Clinical Research Directory

Effect of an 8-Week Core Exercise Program on Jumping and Balance in Recreational Soccer Players Aged 14-16 Years

This randomized controlled trial examines the effect of an 8-week core exercise program on jumping and balance performance in recreational male soccer players aged 14 to 16 years. Thirty-six players were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group (18 per group). The experimental group performed a structured core exercise program twice a week, in addition to regular soccer training. The control group continued regular soccer training only. Standing long jump, vertical jump (squat jump), and static balance (Flamingo Balance Test) were measured before and after the 8-week period.

Effect of Total Contact Insoles Intervention on Balance Ability for the Elderly

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of custom-made total contact insoles on postural control, functional mobility, walking performance, and plantar pressure characteristics in institutionalized older adults. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving custom-made total contact insoles or a control group continuing to use their usual insoles. The intervention period was 8 weeks, with assessments conducted at baseline, after initial use of the assigned insole condition, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks. Outcomes included static postural control, functional mobility assessed using the instrumented Timed Up and Go test, walking performance during a 10-meter walk test, and plantar pressure characteristics measured during walking. The study aimed to characterize changes in postural control, functional mobility, gait-related function, and plantar loading associated with custom-made total contact insole use over the intervention period.

Feasibility of High-intensity Functional Exercise With Simultaneous Cognitive Challenge for Older People With Falls Risk

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a high-intensity functional exercise program with simultaneous cognitive challenge (HIFE+cog) among older people at risk of falls. The evaluation design and intervention development will be assessed with the following specific aims: 1. To investigate the acceptability and safety of the HIFE+cog program in older people at risk of falls, and the methods used in the study by evaluating recruitment, compliance with the intervention, severity of adverse events reported, and participant experiences. 2. To measure key outcome variables, including completion rates, missing data, estimates, variances, and 95% confidence intervals for between-group differences. The study is designed as a randomized controlled pilot trial. Eligible participants will be randomized to either the intervention group (HIFE+cog) or the active control group (HIFE) to partake in individually tailored exercise, supervised and progressed by a physiotherapist, two times per week for 3 months.

Community-Based Multicomponent Exercise and Recreational Programme for Older Adults

This quasi-experimental, non-randomized controlled evaluation examined whether participation in ELDERPLAY, a community-based programme combining Vivifrail-based multicomponent exercise with adapted traditional games, was associated with changes in physical performance and frailty-related function in community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older, and estimated the cost of delivering the programme. Participants were allocated to the intervention group or to a concurrent control group through voluntary enrolment and geographic matching, without randomization. The intervention consisted of 20 supervised group sessions, two per week over ten weeks. Physical performance was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery and the Timed Up and Go test at baseline, at week 5 and at week 10. Secondary exploratory outcomes included actigraphy-derived daily step count, heart rate and sleep parameters, recorded over seven consecutive days at a single intermediate assessment point, and sleep quality assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Programme delivery costs were estimated from the perspective of the programme provider using an activity-based costing approach. Because allocation was not randomized and the groups differed at baseline, the findings are associative and do not support causal inference.

Diaphragmatic Kinesio Taping With HIIT in Trained Individuals

This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether diaphragmatic kinesio taping provides additional physiological and functional benefits when added to an 8-week supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program in trained adults. Participants were randomly assigned to HIIT with or without diaphragmatic kinesio taping. Both groups completed the same supervised cycle-ergometer HIIT program three times per week for 8 weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline, week 4, and week 8 and included heart-rate variability, aerobic capacity, anaerobic performance, pulmonary function, balance, functional mobility, and body composition.

WBV Reflex Latency and Mechanical Load

This study aims to investigate how the magnitude of mechanical loading affects reflex latency patterns induced by whole-body vibration (WBV). WBV can trigger two types of reflexes: the tonic vibration reflex (TVR) and the bone myoregulation reflex (BMR), which may be influenced by load-bearing condition. The study will include healthy adult volunteers aged 20-50 years. Reflex responses will be recorded from the soleus muscle using surface EMG during both WBV. Different conditions of mechanical loading (i.e., standing on one foot, both feet) and vibration frequencies (30-36 Hz) will be tested. The main outcome will be the latency of the reflex responses, which will help distinguish between TVR and BMR activation. The goal is to better understand how mechanical load modifies reflex response timing and to characterize the underlying afferent pathways. This knowledge may contribute to optimizing vibration-based rehabilitation strategies.

