Glossary

Physiotherapy Glossary

40 physiotherapy and rehabilitation terms — expert-reviewed medical definitions, differentiators and clinical scope. Written for both patients and clinicians.

This glossary is provided for general health-education purposes. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment. In an emergency, call 112.

All Terms (40)

Active vs Passive Exercise· Aktif ve Pasif Egzersiz
ASIA Spinal Cord Injury Classification· ASIA Spinal Kord Yaralanma Sınıflaması
Berg, TUG and Tinetti· Berg, TUG ve Tinetti
Bobath Concept (NDT)· Bobath Konsept
Brunnstrom Stages (NIHSS comparison)· Brunnstrom Evreleri (NIHSS karşılaştırması)
Cerebral Palsy (CP) and GMFCS Levels· Serebral Palsi (CP) ve GMFCS Evreleri
Cervical Disc Herniation vs Cervical Myofascial Pain· Boyun Fıtığı vs Servikal Miyofasyal Ağrı
Clinic vs Home-Based Physiotherapy· Klinik vs Evde Fizik Tedavi
Closed vs Open Kinetic Chain· Kapalı ve Açık Kinetik Zincir
Cold Therapy vs Therapeutic Ultrasound· Buz ve Terapötik Ultrason
Eccentric, Concentric and Isometric Contraction· Eccentric, Concentric ve Isometric Kontraksiyon
EWGSOP2 Sarcopenia Classification· EWGSOP2 Sarkopeni Sınıflaması
FIM, Barthel Index and mRS· FIM, Barthel ve mRS
Frozen Shoulder vs Rotator Cuff Tear· Donuk Omuz vs Rotator Cuff Yırtığı
Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)· Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)
GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System)· GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System)
Heat vs Cold Application· Sıcak ve Soğuk Uygulama Karşılaştırması
Lumbar Disc Herniation vs Mechanical Low-Back Pain· Bel Fıtığı vs Mekanik Bel Ağrısı
Manual Therapy· Manuel Terapi
Mulligan, McKenzie and Maitland· Mulligan, McKenzie ve Maitland
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Subtypes· Multipl Skleroz (MS) Tipleri
Orthosis vs Prosthesis· Ortez ve Protez
Parkinson’s Disease vs Parkinson-Plus Syndromes· Parkinson Hastalığı vs Parkinson-Plus Sendromları
Physiatrist (PM&R Specialist)· Fizyatrist
Physical Therapy (Modalities)· Fizik Tedavi
Physiotherapist· Fizyoterapist
Physiotherapy· Fizyoterapi
Pre-op vs Post-op Rehabilitation· Pre-op ve Post-op Rehabilitasyon
Rehabilitation· Rehabilitasyon
Schroth vs Generic Scoliosis Exercise· Schroth ve Generic Skolyoz Egzersizi
Spina Bifida and Spina Bifida Occulta· Spina Bifida ve Spina Bifida Occulta
Static vs Dynamic Stretching· Statik ve Dinamik Germe
Stroke (CVA)· İnme (Stroke / CVA)
Tardieu Scale (Spasticity Assessment)· Tardieu Skalası (Spastisite Değerlendirmesi)
Telerehabilitation· Telerehabilitasyon
TENS, Cold and Heat Modalities· TENS, Buz ve Sıcak Uygulama
Therapeutic Exercise· Egzersiz Tedavisi
THR — Total Hip Replacement· THR — Total Kalça Protezi
TKR — Total Knee Replacement· TKR — Total Diz Protezi
UPDRS and MDS-UPDRS· UPDRS ve MDS-UPDRS

A. 8 terms

Core Concepts

Physiotherapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation, manual therapy and practitioner role definitions.

