Clinical Research Directory

Most Effective Knee Joint Angle Pair for Isometric Exercise

This study investigated the effects of isometric exercises applied to the quadriceps and hamstring muscles at different knee joint angles on balance, joint position sense, and functional performance in healthy individuals. Thirty participants aged 18-26 years were randomized into four groups and performed an eight-week training program, three times per week. Outcome measures included the Y Balance Test, digital goniometer assessments for joint position sense, and functional performance tests (stair climb and 30-second sit-to-stand). The results aim to identify which knee joint angles are most effective for improving neuromuscular function and may guide future rehabilitation and training protocols.

EXERCISE AND THE IMMUNE RESPONSE IN LUNG CANCER

This project is about the effect of a 12-week training therapy intervention in patients suffering from non-small cell and small-cell lung cancer. It has widely been accepted that exercise is preventive against certain types of cancer. Individuals following an active lifestyle have a significantly lower risk for several chronic diseases, including cancer, as compared to sedentary ones. However, evidence is still lacking for exercise as part of routine cancer treatment. It has widely been accepted that exercise strongly impacts immune response, and might influence antitumor immune response as well. In this study, patients suffering from lung cancer undergo either a 12-week training program consisting of moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE), or a 12-week program with high-intensity interval exercise. Both groups will be compared to a control group receiving standard exercise recommendations. The immunologic response, i.e. cytokine profiles and changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) characteristics will be the main endpoint. Blood will be taken from the patients at different timepoints, and blood samples will be tested for these immunologic changes. FACS analysis will be used to assess the properties of immune cells and potential changes upon the exercise regimen. Mitochondrial function will be assessed via the Seahorse machine, and mass spectrometry (lipidomics) will be used for the analysis of lipid profile changes.

REACTION-VAD Trial: Remote Exercise Training Via Telemedicine in Patients With Long-Term Ventricular Assist Devices

Current international guidelines recommend that patients with a heart pump (left ventricular assist device, LVAD) participate in supervised exercise cardiac rehabilitation programs. However, not all patients with a heart pump are able to attend to a supervised program on a daily basis. The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether a home-based exercise program helps patients with a heart pump improve their exercise capacity and quality of life, guided by telemedicine tools including a mobile app, smartwatch, and remote medical checkups. The study will also provide information about the safety of this program by monitoring for any issues or symptoms during home activity. The trial aims to answer the following questions: * Does a 12-week remote exercise program improve patients' exercise capacity? This will be measured using the 6-minute walk test and a cardiopulmonary exercise test. * Is it safe for patients to follow this exercise plan at home while being monitored through a mobile app and smartwatch? * Does the program improve quality of life and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression? This will be assessed using widely validated questionnaires, such as the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Researchers will compare the remote exercise program to standard care, which usually does not include exercise for patients who are unable to attend the hospital daily. Participants will: * Join the study voluntarily after signing a consent form. * Be randomly assigned, with a 50% chance of being in either the exercise group (following a structured plan with a mobile app) or the usual care group (receiving general written advice), to see which approach works best for recovery. * Follow a 12-week home-based routine if in the exercise group, including warm-up routine, walking or cycling, respiratory exercises, and light strength training, all supported by the mobile app, smartwatch, and professional monitoring. * Visit the hospital three times over six months for medical checkups, including walking and exercise tests, blood analyses, and questionnaires about physical and emotional health.

Effect of Gluteus Maximus Strengthening on Back Pain, Range Of Motion and Endurance in Desk-Job Workers With Chronic Low Back Pain

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn Effect of strengthening of Gluteus maximum on 40 Desk- Job workers with low back pain and Range of motion he main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does strengthening of Glutes Maximum decrease the pain in Desk-Job worker with low back pain? 2. 1- Does strengthening of Glutes Maximum increase the Range of Motion in Desk-Job worker with low back pain? Participants will: * treated by: electrotherapy, postural education, active range of motion or Gluteus maximum strengthening. * visit clinic 3 times per weeks for 4 weeks.

