Clinical Research Directory

The Effect of Kinesiotaping on Posture and Balance in Patients With Postural Thoracic Hyperkyphosis

The primary aim of our research is to evaluate the positive effects of exercise and kinesiotaping on the thoracic kyphosis angle in young adults between the ages of 18-45 with a thoracic kyphosis angle of 40 degrees and above. Secondary aims are to investigate the effects of kinesiotaping on dynamic and static balance, pain, and quality of life in patients with thoracic hyperkyphosis.

Motor-Cognitive Training , Cognitive Performance and Balance

This RCT design investigates the effects of an 8-week motor-cognitive training program on cognitive performance and balance in preschool-aged children. Participants in the intervention group received structured motor-cognitive activities twice a week in addition to their regular physical education (PE) classes. The control group attended only standard PE classes and was restricted from participating in any other physical activity. Assessments included cognitive testing (Go/No-Go, Tower of Hanoi, and Corsi Block), anthropometric measurements, and static/proprioceptive balance testing. All measurements were conducted pre- and post-intervention.

Effects of Visual and Vestibular Rehabilitation in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis

This study aims to investigate the effects of visual rehabilitation and vestibular rehabilitation added to conventional physiotherapy on postural stability, pain, and functional status in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Participants will be randomly assigned to three groups: conventional physiotherapy, conventional physiotherapy combined with visual rehabilitation, or conventional physiotherapy combined with vestibular rehabilitation. The study will evaluate changes in balance, pain, and functional performance before and after the intervention.

Motor Performance Improvement After Visual Rehabilitation

Acquired brain injury" refers to brain damage that impacts neurological processing, making daily activities challenging and often causing vision issues like binocular dysfunction, oculomotor problems, and visual field loss. In Spain, visual rehabilitation is limited, although it is more common in other countries. These patients generally need an interdisciplinary approach involving professionals like physiotherapists and optometrists and often face mobility, balance, and spatial perception difficulties. Treatment tools include lenses, prisms, and technologies like virtual reality (VR). The Visionary VR program, presented by Dr. Portela, has shown promising results in visual field recovery by stimulating the affected area. Visual rehabilitation is based on brain plasticity and involves three key strategies: Prisms to expand the visual field. Compensatory therapy to improve eye movement. Restitution therapy to restore the visual field.

The Validity and Reliability of an Improved Paper Grasping Test for Stroke

The study included volunteer patients diagnosed with stroke who applied to the Neurology Outpatient Clinic at SANKO University Sani Konukoğlu Application and Research Hospital. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated by Dr Hakan Polat and Physiotherapist Fatma Yılmaz in the application laboratory of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, SANKO University. The assessment form prepared by the researchers will be completed face-to-face with the patients. First, the individuals' demographic information and disease information (how many years ago they were diagnosed with stroke, affected side, affected limb, etc.) will be recorded. The mini best test will be used to assess balance and gait. The muscle strength of the plantar flexor muscle groups in the ankle will be assessed using a manual muscle testing device. As fall problems in patients may be related to balance problems, lower limb muscle weakness, particularly in the ankle, and reduced quality of life, these parameters will also be evaluated. Therefore, in our study, while examining the validity and reliability of the modified paper grip test in individuals with stroke, its correlation with these parameters will also be examined. Before the tests are administered, the individuals will be given a practical explanation of how the tests are performed. The individuals will be allowed to rest before the assessments. In the tests, the paper grip test will first be administered by Dr Hakan Polat, followed by the mini best test, the assessment of the strength of the ankle plantar and dorsiflexor muscles. One week after the applications, only the paper grip test will be re-administered by Fzt. Fatma Yılmaz in the same environment. The individuals in this study will be assessed in the same environment in both sessions. In this way, the effect of environmental factors on the patients' performance will be minimised.

Core Muscle Function and Postural Control in Lower Extremity Amputees

The primary aim of this study is to determine the effect of amputation on core muscle groups by comparing core muscle thickness in individuals with lower extremity amputation to both their intact side and a healthy control group using ultrasonographic assessment. The secondary aim is to investigate the relationship between core muscle thickness and postural stability outcomes during different activities in individuals with lower extremity amputation, and to determine the effect of core muscles on postural control.