#1 · FizyoterapiPhysiotherapy: Physiotherapy is a regulated health profession that assesses physical-function impairments and treats them with non-invasive interventions such as exercise, manual therapy and electrotherapy. It is grounded in movement science and applied across pain, musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary and post-surgical recovery contexts. In Türkiye, physiotherapists complete a 4-year university degree (B.Sc. in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation) and are licensed by the Ministry of Health. The Turkish Physiotherapy Association (TFD) is the national professional body, with global representation through the World Physiotherapy organisation (WCPT).
#2 · Fizik TedaviPhysical Therapy (Modalities): Physical therapy is colloquially used as a synonym for physiotherapy in Türkiye but technically refers to a narrower subset: passive modalities such as TENS/EMS electrotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, hot/cold packs, shortwave diathermy and laser. Physiotherapy is the broader practice that combines those modalities with assessment, exercise prescription and manual therapy. Public-facing speech often says “going for physical therapy”; in professional literature “physiotherapy service” is the precise term.
#3 · RehabilitasyonRehabilitation: Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary process that helps a person reach their maximum level of independence and function after illness, injury or surgery. It covers not only physical recovery but also activities of daily living, work, social participation and psychosocial adjustment. Physiotherapy is one component of a rehabilitation programme — the team may also include a physiatrist (physician), occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, psychologist, social worker and nurse. The WHO-ICF (International Classification of Functioning) is the conceptual framework that guides modern rehabilitation.
#5 · FizyoterapistPhysiotherapist: A physiotherapist is a licensed health professional who has completed a 4-year university programme (B.Sc. in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation) and is registered with the Ministry of Health. They are not physicians; their prescribing authority is limited (typically a physician referral precedes independent treatment planning). The Turkish occupational code is 2643. Their scope of practice covers assessment, exercise prescription, manual therapy, modality application, patient education and home-programme design. The national professional body is the Turkish Physiotherapy Association (TFD).
#6 · FizyatristPhysiatrist (PM&R Specialist): A physiatrist (Specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, PM&R) is a physician (M.D.) who has completed a 6-year medical degree plus a 4-5 year PM&R residency. They are authorised to prescribe medication, make medical diagnoses, perform intra-articular and trigger-point injections and conduct electrodiagnostic testing such as EMG/NCS. The physiatrist evaluates the patient and designs the rehabilitation plan; the physiotherapist delivers the exercise / manual-therapy / modality components. The Turkish PM&R Society (TFTRD) is the professional body.
#7 · Klinik vs Evde Fizik TedaviClinic vs Home-Based Physiotherapy: Clinic-based physiotherapy is delivered in a fixed clinic or hospital setting; home-based physiotherapy means the physiotherapist visits the patient at home. Clinics offer a wider equipment range (isokinetic devices, hydrotherapy pools, full rehab gym) but the patient must manage travel and transfers. The home model uses a narrower toolkit (portable TENS, resistance bands, bed-side modified exercises) yet provides comfort, family integration and real-life functional practice. For bed-bound, frail-elderly and low-mobility patients, the home model is often the only practical way to maintain a clinical standard of care.
#8 · TelerehabilitasyonTelerehabilitation: Telerehabilitation is rehabilitation delivered using digital technology — synchronous video consultation, mobile applications and remote sensor/wearable monitoring. It cannot fully replace in-person care: passive manual techniques and device-based modalities cannot be applied remotely. It does, however, provide strong complementary value for consultation, programme revision, home-exercise follow-up, patient questions and education. Adoption accelerated in Türkiye after the pandemic, with particular benefits for access in remote districts and rural areas. WCPT 2021 telerehabilitation guidelines define safety and effectiveness standards.
#10 · Pre-op ve Post-op RehabilitasyonPre-op vs Post-op Rehabilitation: Pre-operative rehabilitation (prehabilitation) is a programme delivered before surgery to optimise muscle strength, joint range of motion, cardiopulmonary capacity and psychosocial readiness. Post-operative rehabilitation covers recovery, functional return and complication prevention after surgery. Cochrane evidence shows that prehab programmes before TKR (knee replacement), THR (hip replacement) and spine surgery can improve 12-week functional scores by 15-20%. The pre-op phase typically lasts 4-6 weeks; the post-op phase typically runs from week 12 and can extend to six months depending on the patient.

B. 12 terms

Treatment Methods

Manual therapy schools, exercise types, modalities and clinical techniques.

