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WOS: 000453318400004 PubMed ID: 30859159 OBJECTIVE: Stress is a condition caused by various factors and characterized by imbalance in body functioning, impair in nervous system, and tension. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cortisol level, which increases in healthy young individuals due to stress, on dynamic and static balance scores as well as to present the results caused by high levels of stress. METHODS: In this study, 107 healthy medicine faculty students in their second year (who will take the same committee exam) aged between 19 and 23 years were included. The first balance measurements and saliva samples were taken 40 days before the committee exam, and this period was acknowledged as the relaxed period. The same students were considered for balance measurements again on the day of committee exam; saliva samples were collected, and cortisol concentration was determined. This period was acknowledged as the stressful period. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was given to the participants in their relaxed and stressful periods. Dynamic balance scores were measured with Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Static balance scores were measured with One Leg Standing Balance Test (OLSBT). RESULTS: The mean cortisol level was found to increase approximately 9 times in stressful periods compared with that in relaxed periods. STAI, which shows state anxiety, showed an increase supporting this increase. In stressful periods, dynamic balance scores showed obvious decrease in all directions. In addition, in stressful periods, an obvious decrease was observed in static balance scores compared with those in relaxed periods. CONCLUSION: This study showed that stress negatively affected dynamic and static balance, even for short periods of time. We believe that our study will form a positive source and basis when correlated with long terms stress and balance measurements.

WOS: 000435672000003, PubMed ID: 30207568, Objectives: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) in Turkey using the same telephone questionnaire developed for screening RA and SpA in France and used in Serbia and Lithuania. Material and methods: The study was performed in two steps. In step I, the French questionnaire was translated into Turkish and validated through a group of 200 patients (80 males, 120 females; mean age 44.0 +/- 13.1 years; range, 19 to 75 years) followed up at the rheumatology departments of University Hospitals in Antalya and Ankara. In step II, the validated Turkish questionnaire was administered face-to-face to randomly selected 4,012 subjects (1,670 males, 2,342 females; mean age 41.5 +/- 16.8 years; range, 16 to 97 years) by trained general practitioners across the country, in 25 provinces for case detection. The subjects who were suspected of having RA or SpA in accordance with the questionnaire were invited to the nearest university hospital for rheumatologic examination in order to confirm the diagnosis. Results: In step II, a total of 25 subjects (2 males, 23 females) were diagnosed as RA. The standardized RA prevalence for the general population of Turkey was calculated as 0.56% (95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.33-0.79), 0.10% (95% CI; -0.05-0.25) for males and 0.89% (95% CI; 0.51-1.27) for females. A total of 18 subjects (3 males, 15 females) were diagnosed as SpA. The standardized SpA prevalence for the general population of Turkey was 0.46% (95% CI; 0.25-0.67), 0.17% (95% CI; -0.03-0.37) for males and 0.65% (95% CI; 0.32-0.98) for females. The prevalence of RA was highest in the Northern region (2.00%) and the prevalence of SpA was highest in the Central region (1.49%). Conclusion: The prevalences of RA and SpA in Turkey are close to each other and there are significant inter-regional variations in prevalences of both RA and SpA., Sanofi Health Products Company, Turkey, This survey was supported with an unconditional Grant to Turkish League Against Rheumatism from Sanofi Health Products Company (former Aventis), Turkey. The secretary expenses was covered by EULAR Standing Committee on Epidemiology and Health Services Research.

