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Öğe Acute Impact of Spinal Manipulation on Pain and Muscle Mechanical Properties in Chronic Low Back Pain: An Assessor Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial(Galenos Publ House, 2025) Araci, Ayca; Kurt, Emine Eda; Tas, SerkanObjective: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) represents one of the most challenging and costly musculoskeletal conditions to manage. A variety of therapeutic approaches, including exercise training, pain management strategies, and spinal manipulation and mobilization, are employed in its treatment. Among these, clinical spinal manipulation and mobilization techniques are widely regarded as one of the most effective interventions for reducing pain and disability, offering both short-and long-term benefits. High-velocity spinal manipulation is commonly adopted for treating CLBP and has been associated with changes in muscle activity, but the evidence is controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the immediate effects of two manual spinal techniques (MST) on pain, flexibility, and muscle mechanical properties in CLBP. Materials and Methods: This single-blinded, randomized comparative trial used a pre-and post-test design. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 received Maitland's posterior-anterior central vertebral pressure mobilization technique, and group 2 underwent the lumbar roll technique. Assessments were conducted at baseline and immediately after the interventions. Muscle mechanical properties were measured using MyotonPro, pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS), and flexibility was assessed through the sit and reach test and the modified Schober test. Results: Following the interventions, significant improvements were observed in VAS scores and sit-and-reach test results in both groups. Analysis of Schober test data revealed a significant improvement in group 2 (p<0.001). Mechanical properties of the paravertebral muscles at the L3-L4 vertebral level were assessed using MyotonPro, showing statistically significant enhancements in elasticity (Hz) and dynamic stiffness (N/m) in both groups post-intervention. However, no statistically significant differences were identified between the groups. Conclusion: Both MSTs demonstrated efficacy in alleviating pain, reducing muscle stiffness, and enhancing flexibility. In this study, manipulations were applied to the symptomatic side, which yielded positive outcomes in pain reduction and muscle properties. However, further research is needed to determine whether the symptomatic side is superior in terms of therapeutic efficacy.Öğe Breathing exercises' impact on test anxiety and self-esteem in a high-stakes centralized exam setting(Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, 2025) Araci, Ayca; Uysal, DeryaBackground: While considerable research addresses test anxiety, a clear gap exists regarding the efficacy of brief, classroom-integrated breathing exercises on both test anxiety and self-esteem specifically in middle school students preparing for high-stakes, centralized exams. Methodological approach: Using quasi-experimental design, this study examined the effectiveness of an 8 week breathing exercise program on reducing test anxiety and enhancing self-esteem among 8th grade students who were preparing for the Turkish centralized exam. Data were collected through the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Spielberger Test Anxiety Scale, and a qualitative questionnaire. Key results: Results revealed a significant negative correlation between test anxiety and self-esteem before the intervention. Post-intervention, mean test anxiety scores decreased by 5.05 points (SD = 2.15), from 44.90 to 39.85 (p < 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.41), indicating a statistically significant and small to moderate effect size. Self-esteem increased by a non-significant average of 0.7 points (p = 0.130). Implications: The current study demonstrates the value of integrating a structured breathing exercise program that included 12 distinct breathing exercises, and was delivered by a qualified therapist to reduce test anxiety in middle school students. However, the minimal impact on self-esteem suggests future studies should explore integrated stress management and self-esteem interventions using more robust designs.Öğe Comparison of Craniosacral Therapy and Myofascial Relaxation Techniques in People with Migraine Headache: A Randomized Controlled Study(Elsevier Inc, 2024) Araci, Ayca; Ozsimsek, Ahmet; Yulug, Burak; Karacay, ErtanObjective: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of myofascial release and craniosacral therapy on the quality of life, pain levels, and range of motion (ROM) in patients with chronic migraine headaches. The secondary aim of this study was to develop a migraine treatment protocol using current craniosacral techniques. Methods: Patients with chronic migraine in the Neurology Department of ALKU Hospital were randomly allocated to 3 therapy groups: (1) Craniosacral Treatment Craniosacral Techniques (CST) + Medical Treatment (MT) (CST group) (n = 24), (2) myofascial treatment (MFT) (n = 24) + MT (MFT group), and (3) MT (control group) only (n = 26). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, FONSECA for temporomandibular disorder symptom intensity, 24 Hours Quality of Life Questionnaire Scales for quality of life, and Migraine Disability Assessment Score for impairment, Goniometer for Cervical ROM were used for the disability level. Follow-up scores were collected 4 times: at pretreatment (T0), immediately post-treatment (T1), 1 month (T2), and 3 months after treatment ended (T3). Results: Changes were found in T0 to T1 treatment results, VAS, and ROM angles between the groups. In intragroup evaluations, 24 Hours Quality of Life Questionnaire changes were observed only in the CST group at T0 to T1 to T2 periods (P = .011) while Migraine Disability Assessment Score scores were significantly changed in all groups. Significant changes were also observed in both VAS scores and FONSECA scores of the CST and MFT groups whereas VAS scores decreased significantly, especially in the T0 to T1 to T2 to T3 periods (P < .05). In the evaluation of FONSECA scores both within and between groups, it was observed that the most significant decrease was in the T2 period and