#4 · Manuel TerapiManual Therapy: Manual therapy is a sub-specialty of physiotherapy that addresses musculoskeletal problems through hands-on techniques. It includes joint mobilisation, manipulation, myofascial release, soft-tissue massage and neurodynamic techniques. Leading schools include Mulligan MWM (Mobilization with Movement), McKenzie MDT (Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy), Maitland Australian, Cyriax and Kaltenborn. IFOMPT accreditation is the international benchmark. In Türkiye, physiotherapists who complete additional certification can use the title “Certified Manual Therapist”.
#9 · Egzersiz TedavisiTherapeutic Exercise: Therapeutic exercise is a structured exercise programme prescribed by a physiotherapist for a specific clinical goal following an individual assessment. Generic exercise (fitness training, running, off-the-shelf strength programmes) targets sport development in healthy individuals; therapeutic exercise is delivered under medical supervision for patients with injury or pathology. Dose parameters (frequency, sets/reps, load, rest, progression) are set against clinical evidence and patient tolerance. Contraindications (e.g. full-ROM stretching over a fresh surgical site) and red flags (pain spike, swelling, neurological signs) are monitored continuously. ACSM and APTA clinical exercise prescription standards serve as international references.
#11 · Mulligan, McKenzie ve MaitlandMulligan, McKenzie and Maitland: The three leading manual-therapy schools take distinct clinical approaches. Mulligan MWM (Mobilization with Movement) applies a manual glide alongside a previously painful active movement, aiming for immediate pain reduction and range increase. McKenzie MDT (Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy) is a patient-driven, direction-specific exercise protocol — the “centralisation” phenomenon is central to its disc-related lumbar and cervical management. The Maitland Australian approach grades passive joint mobilisations from I-IV: grades I-II for pain-dominant presentations, grades III-IV for stiffness-dominant cases. All three are taught through IFOMPT-accredited certification pathways.
#12 · Bobath KonseptBobath Concept (NDT): The Bobath Concept (Neurodevelopmental Treatment, NDT) is a treatment approach developed by Berta and Karel Bobath in the 1940s-50s for central-nervous-system disorders such as stroke and cerebral palsy. It focuses on postural control, normal movement patterns and task-based functional therapy. Classical physiotherapy tends to rely on passive stretching and strengthening; Bobath emphasises sensory-motor integration, normalised tone regulation and task-specific practice. IBITA (International Bobath Instructors Training Association) certification is the international standard. The concept is widely applied in stroke rehabilitation in Türkiye and remains a foundational approach in paediatric cerebral-palsy rehabilitation.
#13 · Ortez ve ProtezOrthosis vs Prosthesis: An orthosis is an external device that supports, aligns or restricts the movement of an existing limb — examples include AFO (ankle-foot orthosis), elbow splints and spinal braces. A prosthesis is an artificial replacement for a missing body part after amputation (upper / lower-limb prosthetics, finger prosthetics). Orthoses enhance or preserve function; prostheses partially restore lost function. In Türkiye, orthotist-prosthetist is a separate licensed profession; the physiotherapist trains the patient to adapt to the device but does not fabricate it. ISO 8549 is the international classification standard.
#14 · Aktif ve Pasif EgzersizActive vs Passive Exercise: Active exercise involves the patient producing movement through their own muscle activation, with sub-types of active-assisted, free active and resisted exercise. Passive exercise is delivered externally by a physiotherapist or device — examples include CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) machines and manual passive range of motion. The passive phase is typically used in the early post-operative window (TKR days 1-7), in ICU bedside care or in severe neurological deficit. Progression to the active phase is a core goal of evidence-based rehabilitation: the shorter the passive phase, the better the functional outcome.
#15 · Statik ve Dinamik GermeStatic vs Dynamic Stretching: Static stretching holds a muscle in a lengthened position for 15-60 seconds and is the gold standard for flexibility gains. Dynamic stretching uses controlled movement (typically 8-12 repetitions × 2-3 sets) to warm up the muscle-tendon unit and is preferred during pre-activity warm-ups. Contrary to older guidance, static stretching performed before exercise can acutely reduce strength and power output by 5-10%; today’s recommendation is dynamic stretching before competition or training and static stretching during cool-down. ACSM and NSCA position statements document this distinction in detail.
#16 · Eccentric, Concentric ve Isometric KontraksiyonEccentric, Concentric and Isometric Contraction: Muscle contractions fall into three categories. Concentric: the muscle shortens while producing force — the lifting phase of a biceps curl. Eccentric: the muscle lengthens while producing force — the controlled lowering phase of a biceps curl. Isometric: muscle length does not change as force is generated — a wall sit. Eccentric contractions apply higher mechanical load to the joint with lower metabolic cost and are especially effective in tendon rehabilitation (Alfredson protocol for Achilles tendinopathy), rotator-cuff tendinopathy and post-surgical strengthening. Isometric contractions are typically the most tolerable first step during painful phases such as acute knee pain or tendinopathy.
#17 · Kapalı ve Açık Kinetik ZincirClosed vs Open Kinetic Chain: Closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises keep the distal segment fixed against a stable surface — examples include squats, lunges and push-ups. Open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises leave the distal segment free — leg extensions, leg curls and biceps curls. CKC is preferred for multi-joint activation, proprioceptive gain and functional transfer; it is the gold standard in ACL post-operative rehabilitation. OKC is used for isolated muscle strengthening and gains at terminal range of motion. Sequencing the two within a protocol, week-by-week post-surgery, is a clinical decision.
#18 · TENS, Buz ve Sıcak UygulamaTENS, Cold and Heat Modalities: TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a device that modulates pain through low-voltage electrical current via gate-control and endorphin-release mechanisms. Cryotherapy (cold) reduces oedema and pain within the first 48-72 hours after acute injury — it is the “I” in the RICE protocol. Thermotherapy (heat) is applied at 38-40°C for 15-20 minutes during sub-acute and chronic phases to reduce muscle spasm and improve tissue elasticity. Modern evidence is clear: none of these modalities provide pain treatment on their own — they sit as adjuncts to active exercise and manual therapy. Contraindications: pacemaker (TENS), open wounds or sensory loss (cold), infection / acute injury (heat).
#19 · Buz ve Terapötik UltrasonCold Therapy vs Therapeutic Ultrasound: Cryotherapy is a superficial thermal modality that reduces oedema, bleeding and pain in the acute phase (first 48-72 hours). Therapeutic ultrasound uses 1-3 MHz mechanical vibration to produce deep-tissue heating (thermal effect) or to stimulate cellular healing (non-thermal cavitation). They serve different phases: cold for acute, ultrasound for sub-acute / chronic. Clinical evidence for therapeutic ultrasound is, however, limited — Cochrane 2017 meta-analyses found no significant benefit for many indications. In modern practice ultrasound remains an adjunct rather than an evidence-supported standalone treatment.
#20 · Sıcak ve Soğuk Uygulama KarşılaştırmasıHeat vs Cold Application: The choice between heat and cold depends on the injury phase. Acute phase (0-72 hours): cold (ice pack) reduces oedema and pain via vasoconstriction. Sub-acute phase (3 days - 2 weeks): depends on the dominant feature — cold if oedema persists, heat if muscle spasm dominates. Chronic phase (>2 weeks): heat (hot pack, warm shower) increases vasodilation, muscle relaxation and tissue elasticity. The choice is often confused; for example, “I have arthritis pain, I should apply cold” is incorrect — chronic arthritis usually responds to heat. The safe temperature ceiling is 38-40°C; above this there is a burn risk.

