Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Functional Task Training on Muscle Health and Function in Older Adults With Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is a condition associated with aging that causes a loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function. This decline limits the ability to perform basic daily activities and increases the risk of falls and dependency. The purpose of this clinical study is to determine the effects of a 12-week Functional Task Training (FTT) program on functional, structural, and physiological biomarkers in older adults with sarcopenia. FTT involves practicing everyday movements, such as standing up from a chair, climbing stairs, walking, and carrying objects. The study aims to answer the following question: Does Functional Task Training performed specifically in optimal muscle power zones offer greater improvements in aging biomarkers compared to standard Functional Task Training or traditional resistance training? The researchers hypothesize that while all exercise interventions will be beneficial, the FTT program focused on power zones will generate the greatest improvements in functional, physiological, and structural biomarkers in older adults with sarcopenia. To test this, 30 older adults (aged 60 and older) will be randomly assigned to one of three active groups for a 12-week period (2 days per week): an FTT group training in power zones, a standard FTT group, or a traditional resistance training group. All exercise groups will use a Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer (DEMF) to precisely measure and control the training loads.

THE EFFECT OF SURGICAL MASK AND N95 MASK USE ON SURGICAL SMOKE IN OPERATING ROOM NURSES

This study was conducted to compare the effect of surgical mask and N95 mask use on physical symptoms due to surgical smoke in operating theatre nurses. The study, which was conducted in a single-group prospective quasi-experimental design, was completed with 38 nurses in the operating theatre unit of a state hospital in the Western Black Sea Region. Data were collected for four weeks using the Descriptive Information Form, Numerical Rating Scale and Symptom Follow-up Form. According to the findings, muscle weakness, myalgia in the upper extremities and muscle cramps were statistically significantly less in nurses using N95 masks. Respiratory parameters, watery eyes and redness were significantly lower in nurses using surgical masks. As a result, it was determined that the type of mask was effective on the incidence of physical symptoms related to surgical smoke.

Whole-Body Vibration Versus Neuro Muscular Electrical Stimulation on Patients With ICU Acquired Weakness

Purpose: to investigate the effect of Whole-body vibration versus neuro-muscular electrical stimulation on patients with intensive care-acquired weakness. Methods: Sixty patients with Intensive Care Unit-acquired weakness (ICU AW) from both genders will be recruited and randomly assigned into two groups, Group A and Group B. Group A will include 30 patients who will practice Whole body vibration for two weeks twice daily in addition to their plan of treatment. Group B will include 30 patients who will receive neuromuscular electrical stimulation for two weeks, twice daily, in addition to their plan of treatment. All patients will be evaluated pre- and post-treatment for the MRC score, creatine phosphokinase, and total muscle strength and skeletal muscle thickness

Effect of Treatment on Cerebral Palsy Patient With Crouch Gait Associated With Anterior Pelvic Tilt and Soleus Muscle Weakness"Marouf Syndrome", and Muscle Assesment by Using EMG

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often develop gait abnormalities, with crouch gait being a common and challenging issue that affects their posture and daily function. Numerous studies indicate that crouch gait is primarily caused by hamstring tightness and quadriceps weakness. Traditional treatment approaches focus on hamstring stretching and quadriceps strengthening exercises to improve gait patterns. highlight the importance of strengthening muscles like the quadriceps and stretching tight muscles such as the hamstrings in improving gait abnormalities source. Despite these common treatments, results often fall short of achieving full correction of crouch gait. Therefore, I propose a novel approach to treating abnormal gait in children with CP by targeting the anterior pelvic tilt and strengthening the soleus muscle. This approach aims to address biomechanical factors that are not typically considered in traditional treatments, potentially leading to better functional outcomes we use Surface EMG to record activity of key muscle (soleus) during Seated Calf Raises exercise Muscle activity will be recorded before and after a series of physical therapy sessions focused on pelvic alignment and soleus strengthening. EMG Data Analysis: Root Mean Square (RMS), timing of activation, and amplitude changes will be assessed.

Floor-Lift Series Pulmonary Rehabilitation for COPD: Short- and Long-Term Outcomes in a North African Setting

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and functional disability, with pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) representing one of the most effective non-pharmacological interventions. However, access to conventional PR programs remains extremely limited in many regions, particularly in North Africa, where resources, infrastructure, and patient adherence pose major challenges. The Floor-Lift Series (FLS) program was developed as a culturally adapted, equipment-free, and low-cost PR alternative. It is based on progressive floor-to-stand transitions - movements deeply integrated into daily routines and familiar in the local cultural context - to enhance feasibility and adherence. This prospective quasi-experimental study will evaluate both the short-term and long-term effects of the FLS program in COPD patients with baseline muscle dysfunction limiting their ability to rise from the floor. The short-term phase involves a 9-week intervention combining supervised and home-based training in three progressive stages (initial, intermediate, and consolidation). The long-term phase includes follow-up assessments at 18 months to evaluate sustained adherence and maintenance of clinical and functional improvements. The primary outcome is the completion rate, defined as achieving ≥22 daily floor-lift repetitions during the final intervention phase and maintaining adherence at long-term follow-ups. Secondary outcomes include changes in dyspnea (mMRC), exertional effort (Borg CR10), disease impact (CAT), mobility (Timed Up and Go), flexibility (fingertip-to-floor distance), exercise capacity (6-minute walk test and 1-minute sit-to-stand test), and the composite BODE index. Safety and psychosocial factors influencing adherence will be monitored throughout the study. The trial aims to provide evidence for a scalable, culturally relevant rehabilitation model for COPD management in resource-limited settings.

Impact of Underwater Exercise Versus Regular Aerobic Exercise on Quality of Life and Power of Muscle

To investigate the Impact of underwater exercise versus regular aerobic exercise on quality of life and power of muscle

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).