INTRODUCTION: This study aims to identify variations in mean and maximum plantar pressure parameters across different regions of the foot among individuals with neutral, pronated, and hyperpronated foot postures during static standing.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 65 healthy participants categorized into three groups based on their Foot Posture Index: neutral (n=22), pronated (n=22), and hyperpronated (n=21). Navicular mobility and static plantar pressure were assessed using the Navicular Drop Test and the Footwork device, respectively. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Bonferroni corrections was used to compare numerical descriptive characteristics between groups.
RESULTS: The average age and height of participants were 23.77±2.77 years and 172±8.86 cm, respectively. Demographic values were similar among groups, except for weight (p=0.020; p<0.05), body mass index (BMI) (p=0.025; p<0.05), and the Navicular Drop Test (p=0.000; p<0.01). No significant differences were found among groups in mean or maximum plantar pressure across different regions of the foot (p>0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Plantar pressure distribution did not vary across different plantar regions based on foot posture. Further research is needed to compare plantar loads based on contact areas.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to examine the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on social cognition. The research aims to investigate the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on social cognition, specifically focusing on its potential to enhance social cognition abilities, strengthen the relationship between social skills, and influence the connection between Theory of Mind (ToM) and empathy.
METHODS: One hundred volunteers (50 female, 50 male), aged between 18 and 45 years, with no psychiatric conditions and who were suitable for vagus nerve stimulation, participated in the study. An intergroup design was employed, with participants first completing a social interest scale. The experimental group received taVNS stimulation, while the control group received sham stimulation. After a 20-minute stimulation period, participants completed the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) and the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE).
RESULTS: The ToM results showed improvement with taVNS. However, no significant differences were observed between groups for empathy scores, except in the peripheral responsivity subdimension, where the experimental group scored lower than the control group.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: According to polyvagal theory, activation of the parasympathetic nervous system promotes a sense of safety, thereby fostering social engagement. A bidirectional relationship exists between vagal activity and social behavior. The results indicate that increased vagal activation enhanced participants’ theory of mind (ToM). This sense of security frees cognitive resources, allowing individuals to focus on understanding others’ mental states rather than self-protection. taVNS appears to improve theory of mind but has no significant effect on empathy or its subdimensions, except for peripheral responsivity.

INTRODUCTION: It is thought that plant-based diets may improve the mental health and academic achievement of individuals. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of adherence to plant-based diets on mental health and academic achievement in university students.
METHODS: Students’ adherence to a plant-based diet was determined by the plant-based diet index (PDI) score. The mental health status was determined using the Depression–Anxiety–Stress Scale (DASS). Students’ academic performance was determined based on the university grade point average (GPA) question asked.
RESULTS: Our results showed that women studying in the health department have higher healthy plant-based diet scores (p<0.001). In addition, it was determined that students who adapted to a healthier plant-based diet had better mental health and academic achievement (p<0.05). Fourth-grade students had lower unhealthy PDI values than 1st-grade students (p<0.001). Alcohol users had lower PDI, and smokers had higher healthy PDI (hPDI) (p<0.001). It was found that hPDI values explained 2.5–3.7% of DASS scores and 1.6% of GPA (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In our study, plant-based diet was related to mental health and academic achievement in university students. It is also recommended to develop plant-based diet interventions due to their effects on mental health and academic achievement.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the post-operative and discharge recovery processes of elderly patients who underwent surgical intervention for hip fracture.
METHODS: The descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 167 patients. Data were collected using the “Descriptive Information Form” and “Post-discharge Surgical Recovery Scale.”
RESULTS: In this study conducted with 167 patients aged 56–86 years who underwent surgical treatment for hip fracture, it was determined that the mean score of the Post-discharge Recovery Scale was 39.38±12.38, the mean score of the Post-discharge Recovery Scale was higher in patients aged 65 years and younger than in patients aged 76 years and older, and the mean score of the Post-discharge Recovery Scale of married patients was positively higher than that of single patients and the difference between them was significant.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: According to the data obtained in this study, when age groups categorized as patients aged 65 years and younger, patients aged 66–75 years and patients aged 75 years and older were compared, significant positive differences were found in the recovery process, and duration of patients aged 65 years and younger compared to patients aged 76 years and older.

Aging is an inherent aspect of human life and is characterized by a plethora of physiological changes that occur within the body. One notable manifestation of aging is the onset of menopause in women and andropause in men, resulting in significant hormonal imbalances. During these transitional phases, the maintenance of optimal health and prevention of chronic diseases and metabolic imbalances are of utmost importance. Consequently, nutritional and dietary interventions have emerged as pivotal factors substantial in promoting healthy aging and mitigating the risk of these conditions. The aim of this literature review was to comprehensively explore the current understanding of the role of hormonal imbalances in metabolic disorders, with a specific emphasis on menopause and andropause. These life stages are known for their hormonal fluctuations that can have a significant impact on metabolic health. Nutritional and dietary interventions have gained attention as potential adjunctive treatments for imbalanced hormones and their associated metabolic consequences. By examining the available evidence, this review seeks to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of specific interventions and provide evidence-based recommendations for health-care professionals and individuals seeking alternative approaches to optimize metabolic health during menopause and andropause.

In recent years, the frequency of sports injuries has been extensively investigated in terms of risk factors and preventive measures. Players engaged in team sports are at a higher risk of injury because the games typically involve various movements and interactions with the ball, teammates, and opponents. Although the mechanism of injury is common among professional football players, it represents a heterogeneous group with different types of injuries and widespread terminology. Traditionally, it has been categorized as delayed onset muscle soreness, strains, and contusions. The initial step in injury prevention is the assessment of injury epidemiology and the elimination of injury risk. This review addresses the importance of a gender-based approach in the assessment of pain and clinical practices for anterior cruciate ligament injuries commonly seen in female soccer players. Specifically, the effects of psychological factors such as anxiety disorders and kinesiophobia (fear of movement) on anterior cruciate ligament injuries are examined. It highlights gender-based differences in anterior cruciate ligament injuries suffered by female soccer players and discusses how these differences should be taken into account in pain assessment and treatment processes.