Right Ventricular Response to Exercise Among Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This study plans to learn more about heart function among individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In particular, the investigators want to understand the different patterns of right ventricular response during rest and moderate- vs high-intensity exercise. By identifying patterns of right ventricular dysfunction, this study will help identify better treatments for patients with COPD in the future.

Phenotyping Resting and Exertional Right Ventricular Dysfunction Among Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This study plans to learn about heart function among individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In particular, the investigators want to understand the different patterns of right ventricular response during rest and moderate- vs high-intensity exercise. By identifying patterns of right ventricular dysfunction, this study will help identify better treatments for patients with COPD in the future.

Effects of Preoperative Whey Protein and Exercise Support on Recovery After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Objective: The aim of this project is to evaluate the effects of preoperative whey protein supplementation and a physical exercise program on postoperative recovery outcomes in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Specifically, inflammatory markers (CRP), nutritional status (albumin), mobilization time, length of hospital stay, and physical and social functioning will be assessed. As one of the first randomized controlled trials in Turkey to focus on the preoperative period and to evaluate a combined nutrition and exercise intervention in elderly surgical patients, this study holds pioneering significance in both clinical and academic contexts. Methods: This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group will receive whey protein supplementation and a home-based exercise program for 14 days preoperatively, while the control group will receive standard preoperative care. Data collection will be performed preoperatively and on postoperative days 3 and 5, focusing on metabolic and functional parameters. Expected Outcomes: The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the improvement of patient care through a multidisciplinary approach, inform health policy development, and provide a foundation for larger-scale clinical research in Turkey.

The Effects of Thrower's Ten Exercises Performed With an External Focus

The aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate the effects of the Thrower's Ten exercise program-commonly recommended to enhance shoulder stability and strength in athletes-when applied using an external focus of attention approach (i.e., directing attention toward an object or movement outside the body), on functional performance, shoulder stability, balance, and throwing performance in adolescent basketball players. This study has been designed to examine the effects of performing the Thrower's Ten exercises with an external focus of attention on functional performance, shoulder stability, balance, and throwing performance in adolescent basketball players. Athletes will be randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group will perform the exercises using an external focus of attention, whereas the control group will perform the same exercises without any specific attentional focus. The methods employed in this study are expected to effectively address the research objectives. The data collection tools and analytical techniques to be used are based on validated and widely accepted tests in the literature. Functional performance will be assessed using the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test, balance will be evaluated using the Upper Extremity Y Balance Test, and throwing performance will be measured using the Medicine Ball Throw Test.

Telerehabilitation vs. Home Exercise in Piriformis Syndrome: A Comparative Study

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of asynchronous telerehabilitation and home exercise programs on pain, fear of pain, functionality, and performance in individuals with piriformis syndrome.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Training in Patients With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

The goal of this exploratory randomized controlled trial is to assess the effect of a personalized training intervention during primary rehabilitation of 6 weeks on cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with subacute (\<6 months) spinal cord injury during primary rehabilitation and during follow-up. Secondary outcomes include the effect on gait assessments, pulmonary function, neurological status, muscle force, cardiometabolic risk factors, quality of life, functional independence and self-efficacy. Participants in the intervention group will receive 2-3 personalized cardiorespiratory fitness-focused training sessions per week, for a period of 6 weeks. Participants in the control group will receive usual care.

Pain in Aging Former Athletes, Master's Athletes, and Nonathletes

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine how male and female former athletes experience pain and respond to moderate-intensity exercise (strength versus aerobic) compared with both current master's athletes and nonathletes. The main questions this study aims to address are: 1. How do former athletes, master's athletes, and nonathletes experience pain? 2. How do different types of moderate-intensity exercise (strength versus aerobic exercise) influence pain in former athletes, master's athletes, and nonathletes? Participants will complete 3 different testing sessions: 1. Baseline testing including assessments of strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and pain; 2. Strength exercise: pain assessments will occur before and after moderate-intensity strength training exercise; 3. Aerobic exercise: pain assessments will occur before and after moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. There will be a washout period of approximately one week or greater between each of the three different testing sessions. The order of conditions (strength versus aerobic exercise) will be randomized (crossover randomized trial design).