Amaç: Karpal tünel sendromu (KTS) tedavisinde,kinesio taping bantlama tekniğinin ne kadar etkin olduğunu araştırmak ve buteknik ile retinaculum musculorum flexorum’un myofascial gevşetilmesi, n.medianus mobilizasyonu ve tendon gliding egzersizlerinin üçünün birlikteyapıldığı tedavi programının etkinliğini karşılaştırmaktır.Materyalve Metod: Gönüllü KTS’li 40 bayanhasta, rastgele 20 kişilik iki gruba ayrıldı ve 4 hafta tedaviye alındı. Grup1’e haftada 5 gün retinaculum musculorum flexorum’un myofascial olarakgevşetilmesi, n. medianus mobilizasyonu ve tendon gliding egzersizleri; Grup2’ye pazartesi-perşembe günleri haftada 2 defa kinesio taping bantlama tekniğiuygulandı. Her bir hasta tedavi öncesi ve sonrası Boston Semptom ŞiddetiSkalası ve Boston Fonksiyonel Kapasite Skalası ile değerlendirilip, her grubuntedavisinin kendi içinde etkinliğine ve iki grubun tedavi etkinliğininbirbiriyle karşılaştırılması yapıldı. Bulgular: Her iki grupta da tedavi öncesi ve sonrasıBoston Semptom Şiddeti Skalası ve Boston Fonksiyonel Kapasite Skalası değerleriistatistiksel olarak anlamlı şekilde azalmıştır. Egzersiz grubu ve bantlamagrubu Boston Semptom Şiddeti Skalası’nda tedavi öncesi ve sonrası arasındakifark karşılaştırıldığında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark bulunmazken, BostonFonksiyonel Kapasite Skalası’nda iki grup arasında anlamlı bir fark tespitedildi.Sonuç: Her iki grupta da KTS semptomları açısındanolumlu etkiler sağlandığı tespit edilmiş, gruplar arasında istatistiksel olarakfark bulunmamıştır. KTS fonksiyonları açısından değerlendirildiğinde egzersizgrubu bantlama grubundan daha etkin çıkmıştır., Aim:We aimed to investigate the efficiencyof the kinesiotaping technique and to compare efficacy of this technique with atreatment programme using all three types of myofacial releasing of flexorretinaculum, mobilization of the median nerve, and tendon gliding exercises inthe Carpal Tunnel Sendrome (CTS).Materialand Methods: Forty volunteer femalepatients with CTS, divided into randomly two groups consisted of twentypatients and received treatment for 4 weeks. Group 1 was put on mobilization ofthe median nerve, myofascial releasing of flexor retinaculum, and tendongliding exercises therapy for 5 days per week, while Group 2 recieved thekinesiotaping technique two times per week on Mondays and Thursdays. Everypatient was evaluated within the group and compared with the other groupaccording to Boston Symptom Severity Scale and Boston Functional Capacity Scalepretreatment and posttreatment programme to compare the efficiencies of themethods.Results: In both groups, statisticaly significantreductions were observed according to Boston Symptom Severity Scale and BostonFunctional Capacity Scale scores pretreatment and posttreatment. Although thedifference between exercises and taping groups was not statisticallysignificant according to Boston Symptom Severity Scale, a statisticallysignificant difference was noted according to Boston Functional Capacity Scale.Conclusion:Positive effects on CTS symptomswere observed in both groups, but statistically significant difference was notobserved between groups. Excercise group was superior to taping group when wecompare two groups according to improvement of hand functions.

WOS: 000352060500003, Objectives: This study investigates the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Turkey, and attempts to identify strategies for the prevention, treatment, and support of RA. Patients and methods: A total of 2,359 patients (1,966 females, 393 males; mean age 51.6 +/- 12.5 years; range 18 to 75 years) with RA from 36 centers across Turkey, who were recorded in the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) RA Registry between September 2007 and March 2011, were evaluated. Patients' demographic and clinical data were recorded. Disease activity, functional status, and radiographic damage were measured using the Disease Activity Score 28, the Health Assessment Questionnaire, and van der Heijde modified Sharp scoring method. Results: The mean duration of academic education received was 5.2 +/- 3.8 years, and 74.6% of the patients