Balance training using force platform biofeedback in addition to a conventional inpatient stroke rehabilitation programme is beneficial in improving postural control and weight-bearing on the paretic side while walking late after stroke.

As physical activity is essential for bone and general health, individuals should be educated and counseled about osteoporosis and the importance of physical activity to overcome kinesiophobia.

Introduction Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive and degenerative disorder characterized by an inadequate production of dopamine due to pathology in the substantia nigra. Rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability are the cardinal features that lead to gait impairment and functional limitations [1]. Gait and balance impairments are important determinants of disability and quality of life in PD [2]. Overall, fatigue is one of the most common and disabling nonmotor symptoms and can be seen at all stages of the disease [3]. Aerobic training with treadmill training (TT) is effective in improving the gait, balance, and quality of life and relieving fatigue in subjects with PD [4,5]. Body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) allows safe walking practice by supporting a portion of the body weight mechanically and stimulates activity-dependent neural plasticity [6]. Furthermore, physical performance and aerobic activities can be performed at higher intensities when the body weight is partially supported during walking compared to conventional TT [7]. This is especially beneficial in the rehabilitation of neurologically Background/aim: Body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) might have greater effects than conventional treadmill training (TT) in neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different percentages of BWSTT on gait, balance, quality of life, and fatigue in PD. Materials and methods: Thirty-five patients with moderate to advanced PD were randomized into three BWSTT groups according to the supported percentage of body weight: 0% BWSTT (control group; unsupported TT), 10% BWSTT, or 20% BWSTT. Five patients were excluded due to early discharge and 30 patients completed BWSTT sessions lasting 30 min, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks during their inpatient rehabilitation stay. The primary outcome was 6-min walk distance (6MWD). Secondary outcomes were Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Fatigue Impact Scale, and Fatigue Severity Scale scores. Measurements were performed before and after the training. Results: The unsupported TT group demonstrated no significant improvement in the outcome measures after a 6-week training except for BBS and NHP emotional subscores. Moreover, the NHP pain subscore increased in the unsupported TT group after training. The 10% and 20% supported BWSTT groups demonstrated significant improvements in 6MWD (P = 0.004 and P < 0.001, respectively), UPDRS-motor score (P = 0.012 and P = 0.005, respectively), NHP pain subscore (P = 0.003 and P = 0.002, respectively), and fatigue (P = 0.005 for both) after training. The 20% BWSTT provided the highest improvement in balance among the three groups (P < 0.001) and greater relief of fatigue than 10% BWSTT (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Six weeks of BWSTT improved walking distance and balance ability, relieved fatigue, and additionally reduced pain in patients with moderate to advanced PD.

In patients with stroke, OPS and NIHSS had significant contribution to the estimation of the functional status and OPS was more effective than NIHSS.

We report a new clinical variant of epidermolysis bullosa simplex with muscular dystrophy (EBS-MD) that was associated with cardiac involvement. A 33-year-old patient had atrial fibrillation, pericardial effusion, and hypokinetic left ventricular cardiac walls. The muscle biopsy material revealed diffuse endomysial fibrosis and small atrophic muscle fibers with rounded contours. A positive desmin expression with abnormal localization in the subsarcolemmal groups was observed. We concluded that patients with EBS-MD should be investigated carefully when there are associated cardiac findings.

This study proposed an assessment of the correlation of hand bone mineral density measured by dual energy x-ray absorbtiometry (DXA) with the carpo:metacarpal (C:MC) ratio and metacarpal cortical index (CI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The correlation of total hand BMD, CI and C:MC ratio with BMD at other sites, the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Larsen scores were also examined. The hand and axial BMD of 30 female patients were also compared with 29 age-matched healthy female controls. Total hand BMD values of patients were significantly lower than the control group. There was no significant difference between groups in axial measurements. CI correlated moderately with the second metacap (II.MC) midshaft and total hand BMD. The C:MC ratio correlated with II.MC midshaft and total hand BMD. Total hand BMD correlated moderately with the AP spine (L2-L4) and femoral neck BMD. Larsen scores showed weak negative correlation with II.MC midshaft BMD and CI. Grip strength correlated weakly only with total hand BMD. The results indicated that CI may reflect cortical bone mass of the hand accurately and did not predict bone density of the spine or hip in patients with RA. The C:MC ratio is a useful method for evaluating progression of wrist involvement and may be related to the loss of hand bone mineral density associated with disease process.

Vincristine commonly induces peripheral neuropathy but rarely causes voiding dysfunction. In this report, we describe a case of neurogenic bladder and peripheral neuropathy caused by the neurotoxic effect of vincristine and documented by urodynamic testing and electromyography. Neurologic evaluation aided in monitoring and understanding this problem.

Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare disorder that is characterized by stiffness and rigidity of the axial, abdominal, and extremity muscles. It is associated with several autoimmune diseases or paraneoplastic conditions. We report a case of SPS with Hashimoto's thyroiditis who complained of low back pain. Her physical examination was remarkable in that her abdominal and axial muscles were firm to palpation, and she had hyperlordosis of the spine. Active range of motion of the spine was limited, and she had a robotic gait. Electromyography demonstrated continuous motor unit activity in the agonist and antagonist muscles. Diagnosis of SPS was confirmed because antiglutamic acid decarboxylase was present in the cerebrospinal fluid. She favorably responded to intravenous administration of immunoglobulin, diazepam, and baclofen and stretching, strengthening, and range of motion exercises.