Guided Episodic Future Thinking to Increase Physical Activity Adherence and Promote Healthy Brain Aging

The goal of this behavioral clinical trial is to learn how to increase physical activity in mid-life adults. Specifically, can guided imagery that includes creating mental pictures increase excitement about working out. Participants will be asked to complete testing at the beginning of the study, following 6-weeks of an in-person exercise program, and 6-weeks after finishing the exercise program. Testing will include an exercise test, MRI, questionnaires, computer tasks, and a blood draw.

Adherence to Home-Based Exercises in Musculoskeletal Disorders

Home exercise program is recommended by physicians to patients and their relatives to do at home and It is a treatment option in which the physician describes how to do it. Home workout program to be completed at home to complement and reinforce their program in the clinic It is a personalized set of therapeutic exercises that are taught. There are factors that can change exercise compliance; There are some reasons why some patients adhere to the prescribed home exercise program and others do not. Adherence to home exercises is a major issue in rehabilitation and the reasons for this are multifactorial; It includes both psychological and specific conditions factors that vary between each individual and these conditions should be taken into account by clinicians in designing personalized exercise programs. Home exercise programs constitute a fundamental component of rehabilitation and are widely prescribed by physicians support therapeutic gains beyond the clinical environment. These individualized programs aim to maintain functional improvements, reduce symptoms, and promote self-management among individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. Although adherence to home-based exercises is recognized as a key determinant of rehabilitation outcomes, non-adherence remains a persistent challenge. Despite growing emphasis on the importance of exercise compliance, the existing literature provides relatively limited and insufficient evidence regarding the factors that influence adherence across different musculoskeletal conditions, including degenerative, orthopedic, and neurological disorders. Addressing this gap, the present prospective longitudinal cohort study aims to evaluate adherence to individualized home-based exercise programs among patients with diverse musculoskeletal conditions and to determine whether adherence behaviors differ across diagnostic groups. In addition, the study seeks to identify demographic, clinical, psychosocial, and functional factors associated with exercise compliance. By integrating structured clinical evaluations with validated outcome measures, this study aims not only to clarify the determinants of exercise adherence but also to contribute to the development of more effective, condition-specific strategies to enhance sustained engagement in home-based rehabilitation.

Reducing Heart Failure Risk in Late-Life With Physical Activity

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about the molecular pathways associated with the benefit of a regular exercise program in patients with high blood pressure and who don't already participate in regular exercise. The main question it aims to answer is to identify protein signatures associated with the benefits of a cardiac rehabilitation exercise program. The trial will enroll 42 participants, who will be randomized to a 12 week cardiac rehabilitation exercise program versus control arm and asked to participate in the following at the beginning and end of study: * Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) * Echocardiogram * Physical function test * 6-minute walk test * Hand grip strength * Quality of life questionnaire * Blood draws Researchers will compare results between those who do and don't participate in the exercise program.

Effects of Mobilization Using a Powered Lower-limb Exoskeleton With Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation

This study aims to evaluate the effects of powered lower-limb exoskeleton-assisted training on lower limb strength, respiratory parameters, 28-day ventilator-free days, and length of hospital stay in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation admitted to a Respiratory Care Center. The goal is to provide clinical evidence for integrating rehabilitation and respiratory care in this patient population.

Adaptive Self-Efficacy-Based AI Coaching for Cycling

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate whether adaptive, AI-delivered personalized self-efficacy-based AI coaching based on real-time physiological and performance feedback enhance indoor cycling power output during a 20-minute time trial compared to static affirmations and exercise-only control conditions.

