No abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of regular physical activity on auditory reaction time and the duration of hearing in congenital visually impaired adolescents by examining some auditory performances involving perception and motor components. Forty visually impaired and 30 sighted-control adolescents, 10 to 22 years old (14.04 ± 2.77) participated in the study. All 40 visually impaired adolescents, 13 were goalball players and 27 were sedentary. To measure the duration of hearing, an index of auditory acuity, a tuning fork of 256 Hz, and a digital chronometer were used. Auditory reaction time (msec.) was longer in visually impaired adolescents compared to sighted controls for both right and left-hands (right: t=3.95, p=0.00; left: t=3.66, p=0.00). The visually impaired adolescents had the increased reaction time and the decreased duration of hearing, or disadvantages for both auditory reaction time and duration of hearing. Auditory reaction speed and duration of hearing was decreased in sedentary visually impaired adolescents than in visually impaired goalball players. These results suggest that playing goalball designed for the blind is very beneficial to decrease their neuropsychological and developmental problems.

Aim: There are limited number of studies regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the knowledge level of the society. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between these methods and physiological systems. Material and Method: This descriptive type of study was conducted along with 1st Grade and 2nd Grade university students attending the departments of healthcare field (n = 710). A questionnaire form prepared along with the support of scientific resources was used as the data collection tool. Results: In our study, it was ascertained that 36.1% of the students had used CAM methods and that 69% of them had requested that educational programs involving CAM methods be organized and/or this subject be included in their curriculums. When the answers given by the students as to the relationship between CAM methods and physiological systems were evaluated, it was determined that they thought massage was effective on the musculoskeletal system (53.8%), herbal remedy was effective on the cardiovascular system (20.9%), special diets were effective on the digestive system (35.2%), herbal remedy was effective on blood-immune system (22.1%), herbal remedy was effective on the urinary system (17.4%), herbal remedy was effective on the endocrine and reproduction system (17.4%), hypnosis was effective on the nervous system (38.9%), and yoga was effective on the respiratory system (21.5%). Conclusions: It was ascertained that the students were interested in complementary and alternative methods of medicine, yet, their knowledge as to the targeted organs and systems affected by these methods was inadequate. Creating resources of scientific data about CAM in order to utilize them in health training including complementary and alternative treatment methods in the educational process of the other departments that provide medical education and train health personnel will help those who will apply CAM methods acquire accurate and reliable information.