Gulhane School of Medicine

Purpose of the study: To examine the effect of acupressure mat on perceived stress, sleep quality and premenstrual symptoms in students with premenstrual syndrome.
Hypotheses of the study;
In the post-test and follow-up test between students who were applied acupressure mat and those who were applied plain mat;
H10: There is no difference in terms of severity of premenstrual symptoms.
H20: There is no difference in terms of perceived stress.
H30: There is no difference in terms of sleep quality.

In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a mismatch develops between the respiratory system's demand and the functional capacity of respiratory muscles due to the combination of local and systemic factors increasing the respiratory workload. This results in impaired coordination of muscle groups, leading to muscle dysfunction. Respiratory muscle dysfunction is a significant determinant of life expectancy in COPD. Additionally, respiratory muscles unable to cope with increased workloads lead to impaired respiratory functions and reduced exercise capacity.
It is widely accepted that appropriate training of respiratory muscles can increase their strength, endurance, and their close relationship with lung volume capacities. Besides their role in respiration, respiratory muscles also contribute to postural function and core stabilization. Studies on respiratory muscle training in COPD have primarily focused on inspiratory muscle strength training, neglecting the core stabilization function of respiratory muscles. However, optimal gains in a muscle can only be achieved with training tailored to its functional characteristics. Therefore, a comprehensive training program should be developed considering the multifunctional nature of respiratory muscles. Studies published in healthy individuals and different patient populations demonstrate that core training can improve lung functions. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of inspiratory muscle training and core stabilization training on diaphragm activation, inspiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, respiratory functions, physical activity, and quality of life in individuals with COPD.

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of breastfeeding education using different simulation techniques on nursing students' breastfeeding knowledge, counseling skills, and clinical self-efficacy.
Method: The study sample consisted of 157 nursing students. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Breastfeeding Assistance Clinical Preparedness Scale, the Breastfeeding Knowledge Form, the Clinical Self-Efficacy in Performance Scale, and the Breastfeeding Counseling Skills Checklist.
Conclusion: We expect that simulation and standardized patient-based breastfeeding education will effectively improve nursing students' readiness for breastfeeding assistance, breastfeeding knowledge, breastfeeding counseling skills, and clinical self-efficacy in breastfeeding performance.