were homemakers. Non-biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were used by 91.0% of the patients, while 10.2% used biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The mean Disease Activity Score 28, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Sharp scores were 4.0 +/- 1.4, 0.38 +/- 0.37, and 31.2 +/- 57.1, respectively. Of the patients, 17.8% were in remission and 14.1% had low disease activity rates, while 42.7% and 25.5% had moderate and high disease activity rates. Conclusion: The majority of patients with RA in Turkey are middle-aged homemakers. Despite the high rates of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs use, the majority of patients had moderate and high disease activity. These findings indicate that treatment needs of RA patients are not met sufficiently., Wyeth/Pfizer Company, The authors express their gratitude to all members of TLAR RA Study Group for their cooperation and to Wyeth/Pfizer Company for the sponsorship.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS-I) is a syndrome characterized by chronic pain problem presenting often in extremities with autonomic dysfunction. CRPS-I related pain management is a serious problem in patients who have bone fractures in extremities after trauma. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of TENS for the treatment of pain. Subjects (n=10) diagnosed with (CRPS-I) of the elbow were treated with TENS. The parameters for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment include pain, hyperesthesia, hyperpatia, temperature, cyanosis, gross muscle test elbow extention, flexion and deviation degree. In conclusion TENS treatment could be effective in CRPS-I of upper extremity in decreasing not only pain but also the objective clinical parameters. Key words: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type-I, Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation., Kompleks rejyonel ağrı sendromu Tip I (CRPS-I) sıklıkla ekstremiteleri tutan otonomik fonksiyonlardaki bozukluklarla karakterize bir kronik ağrı problemidir. Ekstremitelerinde travma sonrası kırık olan hastalarda CRPS-I' e bağlı gelişen ağrının tedavisi önemli bir sorun oluşturmaktadır. Bu çalışmada CRPS-I' e bağlı ağrısı olan 10 hastada transkütanöz elektriksel sinir stimülasyonu (TENS) kullanımının etkinliği araştırılmıştır. El bileğinde CRPS-I nedeniyle kronik ağrısı bulunan 10 hasta TENS tedavisine alınarak, klinik değerlendirme tedavinin başlangıcında ve sonunda ağrı, ısı, siyanoz, hiperpati, hiperestezi, gross kas testi, el bileği ekstansiyon, fleksiyon ve deviasyon derecesi açısından yapılmıştır. Sonuç olarak TENS tedavisinin sadece CRPS-I' e bağlı ağrıyı azaltmakla kalmayıp objektif klinik parametrelerde de düzelme sağladığı kanısına varılmıştır. Anahtar kelimeler: Kompleks Rejyonel Ağrı Sendromu Tip I, Transkütanöz Elektriksel Sinir Stimülasyonu.

Objective: Posture is a combination of the positions which is taken by the joints in every movement of the body. The aim of this study is to determine the spine deformities by posture analysis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, and, additionally, to evaluate the effects of these deformities on daily life activities and patients' quality of life. Material and Methods: Thirty patients with ankylosing spondylitis and thirty healthy subjects were included in the study. Posture analysis, through SF-36, and Beck Depression Inventory were applied to all individuals. Shortening of muscles and muscle strength were evaluated. Results: An increase in thoracic kyphosis, a decrease in lumbar lordosis, deformities of round shoulder, genu valgum and pes planus were significantly prominent in the AS group compared to the healthy group. In both groups, no significant differences were found between means of their body mass index, increased cervical lordosis, low shoulder, and genu varum. There was a decrease of muscle strength and an increase of shortening of muscle in certain muscle groups. It was determined that quality of life in AS patients was negatively affected by posture. Conclusion: The physiologic and psychological status of patients with