Walking Function Outcomes Following Surgical Correction With Rehabilitation Versus Physical Therapy Alone in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A Bidirectional Cohort Study

The goal of this study is to compare changes in walking ability in people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) who receive two different treatment approaches for foot deformities that affect walking. CMT is an inherited nerve condition that can cause muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and foot deformities. These changes often make walking difficult and can reduce independence and quality of life. Treatment options commonly include physical therapy alone or surgery to correct foot alignment followed by rehabilitation. However, it is not clear whether one approach leads to better long-term walking outcomes. The main question this study aims to answer is whether individuals who undergo functional foot surgery followed by rehabilitation experience different changes in walking ability over time compared with those who receive structured physical therapy alone. Researchers will compare walking performance between these two treatment groups over a period of up to two years. Walking ability will be evaluated using standardized walking tests and patient questionnaires. Participants included in this study are individuals with CMT-related foot deformities that affect walking and who received either surgery followed by rehabilitation or physical therapy alone. Researchers will analyze changes in walking ability over time and determine how many participants achieve meaningful improvement. The findings from this study may help clinicians and individuals with CMT better understand how different treatment strategies influence walking function over time.

Exercise Approaches and Physical Activity Level in Inactive Adults

This randomized, controlled, single-blind study aims to compare the effects of different exercise approaches on physical activity level and health-related outcomes in inactive adults. Thirty inactive individuals aged 18-35 years will be randomly assigned to supervised face-to-face group exercise, mobile application-based exercise, or video-based home exercise. Exercise programs will be performed three days per week for eight weeks and will include aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility exercises.

The Study Examined the Acute Effects of Wim Hof on Aerobic Training and Cardiodynamics.

Researchers will split the sixty healthy smokers in half. Thirty people will serve as a control group and will be asked to walk or jog at a controlled pace for twelve minutes as part of an aerobic exercise program. Separately, 30 people participated in an aerobic exercise session that lasted 12 minutes and involved walking or running at a pace that the participants themselves controlled. WHBM will be done both prior to and subsequent to physical activity. To determine how WHBM affects the experimental group's pre- and post-WHBM heart rates, SpO2, blood pressure, and VO2 max, this study will be conducted.

Effects of Exercise With Visual Feedback in Parkinson's Disease

Patients with Parkinson's disease who apply to the Hasan Kalyoncu University Application and Research Center and meet the inclusion criteria will be included in the study. The included participants will be randomly assigned into either the intervention group or the control group using a sealed-envelope method. Both groups will undergo a standard exercise program, consisting of posture, strengthening, and balance training, under the supervision of a physiotherapist for 8 weeks, 3 days per week. In addition to this, the intervention group will receive an additional exercise program incorporating visual feedback using a laser pointer, targeting the trunk and lower extremities, also under the supervision of a physiotherapist for 8 weeks, 3 days per week.

Exercise Training in Patients With Glaucoma

HIT GLAUCOMA is a multicenter exercise study for glaucoma patients between three institutes: the Department of Sport, Exercise and Health (DSBG) of the University of Basel, the Eye Clinic at the University Hospital Basel and the UZ Leuven (Belgium). The main objective of the study is to investigate the possibility of using exercise therapy to treat glaucoma. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups: Intervention and Control group. The intervention group will receive a high-intensity interval training plan, and the control group will receive lifestyle counseling and standard therapy. With this method, the study aims to validate an exercise therapy concept that could significantly improve disease progression and quality of life in patients with glaucoma.

