Clinical Research Directory

The Relationship Between Mechanical Properties of Respiratory and Lower Extremity Muscles and Other Parameters in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by deterioration in the mechanics of the lower extremities and respiratory muscles and a decrease in respiratory function. Fatigue and depression are among the most common symptoms. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential effect of the mechanical properties of the lower extremity and respiratory muscles on respiratory function, fatigue, and anxiety-depression. The sample will consist of 29 MS patients who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria and volunteer to participate in the study. The sociodemographic data of the individuals will be recorded. Subsequently, the Pulmonary Dysfunction Index (PDI), Modified Medical Research Council Scale (mMRC), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) will be administered to the individuals. The mechanical properties of the accessory respiratory and lower extremity muscles will be recorded using a digital palpation device, and respiratory function and respiratory muscle strength values will be recorded using a portable spirometer. Lower extremity function and strength will be assessed using the 30-second sit-to-stand test. At the end of the study, the level of association between the mechanical properties of the auxiliary respiratory and lower extremity muscles and respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, fatigue, and depression will be evaluated. The SPSS software package will be used for data analysis. A significance level of p˂0.05 will be accepted. Furthermore, this study will determine the relationship between the mechanical properties of respiratory and lower extremity muscles in MS and provide a different perspective on the clinical management of the disease.

Effect of Corrective Exercises on Dynamic Knee Valgus

Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) is a movement pattern of the lower limb potentially consisting of a combination of adduction and internal rotation of the femur, knee abduction, tibial anterior translation, tibial external rotation and ankle eversion. Average "normal" performance during a fall jump landing mission knee valgus angle should be in the range of 7-13 degrees in women and 3-8 degrees in men. This faulty movement pattern is a common dysfunction observed in the lower limb during dynamic activities. On the other hand, this is reported to be the underlying mechanism of knee injuries. Changes in knee valgus increase abnormal stresses on the tibiofemoral joint and increase the risk of injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament injuries, patellofemoral pain, iliotibial band syndrome, chronic ankle instability, acute lateral ankle sprains. The main cause of DKV is deficits in neuromuscular control and therefore injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies focus on improving neuromuscular control to avoid these injury mechanisms. There are conflicting results in the literature regarding which of the exercise approaches is superior for DKV, and there is a lack of studies evaluating 2D movement analysis, muscle mechanics and performance of corrective exercise training. Identifying individuals with abnormal movement patterns and those at risk is important to prevent future injuries. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of corrective exercises on lower extremity biomechanics and performance in individuals with asymptomatic dynamic knee valgus.