ankylosing spondylitis affects their quality of life because of the abnormal posture and weakness of the muscles resulting from the limitation of movement. The patients did not have enough information on their disorders and did not take care of the importance of the disease. Key words: Ankylosing Spondylitis; Posture Analysis; Quality of Life., Amaç: Postür, vücudun her hareketinde eklemlerin aldığı pozisyonların birleşimidir. Çalışmamızın amacı; Ankilozan Spondilit'li (AS) hastalarda postür analizine bakılarak omurga deformitelerinin belirlenmesi ve bunların AS'li hastaların günlük yaşam aktiviteleri ve kalitesi üzerine nasıl bir etkide bulunduğunun araştırılmasıdır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya 30 AS'li ve 30 sağlıklı birey alındı. Tüm bireylere postür analizi, SF-36 yaşam kalitesi değerlendirme anketi ve Beck Depresyon ölçeği uygulandı. Kaslarda kısalık ve kas kuvveti değerlendirildi. Bulgular: Postür analizi değerlendirmesi sonucunda hasta bireylerin torakal kifoz artışı, lumbal lordozda azalma, yuvarlak omuz, genu valgum ve pes planus deformitelerinin anlamlı oranda arttığı gözlendi. Vücut kitle indeksi ortalamaları ile postür analizi sonuçlarından servikal lordozda artış, düşük omuz ve genu varum açısından anlamlı bir fark bulunmadı. Belirli kas gruplarında ise kas kuvvetinde azalma ve kas kısalığı tespit edildi. Ankilozan spondilit'li hastalarda yaşam kalitesinin postüre bağlı olarak olumsuz etkilendiği belirlendi. Sonuç: Ankilozan spondilit'li hastalarda postürün bozulduğu, kaslardaki kısalığın hareketleri sınırlandırdığı ve buna bağlı olarak ortaya çıkan kas zayıflamasından dolayı yaşam kalitesinin düştüğü düşünülmektedir. Ayrıca eğitim seviyesi düşük olan bireylerin, hastalık hakkında yeterli bilgiye sahip olmadığı ve gereken önemi göstermedikleri görülmektedir. Anahtar kelimeler: Ankilozan Spondilit; Postür Analizi; Yaşam Kalitesi.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate if the bicycle exercises being addition to different physical therapy combinations have effects on pain, functional capacity and quality of life in the patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Materials and Methods: 80 patients with knee OA were randomly divided into four groups and applied hot pack (HP) + transkutanoz elektrikil neurol stimulastion (TENS) + ultrasound (US) to the first group, HP + TENS + Pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) to the second group, HP + TENS + US + bicycle exercises to the third group and HP + TENS + Pulsed SWD + bicycle exercises to the fourth group. These therapy programs were applied for 3 weeks. Patients were evaluated with pain, the duration of 50 steps walking, and range of motion. Results: Statistically significant improvement was observed all groups at the end of the therapy. The patients in groups who were subjected to bicycle exercises (Groups 3 and 4) were siginficantly better in terms of the decrease in pain and the duration of 50 steps walking than the other groups. Conclusion: Physical therapy combinations involving bicycle exercises were found out to be more efficient than single physical therapy combinations. Key words: Knee Osteoarthritis, Bicycle Exercises, Ultrasound, Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy, Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı; diz osteoartriti (OA) olan hastalarda farklı fizik tedavi kombinasyonlarına ilave edilen bisiklet egzersizlerinin; ağrı, fonksiyonel durum ve yaşam kalitesine katkısının olup olmadığını araştırmaktır. Gereç ve Yöntem: 80 diz OA'li hasta rastgele yöntemle dört gruba ayrılarak; 1. gruba sıcak paket + transkutanöz elektriksel sinir stimülasyonu (TENS) + ultrason, 2. gruba sıcak paket + TENS + kesikli kısa dalga diatermi (KDD), 3. gruba sıcak paket + TENS + ultrason + bisiklet egzersizi, 4. gruba ise sıcak paket + TENS + kesikli KDD + bisiklet egzersizi uygulandı. Tedavi programı 3 hafta süreyle uygulandı. Hastalar; ağrı, 50 adım yürüme süresi ve eklem hareket açıklığı ile değerlendirildiler. Bulgular: Tedavi bitiminde grupların hepsinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzelme görüldü. Bisiklet egzersizlerinin uygulandığı 3. ve 4. grupta ağrı ve 50 adım yürüme süresi istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde diğer gruplardan daha iyiydi. Sonuç: Bisiklet egzersizleri ile birlikte uygulanan fizik tedavi kombinasyonlarının tek başına uygulanan fizik tedavi kombinasyonlarından daha etkili olduğu sonucuna varıldı. Anahtar kelimeler: Diz Osteoartriti, Bisiklet Egzersizi, Ultrason, Kesikli Kısa Dalga Diatermi

