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Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of rehabilitation approaches in individuals with low back pain (LBP) on pain, spinal mobility, disability, and muscular strength., Methods: Ninety volunteers were included and divided into four groups depending on the rehabilitation approach: group 1, soft tissue mobilization techniques and stabilization exercises (n=24; 11 females [F], 13 males [M]); group 2, Kinesio Taping and stabilization exercises (n=24; 12F, 12M); group 3, stabilization exercises (n=22; 11F, 11M); and group 4, reflex therapy and stabilization exercises (n=20; 10F, 10M). Visual Analog Scale for pain intensity, an isokinetic evaluation for strength at 60°/s and a side-plank position test for trunk stabilization were measured before and assessed at the beginning, after a 4-week treatment and during 4 weeks of follow-up. The functional status was evaluated with the Oswestry Disability Index., Results: Individuals in all groups showed similar decrease in pain after the treatment and at 1-month follow-up, but there were no significant differences in pain levels between the groups (P<0.05)., Conclusion: All therapeutic approaches were found to be effective in diminishing pain and thus helpful in increasing strength and stabilization in patients with LBP.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the flexibility of the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) in individuals with and without subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS). A secondary purpose was to demonstrate a new method for measuring TLF flexibility., Methods: A total of 60 participants-30 diagnosed with SAIS and 30 asymptomatic-were included. In both groups, trunk flexibility was assessed by the modified Schober test, TLF flexibility by rotational measurement on a goniometric platform, and shoulder posterior capsule tightness by tape measurement. The data obtained were compared using t tests for independent variables., Results: No statistically significant difference was observed for any parameter between participants with SAIS and healthy controls ( P > .05)., Conclusion: For the participants we studied, the flexibility of the TLF was not associated with SAIS. The goniometric evaluation method used in this study was affordable and feasible. The validity and reliability of this measurement method should be assessed further in future studies., (© 2021 by National University of Health Sciences.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the short term effects of home exercise program and virtual reality exergaming in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS)., Methods: A total of 30 patients with SAIS were randomized into two groups which are Home Exercise Program (EX Group) (mean age: 40.6 ± 11.7 years) and Virtual Reality Exergaming Program (WII Group) (mean age: 40.33 ± 13.2 years). Subjects were assessed at the first session, at the end of the treatment (6 weeks) and at 1 month follow-up. The groups were assessed and compared with Visual Analogue Scale (based on rest, activity and night pain), Neer and Hawkins Tests, Scapular Retraction Test (SRT), Scapular Assistance Test (SAT), Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST) and shoulder disability (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI))., Results: Intensity of pain was significantly decreased in both groups with the treatment (p < 0.05). The WII Group had significantly better results for all Neer test, SRT and SAT than the EX Group (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Virtual reality exergaming programs with these programs were found more effective than home exercise programs at short term in subjects with SAIS., Level of Evidence: Level I, Therapeutic study., (Copyright © 2017 Turkish Association of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is a major contributing factor of shoulder pain; and treatment approaches (Kinesio® taping [KT], Exercise [EX], manual therapy [MT], and high-intensity laser therapy [HILT]) have been developed to treat the pain. The key objective of this study was to compare the effects of KT, MT, and HILT on the pain, the range of motion (ROM), and the functioning in patients with SAIS. Seventy patients with SAIS were randomly divided into four groups based on the treatment(s) each group received [EX (n = 15), KT + EX (n = 20), MT + KT + EX (n = 16), and MT + KT + HILT + EX (n = 19)]. All the patients were assessed before and at the end of the treatment (15th day). The main outcome assessments included the evaluation of severity of pain by visual analogue scale (VAS) and shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation ROM measurements by a universal goniometry. Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) was used to measure pain and disability associated with shoulder pathology. Statistically significant differences were found in the treatment results of all parameters in MT + KT + EX and HILT + MT + KT + EX groups (p < 0.05). When the means of ROM and SPADI results of three groups were compared, statistically significant differences were found between all the groups (p < 0.05). These differences were significant especially between the groups MT + KT + EX and KT + EX (p < 0.05) and HILT + MT + KT + EX and KT + EX (p < 0.05). HILT and MT were found to be more effective in minimizing pain and disability and increasing ROM in patients with SAIS. Further studies with follow-up periods are required to determine the advantages of these treatments conclusively.

Background: Despite the fact that the number of disabled individuals participating in sports is increasing, there are only sparse reports in the literature concerning overuse injuries., Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare scapular resting position, shoulder pain, and function in wheelchair basketball, amputee soccer, and disabled table tennis players., Study Design: Descriptive study., Methods: A total of 63 disabled players from amputee soccer, wheelchair basketball, and disabled table tennis participated in our study. Scapular resting position was taken as primary outcome; pain and function were taken as secondary outcome measurements. Scapular resting position was evaluated with Lateral Scapular Slide Test. Visual Analog Scale was used for evaluating shoulder pain intensity. Quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire were used to assess upper extremity function., Results: There was a significant difference in shoulder pain, function, and scapular resting position in all groups (p < 0.05). Paired comparisons between amputee soccer and wheelchair basketball players and also amputee soccer and disabled table tennis showed difference for all measurement parameters (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: When the results are evaluated, it may be stated that amputee soccer players have better scapular resting position than other sports. Crutch usage may not negatively affect scapular resting position and perceived function as much as wheelchair usage. Exercise techniques for shoulder and resting position could be included in training programs of disabled athletes., Clinical Relevance: Wheelchair/crutch usage is a risk, and special exercise techniques for shoulder and dyskinesis could be included in training programs to prevent injury. However, it may not just be important for wheelchair athletes, it may also be important for amputee soccer players. In particular, total upper extremity evaluations and exercises could be added within exercise programs., (© The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of vitamin D deficiency on muscle strength and quality of life in postmenopausal women., Methods: Self-sufficient, community-dwelling, postmenopausal women over 55 years old attending the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic were included in the study. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels below 20 ng/ml were accepted as indicative of vitamin D deficiency. A computerized isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex 770 Norm, Lumex Inc., Ronkonkoma, NY, USA) was used for testing knee extensor muscle strength., Results: Forty-nine postmenopausal women with median age 64.3 years (interquartile range 59.0-69.5 years) were included in the study. Vitamin D deficiency was detected in 49% of the participants. There was no relation between vitamin D deficiency and knee muscle strength in both right and left legs. Vitamin D deficiency was found not to be associated with any of the domains of SF-36., Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is not related to decreased muscle strength and lowered quality of life in postmenopausal women. Other factors rather than vitamin D deficiency should be investigated for illuminating the causalities of these two common clinical conditions.