Sensor Ankle Brace for Special Operations Rehabilitation

The primary purpose of this study overall is to validate a modified version of a commercially available ankle brace. Inertial measurement unit sensors will be incorporated into an existing ankle brace ("sXAB") by TayCo Brace, Inc. In two consecutive studies, gait metrics data collected from the sensor enabled ankle brace will be compared to data collected by the gold-standard equipment that is used in research and clinical settings to determine whether the sXAB performs adequately in terms of measurement or technical feasibility prior to further clinical evaluation. In the Phase 2 protocol, the sXAB will be validated on healthy subjects wearing combat boots performing walking, running, jumping, and stair climbing activities. These movements were selected because they simulate key movements performed during operational activities. All participants experience both conditions: with an ankle brace and without an ankle brace. Comparisons are made within-subject between brace and no-brace conditions. It is hypothesized that the sensor-enabled ankle brace will measure gait metrics with a high degree of accuracy (within 5%) when compared against the gold-standard lab equipment (i.e., motion capture and research-grade inertial measurement units).

Low Load With Blood Flow Restriction for Improving Strength, Balance, and Cognition in Older Adults

This study aims to examine the effects of low load resistance exercise with a blood flow restriction cuff on muscle strength, balance, physical performance, depression, and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.

Balance, Fall Risk, and Gait in Women With Total Knee Arthroplasty

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a commonly performed surgical procedure aimed at reducing pain, restoring joint function, and improving quality of life, particularly among older women. Despite improvements in pain and functional outcomes following TKA, findings regarding balance, fall risk, and gait performance remain inconsistent. Impairments in these parameters may adversely affect daily activities, independence, and overall quality of life. Unlike previous studies that have primarily focused on one or two outcomes, this study will comprehensively evaluate balance, fall risk, gait performance, and quality of life in postmenopausal women who have undergone TKA. The findings are expected to provide a more holistic understanding of long-term functional outcomes following TKA and contribute to the planning of rehabilitation programs. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare balance, fall risk, gait performance, and quality of life between postmenopausal women who have undergone TKA and healthy postmenopausal women.

The Effect of Remotely Delivered Pilates on Physical , and Psychological Outcomes in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

Objectives Objective 1: To determine the effects of a 16-week remotely delivered Pilates intervention on walking endurance, walking speed, balance, fatigue, and pain compared to a waitlist control group in individuals with MS. Objective 2: To examine the impact of a 16-week remotely delivered Pilates intervention on depression \& anxiety, cognitive function, and QOL compared to a waitlist control group in individuals with MS. Aim Aim 1: To assess whether the 16-week remotely delivered Pilates intervention significantly improves walking endurance, walking speed, balance, fatigue, and pain compared to a waitlist control group in individuals with MS Aim 2: To investigate whether the 16-week remotely delivered Pilates intervention significantly improves depression \& anxiety, cognitive function, and QOL compared to a waitlist control group in individuals with MS. Hypothesis Hypothesis 1: The 16-week remotely delivered Pilates intervention will significantly improve walking endurance, walking speed, balance, fatigue, and pain compared to a waitlist control group in individuals with MS. Hypothesis 2: Participants receiving the 16-week remotely delivered Pilates intervention will demonstrate significantly greater improvements in depression \& anxiety, cognitive function, and QOL compared to a waitlist control group in individuals with MS.

The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Gait, Balance, and Cognitive Functions in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

This study aims to comparatively investigate the effects of low-volume High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on gait, balance, cognitive functions, and neurovascular biomarkers (BDNF, VEGF) in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation.

Effects of Fun-Core (Child-Friendly Core Stabilization) Exercises on Balance and Functional Mobility in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

A total of 54 children, aged between 6 and 12 years, diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and not meeting the exclusion criteria, who registered at the outpatient clinics of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, between June 1, 2025 and March 1, 2026, were planned to be included in our thesis study, which was planned to be prospective, randomized and single-blind. Children and their parents will be informed verbally and in writing about the study's purpose, duration, and method of implementation, and their informed consent will be obtained. They will be asked to sign an "Informed Consent Form." Patient assessment and follow-up forms will be completed at pre- and post-treatment follow-ups. Patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be numbered according to their order of admission and then randomly assigned to either the intervention or control groups by a computer program. In addition to a brochure showing the number of sets and repetitions to be given to the patients as a standard home exercise program, the Fun-Core video exercise program, designed as a child-friendly core stabilization exercise program to be performed 3 times a week, will be given to the intervention group (G1), and the exercises will be delivered to the participants through a website with special accounts. The control group (G2) will receive a standard home exercise program in brochure format, showing the number of sets and repetitions. The exercise program will be performed at home three times a week for 8 weeks.

Effectiveness of Dance Therapy in Stroke Patients.

