The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with pathomechanical conditions and to determine the clustering tendency of the variables by dendrogram. The cross-sectional study was carried out with 108 physiotherapy students aged 21.36 ± 1.35 years. The variables included in the study were quadriceps (Q), subtalar, and valgus angles and medial longitudinal arch (MLA) and hallux valgus angles. The MLA and metatarsal width were measured and navicular drop tests performed under weighted and nonweighted conditions. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to determine the clustering tendency of the variables and see how these clusters might converge. Two main clusters of variables were obtained using hierarchical cluster analysis. In the first main cluster, the weighted and nonweighted metatarsal widths of the left and right sides, age, hallux valgus angle, and subtalar pronation angles of the left and right sides were found to be significantly related to each other. In the second main cluster, the weighted and nonweighted MLA, knee valgus and Q angles, weight, body mass index, weighted and nonweighted navicular drop values, gender, and height were found to be significantly related to each other. The relationships between variables such as MLA, hallux valgus angles, knee valgus and Q angles, weight, body mass index, weighted and nonweighted navicular drop values, gender, and height seem to be associated with pathomechanical conditions.

Background: The aim of the current study is to investigate the effects of activity-based exercise intervention for hallux valgus deformity. Materials and Methods: Forty women with hallux valgus deformity were included in the study and the participants were divided into two groups as intervention and control (intervention group 37.8 ± 7.20 years, control group 37.3±2.61 years). Before and after the 8-week intervention programme hallux valgus angle, activity-specific balance scale, dynamic gait index and foot function index were measured. Results: According to the results of the study in the intervention group, the hallux valgus angle decreased significantly in both the right and left feet after the treatment, and a significant improvement was obtained in the activity specific balance confidence scale, foot function index, pain, disability, activity limitation, and total score of foot function index (p<0.001). When the intervention and control groups were compared after the intervention, a significant difference was found in favor of the intervention group in the foot function index and pain, disability and total score parameters of the dynamic gait index (p<0.001). Conclusions: The results of our research reveal that the exercise applied for hallux valgus is effective in terms of balance, walking and function. It has been demonstrated that activity-based exercise is a good option in the treatment of hallux valgus, which is a very common deformity that should be taken seriously.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to examine the factors affecting the e-learning process in occupational therapy education in the COVID-19 period. Method: In the study, a form containing personal information and questions about the e-learning process, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were applied to 253 occupational therapy students via the Google form. Principal component analysis was used to evaluate the data. Results: A large number of questionnaires were applied in the study, and principal component analysis, an advanced statistical method that enables the interpretation of this type of big data more effectively, was used. 13 components were determined, and a variance of 88% was explained. The main components were listed as students’ self-perception about the education system, learning methods, home and university environment, information technologies, physical activity level, and academic performance/participation. Conclusion: We hope that the results of our study will provide a perspective on what innovations can be made for quality improvement in occupational therapy education. It would be beneficial to increase student feedback by applying similar studies in other education programs.

Aim: This study examines and compares the core endurance levels, balance performance, muscle strength, and flexibility among young elite saiflors in different sailing classes. Method: Athletes were randomly selected from the Galatasaray Sailing Club and divided into three groups: windsurfing (n=14), optimist (n=13), and laser class (n=13). Demographic features, body mass index, and dominant side of the body were recorded. Upper extremity strength was assessed using a hand dynamometer, while lower extremity power was evaluated through vertical jump, standing long jump, and single-leg jump tests. Core endurance was evaluated with sit-up, plank, and rotary stability tests. Balance and flexibility were assessed using Y balance, straight leg raise, shoulder flexibility, sit and reach, shoulder elevation, and total body rotation tests. The data from the three groups were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test, and inter-group comparisons were performed with the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Significant differences were observed among the groups in the hand grip test for both right and left hands (p<0.001). The laser group displayed the highest mean value. The standing long jump test also showed a significant difference between the groups (p<0.05), with the laser group exhibiting the highest mean value. The single-leg jump test revealed a significant difference among the groups (p<0.05), with the windsurfing group having the highest average. The Y balance test indicated a significant difference among the groups (p<0.05), with the optimist group displaying the highest average values. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that each sailing class necessitates distinct physical attributes and specific performance parameters, particularly in terms of strength and balance.