Clinical Research Directory

Dynamic Stabilometry Combined With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Balance and Motor Recovery After Ischemic Stroke

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if balance training on a moving (dynamic) platform with visual and sound feedback, combined with weak electrical brain stimulation, helps people recover balance and movement after an ischemic stroke with weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the combination of dynamic platform training and active brain stimulation improve balance more than either method alone? * Does it improve independence in daily activities, mobility and walking, and reduce fall risk? * Is the combined treatment safe in the early period after stroke? Researchers will compare four groups: dynamic platform training with active stimulation, dynamic platform training with sham (imitation) stimulation, training on a locked (static) platform with active stimulation, and training on a locked platform with sham stimulation. Participants will: * Receive standard rehabilitation (exercise therapy and physiotherapy) of the same volume in all groups. * Complete 10 sessions of 20-minute platform training over 12 days (5 sessions per week), with active or sham brain stimulation during each session. * Have balance, mobility and neurological tests on Day 0, Day 6 and Day 12.

Diaphragmatic Kinesio Taping With HIIT in Trained Individuals

This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether diaphragmatic kinesio taping provides additional physiological and functional benefits when added to an 8-week supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program in trained adults. Participants were randomly assigned to HIIT with or without diaphragmatic kinesio taping. Both groups completed the same supervised cycle-ergometer HIIT program three times per week for 8 weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline, week 4, and week 8 and included heart-rate variability, aerobic capacity, anaerobic performance, pulmonary function, balance, functional mobility, and body composition.

Effects of a Multidisciplinary Intervention on Muscle Strength, Posture, and Balance in Older Adults After an Earthquake

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a 12-week multidisciplinary intervention on muscle strength, postural alignment, and balance in older adults living in temporary container settlements following the February 2023 earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye. A total of 60 adults aged 65 years and older were allocated to an intervention group (n=30) or a control group (n=30). The intervention group participated in an individualized health management program that included exercises targeting muscle strength, balance, mobility, and posture, together with nutritional counseling, psychosocial support, and health education. The control group received no active intervention and underwent assessments at baseline and after 12 weeks. Muscle strength was assessed using digital and manual dynamometers. Postural alignment was evaluated using PostureScreen, while postural sway and balance were assessed using Gyko and functional performance tests, including the Timed Up and Go Test and Short Physical Performance Battery. The study aimed to determine whether a multidisciplinary intervention could improve physical function, postural alignment, and balance in older adults living in post-disaster temporary housing.

Virtual Reality-Integrated Rehabilitation Versus Conventional Balance Therapy Following Ankle Fracture

This study compares virtual reality-based balance training with conventional balance therapy in adults recovering from an ankle fracture after a period of immobilization. A total of 22 adults aged 18-60 years who were medically cleared to bear full weight on the affected leg participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one received virtual reality-based balance training, and the other received conventional balance exercises. Both groups received supervised rehabilitation sessions lasting 30 minutes, three to five times per week, for six to eight weeks. The virtual reality group performed interactive weight-shifting and balance activities with visual feedback, while the conventional therapy group performed exercises such as single-leg standing, balance board activities, BOSU ball exercises, and ankle strengthening. Balance and ankle movement were assessed before and after the intervention. The study evaluated balance using the Berg Balance Scale, dynamic postural control using the Star Excursion Balance Test, and active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion using a goniometer. The study was designed to compare the outcomes of the two rehabilitation approaches following ankle fracture.

Cerebello-Cortical Connectivity and Balance Adaptation in Younger and Older Adults

This study will investigate how communication between the cerebellum and cerebral cortex contributes to balance control and adaptation in younger and older adults. The study will enroll healthy younger adults ages 21-35 years and older adults ages 65-95 years. Participants will complete a single testing session that includes clinical balance assessments, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and reactive balance testing using an instrumented treadmill. Cerebello-cortical connectivity will be measured before and after reactive balance testing using cerebellar brain inhibition (CBI) and the cerebellar TMS-evoked potential P80. The study will examine how these measures relate to cortical activity, balance recovery, and adaptation across repeated perturbations, and whether these relationships differ between younger and older adults.

