Browsing by Author "Bagci, Burcu"

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Biomechanical Characteristics of Upper Airway Muscles and Their Association with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk in Industrial Workers
(Springer Heidelberg, 2026) Polat, Hakan; Ramazanoglu, Engin; Bagci, Burcu; Ergun, Nevin; Uzun, Meltem; Yilmaz, Fatma
Background Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by repetitive upper airway obstruction during sleep. The viscoelastic properties of accessory respiratory muscles may play a compensatory role in maintaining airway patency. This study aimed to investigate the association between OSAS risk and muscle biomechanics in industrial workers. Methods This cross-sectional study included 236 male industrial workers aged 18-55, categorized into low, moderate, and high OSAS risk groups using the STOP-BANG questionnaire. The viscoelastic properties (tone, stiffness, elasticity) of the genioglossus, sternocleidomastoid, and masseter muscles were assessed using the MyotonPRO device. Sociodemographic and occupational data were collected. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation tests and additionally, univariate and multivariate linear regression. Results A significant difference was found only in left genioglossus tone across STOP-BANG risk groups (p < 0.05). Age and BMI were moderately associated with increased muscle stiffness and reduced elasticity, particularly in the SCM and masseter muscles. In regression analyses, right SCM stiffness and BMI were significant in the univariate model; however, after adjusting for age, BMI, smoking and duration of employment, only right SCM stiffness remained an independent predictor of STOP-BANG score (beta approximate to 0.01, p < 0.05). Conclusions Muscle viscoelastic properties are influenced not only by OSAS risk but also by age, BMI, occupational exposure, and smoking. Importantly, SCM stiffness may serve as a potential biomechanical marker associated with OSAS risk. Muscle biomechanics assessments could be used as a supportive, non-invasive screening tool in high-risk occupational populations.
Respiratory Function and Facial Muscle Mechanics in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Role of Pursed-Lip Breathing
(Springer, 2025) Bagci, Burcu; Ramazanoglu, Engin; Maden, Cagtay; Gundogdu, Nevhiz
Background Pursed-lip breathing (PLB) is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as both a compensatory pattern and a rehabilitation technique, yet the biomechanical properties of the orbicularis oris and buccinator muscles remain underexplored. Aims The aim of this study was to compare the tone and viscoelastic properties of the orbicularis oris and buccinator muscles among COPD patients with PLB, COPD patients without PLB, and healthy controls, and to examine the relationship of these parameters with pulmonary function. Subjects and methods This prospective observational study included 67 participants: COPD with PLB (n = 21), COPD without PLB (n = 22), and healthy controls (n = 24). Inclusion criteria were age 40-65 years, body mass index 18.5-29.9 kg/m(2), and clinically stable COPD (GOLD stage 1-3). Muscle biomechanics were assessed using the Myoton (R) PRO device, and pulmonary function was evaluated by spirometry in accordance with ATS/ERS standards. Results In the COPD group with PLB, FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC values were significantly lower compared to the non-PLB group (p < 0.05). Both COPD groups demonstrated higher tone and stiffness but lower elasticity in the orbicularis oris and buccinator muscles compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between COPD subgroups. In the PLB group, orbicularis oris elasticity showed a negative correlation with FVC (r = - 0.547) and FEV1 (r = - 0.614). Conclusion In COPD, PLB is both a compensatory pattern and a marker of disease severity. Reduced orbicularis oris elasticity relates to impaired lung function, and facial muscle biomechanics may serve as a non-invasive biomarker, supporting the inclusion of orofacial muscles in rehabilitation.