Amaç: Bu çalışmamızda omurgayı tutan ankilozan spondilitli olgularda nörolojik komplikasyonların sıklığını araştırdık. Materyal ve metot: Omurga tutulumu olan ankilozan spondilit tanısı konulmuş 48 olgu çalışmaya alındı. Her hastanın servikal, torakal ve lumbosakral bölgelerinin direkt radyografileri, bilgisayarlı tomografileri ve magnetik resonans görüntüleri çekilerek nörolojik bulguları arandı. Bulgular: İki olguda tek sinir kökü basısı saptandı. Bunlardan bir tanesi L3, diğeri L5 sinir kök lezyonu idi (% 4.16). Diğer nörolojik komplikasyonlar saptanamadı. Sonuç: Ankilozan spondilitli hastalarda nörolojik komplikasyonların daha çok tek sinir kökü lezyonu şeklinde ve daha çok lumbar bölgede olduğu saptandı ve nörolojik komplikasyonların nadir olduğu bulundu. Anahtar kelimeler: Ankilozan spondilit, nörolojik komplikasyonlar, görüntüleme yöntemleri., Objectives: In this study we aimed to investigate the neurological complications in patients with ankylosing spondylitis involving the spine. Material and Methods: Forty-eight cases with ankylosing spondylitis were included in this study. Conventional radiogram, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions were obtained from each patient for examination of the neurological complications. Results: We identified single nerve root compression in two cases (4.16 %). One of them was in L3, and the other one was in L5 intervertebral disc space. The other neurological complications have not been observed. Conclusion: As a conclusion, we observed that; a) the frequency of neurological complications in patients with ankylosing spondylitis is not high, b) the localization of neurological complications is often the lumbar region, and c) the type of neurological complication is usually single nerve root compression. Key words: Ankylosing spondylitis, neurological complications, imaging techniques.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of etanercept in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Material and Methods: 21 patients with AS were evaluated before and after 6 months of etanercept treatment based on the clinical and laboratory parameters. Clinical efficacy was determined using criteria defined by the asessment in AS (ASAS) International Working Group (ASAS-20 ASAS-40, ASAS-5/6, and ASAS partial remission) and BASDAI-50 responses. Results: There were statistically significant improvements in all clinical and laboratory parameters after the six months of etanercept treatment (p, Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı; ankilozan spondilit (AS)'li hastalarda etanercept tedavisinin etkinliğini ve güvenilirliğini araştırmaktır. Gereç ve Yöntem: 21 AS'li hasta tedavi öncesi ve 6 aylık tedaviden sonra klinik ve laboratuvar parametrelerle değerlendirildi. Tedavinin etkinliği ayrıca Uluslararası AS Çalışma Grubu (ASAS)'nun AS'te tedaviye yanıt kriterleri olan ASAS-20, ASAS-40, ASAS-5/6, ASAS parsiyel remisyon ve BASDAI-50 yanıtı ile belirlendi. Bulgular: 6 aylık etanercept tedavisinden sonra klinik ve laboratuvar değerlendirme parametrelerinin tümünde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı iyileşme görüldü. Ayrıca 18 hastada ASAS-20, 16 hastada ASAS-40, 14 hastada ASAS-5/6, 10 hastada ASAS parsiyel remisyon ve 16 hastada BASDAI-50 yanıtları elde edildi. Ciddi yan etki nedeni ile tedaviyi bırakmak zorunda kalan hasta olmadı. 4 hastada enjeksiyon yeri reaksiyonu, 1 hastada eritem, 1 hastada bulantı-kusma şikayeti tespit edildi. Sonuç: Bulgularımız, etanercept tedavisinin AS'li hastalarda etkili olduğunu ve güvenle kullanılabileceğini göstermektedir. Anahtar kelimeler: Etanercept, Ankilozan Spondilit, Etkinlik, Güvenilirlik

Ataman, Sebnem/0000-0003-3570-3825; WOS: 000370860202539 …

