Clinical Research Directory

Dual-Task Balance and Gait Training Combined With Cognitive Training in Parkinson's Patients

The aim of the study is to examine the effects of a structured, cognitive dimension-specific cognitive training combined with dual-task balance and gait training on balance, gait, and cognition in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Action Observation and Exercise for Balance in Older Adults: A Randomized Trial.

The primary objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of combining action observation with a therapeutic exercise program to improve balance and prevent falls in adults aged ≥65 with low to moderate fall risk.

Population Cohort Set-up for the Epidemiological Assessment of Balance Disorders in Elderly People

As people age, it becomes more common to experience balance problems. These issues can increase the risk of falling, which may lead to serious health consequences and loss of independence. While many studies have looked at falls in older adults, there is still limited information about how many people actually have balance disorders, how these disorders develop over time, and which factors might help detect them early-before a fall happens. This clinical study aims to understand how common balance disorders are among older adults aged 65 to 75, how they change over time, and which simple, accessible tools might help us predict who is at risk. The study will include over 1,300 participants living in Mataró (Barcelona, Spain), who will be followed for a period of 18 months. Participants will undergo a series of assessments to measure their balance, leg strength, and general health. One key test is posturography, an advanced method that evaluates how well a person can maintain balance. In addition, the study will explore the use of a simple tool-the Nintendo Wii™ Balance Board-as a low-cost way to detect balance issues. Retinal photographs will also be taken to study the small blood vessels in the eye, which may reflect changes in brain circulation that affect balance. Lastly, a tool called the Health Assessment Tool (HAT) will be used to assess participants' overall physical and cognitive function. The study hypothesizes that certain indicators-such as leg strength, changes in retinal blood vessels, balance performance using tools like the Wii™, and overall health assessments (HAT)-can help predict who is at greater risk for balance problems and falls. The study also explores whether posturography, as a gold-standard method, can reveal how balance disorders are related to the risk and consequences of falling. Detecting balance problems early can help prevent falls, reduce the risk of injury, and support older adults in maintaining their independence. This study may help identify easy and effective methods to screen for balance disorders, improving quality of life for older adults and reducing the personal and healthcare costs associated with falls.

Effect of Shoulder Sling Use on Balance and Mobility in Subacute Stroke Patients

This study examines whether wearing a shoulder sling can improve balance and mobility in people who are recovering from a stroke. Participants will perform simple movement and balance tests twice-once with the sling and once without. The goal is to find out if using the sling helps patients feel more stable and safe during walking and everyday activities.

Identify the Most Effective Rehabilitation Method Between a Treatment with a Sensorized Treadmill (Walker View) and a Treatment with Conventional Group Therapy in Balance Disorders and the Use of Artificial Intelligence to Identify Predictive Indices to Prevent Falls and Diagnose Promptly the Risk

Falls in the elderly are one of the main sources of disability and hospitalization, with a significant impact on quality of life and social and healthcare costs. Falls represent a significant health concern for people over 60 years old. Numerous studies have shown that falls cause serious health consequences. Around 30% of people over the age of 60 experience a fall during the year. According to the impact falls have, the investigators decided to analyze the effectiveness of training on a Walker View sensorized treadmill, with the possibility of exercises for coordination and balance, compared to training with a conventional group therapy, in order to understand the best training to reduce the risk of falling and observe the possible improvements in daily life activities. So the study aims to identify the most effective rehabilitation method between a treatment with a sensorized treadmill (Walker View) and a conventional group therapy in balance disorders. The study also aims to identify predictive indices, with the use of Artificial Intelligence, that can contribute to the prevention and diagnosis of balance disorders in a short time and prevent falls in the elderly.

Conventional Vestibular Training Versus Immersive Virtual Reality- Based Vestibular in Multiple Sclerosis

The effectiveness of convectional vestibular training for balance and dizziness rehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis has been recently demonstrated in a meta-analysis by this research team (doi: 10.3390/jcm9020590). Furthermore, non-immersive virtual reality-based environments seem to be useful for balance and gait rehabilitation in this population (doi: 10.1177/0269215518768084). However, nothing is known about the feasibility and effectiveness of immersive virtual reality-based rehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis. The primary aim of this research is to determine the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality-based vestibular training for dizziness, balance and fatigue rehabilitation, compared to conventional vestibular training.