Clinical Research Directory

THE EFFECT OF DIRECTED INVENTION METHOD STUDIES ON BASIC SKILLS AND REACTION TIME IN VOLLEYBALL

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the directed invention method on basic volleyball skills and reaction time. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 university students with no previous volleyball training experience, enrolled at Bayburt University during the fall semester of the 2024-2025 academic year, participated in the study. Participants were divided into an experimental group (n = 20), which received the directed invention method combined with traditional volleyball training, and a control group (n = 20), which received traditional volleyball training alone. Each group consisted of 10 male and 10 female students. Both groups participated in an 8-week training program. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control-group design was used. Basic volleyball skills were assessed using a rating scale and direct observation, while reaction time was measured using the BlazePod system and wireless light disks. Descriptive statistics and normality tests were performed. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for between-group comparisons, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for within-group comparisons of non-normally distributed data. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0.

Effects of Physical and Cognitive Fatigue on Reaction Time and Depth Perception in Adolescents

This study investigates how physical fatigue, cognitive fatigue, and a combination of both affect reaction time and depth perception in adolescents. Sixty healthy adolescents will participate in four experimental conditions: a control condition, a physical fatigue condition, a cognitive fatigue condition, and a combined fatigue condition. Physical fatigue will be induced using a modified shuttle run protocol, while cognitive fatigue will be induced using computerized Stroop and mental arithmetic tasks. Reaction time will be assessed using the BlazePod system, and depth perception will be evaluated using the Titmus Fly Stereotest before and after each condition. Heart rate, perceived exertion, and mental fatigue will also be measured to verify the effectiveness of the fatigue protocols. The findings may improve understanding of how different types of fatigue influence perceptual and motor performance in adolescents and may contribute to the development of safer and more effective training and sport participation strategies.

Effects of Caffeine on Chess Performance and Cognitive Function in Professional Chess Players

This study will examine whether caffeine improves cognitive and competitive performance in professional chess players during tournament-style games. In a randomized double-blind crossover design, participants will complete two experimental sessions in which they consume either caffeinated coffee or decaffeinated coffee before playing a standardized chess match. Cognitive performance will be assessed using attention and reaction-time tests, including the Stroop Test, Trail Making Test, and Puzzle Rush task. Chess performance outcomes such as move accuracy, time management, and error rates will also be evaluated. The study aims to determine whether moderate caffeine intake enhances focus, alertness, and decision-making during prolonged competitive chess play.

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.

Effect of Single-Session HVPGS on Hand Grip Strength and Reaction Time in Healthy Individuals

The aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the immediate (acute) effects of a single session of High-Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Stimulation (HVPGS) on hand muscle strength and reaction time in healthy adults. A total of 42 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 65 years undergo a single session of HVPGS applied to the forearm flexor muscles (m. flexor digitorum superficialis, m. flexor digitorum profundus, and m. flexor pollicis longus). Isometric hand grip strength is evaluated before (T0) and immediately after (T1) the intervention using a Jamar hand dynamometer. Sensorimotor reaction time is measured at the same time points using the Nelson Hand Reaction Test. The study aims to determine whether acute HVPGS application elicits immediate bilateral enhancements in mechanical force production and central-mediated processing speed, and whether these gains interact with demographic factors or hemispheric hand dominance.

The Effect of Neuromotor-Cognitive Training on Performance Dancers

This prospective randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of neuromotor-cognitive training on dynamic balance, reaction time, and sensorimotor performance in performance dancers. The main hypotheses are: H0: There is no difference in dynamic balance, reaction time, and sensorimotor performance between performance dancers who receive neuromotor-cognitive training and those who follow their routine training schedule. H1: Performance dancers who receive neuromotor-cognitive training show significant improvements in dynamic balance, reaction time, and sensorimotor performance compared to those who follow their routine training schedule.