WOS:000352060500003, Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı Türkiyedeki romatoid artrit hastalarının demografik ve klinik özelliklerini ortaya koyarak bu hastalar için oluşturulabilecek önlem, tedavi ve destek stratejilerine ışık tutmaktır. Hastalar ve yöntemler: Bu çalışma kapsamında Eylül 2007 - Mart 2011 tarihleri arasında Türkiyenin farklı bölgelerindeki toplam 36 merkezden Türkiye Romatizma Araştırma ve Savaş Derneği (TRASD) kayıt sistemine kaydedilen 2.359 hasta (1.966 kadın, 393 erkek; ort. yaş 51.612.5 yıl; dağılım 18-75 yıl) değerlendirildi. Hastaların demografik ve klinik verileri kaydedildi. Hastalık aktivitesi, fonksiyonel durum ve radyografik hasar sırasıyla hastalık aktivite skoru 28, sağlık değerlendirme anketi ve van der Heijde modifiye Sharp puanlama yöntemi ile ölçüldü. Bulgular: Akademik eğitim süresi ortalama 5.23.8 yıldı ve hastaların %74.6sı ev hanımıydı. Hastaların %91.0ı biyolojik olmayan hastalık modifiye edici ilaçlar, %10.2si biyolojik hastalık modifiye edici ilaçlar kullanıyordu. Ortalama hastalık aktivite skoru 28, sağlık değerlendirme anketi ve Sharp puanları sırasıyla, 4.01.4, 0.380.37 ve 31.257.1 idi. Hastaların %17.8i remisyonda ve %14.1i düşük hastalık aktivitesinde iken %42.7si orta hastalık aktivitesinde ve %25.5i yüksek hastalık aktivitesinde idi. Sonuç: Türkiyede romatoid artrit hastalarının çoğunluğu orta yaşlı ev hanımlarıdır. Her ne kadar hastalık modifiye edici ilaç kullanımı yüksek oranda ise de hastaların büyük bölümü orta ve yüksek hastalık aktivite düzeyinde idi. Bu bulgular romatoid artritli hastaların tedavi gereksinimlerinin yeterli olarak karşılanmadığını düşündürmektedir., Objectives: This study investigates the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Turkey, and attempts to identify strategies for the prevention, treatment, and support of RA. Patients and methods: A total of 2,359 patients (1,966 females, 393 males; mean age 51.6±12.5 years; range 18 to 75 years) with RA from 36 centers across Turkey, who were recorded in the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) RA Registry between September 2007 and March 2011, were evaluated. Patientsdemographic and clinical data were recorded. Disease activity, functional status, and radiographic damage were measured using the Disease Activity Score 28, the Health Assessment Questionnaire, and van der Heijde modified Sharp scoring method. Results: The mean duration of academic education received was 5.2±3.8 years, and 74.6% of the patients were homemakers. Non-biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were used by 91.0% of the patients, while 10.2% used biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. The mean Disease Activity Score 28, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Sharp scores were 4.0±1.4, 0.38±0.37, and 31.2±57.1, respectively. Of the patients, 17.8% were in remission and 14.1% had low disease activity rates, while 42.7% and 25.5% had moderate and high disease activity rates. Conclusion: The majority of patients with RA in Turkey are middle-aged homemakers. Despite the high rates of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs use, the majority of patients had moderate and high disease activity. These findings indicate that treatment needs of RA patients are not met sufficiently.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of Semont and Modified Epley maneuvers in patients with benign paroxismal positional vertigo (BPPV) and the preventative effect of Brandt-Daroff exercises performed after the maneuvers on recurrence of BPPV. Materials and Methods: Fourty-six (17 male and 29 female) patients with a history and positive Dix-Hallpike test consistent with BPPV were entered in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to Semont and Modified Epley maneuvers applied groups. Maneuvers were completed if the patient responded with complete relief of BPPV after one to three sessions. All patients performed Brandt-Daroff vestibular habituation exercises for two weeks after maneuvers. Patients were evaluated with the presence and absence of vertigo and Dix-Hallpike test. For recurrence