WBV Reflex Latency and Mechanical Load

This study aims to investigate how the magnitude of mechanical loading affects reflex latency patterns induced by whole-body vibration (WBV). WBV can trigger two types of reflexes: the tonic vibration reflex (TVR) and the bone myoregulation reflex (BMR), which may be influenced by load-bearing condition. The study will include healthy adult volunteers aged 18-40 years. Reflex responses will be recorded from the soleus muscle using surface EMG during both WBV. Different conditions of mechanical loading (i.e., standing on one foot, both feet) and vibration frequencies (30-36 Hz) will be tested. The main outcome will be the latency of the reflex responses, which will help distinguish between TVR and BMR activation. The goal is to better understand how mechanical load modifies reflex response timing and to characterize the underlying afferent pathways. This knowledge may contribute to optimizing vibration-based rehabilitation strategies.

Effectiveness of a Horse Riding Simulator in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity associated with impaired respiratory muscle strength, balance, postural control, body image, and health-related quality of life. Core stabilization exercises are widely used in the conservative management of AIS. Horse riding simulator training reproduces the multidirectional rhythmic movements of horseback riding while eliminating the potential risks associated with conventional hippotherapy and may provide additional benefits for postural control and trunk muscle activation. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effects of adding horse riding simulator training to a core stabilization exercise program on respiratory muscle strength, balance, health-related quality of life, and perceived cosmetic deformity in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving horse riding simulator training combined with core stabilization exercises or a control group receiving core stabilization exercises alone. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the 12-week intervention.

Balance Training Versus Traditional Physical Education in High School Students

This study will compare the effects of an 8-week balance-focused exercise program and traditional physical education on static and dynamic balance performance in high school students.

Effect of an 8-Week Core Exercise Program on Jumping and Balance in Recreational Soccer Players Aged 14-16 Years

This randomized controlled trial examines the effect of an 8-week core exercise program on jumping and balance performance in recreational male soccer players aged 14 to 16 years. Thirty-six players were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group (18 per group). The experimental group performed a structured core exercise program twice a week, in addition to regular soccer training. The control group continued regular soccer training only. Standing long jump, vertical jump (squat jump), and static balance (Flamingo Balance Test) were measured before and after the 8-week period.

Effect of Total Contact Insoles Intervention on Balance Ability for the Elderly

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of custom-made total contact insoles on postural control, functional mobility, walking performance, and plantar pressure characteristics in institutionalized older adults. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving custom-made total contact insoles or a control group continuing to use their usual insoles. The intervention period was 8 weeks, with assessments conducted at baseline, after initial use of the assigned insole condition, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks. Outcomes included static postural control, functional mobility assessed using the instrumented Timed Up and Go test, walking performance during a 10-meter walk test, and plantar pressure characteristics measured during walking. The study aimed to characterize changes in postural control, functional mobility, gait-related function, and plantar loading associated with custom-made total contact insole use over the intervention period.

Feasibility of High-intensity Functional Exercise With Simultaneous Cognitive Challenge for Older People With Falls Risk

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a high-intensity functional exercise program with simultaneous cognitive challenge (HIFE+cog) among older people at risk of falls. The evaluation design and intervention development will be assessed with the following specific aims: 1. To investigate the acceptability and safety of the HIFE+cog program in older people at risk of falls, and the methods used in the study by evaluating recruitment, compliance with the intervention, severity of adverse events reported, and participant experiences. 2. To measure key outcome variables, including completion rates, missing data, estimates, variances, and 95% confidence intervals for between-group differences. The study is designed as a randomized controlled pilot trial. Eligible participants will be randomized to either the intervention group (HIFE+cog) or the active control group (HIFE) to partake in individually tailored exercise, supervised and progressed by a physiotherapist, two times per week for 3 months.