Feedback-Based Balance Training for Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of scoliosis occurring during the growth period and is associated with significant alterations in postural balance compared with healthy peers. Prior research has shown that adding sensorimotor or balance-focused training to scoliosis-specific exercises may produce greater improvements in postural control and overall balance function than scoliosis-specific exercises alone. However, no study has previously investigated the effects of feedback-based balance training using a multi-axial platform with real-time biofeedback (the HUBER® 360 Evolution system) in this population. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of adding HUBER® 360-based feedback balance training to individualized conservative scoliosis exercises on postural balance, postural symmetry, and health-related quality of life in adolescents with AIS. The intervention protocol consists of 12 sessions delivered over 4 weeks, three sessions per week. Each session comprises 40 minutes of individualized conservative scoliosis exercises (identical between arms) followed by 30 minutes of balance training that differs between arms: HUBER® 360-based feedback balance training delivered in the clinic in the intervention arm, and a structured home-based balance exercise program performed independently after physiotherapist instruction in the active comparator arm. Outcomes are assessed at three time points: T0 (baseline, week 0), T1 (immediately post-intervention, week 4), and T2 (12-week follow-up, week 16 from baseline). The primary outcome is the Stability Index measured by the TecnoBody ProKin stabilometric platform. Pre-specified key secondary outcomes include mediolateral standard deviation of the center of pressure, Romberg area ratio, Limits of Stability, the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Patient Questionnaire (SRS-22) total score, and single-leg stance time. Additional exploratory outcomes include further static, dynamic, and proprioceptive balance parameters from the TecnoBody ProKin platform; postural asymmetry parameters from the DIERS Formetric 4D rasterstereography system; and SRS-22 subdomain scores.

Home-Based Exercise Program After Community Balance Training for Parkinson's Disease

This study tested whether a home-based exercise program helps older adults with Parkinson's disease keep the improvements they gain from a community balance program. Participants lived in small towns and rural communities in Oklahoma, where access to movement disorder specialists is limited. All participants first took part in a three-month community-based recreational therapy balance program. At the end of those three months, participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group continued with a home-based program for twelve weeks, which included an exercise manual, instructional videos, and a weekly telephone call from a researcher. The other group received general wellness guidance without follow-up contact. Participants were assessed three times: before the community program began, at three months, and at six months. The assessments measured walking speed, stride length, and cadence; postural stability; concern about falling; anxiety and depression; social connectedness; and quality of life. The purpose of the study was to learn whether continued support at home helps people hold onto the gains they make in a community program, and how quickly those gains are lost without that support.

Blood Flow Restriction Aerobic Exercise for Balance and Anxiety in Parkinson's Disease

Reducing balance problems and anxiety severity are the top two research uncertainties for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Besides having a mutually aggravating relationship between postural impairment and anxiety severity, dual tasking is a critical condition that would increase postural instability and anxiety level concurrently. High-intensity aerobic exercise could improve balance and reduce anxiety. However, the training benefits from high-intensity aerobic exercise are limited in people with PD due to disease-related symptoms. Blood flow restriction (BFR) has been applied to low-intensity exercise. By creating localized hypoxia and increasing metabolic stress, BFR could facilitate aerobic system and neural adaptations. However, for the PD population, only one study applied BFR to aerobic exercise with the research design of a single-case report, let alone investigating the effects of BFR aerobic exercise on postural control and anxiety level under a dual-task condition. With the measurements of behavioral performance, subjective anxiety questionnaire, skin conductance response, and electroencephalogram (EEG), the purpose of the 3-year research project is to investigate the effects of BFR aerobic exercise on dual-task postural performance, anxiety, and related brain activities in people with PD. In the first year, the investigators will investigate the immediate effect of one bout of BFR aerobic exercise on dual-task postural control and anxiety level. In the second and third years, the investigators will investigate the long-term training effects of BFR aerobic exercise on dual-task postural control, anxiety modulation, brain plasticity, and patient satisfaction. The present project is expected to have significant contributions to gaining a better insight into the neural correlates of balance and anxiety with BFR aerobic exercise, particularly under dual-task conditions, and provide an optimized rehabilitation strategy for people with PD in clinical practice.

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.

Immediate Effects of Vojta Therapy on Postural Control in Older Adults

• This exploratory randomized assessor-blinded study aimed to determine whether a single session of Reflex Locomotion Therapy according to Vojta produces immediate changes in postural control in community-dwelling older adults classified as robust or prefrail. The study focused on stabilometric variables during standing tasks, because demanding balance conditions may reveal subtle postural control changes that are not evident during quiet standing. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group receiving standardized Vojta therapy or to a control group receiving an educational session of equivalent duration. Postural control was assessed using force platform stabilometry during five standing conditions: eyes open, eyes closed, tandem stance, right single-leg stance, and left single-leg stance. Assessments were performed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 20 minutes after the intervention. Positional, dynamic, spectral and nonlinear center of pressure variables were analyzed to explore acute changes in postural sway magnitude, corrective dynamics, frequency-domain organization, and temporal regularity and complexity of postural control.

Effects of Taekwondo Match-Simulated Fatigue on Balance Performance in Female Athletes

Taekwondo is a high-intensity combat sport characterized by repeated explosive kicking actions and rapid changes in body position, requiring well-developed postural control to maintain technical performance and reduce injury risk. Although fatigue has been reported to impair balance performance, previous studies have primarily induced fatigue using non-specific laboratory protocols that do not adequately reflect the physiological and neuromuscular demands of taekwondo competition. Consequently, the effects of taekwondo-specific fatigue on static and dynamic balance performance remain insufficiently understood. The primary objective of this study will be to investigate the effects of a taekwondo match-simulated fatigue protocol on static and dynamic balance performance in female taekwondo athletes. Eighteen competitive female taekwondo athletes will participate in this single-group repeated-measures study. Following a familiarization session, participants will complete a standardized taekwondo match-simulated fatigue protocol consisting of three 2-minute rounds separated by 1-minute passive recovery periods, replicating the official Olympic competition format. Static and dynamic balance performance will be assessed before and immediately after the fatigue protocol using the Biodex Balance System (Biodex Medical Systems Inc., Shirley, NY, USA). Balance performance will be evaluated under static and dynamic testing conditions, and the Overall Stability Index, Anteroposterior Stability Index, and Mediolateral Stability Index will be recorded. The findings of this study are expected to improve understanding of the acute effects of sport-specific fatigue on postural control in female taekwondo athletes and may contribute to the development of evidence-based training and injury prevention strategies.

The Effects of Brain Breaks on Dynamic Balance in University Students

The goal of this study is to learn if an online physical activity program called "Brain Breaks" can improve well-being among university students. It will also explore how physical activity relates to dynamic balance, emotion regulation, and resilience. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the Brain Breaks program increase students' dynamic balance? Does it affect emotion regulation, or resilience? Researchers will compare a group that does Brain Breaks activities to a group that does not, to see if the program has positive effects. Participants will: Take part in an 8-week program If in the Brain Breaks group, do short 5-10 minute physical activity videos, five times per week

Balance Training Versus Traditional Physical Education in High School Students

This study will compare the effects of an 8-week balance-focused exercise program and traditional physical education on static and dynamic balance performance in high school students.

Effects of Two Compression Socks on Balance and Ankle Stability in Healthy Adults

This randomized study will compare a novel tensioning compression sock with a commercially available elastic foot and ankle compression sock in healthy adults. Participants will wear their assigned sock during waking hours for at least 6 hours per day for 7 days. Balance, ankle stability, grip strength, and tibialis anterior muscle contraction characteristics will be assessed at baseline and after the 7-day intervention. Participants will also report comfort and confidence in balance and stability after the intervention.

Effectiveness of a Horse Riding Simulator in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity associated with impaired respiratory muscle strength, balance, postural control, body image, and health-related quality of life. Core stabilization exercises are widely used in the conservative management of AIS. Horse riding simulator training reproduces the multidirectional rhythmic movements of horseback riding while eliminating the potential risks associated with conventional hippotherapy and may provide additional benefits for postural control and trunk muscle activation. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effects of adding horse riding simulator training to a core stabilization exercise program on respiratory muscle strength, balance, health-related quality of life, and perceived cosmetic deformity in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving horse riding simulator training combined with core stabilization exercises or a control group receiving core stabilization exercises alone. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the 12-week intervention.

Postural Control Mechanism During a Stationary Wheelchair Wheelie

The purpose of this study was to investigate the postural control during a stationary wheelchair wheelie. A group of participants was recruited for this observational study. Participants were asked to perform and maintain the stationary phase of a wheelchair wheelie, during which kinematic and kinetic data were recorded.

Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing Retraining in Combat Sport Athletes With Dysfunctional Breathing Patterns

Combat sport athletes often need to maintain a guarded posture, stabilize the trunk, react quickly, and control balance during contact or unexpected movement. These demands may be related not only to strength and conditioning, but also to the coordination between breathing and postural control. The diaphragm is the main muscle for breathing and also contributes to trunk stability through its role in pressure regulation and deep core control. However, dysfunctional breathing patterns, such as upper-chest dominant breathing, reduced lower rib expansion, or poor coordination between the chest and abdomen, may interfere with this function. The purpose of this study is to examine dysfunctional breathing patterns in combat sport athletes and to investigate whether diaphragmatic breathing retraining can improve breathing patterns, diaphragm function, core stability, postural control, and sport-related performance. This study will first screen athletes from combat and non-combat sports to determine the prevalence of dysfunctional breathing. Combat sport athletes will then complete laboratory tests to examine the relationship between breathing pattern, posture, diaphragm function, core stability, and postural control. In the intervention part of the study, combat sport athletes with dysfunctional breathing will be randomly assigned to diaphragmatic breathing retraining plus usual training or usual training only. The study will compare the two groups to determine whether adding diaphragmatic breathing retraining provides additional benefits. The study will also examine whether the changes are maintained after training and whether baseline measures can help identify athletes who respond better to the program.

