Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of single-task and dual-task training on balance performance in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients and methods: Fifty elderly osteoarthritic patients with balance impairment (16 males, 34 females; mean age 72.9±5.5 years; range 65 to 84 years) were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to single-task balance training (group 1) or dual-task balance training (group 2) groups. Balance activities were given to both groups for three times a week for four weeks. Patients in group 2 also performed cognitive tasks simultaneously with these exercises. Patients were evaluated with Berg balance scale (BBS), kinesthetic ability trainer static and dynamic scores, timed up and go (TUG) test and walking speed (WS) for single and dual tasks, number of stopping and activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) scale at baseline and at the end of four weeks. Results: At the end of the therapy, there were statistically significant improvements in BBS, KAT 2000 static and dynamic scores, TUG test and WS for single and dual tasks, number of stopping and ABC scale in both groups (p<0.05). But there was no statistical difference in any parameter between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Both single-and dual-task trainings are effective in improving balance performance under single-and dual-task conditions in elderly patients with knee OA. Dual-task training is not superior to single-task training for balance improvement in elderly osteoarthritic patients.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the validity and reliability of a Turkish version of the identification (ID) pain (ID painT) questionnaire in Turkish patients. Patients and methods: The Turkish version of ID pain questionnaire was obtained after translation from English into Turkish. The study included 194 patients of which 100 (34 males, 66 females; mean age 59.8±14.3 years; range, 28 to 88 years) were diagnosed as neuropathic pain (NP) and 94 (31 males, 63 females; mean age 47.2±16.5 years; range, 20 to 78 years) were diagnosed as non-neuropathic pain. Patients with mixed-type pain, cancer pain, headaches, substance abuse, severe depression or fibromyalgia syndrome were excluded. Results: The reliability and consistency of ID painT questionnaire were acceptable, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.701. Statistical analysis of the ID painT questionnaire calculated an optimal cutoff score of ≥2 for determining NP with a sensitivity of 77.2% and a specificity of 85%. Further, with an excellent value of 0.92 for area under the curve, a good diagnostic value was indicated. Conclusion: The Turkish version of ID pain questionnaire assessed in the present study is a valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire to identify NP in Turkish patients.

How to cite / Atıf için: Uzunkulaoğlu A, Kerim D, Ay S, Kibar S. The effectiveness of whirlpool for patients with neuropathic pain due to knee osteoarthritis.

Objectives: The aim of this study isto determine the effectiveness of balance training with Kinesthetic Ability Trainer (KAT 2000) in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain related balance disorder. Methods: Sixty patients were included into this controlled prospective study and randomized into either balance exercises group (Group 1) or KAT 2000 exercises group (Group 2). Balance exercises were given to all patients.Also, KAT 2000 balance exercises were given all patients in Group 2 (n = 30). All patients received 45-min individualized training session for three times a week for 4 weeks. Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire for neuropathic pain; visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain severity; KAT 2000 for static and dynamic balance; Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) for Quality of Life (QoL) was used. Dynamic balance and mobility also was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Time Up and Go (TUG) test. Patients were evaluated at baseline and the end of the 4-week exercise program. Results: At the end of the treatment; VAS, BBS, KAT 2000, TUG, NHP, physical activity, NHP pain, NHP social isolation and NHP emotional reactions scores improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.05) except NHP sleep and NHP energy level scores in balance exercises group (p > 0.05). Statistical differences in VAS pain on movement, global assessment of patient, global assessment of doctor, NHP energy level scores were found between the groups (p < 0.05); but there were no statistical difference in VAS at rest, VAS at night, BBS, KAT 2000, TUG, NHP physical activity, NHP pain, NHP sleep, NHP social isolation and NHP emotional reactions scores between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: When combined with the KAT 2000 device, positive effects of balance-coordination exercises on pain on movement and energy level are more evident in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain.