Clinical trials

For Patients and Families This study aims to investigate how high-flow oxygen therapy affects oxygen levels, especially brain oxygenation, during cystoscopy procedures performed under sedation. The goal is to improve patient safety and comfort by ensuring better oxygen delivery during the procedure. Different oxygen flow rates will be compared, while patients' breathing, oxygen levels, and vital signs are continuously monitored throughout the procedure. All methods used in the study are consistent with routine anesthesia practices, and patient safety remains the highest priority. For Healthcare Professionals This prospective randomized controlled study evaluates the effects of different high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) flow rates on cerebral oxygenation, peripheral oxygenation, and ventilation parameters in patients undergoing cystoscopy under procedural sedation. The primary aim is to determine the contribution of HFNO to sedation safety and to provide clinical evidence regarding the optimal flow rate. In addition, hypoxemia incidence, airway intervention requirements, hemodynamic variables, and sedation depth are being analyzed.

Obesity is a major global health problem associated with metabolic dysfunction, altered adipokine signaling, and impaired appetite regulation. Conventional weight loss strategies such as calorie restriction often result in compensatory physiological adaptations, including increased appetite and loss of lean body mass, which may limit long-term effectiveness. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is an emerging, time-efficient intervention that induces simultaneous muscle activation and may improve metabolic health. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly the interaction between myokines and adipokines, remain insufficiently understood. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of an energy-restricted diet combined with WB-EMS on myokine-adipokine interaction, appetite regulation, and body composition in obese individuals. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a diet-only group or a diet plus WB-EMS group for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes include changes in serum irisin levels. Secondary outcomes include myostatin, leptin, adiponectin, FGF-21, ghrelin, GLP-1, body composition parameters, and eating behavior. The findings of this study are expected to provide novel insights into the physiological and molecular effects of WB-EMS as a complementary strategy in obesity management.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by anterior knee pain, especially during activities such as stair climbing, squatting, running, and prolonged sitting. Weakness or delayed activation of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle is considered an important contributing factor in the development of PFPS. This study aims to compare the effects of three different types of VMO strengthening exercises (isometric, isotonic, and eccentric) applied within the terminal knee extension range (0-30°) on pain, functional performance, and muscle architecture in individuals with PFPS. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three exercise groups. All participants will receive a standardized physiotherapy program, including heat therapy, TENS, and therapeutic ultrasound, followed by group-specific VMO strengthening exercises. The intervention will be performed three times per week for 8 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention and will include pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), functional performance (WOMAC, 30-second sit-to-stand test, and stair test), and muscle architecture parameters measured by ultrasound imaging. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence for optimizing rehabilitation strategies in individuals with PFPS.

This study aims to compare the effects of concentric and eccentric full can exercises on supraspinatus muscle architecture in individuals with partial rotator cuff tears. Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and functional limitation. The supraspinatus muscle plays a key role in shoulder movement and stability, and its structure may be affected in individuals with partial tears. Exercise-based rehabilitation is widely used in the conservative management of these conditions. The full can exercise is commonly prescribed to selectively activate the supraspinatus muscle. However, the effects of different contraction types, specifically concentric and eccentric exercises, on muscle structure and clinical outcomes are not fully understood. In this study, participants will be randomly assigned to either a concentric or eccentric full can exercise group. Both groups will receive a standard physiotherapy program, including therapeutic ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), in addition to the assigned exercise protocol. The intervention will last for 6 weeks, with sessions performed three times per week. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention. The primary outcome is the change in supraspinatus muscle pennation angle measured by ultrasound imaging. Secondary outcomes include muscle architecture parameters, pain intensity, range of motion, muscle strength, functional status, and kinesiophobia. The findings of this study may help improve exercise selection in the rehabilitation of individuals with rotator cuff tears.

