Bolu Merkez

Researchers are evaluating the immediate effects of using Dynamic Ankle-Foot Orthoses (DAFOs) on balance and gross motor functions in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy aged 4 to 15 years. The study focuses on children with mild to moderate motor impairments classified as GMFCS levels 1 and 2. This research aims to explore how DAFOs impact mobility, muscle control, and overall functionality in this population, contributing to improved rehabilitation strategies. The study compares motor skills and balance in children with and without their custom-made DAFOs. Evaluations will include several classification systems such as the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Communication Function Classification System (CFCS), and Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS). Measurements of balance and motor performance will be conducted using tools like the Wii Balance Board, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88), Pediatric Berg Balance Scale, and Functional Reach Test. Participants will undergo assessments during a single evaluation where balance and gross motor functions are tested barefoot and with DAFOs. Demographic data including age, height, and weight will be collected. Data analysis will be performed by a blinded statistician using statistical software, with results evaluated for significance. The primary outcomes focus on improvements in balance and motor function immediately after DAFO use, with participation lasting the duration of the assessments.

Researchers are investigating the use of high-resolution 3D resin printed models in clinical anatomy education, focusing on fracture rehabilitation. The study aims to determine if these detailed resin models can improve anatomy learning and decision-making compared to standard bone models. The research addresses educational challenges in understanding complex anatomical structures and evaluates how fractured models influence students' quiz performance and practical skills. Participants will attend a two-hour training session divided into a 60-minute theoretical lesson and a 60-minute practical session. Both groups receive the same theory supported by 2D images covering wrist anatomy, fracture types, and rehabilitation. The practical group will work with 3D resin printed models of fractured radius and ulna bones, while the control group practices using standard anatomical bone models. Sessions are scheduled in the morning to reduce fatigue and ensure focused learning. Throughout the study, participants' understanding and clinical decision-making will be assessed via clinical tests lasting one hour. The study includes vision tests and excludes those with recent upper extremity injuries or prior experience with wrist anatomy models. The total participant age range is 18 to 40 years. Researchers will monitor training effectiveness and participants' ability to apply knowledge to fracture rehabilitation scenarios.

Researchers are investigating how common two oral parasites, Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax, are among patients seeking dental care at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University. These parasites may contribute to inflammation and tissue damage in conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis by disturbing the normal balance of the mouth's microbiome. The study involves 120 adults aged 18 and older with various periodontal health statuses to explore the relationship between these parasites and gum disease. Participants will undergo a detailed periodontal exam performed by a trained examiner, measuring plaque, gum inflammation, bleeding, pocket depth, attachment loss, and gum recession using standard methods. Researchers will collect saliva and plaque samples from the deepest gum pockets to detect live parasites using light microscopy. This cross-sectional study is designed to evaluate the prevalence of these protozoa and their association with clinical periodontal findings. During the study visit, participants will provide demographic and oral hygiene information through a questionnaire. Clinical measurements and sample collections will be done in one session, with immediate laboratory analysis of samples for parasite detection. The main outcome measured is the presence of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax at baseline. This research seeks to increase understanding of oral protozoa's role in periodontal diseases and improve clinical awareness in Turkey.

This research focuses on children aged 5 to 12 years with intellectual disabilities, as well as typically developing children, to explore bladder and bowel functions along with participation and quality of life. Intellectual disability often coexists with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions that can worsen bladder and bowel dysfunction. The study aims to fill gaps in current knowledge by assessing these functions together with child participation and parental quality of life in this population. Participants include children with mild to severe intellectual disabilities attending special education centers and typically developing children. Data collected will include demographic information and assessments of bladder and bowel functions using questionnaires like the Childhood Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Questionnaire and the Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Scoring System. Child participation will be measured by the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation, while parental and child quality of life will be evaluated with specific quality of life inventories. During the study, children and their parents will provide informed consent and complete various assessments. Researchers will gather sociodemographic data and use validated questionnaires to evaluate bladder and bowel symptoms, participation levels, and quality of life. The primary measures include bladder and bowel dysfunction scales and participation assessments. This cross-sectional study involves no interventions and aims to better understand the impact of intellectual disabilities on these important aspects of children's health and daily living.

Chronic nonspecific low back pain is a common and persistent condition lasting 12 weeks or longer, often causing significant physical and psychological challenges. This research evaluates the effectiveness of the abdominal drawing-in maneuver with real-time ultrasound biofeedback compared to conservative physical therapy in managing this condition. The study involves patients aged 18 to 65 who have had low back pain for at least three months. Participants are randomly assigned to two groups. One group receives conservative treatment combined with the abdominal drawing-in maneuver supported by real-time ultrasound imaging biofeedback, which allows patients to visualize muscle activity and improve control. The other group receives conservative treatment and performs the abdominal drawing-in maneuver with only verbal instructions. Conservative physical therapy includes treatments such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), hot packs, and therapeutic ultrasound. The abdominal drawing-in exercise involves activating deep abdominal muscles while lying in a supine position. Throughout the study, patients' pain levels and muscle thickness are assessed before treatment and during the third week of treatment using the Visual Analogue Scale and imaging techniques. The ultrasound biofeedback group observes their muscle contractions on screen during ten repetitions of the exercise. Researchers monitor progress and outcomes to compare the effects of both approaches on chronic low back pain management.