C. 10 terms

Conditions

Stroke, post-arthroplasty, disc herniation, neurological conditions and related diagnoses.

#21 · İnme (Stroke / CVA)Stroke (CVA): A stroke (CVA — Cerebrovascular Accident) is neuronal death caused by interruption of cerebral blood flow, either ischaemic (vessel occlusion, ~85%) or haemorrhagic (vessel rupture, ~15%). TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack) is often confused with stroke but resolves completely within 24 hours; a true stroke leaves persistent neurological injury. The sub-acute phase spans the first week to month six post-stroke and is the window of highest functional recovery potential. WHO-ICD-11 code: 8B00. Türkiye reports approximately 140,000 new stroke cases each year.
#22 · TKR — Total Diz ProteziTKR — Total Knee Replacement: TKR (Total Knee Replacement) is a surgical procedure in which the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joint surfaces are replaced with a metal-polyethylene prosthesis in advanced knee osteoarthritis. UKA (Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty) is a less-invasive alternative replacing only a single compartment (medial, lateral or patellofemoral); correct patient selection (isolated single-compartment arthritis, intact ACL, not very elderly) is critical. Post-TKR rehabilitation: days 1-7 passive / active-assisted ROM + oedema management; weeks 2-6 active ROM + strengthening; weeks 6-12 functional tasks + balance training. WHO-ICD-11 code: NB31.
#23 · THR — Total Kalça ProteziTHR — Total Hip Replacement: THR (Total Hip Replacement) is a surgical procedure replacing the femoral head and acetabular surface with a prosthesis in advanced hip osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis or hip fracture. Surgical approaches include anterior (DAA — Direct Anterior Approach), posterior (the most common) and lateral. After a posterior approach the early-period restrictions — hip flexion >90°, internal rotation and adduction for three months — are critical because they prevent dislocation. The anterior approach has fewer restrictions but a different soft-tissue healing profile. Rehabilitation principles vary by approach; a patient-specific protocol is mandatory. WHO-ICD-11 code: NB35.
#24 · Bel Fıtığı vs Mekanik Bel AğrısıLumbar Disc Herniation vs Mechanical Low-Back Pain: Lumbar disc herniation is a clinical condition in which the nucleus pulposus extrudes through an annular tear and typically compresses a nerve root — radiculopathy (leg pain, sensory loss, motor weakness) is the hallmark sign. Mechanical low-back pain is localised low-back pain modulated by movement or posture that cannot be attributed to a specific structure (disc, facet joint, muscle-ligament) — radiculopathy is absent. NICE 2016 guidance states that MR imaging is not the first step in mechanical low-back pain; MR is indicated when disc herniation is suspected (radiculopathy or red flags). About 85% of low-back pain is mechanical and only 5-10% is disc-related.
#25 · Boyun Fıtığı vs Servikal Miyofasyal AğrıCervical Disc Herniation vs Cervical Myofascial Pain: Cervical disc herniation occurs when a cervical intervertebral disc compresses a nerve root and produces cervicobrachialgia — arm-radiating pain, sensory loss and motor weakness. Cervical myofascial pain syndrome is a localised pain pattern from trigger points in muscles such as trapezius, levator scapulae and sternocleidomastoid, without nerve-root compression. The two are frequently confused because both produce neck pain; the differentiating sign is radiculopathy. The Travell-Simons trigger-point map is a clinical reference. NICE guidance requires radiculopathy or a red flag before MR imaging is indicated.