This research is designed to determine the effect of mindfulness-based breathing exercises on dyspnea, symptom control, and quality of life in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Lung cancer is a disease with a high mortality rate and a heavy symptom burden, and symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, pain, anxiety, and sleep problems are frequently observed during chemotherapy. Dyspnea, in particular, is one of the main symptoms that has both physical and emotional dimensions and significantly negatively affects patients' daily living activities, adherence to treatment, and quality of life. Therefore, integrating non-pharmacological and complementary nursing interventions into the care process in addition to pharmacological approaches is important. Mindfulness-based breathing exercises are a structured application that aims to regulate the respiratory rhythm, increase relaxation, and reduce symptom perception by enabling the individual to focus on their breath and bodily sensations without judgment. The research will be conducted using a pre-test-post-test control group experimental design. The study will be carried out with lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital between April 2026 and September 2026. The study sample will consist of a total of 60 patients (30 experimental, 30 control) who meet the inclusion criteria and voluntarily agree to participate. Randomization will be used to determine the groups. Patients in the intervention group will receive a mindfulness-based breathing exercise program for eight weeks. The first four weeks will consist of 20-30 minute face-to-face individual training sessions once a week, followed by four weeks of 15-20 minute exercises at home twice a week. The control group will receive no intervention other than routine care. Data will be collected before and eight weeks after the intervention using a Personal Information Form, the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, the EORTC QLQ-C30 Quality of Life Scale, and the Dyspnea-12 TR Scale. Frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation will be calculated for data analysis; chi-square test, independent samples t-test, and dependent samples t-test will be used for intergroup comparisons. This study is expected to provide evidence-based contributions to nursing care by demonstrating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based breathing exercises in reducing dyspnea and symptom burden and improving quality of life in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Intensive care units are critical clinical areas where patients in life-threatening conditions receive care under advanced technology and continuous monitoring. In this environment, patients' sleep patterns and comfort levels are frequently disrupted, which can negatively affect physiological stability and the recovery process. The aim of this thesis proposal is to examine the effects of therapeutic touch applied to intensive care patients on sleep quality, comfort level, and physiological parameters. The research is planned as a randomized experimental study with intervention, placebo, and control groups. The study will be conducted in the Coronary Intensive Care Unit of Fırat University Hospital between April 2026 and January 2027, and a total of 90 patients meeting the research criteria will be randomized into intervention (n=30), placebo (n=30), and control (n=30) groups. The research materials consist of the Patient Identification Form, VAS-Comfort Scale, Sleep Scale, and measurements of physiological parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation). The intervention group will receive therapeutic touch, the placebo group will receive superficial contact, and the control group will receive routine care. The applications will be performed daily at 8:00 PM, and comfort scale and physiological parameters will be measured before and 30 minutes after the application. Sleep quality, as an outcome variable occurring throughout the night, will be assessed the following day using the Sleep Scale. This process will be repeated for 3 days. The obtained data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. In addition to descriptive statistics, One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) will be used for intergroup comparisons, and Repeated Measures ANOVA will be used to evaluate changes over time. In case of a significant difference, Bonferroni corrected post-hoc tests will be applied. If parametric assumptions are not met, appropriate non-parametric tests will be preferred. The significance level will be accepted as p\<0.05. This study aims to contribute to the development of evidence-based practices in nursing care by revealing the effects of therapeutic touch on sleep quality, comfort level, and physiological parameters of intensive care patients.

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of laughter yoga on pain intensity, fatigue, and beta-endorphin levels in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Laughter yoga, a complementary therapy combining breathing exercises and laughter techniques, may help improve symptom management and psychological well-being in individuals with MS.

This single-blind, randomized controlled trial will employ a two-arm parallel design (exercise group vs. control group) with a 12-week intervention period. Randomization will be implemented using SPSS 25.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA) to ensure balanced group allocation. All outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

This single-blind, randomized controlled trial will employ a two-arm parallel design (exercise group vs. control group) with a 12-week intervention period. Randomization will be implemented using SPSS 25.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA) to ensure balanced group allocation. All outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

Comparison of Superior Serratus Posterior Intercostal Plane Block and Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Pain Management Following Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Prospective Study Introduction Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is associated with lower postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and better preservation of pulmonary function compared with conventional thoracotomy, owing to its minimally invasive nature. Although VATS was initially performed using a multi-port technique, it has evolved into a single-port approach, reflecting advances in surgical techniques and equipment. In Uniportal VATS, limiting surgical trauma to a single intercostal space may reduce the risk of chronic postoperative pain by decreasing intercostal nerve damage. Because inadequate pain control after VATS may predispose patients to developing chronic post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS), effective postoperative analgesia is critically important. Therefore, regional analgesic techniques are recommended as part of multimodal analgesia. PROSPECT guidelines do not recommend the routine use of thoracic epidural analgesia for VATS, despite its effectiveness, because of its invasiveness; instead, they emphasize peripheral blocks such as paravertebral block and erector spinae plane block. Although not included among first-line analgesic interventions in PROSPECT guidelines, the serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is a widely used and well-established technique in thoracic surgery. In addition, the superior serratus posterior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) is gaining attention in VATS surgery because of its analgesic effect covering the C3-T10 dermatomes. Although there are studies in the literature comparing SAPB with different regional techniques, there is no randomized controlled trial directly comparing it with SPSIPB. Therefore, this planned study aimed to evaluate whether SPSIPB is noninferior to SAPB for postoperative analgesia and to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of the two techniques performed under ultrasound guidance.

This randomized controlled experimental study aims to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based breathing exercises on symptom management and salivary cortisol levels in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The study population will consist of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in the Oncology Department of Fırat University Hospital. A total of 72 patients who meet the inclusion criteria and volunteer to participate will be included in the study, with 36 patients in the experimental group and 36 in the control group. Data will be collected using the Personal Information Form and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of mindfulness-based breathing exercises in improving symptom management and reducing stress levels in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Comparison of Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block and Serratus Anterior Plane Block in Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Without Intubation Single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery without intubation (NI-UniVATS) is a technique in which video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is performed through a single port without intubating the patient. It differs significantly from traditional VATS. The literature reports that the uniportal approach provides surgical efficiency comparable to the multiportal approach, reduces postoperative pain scores, improves patient comfort due to shorter surgery, reduced chest tube use, and reduced hospital stay, and offers superior cosmetic results. Beyond the limited surgical trauma associated with single-port delivery, NI-UniVATS allows maintenance of physiological ventilation by preventing positive pressure on the lungs while preserving spontaneous breathing. This feature helps reduce postoperative pulmonary complications, especially in patients with impaired lung function. Avoiding intubation reduces the risk of local complications such as postoperative sore throat, mucosal ulceration, laryngeal or tracheal injuries, and bronchospasm due to mechanical irritation, while not using neuromuscular blocking agents eliminates curare-related complications. In addition, the administration of hypnotic and opioid agents in limited doses supports faster recovery and reduces the frequency of postoperative sedation, nausea, and vomiting. Consistent with these physiological and pharmacological advantages, NIVATS stands out as an effective, patient-centered surgical approach associated with shorter hospital stays and accelerated recovery. In the transition from aggressive surgical approaches to minimally invasive methods for treating pleural, mediastinal, and pulmonary diseases, advancements in surgical techniques and progress in anesthesia have played a decisive role. In video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (NI-VATS), which does not require intubation, the safe performance of the procedure requires the use of appropriate anesthetic techniques to protect patients from severe hypoxia and hypercapnia, to effectively control pain during surgical resection, and to suppress the cough reflex so that the lung can be manipulated more stably and safely. Adequate and effective analgesia is a fundamental requirement for the success of this approach. Although thoracic epidural anesthesia and paravertebral blocks provide effective analgesia, facial plane blocks such as the serratus anterior plane block, rhomboid intercostal block, and erector spinae plane block can be used alone or in combination as the primary anesthetic method in NI-VATS procedures because of their ease of application and relatively low risk of complications. The serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB), described by Tulgar et al. in 2023, has been reported to provide effective analgesia in the anterolateral hemithorax, including the C3-T10 dermatomes. Consistent with these findings, it is increasingly used for postoperative analgesia in VATS surgery. In addition, one case reports successful NI-VATS without complications after SPSIPB application. Given these features, SPSIPB has the potential to be an effective anesthetic and analgesic option in NI-VATS patients. In light of this data, identifying an effective, safe, and easily applicable regional analgesic technique for NI-VATS procedures is clinically important. Evidence comparing the efficacy of SPSIPB, a technique recently described and gaining increasing attention in thoracic surgery, with SAPB, a facial plane block commonly used in NI-VATS procedures, is limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the perioperative anesthetic and analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided SPSIPB in patients undergoing NI-VATS, compared with SAPB. The hypothesis of this study is that the serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block is non-inferior to the serratus anterior plane block in terms of intraoperative anesthetic requirements, pain control, and perioperative analgesic requirements. Materials and Methodology Study Design and Patient Selection This study was designed as a single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind trial. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee for Clinical Research at Fırat University Faculty of Medicine (Approval No: 2023-181). After approval, a total of 70 patients scheduled to undergo elective non-intubated uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (NI-UniVATS) were included in the study. The research was conducted between 20 January 2026 and 15 August 2026. Inclusion Criteria The study included patients who: * were aged 18-65 years, * had an American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification of I-III, * had a body mass index (BMI) \< 35 kg/m², * read and signed the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria

Hematology patients go through many difficult periods during the diagnosis process. One of the most commonly used methods in the diagnosis of hematological diseases is bone marrow aspiration and biopsy (BMAB). BMAB is an invasive procedure and may cause pain in patients. For this purpose, a local anesthetic agent is used during the procedure. However, no effective method has been developed to prevent pain in patients. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are used to manage pain. Among non-pharmacological methods, cognitive distraction techniques such as feigned coughing and stress balls are used to reduce pain and stress. Some studies have reported that "fake coughing" reduces pain during procedures that cause temporary, sharp pain, such as parenteral injections or venipuncture. A literature review revealed that patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy experience intense stress and pain, but there are insufficient studies examining these concepts. This study is expected to contribute to the nursing literature. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of fake coughing and stress ball application on pain during bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Intensive care units (ICU) are special clinical areas where advanced monitoring and treatment of patients with life-threatening organ failure or those at risk of developing organ failure are carried out, with high technological equipment and a multidisciplinary approach is adopted. Agitation, pain, anxiety and hormonal imbalances are frequently observed due to hospitalization in ICU. In this stressful environment, patients often experience pain and agitation. Both situations trigger a physiological stress response in the patient and increase cortisol secretion. This increase in cortisol levels can suppress the immune system, delay wound healing and negatively affect the patient's general prognosis. Today, in addition to modern medicine, complementary/alternative therapies are increasingly used. One of these alternative therapies is therapeutic touch application. Therapeutic touch is based on the therapeutic effect of the act of touching. Therapeutic touch, alternatively known as healing touch, is a complementary/alternative treatment method applied by touching energy points on the body. Therefore, this study was planned to examine the effects of therapeutic touch applied to patients in intensive care on pain, agitation and cortisol levels. This study, planned as a randomized experimental study with a pre-test-post-test intervention control group, will consist of patients in the Intensive Care Unit of Fırat University Hospital. The sample will consist of 60 intensive care patients, 30 in the intervention group and 30 in the control group, who meet the research criteria on the specified dates and accept the research. The patients in the intervention and control groups will first be informed about the application before starting the application and their verbal and written consents will be obtained. Then, the intervention group will be given the Patient Identification Form, Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), cortisol levels from laboratory data will be recorded and therapeutic touch will be applied and after the application, the RASS and VAS scales will be filled again and the blood cortisol levels will be checked. This process will be done before and after each application and a total of 8 measurements will be taken. The application will take approximately 15-30 minutes every four days for the patients in the intervention group. During this period, no application will be made to the patients in the control group and RASS, VAS scales will be filled every four days and blood cortisol levels will be checked. Thus, a total of 8 measurements will be obtained. In the analysis of the data; frequency and percentage analyses, chi-square analysis, standard deviation, t-test in dependent groups, t-test analysis in independent groups will be performed.

