The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dual-task balance training (DTBT) in improving the mental performance of children with intellectual disabilities. Forty-five children (aged 6–13 years) with mild mental retardation (intelligence quotient: 50–79) were randomised to receive cognitive training and DTBT (group A), standard balance and cognitive training (group B), or only cognitive training (control group). The intervention was provided twice a week for 12 weeks (totally 24 sessions). The WISC-R intelligence and MOXO attention tests were used for outcome analysis. All outcome assessments were made before, after, and three months after the study. There were significant improvements after using DTBT compared to the other two sets of interventions, at least in selected aspects of intelligence and mental performance. A precisely planned, progressive DTBT program can be effective in developing and sustaining improvements in mental abilities among children with intellectual disabilities. This study is recorded in ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04114487)

The motor skills of people with mental disabilities are reportedly reduced compared with those of their peers. Therefore, any task incorporating both motor and cognitive skills was hypothesized to provide better motor recovery. The aim of this study is to find the effect of dual-task balance training (DTBT) on motor skill development in children of 6–13 years with intelligence quotient discrepancy (IQD) (score: 50–79). Overall, 30 individuals with mental disabilities aged 6–13 years having an IQ score of 50–79 were included. The participants were randomly divided into two groups that received dual-task training and standard balance training, respectively. IQ was measured with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised, motor proficiency with the Bruininks–Oseretsky test, reaction time with COGNIBOARD, and balance with Functional Reach Test scores. Intervention was provided twice a week for 12 consecutive weeks. Participants in both groups showed higher test scores in all tests after the training program. Both training programs positively affected the motor performance of the participants. The DTBT was more effective in improving balance performance than the standard balance training. DTBT is a better tool than conventional balance training for improving motor skills and balance in children of 6–13 years with IQD (score: 50–79).

Background: Mothers caring for children with physical disabilities experience sustained physical and psychological demands; however, evidence simultaneously examining physical activity, functional limitation, pain, caregiver burden, and mental health within local caregiving contexts remains limited. Objective: This pilot study aimed to explore the multidimensional associations between physical and psychological health outcomes and health-related quality of life in mothers caring for children with physical disabilities in Türkiye. Methods: Forty volunteer mothers residing in Yalova, Türkiye, were assessed using the IPAQ–SF, BDI, SF-36, ZBI, ODI, DASH, and SF-MPQ. Data were analyzed in SPSS 26.0 using correlation analyses and exploratory multiple linear regression models, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Descriptive statistics, Pearson or Spearman correlation analyses, and exploratory multiple linear regression models were applied. Results: The mean age was 38.52 ± 9.10 years. Depression (BDI) and functional limitation showed pronounced negative associations with quality-of-life domains (e.g., General Health: r = −0.749, p < 0.001). Moderate physical activity was associated with higher vitality, social functioning, and mental health (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest co-occurring links between psychological distress and physical functioning in caregiving mothers. Within the exploratory scope of this pilot study, multidisciplinary approaches that integrate physiotherapy and psychosocial support may be relevant for supporting caregiver health needs.

We aimed to investigate the effect of stretching exercises applied to the hamstring, one of the posterior muscle chains, on musculoskeletal flexibility, chest mobility, and respiratory function. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and static stretching exercises were applied to 30 healthcare personnel caring for children with developmental delays using a crossover randomized study design. Posterior muscle chain mobility was assessed using the popliteal angle test (PAT) for the hamstring muscle, the mobility of the lumbar muscles was assessed using the Schober test (ST), and the mobility of the posterior chain muscles as a whole was assessed using the finger-to-floor distance test. Chest mobility was measured using chest circumference measurements and lung volumes were measured using the pulmonary function test (PFT). The results showed that stretching exercises applied to the hamstrings led to significant improvements in PAT, ST, and chest mobility in the direction of maximal expiration (p < 0.05), without being superior to each other. Ten males (33.3%) and twenty females (66.7%) who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The mean age of the participants was 26.6 ± 5.9 years, the mean height was 169.53 ± 8.67 cm, the mean weight was 65.26 ± 12.03 kg, and the mean body mass index was 22.58 ± 3 kg/m². Chest inspiratory mechanics also showed a low positive correlation with posterior muscle mobility (r = 0.381; p = 0.038). There was no significant change in PAT. Within the framework of the myofascial theory, stretching exercises that can contribute positively to the musculoskeletal and respiratory system structures of healthcare professionals can be recommended and encouraged to healthcare professionals.

Aim: To evaluate changes in handgrip strength during different tasks. Materials and Methods: A total of 125 volunteers participated. Handgrip strength was assessed using a hand dynamometer under six different conditions. Results: Female participants showed a tendency to increase grip strength as balance difficulty increased, however, the addition of cognitive tasks led to a decrease (p0.05), but similar to females, grip strength decreased with the addition of cognitive tasks (p<0.05). Conclusion: Preventing the decrease in grip strength during cognitive tasks in both genders, and preventing the increase in grip strength during additional balance tasks in women, are considered to be effective in reducing the risk of injuries and workplace accidents.

Background: Burnout is common among academicians and is linked to both mental and physical health problems. However, its connection to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate how burnout, job stress, and work–life balance are related to multisite musculoskeletal pain in academicians. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 99 academicians at Yalova University completed validated instruments assessing MSDs, burnout, work-related stress, and work–life balance. The study employed a voluntary convenience sampling method and included academicians who agreed to participate. Data were analysed using correlation and ordinal regression analysis. Results: The one-year prevalence of MSDs was 88.9% and most commonly involved the neck, lower back, and upper back. While overall burnout scores were not significantly related to the number of painful regions, the number of painful regions was positively correlated with job stress and computer usage and negatively with work–life balance and personal accomplishment (p < 0.05). Ordinal regression analysis showed that job stress, computer usage, and impaired work–life balance were associated with greater multisite pain burden (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Although overall burnout was not associated with multisite musculoskeletal pain, psychosocial factors such as job stress and work–life balance were significantly related to multisite pain. These findings suggest that occupational stress may be linked to physical health outcomes before the full manifestation of burnout develops. Addressing job stress and work–life balance may help reduce MSDs among academicians.