of BPPV, the patients were followed up for six months. Results: The recovery ratios for Semont maneuver applied group after first, second and third maneuvers were 65,2%, 78,2% and 87% respectively. The ratios for Modified Epley maneuver applied group were 73,9%, 86,9% and 91,3% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between groups. After exercises, while the recovery ratio for Semont group reached to 92,3%, all of patients in Modified Epley group got recovered. After 6 months, vertigo was recurred in 19% and 26,1% of patients respectively in Semont and Modified Epley groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that both Semont and Modified Epley maneuvers are very effective maneuvers in the treatment of BPPV. Although Brandt-Daroff exercises have no preventative effect on recurrence of BPPV., Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı; BPPV'li hastalarda Semont ile Modifiye Epley manevrasının etkinliğini ve manevralardan sonra uygulanan Brandt-Daroff egzersizlerinin tekrarları önleyici etkisi olup olmadığını araştırmaktır. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmaya, tipik öykü ve Dix-Hallpike testi pozitif olan 17'si erkek, 29'u kadın 46 hasta alındı. Hastalar randomize olarak Semont ve Modifiye Epley Manevrası uygulananlar olmak üzere iki gruba ayrıldılar. Manevralar hastaların iyileşme durumuna göre en fazla üç kez uygulandı. Üçüncü manevradan sonra hastalar iki hafta süre ile Brandt-Daroff egzersizlerini uyguladılar. Hastalar manevradan sonra ve egzersiz uygulamasından sonra vertigonun kaybolması ve Dix-Hallpike testi ile değerlendirildiler. Hastalar 6 ay süre ile nüks açısından takip edildi. Bulgular: Semont manevrası uygulanan grupta birinci, ikinci ve üçüncü manevradan sonraki iyileşme oranları sırasıyla %65,2, %78,2 ve %87 idi. Modifiye Epley manevrası uygulanan grupta ise bu oranlar sırasıyla %73,9, %86,9 ve %91,3 idi. Gruplar arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark yoktu. Egzersiz sonrası iyileşme oranı Semont grubunda %92,3'e ulaşırken, Modifiye Epley grubunda hastaların tamamı iyileşti. Ancak altı ay sonunda Semont grubunda %19, Modifiye Epley grubunda ise %26,1 oranında vertigonun tekrarladığı görüldü. Sonuç: Semont ve Modifiye Epley manevralarının her ikisinin de BPPV tedavisinde oldukça etkili manevralar olduğu, Brandt-Daroff egzersizlerinin tekrarları önleyici etkisinin olmadığı sonucuna varıldı.

Aim: Physiotherapy is an integral part of the management of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and there is a need for recommendations which focus on the rehabilitation of patients with AS. We aimed to develop recommendations for the physical therapy and rehabilitation of patients with AS based on the evidence and expertise. Methods: The Anatolian Group for the Assessment in Rheumatic Diseases (ANGARD) is a scientific group of Turkish academicians (physiatrists and rheumatologists) who are experts in the rehabilitation of patients with AS. A systematic literature search summarizing the current available physiotherapy and rehabilitation trials in AS were presented to the experts before a special 2-day meeting. Experts attending this meeting first defined a framework based on the main principles and thereafter collectively constructed six major recommendations on physiotherapy and rehabilitation in AS. After the meeting an email survey was conducted to rate the strength of the recommendations. Results: Six key recommendations which cover the general principles of rehabilitation in AS in terms of early intervention, initial and follow-up assessments and monitoring, contraindications and precautions, key advice for physiotherapy methods and exercise were constructed. Conclusion: These recommendations were developed using evidence-based data and expert opinion. The implementation of these recommendations should encourage a more comprehensive and methodical approach in the rehabilitation of patients with AS. Regular lifelong exercise is the mainstay of rehabilitation and there is a considerable need for well-designed studies which will enlighten the role of physical therapy in the management of AS.

