Browsing by Author "Maden, Cagtay"

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Comparison of the Effects of Volar-Assisted and Elastic Wrist Splints on Edema, Pain, Grip Strength, and Functionality in Pregnant Women With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
(Sage Publications inc, 2024) Cavus, Funda Mete; Maden, Cagtay; Turhan, Begumhan
Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common musculoskeletal problem in pregnancy. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of rigid and elastic wrist splints on edema, pain levels, grip strength, and upper-extremity functionality in pregnant women with CTS. Methods: Forty-one pregnant women in the last trimester of pregnancy who were diagnosed with CTS were included in the study. The grip strength was evaluated with the Jamar hand dynamometer, functionality with the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire, pain with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and edema with the water overflow method. Results: The mean age of the participants was 31.71 +/- 5.78 years, body mass index was 28.85 +/- 3.63 kg/m(2), duration of pain was 2.24 +/- 0.79 months, and their pain intensity was 6.63 +/- 1.69 according to the VAS. As a result of the study, reductions in pain (P = .001), increases in functionality values (P = .001), increases in grip strength (P = .001), and decreases in edema (P = .001) were observed in both groups after the treatment. However, there was no significant difference in pain, functionality, or grip strength values between the groups after the treatment (P > .05). Conclusion: In this study comparing the effects of a wrist splint to those of an elastic splint, both treatment methods for pregnant women with CTS decreased pain and edema, increased grip strength, and improved upper-extremity functionality. Considering individual needs, characteristics, and living conditions, both splints can be recommended for pregnant women with CTS.
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.