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The aim of the study was to compare the fear of falling in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and healthy controls. The relationship between the fear of falling and spinal mobility, balance parameters, functional capacity, pain, and disease activity was also evaluated in patients. The study sample included 40 AS patients and 50 gender-age-matched healthy controls. Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), Berg Balance-Scale (BBS), and Short-Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were evaluated in all participants. In patients, the Bath AS-Metrology Index (BASMI), pain-visual analog scale (VAS), Bath AS-Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), and Bath AS-Functional Index (BASFI) were assessed. The mean ages of the patients and controls were 45.73 ± 9.5 (18-63) and 42.28 ± 8.1 (26-56), respectively. Fear of falling scores were significantly higher, and BBS and SPPB scores were significantly lower in patients than in controls (p<0.001). There was a positive correlation between FES-I scores and VAS-pain, BASFI, and BASDAI-scores, and a negative correlation was found between FES-I scores and BBS and SPPB-scores (SPPB p<0.05, others p<0.001). BASMI scores were negatively correlated with BBS scores (p<0.05). In the regression analysis, positive correlation with FES-I was BASFI-scores (p<0.05). The results of this study showed that patients with AS may experience fear of falling even if there is no history of falls. Balance, disease activity, and, most importantly, functional capacity should be evaluated to reduce the fear of falling in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction/Objective: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is usually seen in among younger person of working age and carries a significant economic burden. It was aimed to explore the relation of work instability with fatigue, depression, and anxiety in working AS patients comparing with healthy controls.Method: This case-control study was conducted on working 61 AS patients and 40 sex-age-matched working healthy controls. The data were collected using Visual analogue scale-pain, Bath AS Disease Activity Index, Bath AS Functional Index, Bath AS Metrology Index in patients; and Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue, AS Work Instability Scale in all participants. Data were analyzed by SPSS, using chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation analysis, and multivariate linear regression analysis.Results: Depression, fatigue, and work instability scores were significantly higher in patients than controls (p < 0.05). Clinical parameters (except spinal mobility) showed a significant worsening across the levels of work instability in patients (p < 0.05) and work instability scores were positively correlated with all clinical parameters except spinal mobility (p < 0.001). There was a weak correlation between work instability and spinal mobility (p < 0.05). Fatigue (p < 0.001), pain, and functional capacity scores (p < 0.05) were found to be influential variables on work instability scores.Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that fatigue and depressive symptoms had negative effect on work instability beside pain, disease activity, and functionality in patients with AS. The recognition and improvement of fatigue and depression may lead to reduced risk of job loss in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Short Form of the Social Role Participation Questionnaire (s-SRPQ) in Turkish patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Patients and methods: The Turkish version of s-SRPQ questionnaire was obtained after a translation and back translation process. The study sample included 100 ankylosing spondylitis patients (59 males, 41 females; mean age 42.0±11.0 years; range 19 to 69 years). To assess the test-retest reliability of the Turkish s-SRPQ, the questionnaire was reapplied 15 days after the first interview (interclass correlation coefficient [ICC]). Cronbach's alpha (a) was used to evaluate the internal consistency. The s-SRPQ was compared with Short Form-36 (SF-36) survey, Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life questionnaire (ASQoL), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) for convergent validiy. Results: For s-SRPQ/experienced physical difficulties; the individual item ICC ranged from 0.78 to 1.00 and Cronbach's alpha value ranged from 0.88 to 1.00. For s-SRPQ/satisfaction w ith role performance; the individual item ICC ranged from 0.93 to 0.98 and Cronbach's alpha value ranged from 0.96 to 0.99. The Turkish version of s-SRPQ/experienced physical difficulties scores correlated with the SWLS and SF-36 sub-parameters negatively; and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, and BASFI, and ASQoL positively. The SRPQ/satisfaction with role performance scores correlated with the SWLS and SF-36 sub-parameters positively; and BASDAI, and BASFI, and ASQoL negatively. Conclusion: Turkish version of s-SRPQ has good comprehensibility, internal consistency, and validity and is an adequate and useful instrument for the assessment of participation in Turkish patients with ankylosing spondylitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to compare fall history and fear of falling (FOF) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls and to evaluate associated factors for fall risk and FOF in patients with RA. Materials and methods: Between March 2016 and July 2016, a total of 120 patients with RA and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. The presence of FOF (Yes/No), fall history, and the number of falls within the past 12 month were questioned. All participants were assessed with the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT), One-Leg Stand Test (OLST), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Pain Severity and Patient Global Assessment (PGA) by Visual Analog Scale (VAS), disability by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and disease activity by Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) were