Amaç: Bu çalışmamızda omurgayı tutan ankilozan spondilitli olgularda nörolojik komplikasyonların sıklığını araştırdık, Materyal ve metot: Omurga tutulumu olan ankilozan spondilit tanısı konulmuş 48 olgu çalışmaya alındı. Her hastanın servikal, torakal ve lumbosakral bölgelerinin direkt radyografileri, bilgisayarlı tomografileri ve magnetik resonans görüntüleri çekilerek nörolojik bulguları arandı. Bulgular: İki olguda tek sinir kökü basısı saptandı. Bunlardan bir tanesi L3, diğeri L5 sinir kök lezyonu idi (% 4,16). Diğer nörolojik komplikasyonlar saptanamadı. Sonuç: Ankilozan spondilitli hastalarda nörolojik komplikasyonların daha çok tek sinir kökü lezyonu şeklinde ve daha çok lumbar bölgede olduğu saptandı ve nörolojik komplikasyonların nadir olduğu bulundu. Objectives: In this study we aimed to investigate the neurological complications in patients with ankylosing spondylitis involving the spine. Material and Methods: Forty-eight cases with ankylosing spondylitis were included in this study. Conventional radiogram, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions were obtained from each patient for examination of the neurological complications, Results: We identified single nerve root compression in two cases (4,16 %). One of them was in L3, and the other one was in L5 intervertebral disc space. The other neurogical complications have not been observed Conclusion: As a conclusion, we observed that; a) a frequency of neurological complications in patient with ankylosing spondylitis is not high, b) the localization of neurolocical complications is of the lumbar region, and c)the type of neurological complication is usually single nerve root compression

WOS: 000443738600001, PubMed ID: 30632540, Objectives: This study aims to report the assessment of the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) expert panel on the compliance and adaptation of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2016 recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Turkey. Patients and methods: The EULAR 2016 recommendations for the treatment of RA were voted by 27 specialists experienced in this field with regard to participation rate for each recommendation and significance of items. Afterwards, each recommendation was brought forward for discussion and any alteration gaining >= 70% approval was accepted. Also, Turkish version of each item was rearranged. Last version of the recommendations was then revoted to determine the level of agreement. Levels of agreement of the two voting rounds were compared with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In case of significant difference, the item with higher level of agreement was accepted. In case of no difference, the changed item was selected. Results: Four overarching principles and 12 recommendations were assessed among which three overarching principles and one recommendation were changed. The changed overarching principles emphasized the importance of physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists as well as rheumatologists for the care of RA patients in Turkey. An alteration was made in the eighth recommendation on treatment of active RA patients with unfavorable prognostic indicators after failure of three conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Remaining principles were accepted as the same although some alterations were suggested but could not find adequate support to reach significance. Conclusion: Expert opinion of the TLAR for the treatment of RA was composed for practices in Turkish rheumatology and/or physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics.

WOS: 000429930000001, PubMed ID: 29900976, Objectives: This study aims to update 2011 Turkish League Against Rheumatism SpondyloArthritis Recommendations, and to compose a national expert opinion on management of axial spondyloarthritis under guidance of current guidelines, and implantation and dissemination of these international guidelines into our clinical practice. Materials and methods: A scientific committee of 28 experts consisting of 14 rheumatologists and 14 physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists (one of them also has an immunology PhD) was formed. The recommendations, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment were scrutinized paying special attention with convenient key words. The draft of Turkish League Against Rheumatism opinion whose roof consisted of international treatment recommendations, particularly the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society/European League Against Rheumatism recommendations was composed. Assessment of level of agreement with opinions by task force members was established through the Delphi technique. Voting using a numerical rating scale assessed the strength of each recommendation. Results: Panel compromised on five basic principles and 13 recommendations including pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods. All of the recommendations had adequate strength. Conclusion: Turkish League Against Rheumatism expert opinion for the management of axial spondyloArthritis was developed based on scientific evidence. These recommendations will be updated regularly in accordance with current developments.

WOS:000435672000002, PubMed ID: 30207576, Objectives: This study aims to establish the first national treatment recommendations by the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) based on the current evidence. Materials and methods: A systematic literature review was performed regarding the management of PsA. The TLAR expert committee consisted of 13 rheumatologists and 12 physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists experienced in the treatment and care of patients with PsA from 22 centers. The TLAR recommendations were built on those of European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2015. Levels of evidence and agreement were determined. Results: Recommendations included five overarching principles and 13 recommendations covering therapies for PsA, particularly focusing on musculoskeletal involvement. Level of agreement was greater than eight for each item. Conclusion: This is the first paper that summarizes the recommendations of TLAR as regards the treatment of PsA. We believe that this paper provides Turkish physicians dealing with PsA patients a practical guide in their routine clinical practice.