Comparative Effects of Kinesio and Dynamic Taping on Ankle Performance in Basketball Players

This study aims to compare the effects of two different ankle taping methods-kinesio taping and dynamic taping-on balance, vertical jump performance, and reaction time in basketball players. Basketball involves frequent jumping, rapid changes in direction, and single-leg balance tasks that place substantial demands on ankle stability. Reduced ankle stability may negatively affect athletic performance and increase injury risk. Taping methods are commonly used in sports settings to support the ankle joint and enhance functional performance; however, limited comparative evidence exists in basketball players. In this non-randomized, fixed-sequence crossover study, healthy male basketball players aged 18 to 30 years will receive both kinesio taping and dynamic taping applications separated by a one-week interval. Kinesio taping will be applied during the first session and dynamic taping during the second session. Each participant will serve as their own control. Performance assessments will be conducted immediately before and after each taping application. Outcome measures include dynamic balance assessed using the Y-Balance Test, vertical jump performance assessed using a mobile application-based jump test, and lower extremity visuomotor reaction time assessed using a visual stimulus-response task. All procedures are non-invasive and associated with minimal risk. The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based taping strategies aimed at improving athletic performance and supporting ankle function in basketball players.

Whole-Body Vibration in Parkinson Disease

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of different frequencies of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) application on balance, gait, cognitive functions, and dual-task performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. Study Hypotheses: H0.1 - There is no effect of different frequencies of WBV application on balance performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. H1.1 - There is an effect of different frequencies of WBV application on balance performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. H0.2 - There is no effect of different frequencies of WBV application on gait performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. H1.2 - There is an effect of different frequencies of WBV application on gait performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. H0.3 - There is no effect of different frequencies of WBV application on cognitive functions in patients with Parkinson's disease. H1.3 - There is an effect of different frequencies of WBV application on cognitive functions in patients with Parkinson's disease. H0.4 - There is no effect of different frequencies of WBV application on dual-task performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. H1.4 - There is an effect of different frequencies of WBV application on dual-task performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. H0.5 - There is no effect of different frequencies of WBV application on reaction time in patients with Parkinson's disease. H1.5 - There is an effect of different frequencies of WBV application on reaction time in patients with Parkinson's disease. H0.6 - There is no significant difference between medium-frequency and low-frequency WBV in terms of balance performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. H1.6 - There is a significant difference between medium-frequency and low-frequency WBV in terms of balance performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. H0.7 - There is no significant difference between medium-frequency and low-frequency WBV in terms of gait performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. H1.7 - There is a significant difference between medium-frequency and low-frequency WBV in terms of gait performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. H0.8 - There is no significant difference between medium-frequency and low-frequency WBV in terms of cognitive functions in patients with Parkinson's disease. H1.8 - There is a significant difference between medium-frequency and low-frequency WBV in terms of cognitive functions in patients with Parkinson's disease. H0.9 - There is no significant difference between medium-frequency and low-frequency WBV in terms of dual-task performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. H1.9 - There is a significant difference between medium-frequency and low-frequency WBV in terms of dual-task performance in patients with Parkinson's disease. H0.10 - There is no significant difference between medium-frequency and low-frequency WBV in terms of reaction time in patients with Parkinson's disease. H1.10 - There is a significant difference between medium-frequency and low-frequency WBV in terms of reaction time in patients with Parkinson's disease.

The Relationship Between Lost Extremity Percentage and Postural Control, Neck and Low Back Pain, Daily Living Activities, and Reaction Time in Individuals With Unilateral Upper Limb Amputation

This observational study aims to examine the relationship between the percentage of limb loss and functional outcomes in individuals with unilateral upper limb amputation. Upper limb amputation can affect posture, balance control, pain levels, daily living activities, hand function, and reaction time. However, limited research has investigated how the amount of limb loss influences these outcomes. Participants between 18 and 65 years of age who use a myoelectric or bionic prosthesis will undergo a series of assessments. These assessments include measurements of postural control using a force platform, posture analysis, evaluation of neck and low back pain using a visual analog scale, daily living activities using a validated questionnaire, hand dexterity using the Box and Block Test, and reaction time using a visual stimulus device. The study does not involve any intervention or treatment. All evaluations will be performed during a single assessment session. The results of this study may help improve rehabilitation planning and provide better understanding of functional changes associated with different levels of limb loss in people with upper limb amputation.

