting with a suspicion of giant cell arteritis and those with a definite diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. Features of giant cell arteritis impact on patients' physical and emotional states and vision influences global quality of life in giant cell arteritis. A long-term multidisciplinary approach is warranted for clinical, physical, and psychological treatment and support.

The effect of stigmatization on quality of life in male patients with HIV/AIDS

Objective: Stigmatization is a risk factor affecting quality of life in HIV/AIDS patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between stigmatization and quality of life in HIV/AIDS patients. Methods: Fifty patients who were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS at least three months ago in the Infectious Diseasesand Clinica lMicrobiology Policlinic of SBU Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital were included in the study. Sociodemographic Data Form, HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale (HADS-H) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) Quality of Life Scale were applied to the patients. Results: A negative correlation was found between HADS-H negative self-perception subscale scores and all SF-36 subscale scores. In the regression analysis, negative self-perception subscale was found to be a predictor of SF-36 physical function, general health, vitality, socialfunction, emotional role difficulty and mental health. Conclusions: Stigmatization affects quality of life negatively in HIV/AIDS patients. Our study showed that the negative effect of stigmatization on the self may impair the quality of life.

Evaluation of the effects of different forms of periodontal diseases on quality of life with OHIP-14 and SF-36 questionnaires: A cross-sectional study.

To investigate the effect of generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP), generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) and gingivitis (G) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) with Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires. One hundred GAP patients, 114 GCP and 109 G patients were included in the study. Age, gender, number of missing teeth, probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PI) and clinical attachment level (CAL) of patients were recorded. The Turkish versions of OHIP-14 and SF-36 questionnaires were filled before any medication and dental treatment were approved. The one-way ANOVA test was used to compare three groups. Generalized aggressive periodontitis and GCP groups were similar to each other (P>0.05) in most subscales except functional limitation and social disability of the OHIP-14 questionnaire (P=0.034 and P=0.018, respectively); conversely, there was no statistically difference between GAP and G groups in functional limitation and social disability subscales (P=0.856 and P=0.242, respectively). GAP group gave higher scores than GCP group in all subscales of SF-36 (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between OHIP-14 and SF-36 subscale scores in all groups. Study findings indicate that different forms of periodontal disease have different effects on quality of life of patients when measured by OHIP-14 and SF-36. Patients with GCP and GAP had poorer OHRQoL than G patients.