The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of immersive three‐dimensional (3D) interactive virtual reality (VR) on anatomy training in undergraduate physical therapy students. A total of 72 students were included in the study. The students were randomized into control (n = 36) and VR (n = 36) group according to the Kolb Learning Style Inventory, sex, and Purdue Spatial Visualization Test Rotations (PSVT‐R). Each student completed a pre‐intervention and post‐intervention test, consisting of 15 multiple‐choice questions. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, sex, Kolb Learning Style Inventory distribution, and the PSVT‐R (P > 0.05). The post‐test scores were significantly higher compared to pre‐test scores in both the VR group (P < 0.001) and the control group (P < 0.001). The difference between the pre‐test and post‐test results was found to be significantly higher in favor of the VR group (P < 0.001). In this study, anatomy training with a 3D immersive VR system was found to be beneficial. These results suggest that VR systems can be used as an alternative method to the conventional anatomy training approach for health students.

Breast cancer treatment causes upper extremity (UE) impairments. This study aims to assess the efficacy of Pilates-based exercises (PE) in comparison with combined exercise (CE) and home exercise (HE) groups, in the rehabilitation of UE disorders related with breast cancer treatment. Fifty-five patients were randomly allocated to PE, CE (consisting of strengthening, stretching and range of motion [ROM] exercises) and HE groups (consisting of CE group exercises). Pain (using visual analogue scale), ROM (using digital goniometer), muscle strength (using dynamometer and pinch gauge), functional status (using Constant-Murley scale and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scale) were evaluated before and after intervention. For data analyses (using spss 21 version), one-way ANOVA, paired samples t-test and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed (p ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant). The data obtained in this study revealed significant improvements in almost all the parameters measured in the PE and CE groups, and some improvements were superior to HE group. PE seemed to have resulted similar improvements in pain, muscle strength and functional status when compared to CE group. Therefore, PE seems to be an effective method of rehabilitation of patients with UE disorders related with breast cancer treatment, and might be considered for use as an alternative to CE in this population.

[Purpose] Primary lymphedema occurs because of genetic predisposition and developmental insufficiency of the lymphatic system. Matrix Rhythm Therapy was developed as an external and dynamic method that supplies rhythmic mobilization of the fluids in tissues. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Matrix Rhythm Therapy in primary lymphedema. [Subject and Methods] A 36-year-old female with left lower limb lymphedema was evaluated. Leg circumference was measured before and at the end of treatment, and 1 and 3 months later. The circumferences were converted to volumetric values. Twenty sessions of Matrix Rhythm Therapy (5 days/week) were applied to the affected leg, spine, and abdominal regions. Patient satisfaction was assessed with the Global Rating of Change scale. [Results] Volumetric values were 1,573.28 ml before treatment, 1,573.13 ml at the end of treatment, 1,516.70 ml 1 month later, and 1,441.61 ml 3 months later. At the end of treatment, the volumetric reduction was not significant; however, when compared with baseline, measurements at 1 and 3 months decreased by 3.59% and 8.36%, respectively. The Global Rating of Change score was 2. [Conclusion] Matrix Rhythm Therapy could not reduce lymphedema when used alone, but long-term treatment may show positive effects.

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