THE EFFECTS OF GAME-BASED EXERCISE PROGRAMS

Studies comparing aerobic exercise with virtual reality or video game technologies to traditional games and classical exercise have been conducted in healthy adolescents, but no studies comparing virtual reality and video game technologies have been found. Based on all this, we aimed to investigate the effect of virtual reality and video game-based exercise programs on physical fitness and attention levels in healthy adolescents. The study was planned as a quantitative experimental randomized controlled trial. Healthy individuals aged 10-18 years who meet the inclusion criteria will be evaluated during the dates of the study. Individuals will be divided into 3 groups: a classical physical activity group, a virtual reality group, and a video-based game group. Each program will be implemented for 20-30 minutes, three days a week for eight weeks. The Physical Activity Scale for Adolescents was used to evaluate the physical activity of the individuals, the Multidimensional Body-Self Relationship Scale was used to measure body image, and the Exercise Benefit/Barrier Scale was used to measure exercise perception. To measure attention, balance, and reaction time, the D2 Attention Test, Y-Balance Test, and Nelson's Hand Reaction Test will be administered, respectively. In the virtual reality and video-based game group, the games played by participants will be similar to the physical activities performed in the classic exercise group. One or more games incorporating these physical activities will be selected.

Neurocognitive Performance in Public Officials

Public employees are exposed to varying levels of cognitive, physical, and psychosocial demands depending on the nature of their duties. In particular, armed public employees work under conditions that require rapid responses to environmental stimuli, effective use of attentional processes, and accurate decision-making within a limited time. These occupational demands may influence reaction time, neurocognitive performance, quality of life, and activity-role balance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the neurocognitive performance of armed and unarmed public employees. A total of 82 public employees, including 41 armed and 41 unarmed participants, were included in the study. Reaction time performance was assessed using the Light Trainer system. Neurocognitive performance was evaluated using the Stroop Test and the Digit Span Test. Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), and activity-role balance was evaluated using the Activity Role Balance Questionnaire.

Usefulness of a Virtual Response Test as a Predictor of Functional and Cognitive Abilities in Older Adults With Different Degrees of Cognitive Impairment: a Pilot Study (ReactVR)

1. BACKGROUND Population aging is one of the most significant trends of the 21st century.In 2020, 21% of the European population was 65 years of age or older, compared to 16% in 2001.Today, 1 in 9 people is over 60, but it is estimated that by 2050, this will be 1 in 5. Therefore, population aging is a phenomenon that can no longer be ignored. In recent decades, the increase in the number of older people is due to the increase in life expectancy. By 2026, the average life expectancy for men is estimated at 77.65 years, and for women, values are projected to reach 85.5 years. Aging is generally associated with neuromuscular deterioration (such as sarcopenia), gait and balance disorders and loss of mobility. In general, a loss of functional independence. In the population over 60 years of age, approximately 3% of muscle strength is lost per year due to muscle denervation and the conversion of type II muscle fibers to type I muscle fibers, decreasing their muscle power for performing activities of daily living. This muscle weakness eventually leads to frailty in older adults, and, consequently, an increased rate of falls and fractures. Cognitive ability is also closely related to motor ability, since there are cognitive requirements for developing all physical functions and balance, and these can be altered when attention is diverted or reduced. Executive function and processing speed are some of the cognitive functions related to postural stability, which can be impaired in older adults with cognitive decline. Cognitive decline and dementia are geriatric syndromes with a fairly high incidence. Around 7% of those over 65 years of age are affected. affected, a percentage that increases to 50% for people over 80 years old, which means that more than 1.5 million people in Spain directly suffer from this condition. Furthermore, the risk of falls is linked to reaction times, which involve both cognitive and motor aspects (discussed above). These combine attention, perception, and information integration with the final motor response, as well as psychological and emotional factors such as fear of falling or insecurity. Currently, one in three adults over 65 and one in two adults over 80 fall each year, making it a serious public health problem among older adults, as falls lead to premature mortality, loss of independence, and admission to assisted living facilities. A widely used scale for predicting the risk of falls is the Time Up and Go (TUG) test. The patient is asked to stand up from a seated position, walk three meters, turn around, and return to the starting position while the time is measured. Patients who do not complete the test in less than 13.5 seconds are considered to have a high risk of falls. Although it is included in various clinical guidelines, the literature recommends identifying alternative tools that can more accurately identify patients at risk of falls, as several studies have shown that the accuracy of this test is limited. Within the TUG (Trauma Glide Test), we have the cognitive TUG (TUG-cog), which assesses the previous test but with the interference of a concurrent cognitive activity. In neurological processes, such as Alzheimer's disease, deficits in divided attention and the ability to perform dual tasks appear to be related to functional mobility impairments, directly linked to the risk of falls. Currently, there are also simple reaction time tests (SRTT), which consist of a computerized test to measure a person's reaction times by pressing a response button with the index finger of their dominant hand. However, there is controversy regarding the influence of motor disability on performance in the computerized SRTT task assessment, since the response depends on the ability to press a key with a finger. The use of virtual reality software could facilitate the measurement of reaction times in performing functional tasks-tasks that require greater upper limb mobility, which can be a key factor in preventing falls-without being limited to measuring the movement of a single finger. 2. HYPOTHESES AND OBJECTIVES H0: Knowing the functional reaction times assessed with virtual reality does not help to understand the integrity of the physical, functional, and cognitive abilities of older adults with cognitive impairment, nor can it predict their risk of falling or their level of cognitive impairment. 1\) General Objective 1.1 To determine the feasibility of using a virtual reaction time test (VRTT) as a predictor of falls and the level of cognitive impairment in older adults with cognitive impairment. 2\) Specific Objectives 2.1 To analyze the relationship between the VRTT and the risk of falling as measured by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test. 2.2 Analyze the relationship between VRTT obtained in the virtual test and the level of cognitive impairment measured with the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG). 2.3 Estimate TUG and CAMCOG scores based on reaction times obtained in the VRTT

