Isokinetic and standard exercise programmes have an equal effect in the treatment of low back pain, with no statistically significant difference found between the two programmes. The standard exercise programme was easily performed and had a low cost, making it the preferred option for exercise.

Introduction Limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is the fourth most common muscular dystrophy, with progressive proximal muscle weakness. However, a large number of neuromuscular conditions are similarly presented. Because of this, the use of high‐throughput methods such as next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is important in the evaluation of LGMD. Methods In this report, we applied a custom target capture‐based NGS panel covering 31 LGMD‐associated genes (MYOT, LMNA, CAV3, DES, DNAJB6, FLNC, CAPN3, DYSF, SGCG, SGCA, SGCB, SGCD, TCAP, TRIM32, FRKP, TTN, POMT1, ANO5, FKTN, POMT2, POMGnT1, DAG1, PLEC, GAA, GMPPB, HNRNPDL, TNPO3, LIMS2, POMK, TRAPPC11, ISPD) in 74 patients suspected of LGMD. Results In 25 (33.8%) out of 74 patients analyzed, one or more pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 13 different genes were detected. Six of the patients had the variants that were not found in databases and literature; thus, they were interpreted as novel pathogenic variants. Discussion The diagnosis rate achieved (33.8%) is consistent with previous literature reports and underlines the efficiency and importance of NGS technology in the molecular genetic evaluation of LGMD.

Enthesitis was found to be associated with higher disease activity, higher fatigue, worse functional status and lower disease duration. As enthesitis was correlated with BASDAI, we conclude that enthesitis can reflect the disease activity in patients with AS.

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic, inflammatory airway disease associated with osteoporosis. Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and impaired bone quality were shown to cause increased bone fragility and fractures in COPD patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin D levels and BMDs in Group A COPD patients. Methods: This case-control study involved 33 males aged 50 or above diagnosed with Group A COPD and 44 age-matched healthy males. Participants' serum vitamin D and other indicators were evaluated as well as lumbar and hip BMD of COPD patients. Results: Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in COPD patients (15.13 ± 6.02 ng/L) than controls (21.89 ± 4.49 ng/L). Two patients had a history of thoracic vertebral fracture. Lumbar (L1-L4) T scores were normal in 16 patients (48.5%) and indicated osteopenia in 15 (45.5%) and osteoporosis in 2 (6%). Hip femur total T scores were normal in 19 patients (57.6%) and indicated osteopenia in 14 (42.4%). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent in COPD patients, and BMD decreases in the early period of the disease. Vitamin D and BMD should be evaluated in the early stages to prevent osteoporosis and its complications in COPD patients.