#26 · Donuk Omuz vs Rotator Cuff YırtığıFrozen Shoulder vs Rotator Cuff Tear: Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a clinical condition marked by progressive thickening and contraction of the glenohumeral joint capsule, causing significant restriction of both active and passive range of motion — it follows a 3-phase course: freezing, frozen, thawing. A rotator cuff tear is a partial or full-thickness tear of the cuff tendons, primarily supraspinatus — passive ROM is preserved while active ROM is restricted (drop-arm test positive). The two are commonly confused; the discriminating feature is the passive-ROM test.
#27 · Serebral Palsi (CP) ve GMFCS EvreleriCerebral Palsy (CP) and GMFCS Levels: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a movement and postural disorder caused by a non-progressive injury to the developing brain (foetal-neonatal period) — it persists lifelong but the lesion itself does not progress. Type classification: spastic (the most common, ~80%), dyskinetic, ataxic and mixed. Functional classification uses GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System), from level I (independent community ambulation) to level V (requires full support). Prevalence in Türkiye is 2-3 per 1,000 live births. The rehabilitation approach combines NDT/Bobath, task-specific practice, orthoses and family education.
#28 · Multipl Skleroz (MS) TipleriMultiple Sclerosis (MS) Subtypes: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease in which autoimmune damage to central-nervous-system myelin produces inflammatory plaques. There are four clinical phenotypes: RR-MS (Relapsing-Remitting — attack-recovery cycles, the most common at ~85%), SP-MS (Secondary Progressive — the transition from RR into a progressive course), PP-MS (Primary Progressive — progressive from onset, 10-15%) and PR-MS (Progressive-Relapsing — rare). The phenotype changes treatment and rehabilitation goals; the EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) is the standard follow-up tool. Prevalence in Türkiye is approximately 80 per 100,000.
#29 · Parkinson Hastalığı vs Parkinson-Plus SendromlarıParkinson’s Disease vs Parkinson-Plus Syndromes: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder driven by dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra; bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor and postural instability form the classic tetrad. Parkinson-plus syndromes (atypical parkinsonism) include PSP (progressive supranuclear palsy), MSA (multiple system atrophy), CBD (corticobasal degeneration) and DLB (Lewy body dementia) — these progress faster and respond poorly to levodopa. Differential diagnosis is clinical and longitudinal; UPDRS (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale) is the follow-up instrument. Evidence-based PD rehabilitation approaches include LSVT-BIG, treadmill training and balance programmes.
#30 · Spina Bifida ve Spina Bifida OccultaSpina Bifida and Spina Bifida Occulta: Spina bifida is a malformation of the spinal cord and vertebrae caused by a neural-tube developmental defect. Spina bifida occulta is the mildest form, involving only an incomplete closure of the vertebral arch; the spinal cord and nerves are unaffected — usually an incidental, asymptomatic finding. Meningocele is the cystic form in which the meninges protrude through the defect. Myelomeningocele is the most severe form, with the spinal cord and nerves entering the sac — neurological deficit, bladder/bowel dysfunction and hydrocephalus often coexist. Folic acid supplementation has substantially reduced prevalence. Rehabilitation goals depend on lesion level (lumbar prognosis is better than thoracic).