Respiratory Function and Athletic Performance in Professional Soccer Players

This prospective observational study aims to investigate the relationship between respiratory function and multidimensional athletic performance parameters in professional soccer players. The primary hypothesis of the study is that soccer players with enhanced respiratory function and superior respiratory muscle strength will exhibit optimized motor performance outcomes and shorter (faster) reactive reaction times. Investigators will evaluate respiratory muscle strength, spirometric pulmonary functions, dynamic balance, core and abdominal endurance, and reactive visuomotor reaction times during a single testing session within the competitive season.

Acute Effects of Exercise Bars on Proprioception, ReactionTime, Power and Upper Extremity Performance

This study will be conducted between May and August 2026 at Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Health Sciences, with male individuals aged 18-35. For the study, cases will first be divided into 3 groups by computer-assisted randomization.The first group will be the Flex-i bar group, the second group will be the Theraband Flex bar group, and the third group will be the Sham bar group. Group 1 will perform the exercises with the Flex-i bar, while Group 2 will perform them with the Theraband Flex bar. The control group will perform the exercises with a rolling pin.After group assignment of cases is completed, demographic information such as age, height and weight of the participants will be recorded. Then, pre-exercise assessments of the participants will be conducted. The assessment will include proprioception, reaction time, power and upper extremity performance. Following the initial assessment, each group will perform their exercises with their own exercise material. Measurements will be repeated after the exercises. Measurements will be taken three times during the assessments and the best result will be recorded.

Visual Training Effects in Esports Players

This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the acute effects of a single session of web-based visual training on balance, reaction time, and cognitive function in professional e-sports players. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a web-based visual training group or a control group. The intervention group will receive a single approximately 25-minute session including eye relaxation, eye movement exercises, convergence-divergence, accommodation, figure-ground perception, and visual attention exercises. The control group will receive no intervention. Balance, reaction time, and cognitive function will be assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Core Stability and Reaction Time, Hand-Eye Coordination, Pain, and Functional Status in Individuals With Rotator Cuff Lesions

Rotator cuff lesions are among the most common problems within musculoskeletal disorders. The prevalence of these lesions increases with age, and they encompass a wide spectrum of various injuries and pathological conditions. The literature frequently reports that such lesions often lead to pain, decreased functional capacity, and a reduction in quality of life. Although some of these lesions are traumatic in origin, the majority of rotator cuff problems are degenerative due to age-related changes in tendon structure. Recent scientific studies have indicated that core stability may be a significant factor in such musculoskeletal problems. Adequate core stabilization not only minimizes the load on the vertebral column but also enhances the strength and endurance of peripheral joints and facilitates the transfer of energy to distal segments. Given that rotator cuff lesions can adversely affect upper extremity functions and potentially result in reduced core stability, we hypothesize that they may negatively influence reaction time and hand-eye coordination, which are essential for the effective execution of motor tasks. To date, no studies have been identified in the literature investigating the relationship between core stability and reaction time or hand-eye coordination in individuals with rotator cuff lesions. In light of this information, the aim of our planned study is to examine the relationship between core stability and reaction time, hand-eye coordination, pain, and functional status in individuals with rotator cuff lesions and to compare these findings with asymptomatic individuals.