Predictive Factors of Response to Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

Exercise intolerance, measured as peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak) during exercise in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Change in VO₂peak (ΔVO₂peak), which serves as a prognostic marker for HFrEF engaged in exercise based cardiac rehabilitation program (ExCR). Responders to ExCR generally show improved cardiac function but some patients with HFrEF do not respond to ExCR. VO₂peak depends on three major components of oxygen transport: Pulmonary (lungs), circulatory (heart and vessels) and skeletal muscle (oxygen utilization) functions. These physiological responses to ExCR may be influenced by epigenetic regulation, specifically the expression of circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs). Linking non-invasive measurements and epigenetic markers could 1) identify which component of the oxygen transport chain is most impaired and 2) allow personalized interventions to maximize VO₂peak improvements. The primary objective of this stidy is to assess the association between changes in VO₂peak during exercise training and circulating microRNA expression (miR-146a, miR-191, miR-23a, miR-140, miR-1, miR-21, miR-133a, miR-17-5p, miR-3200-3p). The secondary objective is to examine the relationship between pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular adaptations to exercise and circulating microRNA expression.

Parkinson Ballroom Fitness: The Impact of Personalized Dance on Motor- and Nonmotor Symptoms in People With Parkinson's

Parkinson Ballroom-Fitness (PB-Fit) is a group-based dance program developed for people with Parkinson's disease. Through music and movement at three different levels (seated, standing, and walking), participants work on balance, gait, strength, and coordination, while also experiencing joy, social connection, and renewed vitality. The purpose of the present research project is to investigate whether seven weeks of PB-Fit training can improve gait and balance and enhance well-being and quality of life, and whether any effects are maintained twelve weeks after the intervention ends. The study is a randomized controlled trial with approximately forty participants and is conducted in collaboration with the Danish Parkinson's Association. The PB-Fit program is based on dance styles such as waltz, swing, and Latin, and is individually adapted. Training takes place in small groups, where participants learn basic steps and work with both motor and cognitive challenges. The program is evidence-informed but lacks quantitative evaluation, which is the aim of this study. PB-Fit is more than training-it is a community rooted in music, smiles, and meaningful relationships, where people with Parkinson's disease, regardless of functional level, are given the opportunity to experience joy, strength, and hope. This was clearly illustrated in the TV2 documentary "As Long as We Dance," in which several participants on the trip to Mallorca described their enthusiasm and the meaningfulness of PB-Fit. The study is led by Associate Professor Martin Langeskov Christensen, PhD (Regional Hospital Viborg), in collaboration with Aarhus University and dance instructor Elisabeth Dalsgaard. The results will be published in an international scientific journal and shared with both professionals and participants. Support from the Jascha Foundation will enable the study to be carried out and provide people with Parkinson's disease access to a meaningful, joyful, and evidence-based form of exercise. The long-term goal is to expand PB-Fit nationally and establish it as a permanent training option within municipalities and patient organizations across the country.

Comparison of Structured Exercise and Exergaming in Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis

This study will examine how two different exercise programs affect children and young adults with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS). POMS is a type of multiple sclerosis that begins in childhood or adolescence and can cause fatigue, weakness, balance problems, and difficulty moving. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a video game-based exercise program (exergaming) compared with traditional exercise training in enhancing balance, physical activity levels, reducing fatigue, and improving quality of life in individuals with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis. Approximately 30 participants aged 12 to 22 years old who have been diagnosed with POMS and have mild to moderate symptoms (Extended Disability Status Scale \[EDSS\] score below 6) will participate in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Traditional Exercise Group: Participants will receive structured exercise instruction via live Zoom sessions (a tele-rehabilitation model). For 8 weeks, twice a week, they will perform supervised aerobic, strength, and balance exercises, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. Exercise Game Group: Participants will perform similar aerobic, strength training, and balance exercises using the Nintendo Switch Ring Fit Adventure™ video game system. Researchers will evaluate participants' physical activity levels, balance, fatigue, and quality of life parameters at baseline and after completing the 8-week intervention. The study aims to determine whether the exergaming program can help participants increase their physical activity, reduce fatigue, and improve balance and daily functioning compared with traditional exercise. This approach offers an engaging and technology-supported way to incorporate physical activity into the rehabilitation of young people with POMS.