Clinical Research Directory

Thoracic Mobility, Posture, Functional Capacity, and Respiratory Rate in Children Playing Wind Instruments

The aim of this study is to evaluate thoracic mobility, posture, functional capacity, and respiratory rate in children aged 8-14 years who play wind instruments and to compare these findings with those of their peers who do not play wind instruments. In line with this primary objective, the study seeks to comprehensively investigate the potential biomechanical and physiological adaptations associated with playing wind instruments in the context of childhood music education, with a particular focus on chest wall mobility, postural alignment, respiratory efficiency, and functional capacity. The novelty of this study lies in being the first to adopt a holistic perspective to examine the effects of wind instrument playing on the postural and cardiorespiratory systems during the sensitive developmental period of 8-14 years, which is known to be highly responsive to biomechanical adaptations. By addressing this understudied age group, the study aims to fill an important gap in the existing literature.

Effect of Micronized Creatine Monohydrate on Muscle Mass, Strength and Performance in Older Adults Submitted to Total Knee Arthroplasty

Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial with two parallel arms. The main objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of creatine supplementation in older adults who have been operated on for total knee arthroplasty and undergoing a usual rehabilitation program. The intervention will consist of daily creatine monohydrate supplementation for 12 weeks. The intervention will start after surgery with a loading dose of 20g/day for 1 week and then continue with a maintenance dose of 5g/day for 11 weeks. Main outcome mesures included muscle mass, muscle strenght, sarcopenia, frailty, functional capacity and physical performance and will be assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months follow-up.

Prehabilitation to Enhance Preoperative Function in Elderly Undergoing Abdominal Malignancy Surgery

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the multimodal prehabilitation program at the Siriraj Integrated Preoperative and Prehabilitation Center (SiPAP) on improving preoperative walking capacity and functional status in patients undergoing elective intraabdominal cancer surgery. The main question it aims to answer is: \- Does the prehabilitation program lead to a significant change in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) at preoperative admission as compared to at baseline assessment? Participants will receive the structured multimodal prehabilitation program, which represents the standard of care for patients in the ERAS protocol at the study site. Outcomes will be measured at preoperative admission and at 1 and 3 months after surgery.

TB Type and Spirometry Result vs. Functional Capacity Based on 6MWT in People With Post-TB Lung Disease

Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease (PTLD) is defined as chronic respiratory impairment due to previous pulmonary TB. Children recovering from pulmonary TB undergo ongoing respiratory health challenges, including more frequent respiratory symptoms, reduced lung volumes, and a threefold higher rate of pulmonary dysfunction compared to healthy children. These conditions could lead to long-term health consequences such as difficulties in performing daily activities. Pulmonary function impairment in PTLD includes approximately 10% of patients losing more than 50% of lung function. Adolescents who have undergone TB treatment often experience pulmonary function impairment and reduced physical capacity. This aims of this study is to analyze the correlation between type of tuberculosis, spirometry result, and functional capacity in adolescents with post-tuberculosis lung disease. This study is an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional approach. This study is conducted at Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, starting in March until May 2026. Inclusion criteria including: adolescents (10-18 year old), and diagnosed with post tuberculosis lung disease by pediatrician, and capable of performing the 6MWT. The participants with post TB lung disease will undergo spirometry and functional capacity assessment using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Outcomes include spirometry result and functional capacity using 6MWT.