Correlation Between Dynamic Postural Balance and Masticatory Efficiency in Completely Edentulous Patients Rehabilitated With All-on-4 Fixed Prostheses

he goal of this interventional study is to evaluate the relationship between dynamic postural balance and masticatory efficiency in completely edentulous male participants aged 50 to 60 years who are rehabilitated with maxillary and mandibular All-on-4 fixed prostheses. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does rehabilitation with All-on-4 fixed prostheses improve masticatory efficiency and dynamic postural body balance over time? Is there a correlation between chewing efficiency and dynamic postural balance after 3 and 6 months of prosthetic loading? Participants will: Receive maxillary and mandibular All-on-4 fixed implant-supported prostheses with a standardized lingualized occlusal scheme. Complete masticatory efficiency assessments using color-changing chewing gum immediately after restoration, at 3 months, and at 6 months post-loading. Perform the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test to evaluate dynamic postural body balance at the same time intervals (immediately, 3 months, and 6 months).

Community-Based Multicomponent Exercise and Recreational Programme for Older Adults

This quasi-experimental, non-randomized controlled evaluation examined whether participation in ELDERPLAY, a community-based programme combining Vivifrail-based multicomponent exercise with adapted traditional games, was associated with changes in physical performance and frailty-related function in community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older, and estimated the cost of delivering the programme. Participants were allocated to the intervention group or to a concurrent control group through voluntary enrolment and geographic matching, without randomization. The intervention consisted of 20 supervised group sessions, two per week over ten weeks. Physical performance was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery and the Timed Up and Go test at baseline, at week 5 and at week 10. Secondary exploratory outcomes included actigraphy-derived daily step count, heart rate and sleep parameters, recorded over seven consecutive days at a single intermediate assessment point, and sleep quality assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Programme delivery costs were estimated from the perspective of the programme provider using an activity-based costing approach. Because allocation was not randomized and the groups differed at baseline, the findings are associative and do not support causal inference.

Acute Effects of Multilayer Short-Stretch Bandages on Balance

This study aims to investigate the acute effects of multilayer short-stretch bandaging applied to the lower limbs on balance in healthy adults.

Feedback-Based Balance Training for Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of scoliosis occurring during the growth period and is associated with significant alterations in postural balance compared with healthy peers. Prior research has shown that adding sensorimotor or balance-focused training to scoliosis-specific exercises may produce greater improvements in postural control and overall balance function than scoliosis-specific exercises alone. However, no study has previously investigated the effects of feedback-based balance training using a multi-axial platform with real-time biofeedback (the HUBER® 360 Evolution system) in this population. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of adding HUBER® 360-based feedback balance training to individualized conservative scoliosis exercises on postural balance, postural symmetry, and health-related quality of life in adolescents with AIS. The intervention protocol consists of 12 sessions delivered over 4 weeks, three sessions per week. Each session comprises 40 minutes of individualized conservative scoliosis exercises (identical between arms) followed by 30 minutes of balance training that differs between arms: HUBER® 360-based feedback balance training delivered in the clinic in the intervention arm, and a structured home-based balance exercise program performed independently after physiotherapist instruction in the active comparator arm. Outcomes are assessed at three time points: T0 (baseline, week 0), T1 (immediately post-intervention, week 4), and T2 (12-week follow-up, week 16 from baseline). The primary outcome is the Stability Index measured by the TecnoBody ProKin stabilometric platform. Pre-specified key secondary outcomes include mediolateral standard deviation of the center of pressure, Romberg area ratio, Limits of Stability, the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Patient Questionnaire (SRS-22) total score, and single-leg stance time. Additional exploratory outcomes include further static, dynamic, and proprioceptive balance parameters from the TecnoBody ProKin platform; postural asymmetry parameters from the DIERS Formetric 4D rasterstereography system; and SRS-22 subdomain scores.

Home-Based Exercise Program After Community Balance Training for Parkinson's Disease

This study tested whether a home-based exercise program helps older adults with Parkinson's disease keep the improvements they gain from a community balance program. Participants lived in small towns and rural communities in Oklahoma, where access to movement disorder specialists is limited. All participants first took part in a three-month community-based recreational therapy balance program. At the end of those three months, participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group continued with a home-based program for twelve weeks, which included an exercise manual, instructional videos, and a weekly telephone call from a researcher. The other group received general wellness guidance without follow-up contact. Participants were assessed three times: before the community program began, at three months, and at six months. The assessments measured walking speed, stride length, and cadence; postural stability; concern about falling; anxiety and depression; social connectedness; and quality of life. The purpose of the study was to learn whether continued support at home helps people hold onto the gains they make in a community program, and how quickly those gains are lost without that support.