Hemiparesis following a stroke is associated with persistent deficits in postural control, balance, and social participation, especially in the chronic phase. Dance therapy, as a multisensory intervention based on movement, music, and body expression, could promote sensorimotor integration and improve postural stability, complementing conventional physiotherapy. The primary objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the effect of a therapeutic dance program on postural control in individuals with chronic hemiparesis. A secondary objective is to analyze changes in functional balance and gait, as well as subjective satisfaction with the therapy. A controlled study with two parallel groups will be conducted. Sixteen participants with chronic hemiparesis will be recruited (n=8 experimental group; n=8 control group). Both groups will receive standard physiotherapy, but the experimental group will also receive an 8-week therapeutic dance program, with one 30-minute session per week to complement their usual therapy. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be performed. ThThe experimental group is expected to show a significantly greater improvement in posturographic and clinical parameters compared to the control group. The results could support the implementation of dance therapy as a complementary intervention in community neurorehabilitation programs.

Dual-Task Training for Balance and Fine Manual Control in Unilateral CP

This trial will evaluate the impact of a dual-task training program on children aged 6-8 years with unilateral cerebral palsy. eighty four participants will be randomized into dual-task and single-task groups, with the dual-task group performing balance exercises while engaging in fine motor tasks. It is expected that dual-task training will produce superior improvements in balance and hand function, offering a safe and effective alternative to traditional single-task methods.

Monitoring Intensity During Balance Training in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis

Balance training is recommended to improve gait stability and mobility. However, there are currently no clearly defined methods for controlling the intensity (challenge) of balance training. This research project aims to determine whether balance training for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), individually tailored to the level of difficulty and exertion, is feasible and possible within an inpatient rehabilitation setting. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either they will complete group training focusing on strength, endurance, and balance in addition to their regular therapy program, or they will receive individually tailored balance training. Both groups will undergo an initial assessment followed by seven training sessions, each lasting approximately 45-60 minutes. Before discharge, the initial assessments will be repeated. These assessments include completing questionnaires, performing gait tests, balance tests, and a short cognitive test. Interviews will also be conducted with patients and therapists. These are intended to help better assess the feasibility of the training and to gain more insight into the experiences with the training.

"Effects of a Combined Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Physical Therapy Protocol on Motor Function, Balance, and Quality of Life in Chronic Post-Stroke Hemiplegia: A Case Series"

Chronic post-stroke hemiplegia frequently results in persistent motor deficits, impaired balance, and reduced quality of life. Conventional physical therapy is fundamental for functional recovery; however, motor improvement often plateaus during the chronic phase. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that has shown potential to enhance motor recovery by modulating cortical excitability and promoting neuroplasticity. This case series aims to investigate the effects of a combined protocol of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and conventional physical therapy on motor function, balance, and quality of life in individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiplegia. Participants will undergo rTMS applied to the motor cortex in conjunction with a structured physical therapy program. Clinical outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention to explore feasibility, safety, and potential functional benefits of the combined approach.

Relationship Between Gastrocnemius and Soleus Muscle Thickness Assessed by Ultrasound and Balance and Fear of Falling in Hemiplegic Patients

Structural and functional changes occurring in the lower extremity muscles of hemiplegic stroke patients play a decisive role in gait ability, balance impairment, and fall risk. In this context, the relationship between muscle architecture parameters such as the thickness of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles and functional performance is being investigated. Ultrasonography is a reliable and accessible method for the non-invasive assessment of muscle thickness. Yakut et al. (2024) reported that in acute stroke patients, particularly the thickness and cross-sectional area of the soleus muscle were significantly associated with the Berg Balance Scale, Single-Leg Stance Test, and Timed Up and Go Test. In the same study, it was also shown that the thickness of the gastrocnemius muscle on the non-paretic side was related to balance. Onat et al. (2022) demonstrated correlations between lower extremity muscle architecture and measures such as the Timed Up and Go Test, Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity Assessment, and Functional Independence Measure, emphasizing that the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles play a determining role in motor and functional level. Suh et al. (2022) reported that trunk muscle thickness was significantly associated with the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Ambulation Scale, and Functional Reach Test. In this study, gastrocnemius and soleus muscle thickness will be evaluated using ultrasonography in subacute and chronic stroke patients, and their relationship with balance (Berg Balance Scale), mobility (Timed Up and Go Test and Functional Ambulation Scale), and fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale International) will be investigated. The study aims to provide original contributions to the literature by revealing the interaction between muscle architecture and both physical and psychosocial outcomes, and to support the development of targeted rehabilitation strategies for individuals at high risk of falling.