Hemodialysis is a treatment method used in the treatment of acute or chronic renal failure, the main function of which is based on the cleaning of accumulated waste materials in the blood, and is rapidly developing and spreading in parallel with today's technology. Patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment are trying to cope with social and physical problems that may develop due to chronic disease. At the same time, their quality of life is affected due to the psychosocial, economic problems and complications brought about by machine dependency. From past to present, individuals have used various methods to protect/improve their health. Today, in addition to modern medicine, complementary/alternative therapies are increasingly used. One of these alternative therapies is the therapeutic touch application, which has recently gained popularity. Therapeutic touch is based on the therapeutic effect of the act of touching. Therapeutic touch, alternatively known as healing touch, is a complementary/alternative treatment method applied by touching energy points in the body. Therefore, this study was planned to examine the effect of therapeutic touch applied to hemodialysis patients on perceived stress and comfort levels. This study, planned as a randomized experimental study with a pre-test-post-test intervention control group, will be a study on dialysis patients receiving treatment at the hemodialysis unit of Fırat University Hospital between June 2025-June 2026. The sample will consist of a minimum of 60 dialysis patients (30 intervention, 30 control) who meet the research criteria and accept the study. The patients in the intervention and control groups will first be informed about the application before starting the application and their verbal and written consents will be obtained. Then, the Patient Identification Form, Visual Analog Scale-Comfort (VAS-Comfort), Hemodialysis Comfort Scale (HKS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) will be applied and the 1st measurement will be obtained. The application will last approximately 15-30 minutes for the patients in the intervention group every three days. After three days of alternate application, data forms will be filled in again for patients and 2nd measurements will be obtained. During this period, no intervention will be made to patients in the control group and only the normal treatment protocol will be applied. At the end of three days, data forms will be filled in again and 2nd measurements will be obtained. In the analysis of data; frequency and percentage analyses, chi-square analysis, standard deviation, t-test in dependent groups, t-test analysis in independent groups will be performed.

Work-related musculoskeletal problems are seen in many professions, including musicians. Musculoskeletal problems related to playing are defined as any weakness, numbness, pain, tingling, or other symptoms that affect a musician's ability to play a musical instrument at their usual level. Given the high workload on the upper extremities, it is likely that neurological and musculoskeletal changes and/or dysfunctions are more common in musicians. Prolonged static activity and overuse of the trunk and proximal upper extremity muscles in musicians also frequently affect upper extremity function. Nerve compression syndromes affecting the median and ulnar nerves or thoracic outlet affect many musicians. Focal dystonias seen in musicians can affect the muscles that make up part or all of one hand. Studies evaluating musculoskeletal problems and upper extremity function in instrumentalists are limited in the literature. The aim of our study is to investigate the factors affecting upper extremity function in stringed instrument performers within a group of musicians, to compare them with a group that does not play any musical instrument, and to contribute the results to the literature. A total of 68 participants will be included in the study on a voluntary basis, comprising a stringed instrument performer group (n=34) and a control group not playing any musical instrument (n=34). Upper extremity function will be assessed using the Health Throw Test, the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire and hand dynamometer, musculoskeletal system with the Nordic Musculoskeletal System Questionnaire, performance anxiety with the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory, pain with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), hypermobility with the Beighton Scoring System for Hypermobility and the Upper Extremity Hypermobility Questionnaire, reaction time with the Nelson Hand Reaction Test, coordination using the Touching Discs Test, posture using the Apecs-AI Posture Assessment and Correction System® (Apecs) application, shoulder proprioception using a goniometer, upper extremity balance using the Y Balance Test, and shoulder girdle endurance and stabilisation using the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test.

In RA, joint structure is damaged due to destructive inflammation in the synovium. This condition negatively affects the patient's level of physical activity. As the patient becomes more immobile, their muscle mass and strength decrease and their aerobic capacity declines. One of the drug groups used in the pharmacological treatment of RA is anti-TNF-α drugs. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of anti-TNF-α and non-TNF-α drug treatments on aerobic capacity, muscle strength, fatigue, cardiorespiratory risk factors, and disease activity in RA patients.