This research aims to evaluate the effects of Interferential Current Therapy on pain, disability, and quality of life in adults with chronic neck pain lasting at least three months. The study also compares two methods of applying this therapy: using vacuum electrodes versus carbon-silicon pad electrodes. Chronic neck pain is common and can persist beyond 12 weeks, often requiring physical therapy interventions like Interferential Current Therapy, which has analgesic effects. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups: a sham vacuum group, a vacuum electrode group, or a carbon-silicon pad electrode group. Each participant will receive 10 treatment sessions over two weeks, with one session per day, five days a week. The vacuum and carbon-silicon pad groups will receive interferential current therapy for 10 minutes followed by a 20-minute hot pack application to the painful neck area. The sham group will have vacuum electrodes applied without current for 10 minutes, also followed by a hot pack. Throughout the study, researchers will assess pain levels, disability, and quality of life using tools such as the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Pressure Pain Threshold, Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire, and Neck Disability Index before and two weeks after treatment. These measurements will help determine the therapy's effects on chronic neck pain symptoms and function in adults aged 20 to 50 years.

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of two methods of suprascapular nerve block treatment for patients experiencing hemiplegic shoulder pain after a stroke, which is a common problem affecting rehabilitation. This Phase 4 study compares ultrasound-guided nerve block therapy with a non-guided technique using anatomical landmarks, as there is currently no direct comparison in medical literature. The goal is to determine which approach better improves shoulder function and reduces pain in stroke survivors aged 25 to 75 years. The study involves 50 patients randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group 1 receives the suprascapular nerve block under ultrasound guidance, which involves using a special device to locate the nerve and inject medication precisely. Group 2 receives the nerve block based on anatomical landmarks without ultrasound. Both treatments use the same medication mixture including lidocaine, betamethasone, and saline. Injections are given with the patient sitting and the arm by the side. Participants will be assessed before treatment and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the injection. Evaluations include measuring shoulder range of motion, pain levels using a Visual Analogue Scale, stroke recovery stages, daily living activities, muscle tone, and depression symptoms. The study collects demographic and medical history data, and monitors the safety and effectiveness of the treatments over this period.

Researchers are investigating how rapid dehydration-induced weight loss affects sleep quality, cognitive abilities, and muscle responses during strength performance in male combat athletes aged 17 to 28. The study aims to understand both the benefits and risks of rapid weight-cutting practices common in weight-class sports. This research intends to provide safer weight management guidance for athletes and may help update international weigh-in rules, while adding valuable knowledge to sports science. The study involves competitive male combat athletes undergoing a randomized crossover design with two experimental dehydration trials and one control trial, each spaced one week apart. Dehydration is induced by sauna sessions to achieve a 3% body weight loss without food or liquid intake. Measurements include urine density, body weight, body composition, fluid levels, heart rate, and body temperature. Participants undergo cognitive tests, electromyographic (EMG) recordings of the quadriceps during leg strength assessments, and sleep monitoring. After dehydration, some trials include a night without rehydration, while others allow rehydration before testing. Participants complete baseline tests before interventions, with repeated assessments of sleep, cognitive skills, muscle strength, and EMG responses after dehydration and after rehydration when allowed. Sleep quality is closely monitored using sleep devices, and body temperature and heart rate are tracked throughout. The study evaluates effects across three sessions, comparing experimental dehydration phases with control, to understand dehydration's impact on key physical and cognitive functions over several weeks.

Virtual reality applications are increasingly used in rehabilitation for patients with hemiplegia following a stroke. This research aims to compare the effects of three-dimensional immersive virtual reality and motor imagery on improving upper limb function after stroke. Previous studies have explored non-3D virtual reality and motor imagination separately, but this trial focuses on the impact of 3D virtual reality combined with motor imagery techniques. Participants will be divided into three groups. One group will use three-dimensional immersive virtual reality games designed to train daily upper limb functions, with sessions lasting 45 minutes, three times a week for six weeks. The motor imagery group will watch videos of these games and then imagine performing the same movements with eyes closed, with the same schedule and session length. The third group will receive conventional physiotherapy including joint movements, muscle strengthening, balance, mobility, and daily activity exercises five days a week for six weeks. During the study, participants will be assessed using hand function tests such as the Jebsen Hand Function Test and the Action Reach Arm Test after six weeks. Researchers will monitor functional recovery of the upper limb, safety, and adherence to treatment. The total treatment period spans six weeks with evaluations at the beginning and end. This study includes adults aged 18 to 80 years who meet specific cognitive and motor function criteria and are willing to participate.

Researchers are evaluating the effect of music therapy on anxiety levels among family health personnel, such as nurses and midwives, working in primary health care centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to address the significant psychological challenges faced by healthcare workers during the pandemic, including stress and anxiety, and seeks to contribute to the limited research on music therapy as a method to reduce anxiety in this group. This randomized controlled experimental trial is conducted between August 4 and December 31. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Those in the intervention group will receive 15 minutes of music therapy daily for five days, involving classical, Turkish classical, Turkish folk, and Sufi music. The control group will not receive any intervention. Data will be collected online using descriptive questions and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory through Google Forms, with analysis performed using the SPSS 20 program. During the study, participants will fill out online surveys assessing their anxiety levels before and after the intervention period. Researchers will monitor changes in anxiety over two months. No additional treatments or procedures are involved, and participation requires internet access for online data collection. The study focuses on measuring anxiety as the primary outcome to understand the potential benefits of music therapy for healthcare workers in primary care settings during the pandemic.