there was a difference between the groups (P = .015). Conclusion: For the participants in this study, CST and MFT techniques reduced migraine headache, temporomandibular disorder level, drug consumption, and functional disability levels, and increased cervical region ROM. These results suggest that CST techniques could be considered in migraine treatment as one of the clinical practical applications within the framework of a certain protocol. (J Chiropr Med 2024;23;114-126)Öğe Immediate Effect of Cumulative Transverse Strain via Exercise on the Achilles Tendon in Individuals with and Without Flat Feet(Amer Podiatric Med Assoc, 2025) Tas, Serkan; Kocyigit, Murat Fatih; Araci, Ayca; Tufek, Muhammed TahaBackground: Flat feet change lower-extremity alignment, and they may change the load distribution on the Achilles tendon during exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of cumulative transverse strain via resistive ankle plantarflexion exercise on the Achilles tendon in individuals with flat feet. Methods: Fourteen individuals with flat feet and 14 age-matched individuals with normal foot posture were enrolled. Achilles tendon thickness was measured by an ultrasonography device with a linear probe at three points: 1, 2, and 3 cm proximal to the superior aspect of the calcaneus. Ultrasonography measurements were performed before and after participants completed 90 repetitions of double-leg calf raise exercises, which included moving the foot from full ankle dorsiflexion to full ankle plantarflexion. Results: Achilles tendon thickness at all three points measured was thinner in the flat feet group at preexercise and postexercise conditions compared with that of the control group (P < .05). Achilles tendon thickness at all three points decreased after the exercise in both groups (P < .001). The differences in Achilles tendon thickness at all three points measured between preexercise and postexercise conditions were lower in individuals with flat feet than in those of the control group (P < .05). Conclusions: There was a significant decrease in Achilles tendon thickness after exercise in both groups; however, tendon thickness markedly diminished in individuals with normal foot posture. The findings are thought to result from changes in tendon structure and load distribution on the Achilles tendon.Öğe Investigation of knee joint position sensation balance reaction time and function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis and unilateral total knee arthroplasty(Sage Publications Inc, 2025) Yurttas, Ayse Nihal; Araci, Ayca; Akkoyun Sert, Ozlem; Ismayilov, ToghrulObjective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the joint position sense of individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA), unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for knee OA and healthy individuals and to examine the effect of joint position sense (JPS) on balance, physical performance, reaction time, kinesiophobia, pain stiffness and function. Method: Sixty participants (n = 20 per group) were assessed using the RateFastGonio (R) app for JPS at 15 degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, the Nelson Foot Reaction Test for reaction time, time up and go (TUG) and Stair Climb Up and Down Test (SCUDT) for physical performance, the Tampa Scale for kinesiophobia, and the The Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for pain, stiffness, and physical capacity. Results: The results revealed no statistically significant differences in JPS and reaction time across the three groups (p > 0.05). However, balance scores were significantly higher in healthy individuals compared to the OA and TKA groups (p < 0.05). Physical performance scores (TUG and SCUDT) were significantly better in the healthy group, with OA patients performing better than the TKA group (p < 0.05). Kinesiophobia, pain, stiffness, and functional impairment were all significantly lower in healthy participants (p < 0.05). While JPS values were not significantly correlated with most variables, a moderate, positive correlation was observed between JPS at 60 degrees and reaction time in the OA group, and between JPS at 15 degrees and TUG results in the healthy and OA groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, both TKA and OA negatively impact balance and physical performance and contribute to movement related fear. Although TKA affects JPS, it does not appear to enhance it. These findings highlight the need for preventive and rehabilitative interventions, including proprioceptive training, particularly given the growing elderly population.Öğe Physical and psychological effects of neuromuscular integrative activity vs Pilates on sedentary females(Elsevier, 2024) Araci, Ayca; Aslan, Ummuhan BasThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of Neuromuscular Integrative Action (NIA) and Pilates exercises on physical fitness and psychological effects in sedentary women. The groups were randomly divided into Pilates (n = 22) and NIA (n = 21) groups using the closed envelope method. 43 sedentary women aged 20-45 years were included in the study. The 6 Minute Walking Test (6MWT), the Sit and Reach Test, and the Static Plank Test durations were used for the physical fitness level assessment at baseline and at the end of trainings. In addition, the Rosenberg SelfEsteem Scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the SF-36 were used to evaluate the psycho-somatic symptoms and health-related quality of life of the participants. Both groups received 60-min exercise sessions 2 days a week for 8 weeks. After treatment, within comparisons revealed that there was a significant improvement in BMI (P = 0.008), 6MWT (P = 0.0001), Sit and Reach Test (P = 0.016), Static Plank Test (p = 0.000), and SF-36 (p = 0.017) values in the NIA group. Additionally, BMI (P = 0.038), 6min Walk Test (p = 0.0001), Sit and Reach test (p = 0.001), Static Plank test (0.00 0), Functional Reach distance (p = 0.06), Beck Depression Scale, and SF-36 (p = 0.006) scores improved in comparisons made within the Pilates group after treatment. Between group comparisons showed similar result for all variables in both Pilates and NIA groups. Based on the results of this study, NIA may be an alternative to Pilates for improving the physical fitness level and psychological effects in healthy women. (c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