evaluated in patients with RA. Results: There was no statistically difference between the RA patients and healthy controls in terms of presence of fall history, while the presence of FOF and FES-I scores were significantly higher in the RA patients (p<0.05). In the patient group, the FES-I score was positively correlated with pain VAS, PGA, DAS-28, HAQ, BAI, BDI, and 10MWT and negatively BBS and OLST (p<0.05). The number of falls, HAQ, BBS, and BDI scores were found to be significant independent risk factors affecting variations in the FES-I scores (p<0.001). Conclusion: Fear of falling seems to be an important problem in patients with RA, and patients without fall history may also have FOF. The most important factors associated with FOF were impaired balance, increased disability and depression, and number of falls in RA patients. Strategies for preventing falls, maintaining balance, improving emotional status and against FOF are of utmost importance in patients with RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our objective in this study was to assess the changes in medial gastrocnemius muscle (GCM) stiffness after botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection in children with cerebral palsy (CP) by using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography and to research the usability of this technique in clinical practice. Materials and methods: Twenty-four spastic lower extremities of 12 children with CP were assessed. BTA injection treatment was applied to the medial GCM. Muscle stiffness was measured with the ARFI technique before the procedure and a month after the procedure. The patients were assessed with the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) in the physiotherapy department at about the same time. Shear wave velocity (SWV) values and MAS scores before and after the treatment were compared. Results: Mean SWV values were measured as 3.20 ± 0.14 m/s before BTA and as 2.45 ± 0.21 m/s after BTA, and the difference between them was found to be statistically significant ( p < 0.001). Mean MAS score (2.33 ± 0.70) after BTA decreased significantly when compared to the score before BTA (2.96 ± 0.62) ( p = 0.001). SWV values positively correlated with MAS scores ( ρ = 0.578, p = 0.003). The interobserver agreement expressed as interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.65 (95% CI 0.33-0.84, p < 0.001). Conclusion: ARFI elastography for identifying structural changes that occur in the spastic muscle after BTA injection in children with CP can yield more valuable information with combined use of MAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to assess the factor structure of the Turkish Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the relationship of illness perceptions with disease activity and psychological well-being. Patients and methods: One hundred and fifty RA patients (8 males, 142 females; mean age 51.1±12.7 years; range 21 to 81 years) were included in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the factor structure of the IPQ-R. Pain was assessed by visual analog scale, disease activity by Disease Activity Score 28, depression by Beck Depression Inventory, global life satisfaction by the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and illness perception by the IPQ-R. Results: Three items (items 12, 18, 19) were deleted because of poor factor loadings. The modified 35-item model showed good reliability and discriminant validity. Beck Depression Inventory scores were correlated with identity, consequences, and emotional representations subscales positively (p<0.001); and with illness coherence subscale negatively (p<0.05). There were positive correlations between Satisfaction with Life Scale scores, and treatment control and illness coherence subscales (p<0.05). Satisfaction with Life Scale scores were negatively correlated with identity, emotional representation, and timeline acute/chronic subscales (p<0.05), and consequences subscale (p<0.001). Disease Activity Score 28 was not correlated with IPQ-R domains (p>0.05). Conclusion: The Turkish IPQ-R appears to be a useful clinical assessment tool to evaluate RA-related illness perceptions. RA healthcare should include psychological intervention to strengthen patients' beliefs about their RA regardless of disease activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Breast cancer-related lymphedema is an important health problem. The aim of this study is to ensure early diagnosis of patients at risk of developing lymphedema and revealing the predisposing factors. Materials and Methods: Measurements in the pre-operative period and in postoperative months 3, 6, 9 and 12 and years 2 and 3 were performed prospectively with bio-impedance spectroscopy for patients treated for breast cancer between November, 2013 and November, 2016. Demographic and clinical-pathological data of the patients were investigated to assess the factors that affect the development of lymphedema. Results: 245 measurements were obtained from the 67 patients who participated in the study. 18 (26.8%) patients were diagnosed with lymphedema and 16 (89%) of these patients were clinically diagnosed with stage 0 and 2 (1%) patients with stage 1 lymphedema. The median age was 50.7 (32-77) years. Performing axillary dissection and positivity in more than 3 nodes were found to be statistically significant with a percentage of 63.3% (n=15) and 64.7% (n=11) p=0.049 and p<0.001, respectively. Conclusion: Periodic measurements with bio impedance spectroscopy can be an effective method to diagnose early stage lymphedema after breast cancer, and enable selecting the group of patients who would benefit from early treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Turkish language version of VITACORA-19 (psoriatic arthritis quality of life questionnaire) in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Patients and methods: The Turkish version of VITACORA-19 questionnaire was obtained after a translation and back translation process. The study sample included 61 PsA patients (22 males, 39 females; mean age 46.5±12.2 years; range 19 to 71 years). To assess the test-retest reliability of the Turkish VITACORA-19, the questionnaire was reapplied 10 to 15 days after the first interview (interclass correlation coefficient). Cronbach's alpha (a) was used to evaluate the internal consistency. VITACORA-19 was compared with visual analog scale for physician and patient global assessments, the Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Nottingham Health Profile for construct validity. The internal structure of VITACORA-19 was examined by factor analysis. Results: The individual item intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.77 to 0.98 and Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.77 to 0.98. The Cronbach's alpha value for whole scale was determined as 0.96. