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Objectives: This study aims to examine the effect of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on gait parameters and lower extremity motor recovery in a more specific sample of individuals with chronic and traumatic incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). Patients and methods: This double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized study included a total of 28 individuals (20 males, 8 females; mean age: 35.7±12.1 years; range, 18 to 45 years) with chronic (>1 year) traumatic iSCI. The participants were randomly allocated to either sham rTMS group (n=14) or real rTMS group (n=14). We compared the groups based on the lower extremity motor scores (LEMS), the temporal-spatial gait measurements using three-dimensional gait analysis, the Walking Index for SCI-II (WISCI-II), and 10-m walking test at baseline, three weeks (post-treatment) and five weeks (follow-up) after the treatment. Results: The real rTMS group revealed a significant improvement in walking speed, LEMS score, and 10-m walking test after the treatment compared to baseline (p=0.001, p=0.002, and p=0.023, respectively). Changes in the LEMS score were significantly increased in the real rTMS group compared to the sham group at both three and five weeks (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). No significant difference was observed in the other variables between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our study findings support the therapeutic effectiveness of rTMS on motor recovery in chronic iSCI. The rTMS can be used as an adjuvant therapy to conventional physiotherapy in the rehabilitation of patients with iSCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaptonuria is a hereditary and metabolic disease which is characterised by ocranosis, arthritis and aciduria. It is a rare clinical condition which has an estimated incidence varies from 1/ 250,000 to 1/1000000 live births. This autosomal recessive disorder occurs as a result of homogentisic acid dioxygenase enzyme deficiency which takes part in tyrosine metabolism. This case report aimed to present a geriatric patient who had diagnosed alkaptonuria. A 69 years old male was admitted to our department with knee-shoulder pain and range of motion (ROM) limitation. His medical history revealed that he had both mechanical and inflammatory joint pain for 22 years. The examination of his eyes were compatible with blue sclera and there was also bluish black discoloration on the ears. He had also hearing loss. Qualitative 24 hours collected urine examination showed dark black discoloration. The patient was diagnosed as alkaptonuria. A physical therapy programme were planned to the patient by our department. Clinicians should be aware of this pathology and the diagnosis should be confirmed by clinical, laboratory and radiological examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]