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Stress Modulation and Dynamic Balance
Sponsor: Kafrelsheikh University
Summary
This three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigates whether dual-task therapeutic exercises (dynamic balance + cognitive task) improve perceived stress and dynamic balance in 72 healthy university students (19- 22 years) compared to traditional balance training alone or a control group receiving low intensity exercises. The dual-task group performs the same dynamic balance exercises (e.g., backward walking, tandem gait, single-leg reaches) while simultaneously engaging in cognitive tasks (verbal fluency, arithmetic, or working memory). The intervention lasts 6 weeks (2 sessions/week, 20-30 min each). Primary outcomes are Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) scores and objective dynamic balance indices (anterior/posterior/lateral deviation, overall stability) measured via the Balance check 636 device. Assessments occur at baseline and post-intervention by a blinded assessor. The study addresses a gap: no prior trial has examined combined effects of dual-task training on both stress modulation and balance in this population.
Official title: Impact of Dual Task Therapeutic Exercises on Stress Modulation and Dynamic Balance in University Students
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
19 Years - 22 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
72
Start Date
2026-10-09
Completion Date
2026-12
Last Updated
2026-10-30
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Dynamic balance exercises
Participants perform a structured set of dynamic balance exercises under single-task conditions (motor task only). Exercises include: 1. Controlled Backward Walking (CBW): Walk backward in a straight line (10 meters) using a toe-heel strike pattern; maintain upright trunk, head forward, arms naturally at sides. 2. Controlled Lateral Dynamic Stepping (CLDS): Step sideways along a 10 meter path; feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly flexed, hands clasped at chest; gaze fixed forward. 3. Single-Leg Forward Reach (SLFR): Stand on one limb, hands crossed over chest; reach the non-standing leg forward to touch the floor with toes, return without losing balance. 10 repetitions per leg. 4. Single-Leg Lateral Reach (SLSR): Same as SLFR but reaching sideways (lateral abduction). 10 repetitions per leg. 5. Dynamic Tandem Gait (DTG): Walk heel-to-toe in a straight line (10 meters) with hands crossed over chest; gaze fixed forward
Control group
Control Group: Participants will receive supervised, low-intensity exercises consisting of ankle pumps, seated knee flexion and extension, shoulder circles, and gentle cervical range-of-motion exercises. Sessions will be conducted for a duration and frequency consistent with the approved study protocol.
Dual task exercises
Arm B: Dual-Task Therapeutic Exercise Group Intervention Type: Other (Dual-Task Training) Intervention Name: Dual-Task Therapeutic Exercise Description: Participants perform exactly the same dynamic balance exercises as Arm A, but simultaneously with a secondary cognitive task (dual-task condition). The cognitive task is performed throughout the duration of each balance exercise. Cognitive tasks are varied across sessions to maintain engagement and avoid habituation, and include: * Verbal Fluency Task: e.g., "Name as many words as you can starting with the letter 'S'" or "Name as many animals/fruits/cities." * Arithmetic Task: e.g., "Count backwards from 100 by 7" or "Subtract 3 from 50, then 3 from that number, and so on." * Working Memory Task: The therapist reads a list of numbers or words; the participant recalls them in reverse order (digits backward).
Locations (1)
Faculty of physical therapy kafrelsheikh university
Kafr ash Shaykh, Kafr el-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt