Handball is a popular sport in many countries. There is lack of knowledge about handball athlete's functional movement capacity. The aim of this study is to investigate the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores, to evaluate the injury risks of handball athletes and to determine its relationship with athletic performance. A total of 51 professional handball players were included in this study. The sport-specific features and demographic data were recorded. The functional movement analysis was performed, agility and balance and force were evaluated. 37 were females and 14 were males. The mean age 21.00±4.50 years (range, 16-35 years). The mean FMS scores of handball athletes were 12.86±2.57. In addition, asymmetries were found between the left and right side FMS scores. There was a statistically significant poor correlation between the FMS and agility (r=0.292, P=0.038) and balance (right: r=0.224, P=0.024; left: r=0.228, P=0.022). Handball is a risky sport for injuries; therefore, athletes, coaches, and medical staff should recognize about the removal of functional deficiency before performance training. The FMS is a useful and cost-effective approach to identify these deficiencies. It is necessary not only to prevent injuries, but also to improve performance. These tests must be done before every season and, then, corrective, medical, or conservative approaches may be applied to athletes before performance training. (Clinical Trial ID: NCT03468569).

Background and Objectives: The infraspinatus muscle is critical for shoulder stability and external rotation, yet achieving selective activation during exercises remains challenging. This study explores the effectiveness of a novel muscle architecture-based position (MABER) compared to traditional exercises in individuals with rounded shoulder posture. Materials and Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study evaluated the selective activation of the infraspinatus during external rotation exercises in participants with rounded shoulder posture. Thirty-two participants (17 males and 15 females) were recruited. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the middle trapezius, posterior deltoid, and infraspinatus muscles in the dominant limb was recorded during four exercise positions: standing external rotation (SER), side-lying external rotation (SDER), scapular plane external rotation (SPER), and MABER. Results: MABER produced the highest infraspinatus activity (p < 0.001), while the lowest activity was observed during SPER (p < 0.001). The SER position generated higher posterior deltoid activity compared to other positions (p < 0.001). The SDER position demonstrated the highest infraspinatus/posterior deltoid activity ratio (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The MABER position can be used as an effective exercise to strengthen the infraspinatus muscle. This study contributes to the literature by comparing MABER with traditional exercises and highlights its potential benefits for individuals with rounded shoulder posture.

Sağlık uygulamalarının kolaylaştırılması, ölçülebilir, karşılaştırılabilir ve ulaşılabilir hale gelmesi hedefi, bu sektörde dijital bir dönüşümü gerekli kılmıştır. Randevu sistemlerinden, görüntüleme sistemlerine, ilaç takibinden, hasta bulgularının takibine kadar birçok konuda hem devlet kurumları hem de özel girişimler çeşitli uygulamalar geliştirmektedir. Cep telefonlarıyla uyumlu kullanılabilen bu uygulamalar, insanların teknoloji okur-yazarlığının da artmasıyla gün geçtikçe daha çok kullanılmaya ve benimsenmeye başlamıştır. Sektörün paydaşlarının bu uygulamalardan haberdar olması, amaçlarına uygun kullanması ile daha büyük kitlelere ulaşılacağı düşünülmektedir. Sağlık sektöründe kullanılacak mobil uygulama geliştirilmesinde uygun bir saha araştırması, ihtiyaçların belirlenmesi, profesyonellerin talepleri, kullanışlılık gibi detaylar dikkate alınmalıdır. Daha önce geliştirilen uygulamaların başarısız olanlarının nedenleri incelenmeli, başarılı olanların özellikleri de yeni tasarımlara taşınmalıdır. Bu çalışmada literatürde, internet sitelerinde, Google Play ve IOS uygulama marketlerinde bulunan sağlık uygulamalarının derlenmesi amaçlanmıştır.

Background: Adaptations to the use of prosthesis in individuals with a lower limb amputation may cause changes in lumbopelvic region structures during daily life activities. Objective: To investigate the effect of stair exercise on the stiffness, tone, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) in individuals with unilateral lower limb amputation. Design: This is a prospective preliminary study. Methods: The study was conducted in Prosthetic Orthotic Centers in Istanbul. Syrian individuals with unilateral transtibial (n = 17) and transfemoral (n = 15) amputation who received prosthesis and rehabilitation services at the centers between February 2020 and December 2020 were included in the study. The subjects were instructed to ascend and descend a nine-step stair one at a time at their maximum possible speed. Measurements were made before and immediately after the stair exercise. Tone and stiffness of TLF was measured using myometer. PPT was measured using algometer. Low back pain was evaluated using numerical pain rating scale. Results: In the transfemoral amputation group, PPT measurements taken immediately after stair exercise were significantly decreased in both the amputated (P = 0.001) and intact (P = 0.021) sides, whereas significant reduction in stiffness when compared with the prestair levels was observed only at the intact side (P = 0.019). The change in PPT values on the amputated side was significantly higher in individuals with transfemoral amputation than those in individuals with transtibial amputation (P = 0.011). Conclusion: The decrease in PPT values of TLF in the transfemoral amputation group was considered as a precursor sign for low back pain development. Thus, exercises and preventive rehabilitation programs targeting TLF may be needed, especially in this group.

Background and Objectives: Angular modifications in the physiological curvatures of the spine have been associated with spinal dysfunction and altered biomechanics, which may contribute to musculoskeletal complaints. The main objective of this experimental study was to investigate the association between lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis angles and muscle activations during three different lower back exercises. Materials and Methods: Participants were divided into a hyperlordotic lumbar angle group—with increased thoracic kyphosis (n = 11)—and a normal lordotic lumbar thoracic angle group (n = 11). Thoracolumbar muscular activities during three different exercises were measured by surface electromyography. Results: Muscular activity was less in almost all exercises (except iliocostalis lumborum-pars lumborum) in the hyperlordotic lumbar angle/increased thoracic kyphosis group (p < 0.05). The unstable superman exercise was the exercise that produced the most muscular activity in both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study analyzed the association between lumbar lordosis, increased thoracic kyphosis, and muscle activations during specific lower back exercises. These findings highlight the relationship between spinal alignment and muscular responses during functional tasks, which may inform future biomechanical research or rehabilitation strategies.