The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between sensory-processing skills and gross motor functions, bimanual motor functions, and balance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A total of 47 patients between the ages of 3 and 10, diagnosed with CP, who received or applied for treatment in our physical therapy and rehabilitation unit were included in the study. Sensory profiling (SP), assisting hand assessment (AHA), the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66), and the Pediatric Berg Balance Scale (PBBS) were used in the evaluation of the children with CP who participated in the study. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was used to classify the children based on functional abilities and limitations, and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) was used to classify the children based on manual dexterity. The SP parameters were compared with AHA, GMFM-66, and PBBS results, and with GMFCS and MACS levels. Statistically significant relationships were found between AHA and SP, PBBS, and SP and between GMFM-66 and SP (p < 0.05). Our study shows that there are some disorders in sensory processing in children with CP. We think that sensory evaluations should be included in the CP rehabilitation program.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of mirror therapy on pain, sensory, and functional development in addition to conventional rehabilitation and occupational practices in patients with a peripheral nerve injury in the hand. Patients and methods: Twenty-six patients with peripheral nerve injury in the hand were included in this randomized controlled study between November 2017 and May 2018. The patients were randomly assigned to the mirror group (n=14) and the control (n=12) group. Both groups received conventional therapy in our clinic for 45 min a day during weekdays for six consecutive weeks. The mirror group received an additional 10-15 min of visual mirror therapy. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Duruöz Hand Index, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Jebsen hand function test, and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test were used for the assessment of pain, hand function, and sensation of the patients at baseline and after treatment. The handgrip strength of the patients was measured with a dynamometer. Results: A total of 20 patients (17 males, 3 females; mean age 31.9±16.5, range 16 to 65 years) completed the study, with 10 in each group. Statistically significant improvement was detected in hand skill functions, such as page-turning (p=0.004), backgammon packing (p=0.023), and heavy object lifting (p=0.029) in the mirror group. A statistically significant decrease was found in total scores of VAS after treatment in both groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results imply that mirror therapy integrated with conventional rehabilitation may aid additional benefits on hand functions in peripheral nerve injury. These results demonstrate that mirror therapy can be used in addition to the rehabilitation program of patients with peripheral nerve injury.

Aim: This study explores the effects of core stabilization exercises on balance and upper extremity functions—both unilateral and bilateral—in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Thirty-six children with CP (aged 5–12) were randomly assigned to a study group (n = 18) or control group (n = 18). Both groups received four weeks of physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The study group additionally performed ~45 min of daily core stabilization exercises. Outcome measures included the Box and Block Test (BBT), Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), Pediatric Berg Balance Scale (PBBS), and Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS). (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06973213). Results: No significant baseline differences were found between the groups (p > 0.05). Post-intervention, the study group showed significant improvements in PBBS (p = 0.011), TCMS static sitting (p = 0.003), dynamic reaching (p = 0.037), and total score (p = 0.044). Between-group differences remained non-significant for BBT, AHA, and TCMS selective movement control (p > 0.05). Within-group analysis revealed significant gains in BBT (median = 7), PBBS (median = 8), TCMS total (median = 12), static sitting (median = 3.5), and selective movement (median = 6) (all p < 0.001). AHA showed a near-significant trend (median = 6, p = 0.051). Conclusions: Core stabilization exercises significantly enhance balance and unilateral upper extremity function in children with CP. However, they show limited impact on bimanual function. Integration of these exercises into rehabilitation programs may optimize motor outcomes.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in activity and participation domains of International Classification of Functioning (ICF), Disability and Health, in children with cerebral palsy (CP) who received integrated botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) treatment with intensive rehabilitation with a treatment goal of improved sitting balance. In this prospective observational study, 29 patients with CP (mean age: 6.7 ± 3.8 years) and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels of IV and V were included. The primary outcome measures were the mean changes from baseline to posttreatment weeks 10 to 12 of the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP) and Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD). The modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and Tardieu scale (TS) results at 6 to 8 weeks of posttreatment were the secondary outcome measures. Statistically significant improvements in home and community participation of CASP (p < 0.001 and 0.001), CPCHILD (p < 0.01), MAS (p < 0.001), and all parameters of TS (p < 0.05) were recorded after treatment. The result of this prospective, observational study showed that the functional improvements in sitting balance by the integrated BoNT-A treatment provides positive effects on activity and participation levels of the patient and quality of life of patients and their families.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation on respiratory parameters, aerobic exercise capacity, quality of life and psychological status of the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The addition of aerobic exercise on pulmonary exercises was also evaluated to provide further improvements on these parameters. Methods: Sixty-five patients were randomly assigned to carry out pulmonary exercise, combined (respiratory plus aerobics) and, a control groups. Demographic characteristics were noted. Respiratory function tests, maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) and maximal expiratory pressure (PEmax) values and, exercise tolerance test (ETT) were assessed. Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale, body mass index (B), airway obstruction (O), dyspnea scale (D), exersice capacity (E) (BODE) index, Short Form 36 (SF-36), and Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) obtained from each patient were recorded before the treatment, and after the 8-week treatment. Results: After the treatment significant increases were found in forced expiratory volume-one second (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio, PImax, PEmax values in pulmonary and combined exercise groups, and FVC, vital capacity (VC) values in combined exercise group (p<0.05 for all parameters). Statistical differences were observed in both exercise groups regarding MRC Dyspnea score, Maksimum Equivalent Task (MET) values, SGRQ and some parameters of SF-36 (p<0.05 for all parameters). In the control group no noticeable difference was observed in any of the parameters. After treatment there was no difference between pulmonary and combined exercise group in any parameters (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both pulmonary and combined exercise programs improved exercise capacity, dyspnea, and the life quality of the COPD patients.