The Effect of a Mixed-type Intradialytic Exercise Training Program on Body Composition, Functional Capacity, and Muscle Oxygenation of the Upper and Lower Limbs in Hemodialysis Patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive clinical condition that affects a growing number of people worldwide. While advances in haemodialysis techniques have led to notable improvements in survival rates and the quality of life (QoL) of patients with CKD (PwCKD), significant complications persist, primarily associated with chronic uremia. These include skeletal muscle atrophy, reduced muscular strength and diminished functional capacity. Recent studies support the role of systematic exercise as a non-pharmacological strategy to reduce issues and improve musculoskeletal function among haemodialysis patients. Specifically, intradialytic exercise gained ground due to its efficiency in time utilization and elimination of transport burden. Nevertheless, most of the intradialytic exercise programs implement aerobic exercise and there is a lack of studies investigating combined strength and aerobic exercise modalities, which may offer more comprehensive physiological benefits. The aim of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to examine whether a 6-month combined aerobic and resistance exercise program, implemented during haemodialysis sessions, could affect body composition, muscle oxygenation of the lower and upper extremities, and functional capacity of patients that underwent haemodialysis. Forty patients will be randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (Exercise Group) will undergo 3 sessions per week of an intradialytic exercise program for 6 months and Group B (Control Group) will receive the usual care without participating in organized exercise programs. Prior to the group random allocation, part of our assessments at baseline and after 6 (Evaluation A') will include demographics and clinical history, body composition analysis via bioelectrical impedance analysis, muscle oxygenation monitoring of the vastus lateralis and biceps brachii muscles at rest and during exercise using near-infrated spectroscopy (NIRS) technology. Functional capacity will be assessed through validated tests: Six-minute walk test (6MWT), 30-second sit-to-stand test, five-repetition sit-to-stand test (5STS), handgrip strength, 4-meter gait speed test. Additionally, we will use questionnaires assessing physical activity using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), depression using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), stress using Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale(GAD-7) and the QoL using Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form(KDQOL-SF) of people that underwent dialysis.

The Effects of Manual Therapy on the Spatiotemporal Gait Characteristics in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effects of manual therapy on spatiotemporal characteristics of gait and gait variability, functional exercise capacity, and pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The secondary aims of the study are to determine the effects of manual therapy on balance, respiratory muscle strength, quality of life, physical activity, symptom severity, accessory respiratory muscle activation, peripheral muscle strength, chest wall mobility, dysfunctional breathing, pain, and posture.

Group Exercise Program Supported By Audiovisual Media During Hemodialysis

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) experience muscular complications, such as sarcopenia, which worsen their functional capacity and increase mortality. Exercise programs during HD are an effective strategy to combat sedentary behavior, and implementing them through innovative technologies could facilitate their adoption in clinics, benefiting more patients. Therefore, the study's objectives are to assess the feasibility and safety of a group exercise program supported by audiovisual media conducted during HD sessions. Additionally, it will analyze factors influencing adherence, identify potential causes for interruptions or failure to perform the prescribed exercise, and evaluate the risk and prevalence of sarcopenia, its association with low muscle strength, poor muscle quality, and physical inactivity.

Effects of Expiratory Muscle Training Added to Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With Bronchiectasis

This randomized, single-blind, parallel-group controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of expiratory muscle training added to standard pulmonary rehabilitation on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, cough effectiveness, exercise capacity, dyspnea perception, and quality of life in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Eligible patients aged 18-70 years with stable disease will be randomly assigned to either a pulmonary rehabilitation-only group or a pulmonary rehabilitation combined with expiratory muscle training group. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period.

Water Based Burpee Exercises on Functional Capacity in Poste-menopausal Women After Thyroidectomy

Skeletal muscle mass plays an important role with both metabolism and functional capacity. It is well established that the aging process leads to a significant decline in both muscle mass and strength which is associated with frailty , an increased risk of falls and decreased physical fitness and function In this context, high-load resistance training has been shown to reduce the risk of falls and increase strength and functional capacity in middle-aged and/or elderly individuals. Aquatic exercise is one method that has previously been shown to improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination in those of advancing age Although the evidence supports the effectiveness of both water-based burpee exercise in middle-aged and elderly individuals, has, to our knowledge, never been investigated. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the long-term effect of water-based burpee exercises

Pulmonary Function, Muscle Strength, and Functional Capacity in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength, and functional capacity in adult patients undergoing either minimally invasive cardiac surgery (via mini-thoracotomy) or conventional sternotomy for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at Gülhane Training and Research Hospital.The main questions it aims to answer are: Does minimally invasive cardiac surgery preserve pulmonary function better than conventional sternotomy? Does minimally invasive cardiac surgery result in less respiratory and peripheral muscle weakness compared to conventional sternotomy? Researchers will compare patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery with those undergoing conventional sternotomy to determine differences in pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength, and functional capacity. Participants will: Undergo preoperative and postoperative (day 4) assessments including spirometry, inspiratory/expiratory mouth pressure measurements, and peripheral muscle strength testing (handgrip, shoulder flexion/abduction, hip flexion, knee extension). Perform functional capacity tests (30-second sit-to-stand test, 6-minute walk test). Complete questionnaires assessing pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire) and fear of movement (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia).