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy was 0.90, and Bartlett's test of sphericity had a p<0.001. Turkish VITACORA-19 total scores were correlated negatively with Health Assessment Questionnaire, visual analog scale for pain, and Nottingham Health Profile subgroups, and positively with physician and patient global assessments (p<0.01). Conclusion: Turkish version of VITACORA-19 questionnaire is a reliable and valid measure for health-related quality of life in Turkish patients with psoriatic arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate psychiatric symptoms in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to investigate the relationship of the disease activity, functional capacity, pain, and fatigue with psychiatric symptoms. Methods: Eighty AS patients and 80 healthy controls were included in the study. Spinal pain by visual analog scale (pain VAS-rest), disease activity by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), functional capacity by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and fatigue by Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) were assessed in patients. Psychiatric symptoms were measured using the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90 R), Beck Depression Inventory (BD1), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQ1) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Results: SCL-90-R total and all subscale scores (except interpersonal sensitivity and psychoticism) and BDI scores were significantly higher in the AS group compared to control group. PSQI total and all subscale scores were significantly higher in the AS group. State anxiety scale score was significantly higher and RSES score was significantly lower in the AS group. Psychiatric symptoms (except Rosenberg Self- Esteem score) were significantly correlated with BASDAI, BASFI, pain VAS rest, and MAF scores. Conclusion: Psychiatric symptoms are often seen in patients with AS. Disease activity, functional capacity, pain and fatigue were correlated with psychiatric symptoms but self-esteem was not. Therefore, psychiatric symptoms should be taken into consideration in the management of AS. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate psychiatric symptoms in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to investigate the relationship of the disease activity, functional capacity, pain, and fatigue with psychiatric symptoms. Methods: Eighty AS patients and 80 healthy controls were included in the study. Spinal pain by visual analog scale (pain VAS-rest), disease activity by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), functional capacity by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and fatigue by Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) were assessed in patients. Psychiatric symptoms were measured using the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90 R), Beck Depression Inventory (BD1), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQ1) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Results: SCL-90-R total and all subscale scores (except interpersonal sensitivity and psychoticism) and BDI scores were significantly higher in the AS group compared to control group. PSQI total and all subscale scores were significantly higher in the AS group. State anxiety scale score was significantly higher and RSES score was significantly lower in the AS group. Psychiatric symptoms (except Rosenberg Self- Esteem score) were significantly correlated with BASDAI, BASFI, pain VAS rest, and MAF scores. Conclusion: Psychiatric symptoms are often seen in patients with AS. Disease activity, functional capacity, pain and fatigue were correlated with psychiatric symptoms but self-esteem was not. Therefore, psychiatric symptoms should be taken into consideration in the management of AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Breast cancer-related lymphedema is an important health problem. The aim of this study is to ensure early diagnosis of patients at risk of developing lymphedema and revealing the predisposing factors., Materials and Methods: Measurements in the pre-operative period and in postoperative months 3, 6, 9 and 12 and years 2 and 3 were performed prospectively with bio-impedance spectroscopy for patients treated for breast cancer between November, 2013 and November, 2016. Demographic and clinical-pathological data of the patients were investigated to assess the factors that affect the development of lymphedema., Results: 245 measurements were obtained from the 67 patients who participated in the study. 18 (26.8%) patients were diagnosed with lymphedema and 16 (89%) of these patients were clinically diagnosed with stage 0 and 2 (1%) patients with stage 1 lymphedema. The median age was 50.7 (32-77) years. Performing axillary dissection and positivity in more than 3 nodes were found to be statistically significant with a percentage of 63.3% (n=15) and 64.7% (n=11) p=0.049 and p<0.001, respectively., Conclusion: Periodic measurements with bio impedance spectroscopy can be an effective method to diagnose early stage lymphedema after breast cancer, and enable selecting the group of patients who would benefit from early treatment., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: No conflict of interest was declared by the authors.