The aim of this study was to determine the acute effects of IASTM on cervical joint position error and pain in individuals with chronic neck pain.A total of 39 individuals with chronic neck pain we...

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain can affect body perception at the central level by causing the somatosensory cortex to rearrange. Additionally, cervical afferent abnormalities in individuals with neck pain can impair proprioceptive sensitivity, potentially leading to alterations in body alignment and biomechanics. Nevertheless, there are insufficient studies exploring these notions. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to compare the head posture and neck proprioceptive sense of individuals with chronic neck pain and healthy controls. METHODS: Utilizing a cross-sectional study, a total of 76 volunteers comprising 38 individuals with neck pain and 38 matched healthy controls participated in the study. Head posture and cervical joint position sense were measured using a Cervical Range of Motion Deluxe (CROM) device. Firstly, the deviation angles of the head in three planes were evaluated, then the Head Repositioning Accuracy (HRA) test was performed to determine the joint position error. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to determine the severity of pain in individuals with neck pain. RESULTS: The deviation angles of the head in all three planes were significantly lower in the healthy control group (p< 0.05). Joint position error values were significantly higher in all directions (flexion-extension, right-left lateral flexion, and rotation) in the neck pain group (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings show that the proprioceptive sensation of the cervical region in individuals with neck pain was adversely affected, with changes were observed in the head posture. NOTE: The abstract of this study was presented as a verbal declaration at the International Congress of Health Sciences-ICHES-IDU 2020 that was held in İzmir on 20–21 June 2020.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a common health issue, and such pains are often associated with muscle tightness. Understanding the link between lower back pain and tight lower extremity muscles is essential for effective pain management and enhanced quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between lower extremity muscle tightness and pain and disability in individuals with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). METHODS: A total of 52 individuals with NSLBP were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Lower extremity muscle tightness was assessed using various clinical tests, including the Active Knee Extension Test, Active Straight Leg Raise, Ober Test, and Modified Thomas Test. Pain intensity and disability were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index, respectively. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the correlation between muscle tightness, pain, and disability. RESULTS: The study found weak to moderate negative correlations between lower extremity muscle tightness and both pain intensity and disability in individuals with NSLBP (r: –0.287 to –0.526, p < 0.05). Dominant and non-dominant extremities exhibited differences in muscle flexibility, with the dominant extremity showing greater flexibility (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In individuals with NSLBP, lower extremity muscle tightness is closely related to pain severity and disability. These findings suggest that lower extremity muscle tightness plays a significant role in the severity of low back pain and disabilities. Additionally, the observed flexibility difference between dominant and non-dominant extremities warrants further investigation for more personalized treatment approaches.

Pregnancy induces physiological and psychological changes that require adaptation. Pilates, combining aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises, is considered a safe and effective method to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. While studies highlight its benefits, a scoping review addressing the comprehensive effects of Pilates during pregnancy is lacking. This study aimed to comprehensively review the effects of Pilates during pregnancy, focusing on type, duration, frequency, practitioners, and parameters it influences. A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL) were searched using MeSH terms. Studies published between January 2014 and September 2024 were included. Twenty-one studies meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed for type, duration, frequency, practitioners, and outcomes. Most studies examined the effects of Pilates on sleep quality (n = 6), pain (n = 6), depression (n = 5), incontinence (n = 4), and disability (n = 4). Pilates showed significant effectiveness across these parameters. Traditional Pilates (n = 10) was the most commonly used method, followed by online, pregnancy-specific, and clinical Pilates. The exercise duration ranged from 4 to 16 weeks, with twice-weekly sessions being the most common. Practitioners were primarily Pilates instructors (n = 9) and physiotherapists (n = 6), with one study involving a midwife. Pilates is effective for improving sleep quality, pain, depression, and other maternal health outcomes during pregnancy. Variations in method, frequency, and practitioners highlight the need for standardized protocols to optimize its benefits. This review provides insights for healthcare professionals to incorporate Pilates in prenatal care.