Reiki, the subject of our research, is a complementary medicine practice within energy approaches. Discovered in Sanskrit texts by Dr. Usui in Japan in the late 19th century, it was demonstrated through studies demonstrating its effectiveness in symptoms of pain, depression, insomnia, and fatigue. Everything in the universe, including the human body, is composed of energy; any disruption in this energy can lead to illness. There are seven chakras where Reiki is applied. The main chakra centers are located along the spine. During Reiki treatments, the hands are held in each position, touching the head, neck, chest, abdominal cavity, and groin for 3-5 minutes. This period may extend to 10-20 minutes in problematic areas. The average treatment duration is 30-90 minutes. During the treatment, the patient lies down or reclines, and there is no need to remove clothing. During Reiki treatment, individuals may report a slight warming sensation under or near the therapist's hand. The only rule in Reiki practice is that the individual gives the practitioner permission to facilitate the flow of energy. The person receiving Reiki does not need to believe in Reiki during the treatment. Reiki is a universal life energy present in everyone. Reiki is generally safe, and no serious side effects have been reported. Over the last 10 years, Reiki practice has been increasing among physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. This study will compare the effects of acupressure and Reiki treatments on functionality and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition that leads to incapacity. Despite significant progress in optimizing pharmacological treatment for HF patients, the personal and social burden of this disease is still characterized by debilitating symptoms and rehospitalizations. Today, many patients with heart failure use non-pharmacological methods for managing common symptoms. Due to the increased interest in non-pharmacological methods among individuals in society, it has become essential for healthcare professionals, including nurses as part of the healthcare team, to play a role in these methods to meet the health needs of the community. One of the interventions nurses can offer for symptom management is mindfulness-based breathing exercises. In this mind-body-based practice, attention is focused on the breath, helping individuals develop awareness of their negative thoughts and emotions. The study population will consist of patients admitted to the Cardiology Department of Firat University Hospital. The sample size was determined by a power analysis, with a 0.05 margin of error, a 0.95 confidence interval, and a 0.5 effect size, representing 80% of the population, resulting in 72 patients for both the experimental and control groups. Data collection tools for the study will include a Personal Information Form, the Dyspnea-12 Scale, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) Scale, and the Richard-Campbell Sleep Scale. SPSS (Statistical Programme for Social Sciences) software will be used to analyze the data obtained from the study. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of a 20-minute mindfulness-based breathing exercise on dyspnea, fatigue, and sleep quality in patients with heart failure.

The aim of this article is to examine the effect of the training of carers caring for palliative care patients on the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. In this context, how the training affects the level of knowledge and practices of the carers will be evaluated. The findings obtained will contribute to improving the quality of patient care by providing strategic recommendations for the improvement of palliative care services.

Systemic sclerosis (SSC) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which autoimmune features are associated with vascular manifestations. Patients with SSC experience many problems such as interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), heart failure, severe gastrointestinal tract (GIT) involvement and scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). Because of these problems, SSC patients may develop an abnormal pulmonary hemodynamic response during exercise. In this situation, measuring the aerobic capacity of SSC patients can be a useful tool for health promotion. There are many different methods for measuring aerobic capacity tests. The most commonly used aerobic capacity test in SSC patients is the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT). However, although the 6 MWT is a commonly used test, it has some disadvantages. Because SSC affects multiple organs, there are doubts about the 6 MWT's ability to accurately assess these diseases. These disadvantages of the 6MWT have led to the search for new tests. The Chester step test (CST) is a submaximal test and a good option to assess aerobic capacity. An adapted version of the CST for non-healthy individuals can be used to assess aerobic capacity. There are some studies conducted with CST. As a result of my research, no study evaluating CST in individuals with SSC was found.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease that can involve all tissues with synovium. The wrist and hand, which are of great importance in our daily activities, are involved early and specifically because they are rich in synovium, which is the target tissue in RA.In many patients with rheumatoid arthritis, hand and wrist involvement is seen from the early stages of the disease. Pain, stiffness and swelling in the joint are accompanied by decreased range of motion and muscle strength.Hand functions have a very important place due to the fact that the hand must be used in countless daily life activities.Kinesiophobia is defined as a state of fear and avoidance of activity and physical movement caused by painful injury and sensitivity to repeated injury.The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between hand sensory and strength assessment, functionality and kinesiophobia in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