Effects of Sensory Integration Training on Static Standing Balance in Older Adults

Balance impairment is a common problem among adults aged 60 years and older due to age-related decline in the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. These impairments increase the risk of falls, reduce mobility, and compromise functional independence and quality of life. Conventional balance training is commonly used to improve postural stability; however, the additional benefits of sensory integration training remain unclear. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of sensory integration training combined with conventional balance training on static standing balance in older adults with a moderate risk of falls. Twenty-eight participants aged 60 years and above will be recruited and randomly allocated into an experimental group (n=14) and a control group (n=14). Experimental group will receive sesnory integration training and control group will receive conventional balance training three times per week for six weeks. Balance performance will be assessed before and after the intervention using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB). Data will be analyzed using paired-sample t-tests for within-group comparisons and independent-sample t-tests for between-group comparisons. Statistical significance will be set at p\<0.05.

"Muscle Strength, Balance, and Core Endurance in Elite Adolescent Rowers: A Cross-Sectional Study"

This study aims to investigate the relationship between lower extremity isokinetic strength, dynamic balance, and core muscle endurance in elite adolescent rowers aged 16-18. A total of 68 athletes (32 males, 36 females) will be assessed through standardized protocols involving isokinetic testing, the Y Balance Test, and McGill Core Endurance Tests. The study aims to contribute to performance monitoring and injury prevention strategies in rowing sports.

Tai Chi Intervention for Balance Function in Older Adults: Predictive and Modifying Roles of Circadian Age

This study investigates the effects of a 12-week Tai Chi intervention on balance function in community-dwelling older adults. Participants are randomly assigned to either a Tai Chi exercise group or a health education control group. The primary outcome is balance function measured by the Berg Balance Scale. Secondary outcomes include physical function, psychological well-being, cognitive function, and sleep quality. The study also explores the predictive and modifying roles of baseline circadian age on intervention outcomes.

Body Awareness Therapy in High Stressed Young Adults: Effects on Function, Balance, Sleep and Mood

Body Awareness Therapy (BAT) is a holistic approach to human movement that considers the physical, physiological, psychological, and existential aspects of human existence. This planned randomized controlled study will be conducted on young adults with high stress levels. One group will be subjected to BAT and the other group will be the control group. The BAT exercises will be performed in supine, sitting and standing positions. In the BAT group, the exercises will be performed as a group exercise, not individually. After the initial evaluations in both the BAT and control groups, a re-evaluation will be performed at the end of 8 weeks. Functional capacity will be assessed with the 6-minute walk test, static balance with the single-leg balance test (eyes open-eyes closed), dynamic balance with the Y-balance test, psychological status with the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale. BAT will be performed 2 days per week for 8 weeks and will be continued progressively. This study will examine the effects of BaT on functional capacity, balance, sleep quality, and psychological state in young adults with high stress levels.

Effect of Reactive Balance Training Versus Conventional Balance Training on Dynamic Stability and Change-of-Direction Performance in Competitive Tennis Players

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of reactive balance training versus conventional balance training on dynamic stability and change of direction performance. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. Each group will receive its respective intervention over a 6-week period. Outcome measures, including dynamic stability assessed by the Y-Balance Test and change-of-direction performance measured using the 505 Agility Test, will be evaluated at baseline and after the intervention. The study is designed to determine which training approach is more effective in improving balance and functional performance.

Dynamic Balance in Unilateral Transtibial Amputees Following Virtual Reality Versus Conventional Rehabilitation

Amputation causes somatic and psychological damage. Prognostic factors for postoperative gait recovery include the need for proprioceptive re-education for dynamic balance. Improved gait patterns and use of the prosthesis contribute to an overall improvement in the amputee's autonomy. Virtual reality coupled with movement analysis allows personalization of treatment with objective assessment of progress. The study authors hypothesize that a virtual reality protocol for the dynamic balance of a unilateral transtibial amputee in initial rehabilitation will improve the dynamic balance assessment criteria compared with a conventional rehabilitation protocol.