D. 10 terms

Scales & Classifications

Standard scoring systems used for clinical decision-making and functional outcome measurement.

#31 · FIM, Barthel ve mRSFIM, Barthel Index and mRS: FIM (Functional Independence Measure) is an 18-item scale (13 motor + 5 cognitive) measuring independence in daily-life activities; each item scores 1 (total assistance) - 7 (complete independence), total 18-126. The Barthel Index is a shorter 10-item scale (0-100) — a practical tool for rehabilitation clinics. mRS (modified Rankin Scale) is a 7-point global disability score (0-6) after stroke; it is standard for clinical decision-making and clinical-trial outcomes. The three tools have different resolutions: mRS is global, Barthel is pragmatic and FIM is granular.
#32 · Berg, TUG ve TinettiBerg, TUG and Tinetti: The Berg Balance Scale is a 14-item balance test scored 0-4 per item for a total of 0-56; scores below 45 indicate fall risk. TUG (Timed Up and Go) measures, in seconds, the time taken to rise from a chair, walk 3 m, turn and return — above 13.5 seconds indicates fall risk. Tinetti POMA (Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment) is a 16-item balance + gait scale totalling 0-28; a score below 19 indicates high fall risk. The three offer different resolutions and durations: TUG is a rapid screen (1-2 min), Berg is detailed (15-20 min) and Tinetti combines gait and balance (10-15 min).
#33 · UPDRS ve MDS-UPDRSUPDRS and MDS-UPDRS: UPDRS (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale) is the standardised clinical follow-up tool for the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. MDS-UPDRS (Movement Disorder Society — UPDRS) is the 2008 revision with four parts: I (non-motor activities of daily living), II (motor activities of daily living), III (motor examination), IV (motor complications). Each item is scored 0-4, total 0-260. It is the gold standard for clinical trials; in rehabilitation it is captured at baseline and at 3-6-month follow-ups. The older UPDRS is still in use, but MDS-UPDRS is the modern standard.
#34 · Brunnstrom Evreleri (NIHSS karşılaştırması)Brunnstrom Stages (NIHSS comparison): Brunnstrom stages describe seven phases of motor recovery after stroke: stage 1 (flaccid, no voluntary movement) → stage 7 (normal movement). The acquisition of selective control and the separation from synergy patterns defines the stage — it directly informs Bobath/NDT planning. NIHSS (NIH Stroke Scale) is a 15-item emergency-department scale (0-42) that quantifies acute stroke severity and gives a global picture of neurological deficit; it is used for severity assessment, not motor-recovery follow-up. Brunnstrom is a rehabilitation tracking tool; NIHSS is an acute-care assessment tool.
#35 · Schroth ve Generic Skolyoz EgzersiziSchroth vs Generic Scoliosis Exercise: The Schroth method is a 3-dimensional (sagittal + coronal + transverse) curve-specific exercise approach developed in Germany for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It uses breathing patterns, asymmetric stretching/strengthening and corrective postural training. SOSORT (International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment) is the clinical-evidence reference. Generic scoliosis exercise (postural correction, planks, core strengthening) does not deliver curve-specific correction; Schroth, by contrast, is tailored to each patient’s curve pattern. PSSE (Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercise) is the umbrella category that includes Schroth.
#36 · ASIA Spinal Kord Yaralanma SınıflamasıASIA Spinal Cord Injury Classification: The ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) Impairment Scale classifies the neurological level and functional impact of spinal cord injury (SCI). AIS Grade A is complete (no motor or sensory function in S4-S5) and AIS Grade E is normal. Motor level is defined as the most caudal segment with muscle power ≥3/5; sensory level is defined dermatomally via pinprick and light touch (C2-S4-S5). It is the standard tool for clinical decisions (rehabilitation prognosis, assistive-device selection) and for clinical-trial outcomes. Türkiye reports approximately 1,000-1,500 new traumatic SCI cases per year.
#37 · GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System)GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System): GMFCS is a 5-level gross-motor-function classification system for cerebral palsy (CP). Level I: walks without limitation in the community (restrictions only in advanced motor tasks); Level II: walks without assistive devices but with limitations outdoors; Level III: walks using assistive devices; Level IV: uses self-propelled mobility (motorised chair or pushed); Level V: dependent in all motor function. Developed by CanChild (McMaster University, Canada), it is referenced in international clinical research and in the Turkish Ministry of Health rehabilitation regulations. Age-banded definitions (0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-12, 12-18) are defined separately.
#38 · Tardieu Skalası (Spastisite Değerlendirmesi)Tardieu Scale (Spasticity Assessment): The Tardieu Scale is a clinical instrument that measures the velocity-dependent component of spasticity. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) grades only the quality of resistance to passive movement (0-4); Tardieu tests at three different velocities (V1 slow, V2 limb-drop speed, V3 fast) and records the catch angle (R1) versus the passive full ROM angle (R2). The R2-R1 difference represents the dynamic component and is used to guide botulinum toxin injection decisions. In paediatric CP and post-stroke spasticity, Tardieu provides more information than MAS. WHO-ICF lists it among recommended assessment tools.
#39 · Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA): The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) is a comprehensive performance-based test of post-stroke motor recovery across five domains: motor (upper extremity 66 + lower extremity 34 = 100), sensation (24), balance (14), joint range of motion (44) and joint pain (44); the total is 226. It is the numerical counterpart of the Brunnstrom stages and is the gold standard in clinical research. The upper-extremity sub-scale (FMA-UE 0-66) is the most commonly used module; the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) is approximately 5.25 points. The test takes 30-45 minutes and is used in rehabilitation clinics at baseline and at 3-6-month follow-up.
#40 · EWGSOP2 Sarkopeni SınıflamasıEWGSOP2 Sarcopenia Classification: EWGSOP2 (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People — 2019 revised criteria) is the diagnostic and classification standard for sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass and function) in older adults. It has three steps: (1) find — SARC-F questionnaire or clinical suspicion; (2) assess — muscle strength (grip strength <27 kg men / <16 kg women or chair-stand >15 s) → low → sarcopenia; (3) severity — low muscle mass (DXA, BIA) plus reduced physical performance (gait speed <0.8 m/s) → severe sarcopenia. It is formally coded under WHO-ICD-11 (M62.84). The relevance for Türkiye is growing rapidly given its ageing population.

Türkçe sürüm

Turkish version: Fizyoterapi Sözlüğü — the same 40 terms with TR definitions.

TR Sözlük