The masseter muscle can be evaluated in various ways to examine its condition in healthy individuals or to identify pathological changes in the muscle. This study aimed to examine the tone and viscoelastic parameters of the masseter muscle, which is the focal muscle of various pathologies, to reveal its relationship with age and gender, and to determine the reference values of this muscle in healthy individuals. Individuals aged 18-50 years were evaluated. They were divided into 3 groups in terms of age. A total of 389 individuals participated in the study (18-28 years: 131 males, 104 females; 29-39 years: 29 males, 56 females; and 40-50 years: 30 males, 39 females). The tone and viscoelastic properties of the masseter muscle were evaluated bilaterally in the supine position. The mean age of all individuals was 28.64 ±9.68 years. The masseter muscle tone was found to be higher in men than in women. The elasticity of the muscle was higher in women (p < 0.05). It was determined that the masseter muscle tone and stiffness increased, whilst its elasticity decreased with aging (p < 0.05). A weak positive correlation was found between the right and left masseter muscle tone and age (r = 0.307 and r = 0.325, respectively; p = 0.001). There was a moderate positive correlation between the right and left masseter muscle stiffness and age (r = 0.507 and r = 0.511, respectively; p = 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed between the right and left masseter muscle elasticity and age (r = 0.614 and r = 0.645, respectively; p = 0.001). The data obtained in this study may assist clinicians in evaluating the treatment of the pathological conditions related to the masseter muscle as well as in the planning of treatment and preand post-operation evaluations. Cite as.

To investigate the effects of dual task (DT) balance exercises on functional status, balance, and DT performance in children with Down Syndrome (DS). Participants were divided into two groups: intervention group (IG; n = 13) and control group (CG;n = 14). WeeFIM was used to measure the functional independence level and balance was evaluated using the Pediatric Balance Scale. DT performance was assessed using Timed Up and Go, Single Leg Stance, Tandem-Stance and 30 s Sit to Stand tests without concomitant task, with motor task or cognitive task. The IG received 16 sessions of DT training twice a week for 8 weeks. Functional level, balance, and DT performance improved significantly in the IG, whereas only balance improved in the CG. Significantly better results were achieved in the IG, as demonstrated by greater pre/post-treatment changes. DT balance exercises improved functional level, balance and DT performance of children with DS.

Objective: Physical therapy modalities are often used by patients with migraine pain. The effectiveness of the methods in the treatment of migraine has not been clarified yet. This prospective study was planned to investigate whether facial proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is superior to connective tissue massage in the treatment of migraine pain. Methods: The study was conducted on 40 female patients with a neurologist-confirmed diagnosis of chronic migraine with non-aura, and who were aged between 18 and 65. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. Facial proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques were applied to the patients in the study group (Group 1), and connective tissue massage was applied to the patients in the control group (Group 2). The interventions were performed 3 times a week for approximately 20 minutes. Pain and pressure pain threshold scores were recorded on the first day of treatment before starting the session and were reassessed immediately after the end of the 18 treatment (6 weeks) sessions. Results: Pretreatment and posttreatment results were similar in both groups in terms of pain scores and pressure pain threshold values (P > 0.05). Both groups improved in pain-related outcomes (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that facial proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation was no more effective than connective tissue massage for treating migraine for the sample size used in the present study. Both methods can be used in the treatment of migraine pain.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to explore the physiotherapy students’ attitudes towards online anatomy education during Covid-19 pandemic and thus to evaluate the possibile alternatives to improve online anatomy education. Methods: Sixty-four out of 78 first term physiotheraphy students (82%) participated in the study. Students were asked to participate voluntarily in an online survey composed of a Likert’s scale questionnaire. Results: The allocated study time of the students for Anatomy course decreased during the pandemic when compared to the time before the pandemic (p=0.014). The statement which was marked as ‘Totally Agree’ at the highest rate (46.9%) was ‘The questions given within the scope of the theoretical exam were consistent with the course contents’. The students also decided that the questions given within the scope of the theoretical exam were qualified to evaluate their level of anatomy. The marking rate of ‘Totally Agree’ option for this statement was 42.2%. In addition, the students ‘Totally agree’ at a rate of 40.6% that they felt less stressed in the exams of this course when compared to the first semester. Conclusion: It is anticipated that interactive lectures would be more helpful to teach anatomy. Moreover, it seems that anatomy education in physiotherapy and rehabilitation departments may need revisions to improve online anatomy education.

The nasal cavity (NC) is the entrance to the respiratory system. Many studies have been conducted on the structure, function and volume of the NC. Only a few studies were performed assessing the volumetric values of NC and conchae. The aim of this study was to evaluate the volumetric measurements of the NC, conchae and nasal septum using the stereological method. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 200 individuals (100 females and 100 males) aged 8-59 years were retrospectively evaluated. Inferior nasal concha and middle nasal concha, NC and nasal septum volumes were measured on these images. Measurements were made using point counting method, which is based on the Cavalieri principle. The mean values of the measured structures for 2 age groups and for each gender were obtained. Differences between the groups and genders of all parameters were examined. The volume fractions of measured volumes were calculated. The mean volumes of the nasal septum, left and right NC, left and right inferior nasal conchae, and left and right middle nasal conchae were 4.99 ±1.51 cm³, 7.44 ±2.93 cm³, 7.68 ±2.99 cm³, 3.10 ±1.11 cm³, 3.04 ±1.02 cm³, 1.32 ±0.56 cm³, and 1.28 ±0.49 cm³, respectively. Gender and age differences were statistically significant in all volumes (p < 0.05). The data obtained in this study may assist clinicians in planning treatment, assessing the treatment results of pathological conditions within the NC, and help surgeons in preoperational and postoperational evaluations, especially in dentistry, otorhinolaryngology and plastic surgery.