Background/Objectives: This study examined the relationship between sensory processing skills, mother–infant bonding, and prematurity in 12-month-old infants. Methods: Twenty-two preterm infants with gestational age < 34 weeks and 20 term infants were included in the study. At four months, mothers evaluated their bonding with infants using the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS). At the age of 12 months, the sensory processing skills of infants were assessed using the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSFI). Results: MIBS scores were significantly higher in the preterm group compared to the term group (p < 0.01). TSFI total scores and subdomains (tactile deep pressure, adaptive motor function, and vestibular stimulation) were significantly lower in preterm infants (p = 0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.01, and p = 0.03, respectively). Multiple linear regression revealed that each one-point increase in bonding score (weaker bonding) was associated with a −0.65 decrease in the TSFI total score, a −0.61 decrease in tactile deep pressure, and a −0.63 decrease in vestibular stimulation scores, independent of gestational age. Conclusions: This study concluded that mother-to-infant bonding is associated with sensory processing skills, especially in the vestibular and tactile domains. Additionally, prematurity was found to be related to sensory processing.

Aim: Caring needs of children with special needs increase the stress levels of caregivers for many reasons. The aim of this study was to examine, compare, and provide recommendations regarding the stress levels, factors influencing stress levels, and coping strategies among caregivers of both healthy and special needs children during disaster periods. Method: This research was planned as a cross-sectional study. The survey, which was created in an electronic environment, disseminated to as many people as possible across the country via e-mail, various communication networks, and social media. After the demographic information of 261 caregivers were recorded, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, the Caregiver Strain Index, and the Ways of Coping Inventory Questionnaire were administered. Results: While the stress level was high (Mean±SD:7.67±3.98) in the caregivers of children with special needs, this level was within the normal limits (Mean±SD:6.44±3.61) in the caregivers of healthy children. There was a significant difference between the groups (p:0.009). In terms of coping with stress, caregivers of children with special needs were found to prefer emotion-focused/passive approaches, and there was a difference between the groups (p:0.000). Conclusion: The restrictive conditions during disaster period can impact the mental health of caregivers of special needs children, and there are several factors involved in this process. In line with this, we believe that specific policies and strategies need to be developed to support the mental health of caregivers of special needs children during extraordinary situations such as disaster scenarios.

Background: Impaired balance is one of the most common and functionally limiting problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP), significantly affecting their motor abilities and quality of life. Although force platforms are considered the gold standard for evaluating postural stability, they are often costly, non-portable, and require specialized laboratory environments, limiting their accessibility in routine clinical settings. Objective: This study aimed to develop a novel software program based on image processing techniques to assess static balance in children with CP and to evaluate its validity against traditional force platform measurements. Methods: A total of 83 children aged 5–15 years (63 with CP, GMFCS levels I–II; 20 healthy controls) participated. Static balance was assessed under four different standing conditions using both a force platform and a newly developed video-based software tool. The software utilized the frame difference method to detect center of mass movements, and parameters such as velocity and total displacement were calculated. Correlation analyses were conducted between the image processing and force platform data. Results: The software demonstrated moderate to strong positive correlations with force platform parameters in the majority of test conditions, particularly when participants stood with eyes open. In more challenging balance scenarios (e.g., eyes closed, feet together), correlations were weaker but still significant. Conclusions: The findings suggest that this image-based software is a valid, low-cost, and portable alternative for static balance assessment in children with CP. It has the potential for use in diverse clinical or home settings, supporting individualized rehabilitation strategies.

Background: Individuals with generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) often exhibit altered sensorimotor control, which may contribute to balance and proprioception deficits. This study investigated the effects of sensory training applied to the plantar surface on sensorimotor organization components, including light touch, vibration, two-point discrimination, proprioception, muscle strength, and balance, in individuals with GJH. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 65 asymptomatic individuals aged 18–25 years with a Beighton score of 5 or higher. The participants were randomly assigned to either the treatment (n = 32) or control (n = 33) group. The treatment group was given a 2-week home program that included plantar sensory training and an informative brochure on healthy foot care; the control group was given only the brochure. Light touch, two-point discrimination, vibration sense, proprioception, muscle strength, and balance parameters were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Compared to the control group, the treatment group demonstrated significant improvements in light touch (p < 0.01), two-point discrimination (p < 0.01), vibration sense (p < 0.01), and proprioceptive accuracy (p < 0.01). Balance performance improved markedly in the posterolateral direction (+8.3 cm, p < 0.01), while anterior and posteromedial directions showed moderate but nonsignificant gains. Muscle strength showed no statistically significant changes across groups (p > 0.05). The control group exhibited no meaningful pre-post changes. Conclusions: Sensory training directed at the plantar surface results in positive changes in various components of sensorimotor organization in individuals with GJH.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a complicated spinal malformation that originates during adolescence that affects patients' postural control, balance, and awareness levels. This assesses postural awareness, which is critical to preventing the progression of scoliosis and improving the quality of life of individuals. This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the Postural Habit and Awareness Scale (PHAS) among children diagnosed with AIS. A total of 50 children with a diagnosis of AIS (38 girls, 12 boys; mean age: 14.96 ± 2,16 years) participated in the study. Postural awareness and habit levels were assessed using the PHAS scale. Construct validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). For external validity, correlations were examined between the PHAS, the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) and the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ). Internal consistency of the scale was determined through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Test-retest reliability was analyzed on 30 participants at 7-14 day intervals. The CFA results partially supported the four-factor structure of the PHAS with 18 items; however, model fit indices indicated suboptimal model fit. External validity analysis revealed significant positive associations between PHAS factors and both the SRS-22 and BAQ. Regarding reliability, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were between 0.588 and 0.836, while test–retest reliability was high (ICC: 0.710–0.908). The PHAS provides preliminary evidence of validity and reliability for evaluating postural habits and awareness in children with AIS. This scale can be essential in developing personalized treatment plans for individuals with AIS.

Bilim ve teknolojideki gelişmeler pek çok alanda olduğu gibi sağlık alanında da değişime sebep olmuştur. Sağlık sektöründe bilgisayarların yaygın kullanılması ile birlikte yeni birçok teknik ve yöntem insanların kullanımına sunulmuştur. Sağlık yönetimi ve klinik süreçlerde dijital dönüşüme geçilmesiyle teşhis, tedavi gibi süreçler hızlanmış, hizmet kalitesinin artırılması amaçlanmıştır. Özellikle tıp alanındaki görüntüleme teknolojilerindeki ilerleyiş bilgisayar tabanlı tekniklerin sağlık birimlerinde daha çok kullanılmasını sağlamıştır. Sağlık hizmetlerinde kullanılan bu yöntemlerden birisi de görüntü işleme tekniğidir. Görüntü işleme, içinde bilgisayar ve matematik bilimlerini temel alarak; görüntünün ilk olarak elde edilmesi ile başlayıp amaca yönelik uygulanan farklı tekniklerden oluşan işlemler bütünüdür. Bu çalışmada sağlığın pek çok birimi ile birlikte özelinde fizyoterapi ve rehabilitasyon alanında uygulanan görüntü işleme yazılımlarıyla ilgili var olan araştırmalara genel bir bakış açısı sunmak amaçlanmıştır. Bunun için literatürdeki kaynaklardan yola çıkılarak görüntü işleme tekniğinden bahsedilmiş, sağlık alanı ile beraber fizyoterapi ve rehabilitasyon alanında uygulamaya ilişkin yapılan çalışmalar özetlenmiştir.