In recent years, the level of physical activity among university students has been steadily decreasing, and young people are leading a sedentary lifestyle. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the perspectives and attitudes towards physical activity of students from the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation department, who are expected to have awareness of physical activity due to their undergraduate education, with students from the Software Engineering department, who do not receive education on this subject. The study will also investigate how these perspectives and attitudes affect their level of physical activity and postural awareness.Software Engineering students and Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation department students between the ages of 20-25, studying in the 3rd and 4th grades at Fırat University, will be included in the study. A questionnaire regarding the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, Physical Activity Attitude Scale, International Physical Activity Survey Short Form, Postural Awareness Scale Turkish Version will be used as data collection tools.

Although joint involvement is predominant, RA is a systemic disease that can affect many organs. RA is a disease that includes changes such as inflammation, joint pain, fatigue, increased risk of coronary and heart disease. In patients with RA, exercises should be planned for decreased muscle strength, endurance, aerobic capacity and affected normal joint movements. Aerobic exercise capacity should be measured for individualized exercise planning in rehabilitation. Bicycle ergometer, one of the aerobic capacity tests, has been used in rehabilitation for a long time. Although it is frequently used in rehabilitation, it has some disadvantages. Therefore, other tests such as the step test can be used to eliminate these disadvantages of the bicycle ergometer and to assess functional capacity. The 6-minute step test (6MST), which requires less time and space, can be used as an alternative to assess exercise capacity. Patients will be evaluated at Firat University Hospital. Patients diagnosed with RA, older than 18 years of age and with a body weight of 100 kg or less (maximum weight supported by the stepper) will be included in the study.

In Turkey, on February 6, 2023, an earthquake measuring 7.7 in magnitude centered in the Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş Province, followed by a second earthquake measuring 7.6 in magnitude centered in Elbistan, caused the deaths of 50,783 people in the provinces of Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır, Adana, Adıyaman, Osmaniye, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya and Elazığ. The magnitude of the cost impact of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake, which is described as the "disaster of the century" and calculated as 103.6 billion dollars, is as disturbing as the devastating effect of the disaster on individuals' levels of hope and well-being. In line with previous studies, the high probability that socio-psychological effects will continue for a long time after the February 6, 2023 earthquakes necessitates physical and mental self-care activities to support the health and well-being of those affected by the disaster. In order for the child's first teacher and guide to be his/her mother and for the widespread impact of our project to reach a wider audience directly and indirectly, the project will address the suitability of laughter yoga as a relaxing practice that will benefit earthquake-stricken mothers living in the provinces of Elazığ and Malatya, which were affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes. Laughter yoga, which has become increasingly popular worldwide and has recently been recognized as a low-cost, risk-free and less time-consuming practice for improving mental health, is a group-based laughter exercise that includes real-life laughter, light movement, stretching, rhythmic breathing and meditation. When articles evaluating the psychological and physiological effects of laughter yoga on individuals are examined, it is observed that promising results are obtained. A recent meta-analysis of 45 interventions that encourage laughter with 2,500 randomized participants found significant positive mental and physical health effects. Although challenging, laughing when sad can be "a great way to balance sadness." Hope is considered as a situation that includes the individual's high positive expectations for the future, their belief in the world, and the idea that life is worth living. High hope also has a positive effect on coping with traumatic experiences. It is known that individuals' well-being decreases as a result of traumatic life events and that they have difficulty coping with the current situation. In a study conducted on 188 adults who experienced the earthquake that occurred in the Pazarcık and Elbistan districts of Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, it was pointed out that having positive resources such as hope and well-being is important for individuals to cope with post-traumatic symptoms. Although laughter yoga is expected to support hope and well-being, no study has revealed this relationship after a disaster. Therefore, evidence-based studies are needed to evaluate the effect of laughter yoga on hope and well-being in mothers, who are important building blocks of society after an earthquake. The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between hope and well-being and laughter yoga after the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.