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.

Effect of Incentive Respiratory Training on Pulmonary Functions and Functional Capacity in Children With B-thalassemia Major

The study was done to: 1. Investigate the effect of respiratory training on functional lung capacity and 2. To detect the effect of respiratory training on pulmonary functions in children with β-thalassemia major. 3. To detect the level of oxygen saturation and heart rate during and after blood transfusion in children with β-thalassemia major.

Apple Health Study

The Apple Health Study aims to build a diverse and inclusive group of participants to help researchers advance our understanding of how signals and information collected from apps and devices relate to health and may be used to predict, detect, monitor, and manage changes in health. To enroll, US residents who have an iPhone can download the Apple Research app from the App Store and go through the introduction and informed consent for the Apple Health Study. This study is fully remote, and all are invited to enroll if the eligibility criteria are met. Participants will be asked to complete tasks and surveys, using their iPhone and Apple Research app which include: * Selecting the types of data they would like to share with the study such as health and sensor data * Completing tasks and surveys including areas such as personal demographic information, personal medical history, family history, and social determinants of health

Muscle Oxygen Saturation and Functional Capacity in Breast Cancer Survivors

This cross-sectional observational study aims to assess muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) in the intercostal, quadriceps, and triceps surae muscles using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during functional exercise tests in breast cancer survivors. Participants will be grouped based on their previous cancer treatment: hormonal therapy only or hormonal therapy combined with chemotherapy. Functional performance will be evaluated through the 6-Minute Walk Test, 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test, and a submaximal treadmill test. The study will analyze differences in muscle oxygenation and performance between groups and explore associations with other functional and clinical parameters.

6-Minute Walk Test Assessment Via Mobile App

This study aims to develop an Android-based 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) application to facilitate quick and efficient functional capacity assessment in clinical settings. The project will be carried out by a multidisciplinary team of software engineers and physiotherapists, with algorithms developed for both indoor and outdoor environments. As GPS signals may be lost indoors, the program will utilize the phone's gyroscope for distance measurement, while GPS signals will be used outdoors. The study will include healthy individuals aged 18-65, without any exercise restrictions. Participants' demographic data will be recorded, and the 6MWT will be conducted according to traditional protocols. During the test, parameters such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, and walking distance will be measured and compared with traditional methods. The Android application will provide auditory and vibration cues at the start and end of the test and will report health data in real-time. The data will be presented as mean ± standard deviation for continuous variables, and the test reliability will be assessed using the test-retest method. Results will be reported as age- and gender-adjusted z-scores for objective functional decline.

Hospital-Based and Home-Based Resistance Training in Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is defined as functional or anatomical abnormalities of the heart and major intrathoracic vessels present at birth. Impaired responses to exercise in individuals with CHD reduce exercise capacity and increase long-term mortality risk. Today, the growing population of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) faces chronic issues stemming from congenital abnormalities, along with muscle strength loss and a decline in activities of daily living. Once the planned treatments in this project proposal are implemented and data are obtained (especially if these data support the hypotheses), the treatment protocols applied in this study and their effects will be considered alongside the current treatment plans for individuals with CHD who experience muscle strength loss and disease-related impairment. With new treatment programs, this study aims to reduce disease-related muscle strength loss, improve disease-related outcomes, and enhance quality of life.

Effects of Aerobic-Based Virtual Reality Exercise Training and Traditional Aerobic Exercise Training on Physical Fitness, Functional Capacity and Cognitive Function in Individuals with Down Syndrome

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of aerobic-based virtual reality exercise training and traditional aerobic exercise training on physical fitness, functional capacity, cognitive functions and quality of life in individuals with Down syndrome.