The programme improved most pulmonary performance measures and had clinical significance. Its sustained application may prevent respiratory complications frequently observed in the later stages of multiple sclerosis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Kinesio Taping and compression stockings on pain, edema, functional capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD). Design: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial. Setting: The study was conducted in a physiotherapy and rehabilitation unit of a university hospital. Subjects: A total of 62 patients with early-stage CVD were allocated to either an experimental group or a control group. Interventions: Experimental group ( n = 29) received Kinesio Taping intervention once a week for four weeks, while control group ( n = 29) received compression stockings for four weeks. All patients additionally undertook an exercise training programme including calf muscle pump exercises, flexibility exercises and diaphragmatic breathing. Main measures: Visual analogue scale, lower limb circumference measurements, 6-minute walk test and Short Form 36 questionnaire were applied before and after four weeks of treatment. Results: Control group showed statistically significant improvements in pain ( P < 0.001), ankle circumferences (right, P = 0.002; left, P = 0.037), calf circumferences (right, P = 0.020; left, P = 0.022), knee circumference (left, P = 0.039) and thigh circumferences (right, P = 0.029; left, P = 0.002) compared with experimental group. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to functional capacity and quality of life ( P > 0.05). Both groups significantly improved 6-minute walk distance ( P < 0.001) and Short Form 36 physical component summary (experimental group, P = 0.002; control group, P = 0.006). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Kinesio Taping and compression stockings revealed similar improvements of functional capacity and quality of life in patients with CVD. The symptoms of pain and edema caused by CVD can be decreased more efficiently with compression stockings than Kinesio Taping intervention.

No abstract

SUMMARYThe objective of the present study was to compare pre-and postoperative pulmonary function tests in adult patients who had intubation periods greater and less than 24 hours following elective open heart surgery.Group l consisted of 91 patients (18 females and 73 males) gr, whose intubation periods were more than 24 hours (mean: 8.1±18.6 hours); and group 2 75 patients (13 females and 62 males) who had intubation periods less than 24 hours (mean: 13.25±3.60 hours). The pulmonary function test measurements were obtained from a vitalograph before and after the operation (just before being discharged from the hospital), All patients underwent cardiopulmonary physiotherapy and a rehabilitation programme during their hospital stay.The patients were similar in height and weight. The duration of hospitalization of the patients who had a prolonged intubation period was 17.26±9.7 days, while that of the control group was 10.64±2.04 days (P<0.0001).When the preoperative pulmonary function test values of each patient were compared with the expected values, the percent values of forced expiratory volume for one second, flow velocity of the mid-forced expiration and forced expiratory flow which were achieved by group 2 were significantly high compared to those of group 1 (P=0.014, P= 0.03 and P<0.0001, respectively). However, the percent values of forced vital capacity were similar.When the percent variations of the differences between the pre-and postoperative pulmonary function test values of the groups were compared, all values except the flow velocity of the mid-forced expiration, and forced vital capacity, were found to be significantly lower statistically in the group having a prolonged intubation period.As a result, it was determined that the patients whose preoperative pulmonary function test values were poor, had longer intubation periods and similarly, they continued to be worse after the operation. We believe that it is advantageous to apply more intensive pulmonary rehabilitation for prolonged periods to these patients in the postoperative period. (Jpn Heart J 2002; 43: 523-530)

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of core stabilization exercises on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength, walking capacity, and perceived appearance in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Design: This is an evaluator-blinded, randomized controlled trial. A total of 30 patients were randomly allocated to either a training group (n = 15, age = 13.8 ± 2.8 yrs, Cobb angle = 19.3 ± 6 degrees, Risser sign: n (1) = 1; n (2-4) = 14) or a control group (n = 15, age = 15.8 ± 3.4 yrs, Cobb angle = 20.8 ± 7.9 degrees, Risser sign: n (1) = 1; n (2-4) = 14). The training group received core stabilization exercises in addition to the traditional scoliosis exercises for 8 wks. The control group only received the traditional scoliosis exercises for 8 wks. Spirometry, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures, 6-min walking test, peripheral muscle strength, and the Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale were assessed at the beginning and end of the study. Results:The training group showed statistically significant improvements in maximal inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale score (respectively, mean changes = 17.4 ± 5.2 cmH 2 O; 10.6 ± 4.3 cmH 2 O; 2.4 ± 1.6), which were significantly larger compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Core stabilization exercises given in addition to the traditional scoliosis exercise can improve respiratory muscle strength and perceived appearance in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.