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• MakaleYayıncıda açık erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1/r/bayburt/10840
  Upper extremity muscle thickness and grip strength following a boccia-based intervention in hemiparetic individuals

  Hazar, Emre Berk; Güder, Betul Canbolat; Hazar, Kursat; Gök, Umut Diyar; Alkhamees, Nouf H.; Ibrahim, Zizi M.; Al-Mhanna, Sameer Badri; Batrakoulis, Alexios

  Introduction The global prevalence of stroke is increasing, highlighting the critical importance of effective post-stroke rehabilitation. Although boccia was originally designed for individuals with special needs, its potential benefits for stroke rehabilitation, particularly regarding task-related changes in ultrasound-observed muscle characteristics, have not been thoroughly investigated. Purpose This study aimed to examine the association of an 8-week boccia-based intervention with changes in upper extremity muscle thickness and grip strength in individuals with hemiparesis following stroke. Methods A total of 22 stroke survivors were randomly allocated to a boccia group (Boc, n = 12) or a control group (Ctrl, n = 10). While the control group received conventional physical therapy for eight weeks, the boccia group participated in both physical therapy and boccia-based intervention three times per week. Upper extremity muscle thickness and grip strength were assessed before and after the intervention. Results In the control group, a significant increase was observed only in the triceps brachii muscle thickness. In contrast, the boccia group demonstrated statistically detectable increases in forearm muscles (flexor digitorum profundus, flexor digitorum superficialis, pronator teres, and brachioradialis), triceps brachii muscle thickness, and grip strength. Conclusion Incorporating boccia-based intervention into the rehabilitation programs of individuals with hemiparesis after stroke may be associated with broader upper extremity muscle involvement and concurrent improvements in grip strength. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating.

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• MakaleYayıncıda açık erişim2026/r/bayburt/11501
  Relationship between empathic tendencies and trait anxiety among individuals interested in folk dances

  Öktem, Tuncay; Akkuş, Ramazan; Öz, Ümit; Gök, Umut Diyar

  Introduction – Folk dances, which are among the most important cultural elements reflecting societies’ historical heritage, ways of life, and shared values, are regarded not only as an art form but also as a functional tool that contributes to an individual’s psychological well-being. Because they are based on physical activity and involve group participation, they can positively impact empathy and anxiety. The primary objective of this study is to examine the psychosocial characteristics of individuals who participate in folk dances, with a focus on the relationship between empathy and anxiety. In this context, folk dance will be discussed from various perspectives in relation to empathy and anxiety. Materials and methods – The study employed the correlational survey model, a quantitative research method. The study included 358 participants interested in folk dances. Data were collected using the Empathic Tendencies Scale and the trait anxiety section of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, a normality test, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Results – A negative, significant, and weak correlation was observed between participants’ trait anxiety and their empathic tendencies. Results from the regression analysis reveal that participants’ empathic tendencies significantly predict their trait anxiety, explaining 10.7% of the total variance. Conclusion – In conclusion, folk dance may be considered a factor associated with individuals’ anxiety and empathy levels.

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