Effect of Otago vs. Sensorimotor Training on Balance and Fall Risk in People With Diabetes

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of the Otago Exercise Program versus Sensorimotor Training on dynamic postural stability and risk of fall in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants will be randomly assigned into two equal intervention groups. One group will receive the Otago Exercise Program, while the other group will receive Sensorimotor Training. Both groups will participate in their respective exercise protocols for 8 weeks. Dynamic postural stability and the risk of falling will be assessed before and after the intervention period using standardized physical therapy evaluation tools.

Comparison of Cervical and TMJ Parameters in Young Adults With and Without Text Neck Syndrome

The aim of this cross-sectional study is to compare temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and cervical spine parameters between young university students aged 18-30 years with and without text neck syndrome, a modern overuse condition caused by prolonged digital device use and repetitive forward head flexion. Given the anatomical, biomechanical, and functional connections between the stomatognathic system and the cervical region, prolonged altered posture may contribute to TMJ dysfunction, pain, and altered physical metrics. Participants are categorized into two groups based on photographic and self-reported text neck severity (levels 3-4 for text neck vs. levels 1-2 for non-text neck) and evaluated across multiple physical parameters, including craniovertebral and cervicothoracic angles, active cervical and mandibular range of motion, cervical joint position sense, neck and TMJ pain intensity via Visual Analog Scale, TMJ dysfunction severity using the Turkish-validated Fonseca Questionnaire, static balance via the single-leg stance test, and dynamic balance via the Y Balance Test.

A Manualized Recreational Therapy Balance Program for Older Adults With Parkinson's and Movement Disorders

This study evaluates a manualized recreational therapy balance program for older adults with Parkinson's disease and movement disorders who live in small cities and rural areas of Oklahoma, where access to movement disorder specialists is limited. Twenty-four older adults with Parkinson's disease and movement disorders will be randomly assigned to one of two groups of 12. One group will attend the balance program continuously for 24 weeks. The other group will attend the program for 12 weeks and will then be observed for 12 weeks without the program. All sessions are led by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and last about 50 minutes once a week. Participants will be assessed three times: before the program begins, at three months, and at six months. The assessments measure gait velocity and stride length, postural stability, fall-related confidence, anxiety and depression, and social connectedness. The purpose of the study is to learn how long a community balance program needs to continue for older adults to keep the gains they make, and how quickly those gains decline when the program ends.

Effects of Different Music Tempi on Balance and Ankle Proprioception in Healthy Young Adults

This randomized crossover study will investigate the acute effects of different music tempi on static balance, dynamic balance, and ankle proprioception in healthy young adults. Participants will complete three experimental conditions: slow-tempo music, fast-tempo music, and a no-music control condition. Balance and ankle joint position sense will be assessed under each condition. The study will compare the outcomes across the three conditions to determine whether different musical tempi are associated with changes in balance and ankle proprioceptive performance.

Blood Flow Restriction Aerobic Exercise for Balance and Anxiety in Parkinson's Disease

Reducing balance problems and anxiety severity are the top two research uncertainties for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Besides having a mutually aggravating relationship between postural impairment and anxiety severity, dual tasking is a critical condition that would increase postural instability and anxiety level concurrently. High-intensity aerobic exercise could improve balance and reduce anxiety. However, the training benefits from high-intensity aerobic exercise are limited in people with PD due to disease-related symptoms. Blood flow restriction (BFR) has been applied to low-intensity exercise. By creating localized hypoxia and increasing metabolic stress, BFR could facilitate aerobic system and neural adaptations. However, for the PD population, only one study applied BFR to aerobic exercise with the research design of a single-case report, let alone investigating the effects of BFR aerobic exercise on postural control and anxiety level under a dual-task condition. With the measurements of behavioral performance, subjective anxiety questionnaire, skin conductance response, and electroencephalogram (EEG), the purpose of the 3-year research project is to investigate the effects of BFR aerobic exercise on dual-task postural performance, anxiety, and related brain activities in people with PD. In the first year, the investigators will investigate the immediate effect of one bout of BFR aerobic exercise on dual-task postural control and anxiety level. In the second and third years, the investigators will investigate the long-term training effects of BFR aerobic exercise on dual-task postural control, anxiety modulation, brain plasticity, and patient satisfaction. The present project is expected to have significant contributions to gaining a better insight into the neural correlates of balance and anxiety with BFR aerobic exercise, particularly under dual-task conditions, and provide an optimized rehabilitation strategy for people with PD in clinical practice.