Core Stability, Functional Capacity, Balance, Strength, and Fatigue in Pediatric Demyelinating Diseases

This study aims to evaluate balance ability, core stability, functional capacity, lower extremity muscle strength, and fatigue levels in children diagnosed with central nervous system demyelinating diseases, in order to contribute to the development of evidence-based and individualized rehabilitation strategies.

Effects of Adapted Argentine Tango Training Frequency on Dual-Task Walking

This randomized controlled trial will examine whether the frequency of adapted Argentine tango training affects walking and cognitive function in adults aged 55 to 60 years when the total weekly intervention time is kept the same. A total of 270 participants will be randomly assigned in equal numbers to one of three groups. The distributed tango group will attend five 36-minute sessions per week. The concentrated tango group will attend two 90-minute sessions per week. The active control group will attend two 90-minute sessions per week consisting of health education and low-intensity stretching. All interventions will continue for 8 weeks. The adapted Argentine tango program will include low-impact multidirectional stepping, weight shifting, movement initiation and stopping, rhythmic cueing, direction changes, alternating leader-follower roles, and progressive movement-sequence learning. Jumping, rapid continuous turning, large kicks, and other high-risk movements will not be included. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, Week 4, Week 8, and 2 weeks after the intervention ends. The main outcome will be the change in dual-task walking cost at week 8. Other assessments will examine balance, walking performance, executive function, general cognitive function, lower-limb function, exercise adherence, training intensity, falls, and adverse events. The study aims to determine whether shorter, more frequent sessions or longer, less frequent sessions provide greater motor-cognitive benefits when the total weekly intervention time is equal.

The Effect of Body Weight on Physical Activity Level, Functional Capacity, Balance, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

This study aims to investigate the effects of body weight on physical activity level, functional capacity, balance, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 50 volunteer patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited from the Internal Medicine and Nutrition outpatient clinics of Bezmialem Vakıf University Hospital. Participants will be prospectively evaluated through face-to-face interviews. Assessments will include body composition analysis (Omron Body Composition Monitor), waist-to-hip ratio, lower extremity muscle strength (Muscle Hand-Held Dynamometer), grip strength (Hand Grip Dynamometer), physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form), functional capacity (6-Minute Walk Test), balance (Biodex Balance System), clinical balance (Berg Balance Scale), and quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile). All statistical analyses will be performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20. With this study, we aim to comprehensively evaluate multiple parameters in individuals with T2DM and investigate their interrelationships, thereby contributing to the current body of knowledge in the literature.

Effects Of Otago Exercise Versus Multisensory Integration Training On Balance And Gait In Elderly With Diabetes

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effect of the Otago exercise and Multisensory integration training on balance and gait in the elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The main question it aims to answer is: • Is there a significant difference between the effect of Otago exercise and Multisensory integration training on balance and gait in the elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus? Researchers will compare Otago exercise to Multisensory integration training to know which one has the greatest benefit on balance \&gait in the elderly with type2 diabetes. Participants will be divided into 3 groups; each group takes a certain training program for 8 weeks: * First group: Otago exercise group plus conventional treatment for neuropathy. * Second group: Multisensory integration training group plus conventional treatment for neuropathy. * Third group: control group takes only conventional treatment for neuropathy.

Sensor Ankle Brace for Special Operations Rehabilitation - Phase 1

The primary purpose of this study overall is to validate a modified version of a commercially available ankle brace. Inertial measurement unit sensors incorporated into an existing ankle brace ("sXAB") by TayCo Brace, Inc. In two consecutive studies, gait metrics data collected from the sensor enabled ankle brace will be compared to data collected by the gold-standard equipment that is used in research and clinical settings to determine whether the sXAB performs adequately in terms of measurement or technical feasibility prior to further clinical evaluation. In the Phase 1 protocol, the sXAB will be validated in the lab on healthy subjects walking in standard tennis shoes/sneakers. All participants experience both conditions: with an ankle brace and without an ankle brace. Comparisons are made within-subject between brace and no-brace conditions. It is hypothesized that the sensor-enabled ankle brace will measure gait metrics with a high degree of accuracy (within 5%) when compared against the gold-standard lab equipment (i.e., motion capture and research-grade inertial measurement units).

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stability Exercises With and Without Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation in Lateral Ankle Sprain

To examine the effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stability exercises with and without Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on balance, proprioception, and functional performance in badminton players with lateral ankle sprain.

Relationship Between Muscle Strength and Balance

This study aims to examine the relationship between lower extremity muscle strength and balance and to compare these parameters between healthy individuals and individuals with lower extremity injuries.