Multiple sclerosis clearly impairs respiratory functions; maximal mouth pressures are more severely reduced. This impairment increases with multiple sclerosis-induced disability level but is found to be independent from duration of disease.

A home-based rehabilitation programme for patients with Parkinson's disease helped to improve motor performance compared to patients who did not take advantage of a regular, professionally designed exercise programme.

The programme improved most pulmonary performance measures and had clinical significance. Its sustained application may prevent respiratory complications frequently observed in the later stages of multiple sclerosis.

A greater increase in exercise capacity was observed in the PR + IMT group. Our study showed that inspiratory muscle training improved exercise capacity even further and increased the benefits provided by pulmonary rehabilitation.

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The SF-36 subscale scores of mothers of disabled children were decreased compared with Turkish community norms. Psychological support of mothers of children in the rehabilitation period may positively affect this period.

[Purpose] This study measured the quality of life in epilepsy and determined associated demographic and clinical factors by means of the Short Form-36 health survey. [Subjects and Methods] 124 consecutive epilepsy patients were enrolled and their demographic variables and clinical characteristics recorded. The Short Form-36 questionnaire was completed independently by each participant. Short Form-36 dimensional and composite scores were computed and scaled with data from an extensive survey of the healthy population. [Results] Short Form-36 scores for physical dimensions were similar to healthy values, but those for mental dimensions except for energy/vitality were remarkably and significantly lower than normal. All Short Form-36 average scores for women were lower than those for men and significantly so for mental health composite scores. Patients responding well to treatment were aware of their improving health as measured by the Change in Health score and had better dimensional scores than those with a poor response. [Conclusion] Patients with epilepsy do not perceive impaired physical health status. However, their mental health appears vulnerable, especially in women. Therefore, the major burden in epilepsy is in the mental health category. A positive treatment response is also an important determinant of the related quality of life measure.

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