Comparative Effects of Reactive Balance Training and Task-Oriented Training on Postural Stability in Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of prolonged hyperglycemia that damages peripheral nerves, leading to impaired sensory function, increased fall risk, and reduced quality of life. Balance training has shown promising effects in improving postural stability and reducing fall risk in individuals with DPN by engaging visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems and promoting central nervous system adaptation. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of Reactive Balance Training (RBT) and Task-Oriented Training (TOT) on postural stability in patients with DPN. The study will be a single-blinded, two-group randomized controlled trial conducted over one year at Foundation University College of Physical Therapy. A sample of 36 participants will be recruited through convenience sampling and randomly allocated into two groups using the coin-toss method. Ethical approval will be obtained from the FUSH ERC, and written informed consent will be obtained after explaining the study procedures, risks, and benefits. Postural stability will be assessed using the Posture Assessment Checklist, Mini-BESTest, Functional Reach Test (FRT), and Timed Up and Go (TUG). Group A will receive RBT, while Group B will receive TOT. Each session will last 30-40 minutes, including a 5-7-minute warm-up, 20-30 minutes of group-specific intervention, and a 5-minute cool-down. Participants will receive 60-second rest intervals after every three sets or 8-10 repetitions. The intervention will continue for six weeks, with three sessions per week, totaling 18 sessions. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at week 3, and post-intervention at week 6 using the same outcome measures.

Immediate Effects of Vojta Therapy on Postural Control in Older Adults

• This exploratory randomized assessor-blinded study aimed to determine whether a single session of Reflex Locomotion Therapy according to Vojta produces immediate changes in postural control in community-dwelling older adults classified as robust or prefrail. The study focused on stabilometric variables during standing tasks, because demanding balance conditions may reveal subtle postural control changes that are not evident during quiet standing. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group receiving standardized Vojta therapy or to a control group receiving an educational session of equivalent duration. Postural control was assessed using force platform stabilometry during five standing conditions: eyes open, eyes closed, tandem stance, right single-leg stance, and left single-leg stance. Assessments were performed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 20 minutes after the intervention. Positional, dynamic, spectral and nonlinear center of pressure variables were analyzed to explore acute changes in postural sway magnitude, corrective dynamics, frequency-domain organization, and temporal regularity and complexity of postural control.

Effects of Taekwondo Match-Simulated Fatigue on Balance Performance in Female Athletes

Taekwondo is a high-intensity combat sport characterized by repeated explosive kicking actions and rapid changes in body position, requiring well-developed postural control to maintain technical performance and reduce injury risk. Although fatigue has been reported to impair balance performance, previous studies have primarily induced fatigue using non-specific laboratory protocols that do not adequately reflect the physiological and neuromuscular demands of taekwondo competition. Consequently, the effects of taekwondo-specific fatigue on static and dynamic balance performance remain insufficiently understood. The primary objective of this study will be to investigate the effects of a taekwondo match-simulated fatigue protocol on static and dynamic balance performance in female taekwondo athletes. Eighteen competitive female taekwondo athletes will participate in this single-group repeated-measures study. Following a familiarization session, participants will complete a standardized taekwondo match-simulated fatigue protocol consisting of three 2-minute rounds separated by 1-minute passive recovery periods, replicating the official Olympic competition format. Static and dynamic balance performance will be assessed before and immediately after the fatigue protocol using the Biodex Balance System (Biodex Medical Systems Inc., Shirley, NY, USA). Balance performance will be evaluated under static and dynamic testing conditions, and the Overall Stability Index, Anteroposterior Stability Index, and Mediolateral Stability Index will be recorded. The findings of this study are expected to improve understanding of the acute effects of sport-specific fatigue on postural control in female taekwondo athletes and may contribute to the development of evidence-based training and injury prevention strategies.