Clinical Research Directory

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"Balance, Gait, and Motion Analysis in Multiple Sclerosis"

The goal of this observational cross-sectional study is to investigate the relationship between functional measures of balance and gait and objective kinetic and kinematic parameters in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The main questions it aims to answer are: i) What is the relationship between kinetic and kinematic gait and balance parameters measured using the Vicon motion analysis system and performance on clinical functional assessments in people with Multiple Sclerosis? ii) Which biomechanical parameters are most strongly associated with functional balance, gait, and physical performance outcomes? Participants will attend a single laboratory-based assessment session. During this session, they will undergo biomechanical gait and balance analysis using the Vicon motion capture system, complete functional assessments of balance, gait, and physical performance, complete questionnaires assessing fear of falling and fatigue, and undergo assessment of lower-limb spasticity.

Effects of Jive Dance Training on Lower Limb Muscle Strength

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of a structured, partner-free Jive dance training program on the physical and cognitive health of hospital employees. Healthcare workers often face high-stress environments, irregular shifts, and prolonged physical strain, which can lead to reduced muscle strength, poor body composition, and burnout. This study innovates by designing a solo Jive dance intervention to overcome traditional partnership limitations in workplace wellness programs. A single-group repeated measures design was used, recruiting 20 hospital employees for an 8-week study. The study was divided into Phase A (4 weeks of self-directed group practice) and Phase B (4 weeks of systematic Jive dance training). Comprehensive assessments were conducted at baseline, week 4, and week 8 to measure body composition, lower limb muscle strength, dynamic balance, working memory, and perceived stress.

Postural Balance of the Adult

Description of the geometrical configuration of the skeleton with regard to gravity line by patients suffering from spinal disorders that may induce postural troubles

INDIVIDUALIZED DUAL-TASK TRAINING FOR BALANCE AND MOBILITY IN OLDER ADULTS

The goal of this clinical trial is to prevent functional decline and improve mobility in healthy older adults aged 65 and over. The main questions it aims to answer are: What is the effect of individualized dual-task training on functional balance and mobility compared to standard training? Does personalized sensory and cognitive training significantly reduce the dual-task cost during walking tasks? Researchers will compare the Individualized Dual-Task Group to a Standardized Dual-Task Group and a Single-Task Control Group to see if personalized adjustments in sensory and cognitive loads lead to superior improvements in balance, gait speed, and motor-cognitive interference. Participants will: Complete an initial assessment of motor and cognitive capacities to determine individual baseline levels. Participate in a supervised exercise program 3 days a week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting 40-45 minutes. Perform motor tasks such as walking, obstacle crossing, and balance exercises while simultaneously engaging in cognitive tasks (e.g., counting, verbal fluency). (For the individualized group) Undergo weekly adjustments in exercise difficulty, including sensory manipulations like surface changes and head movements based on their performance.

Application of Device-based Training to Improve Postural Control in Older Adults With CCI

The goal of this clinical trial is to improve comprehensive rehabilitation programs for elderly patients with chronic cerebral ischemia by incorporating training methods with biofeedback for postural control training. The main objectives of the study are as follows: To evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating stabilometric training with biofeedback using the Huber system (LPG Systems, France) and treadmill-based biofeedback training using the C-Mill system (Physiomed Elektromedizin AG, Germany) into comprehensive rehabilitation programs, with respect to postural and cognitive functions in elderly patients with chronic cerebral ischemia. To conduct a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of training programs performed using the Huber (LPG Systems, France) and C-Mill (Physiomed Elektromedizin AG, Germany) biofeedback systems, based on outcomes related to gait pattern recovery, postural parameters, and cognitive performance. The investigators will compare training sessions using the Huber and C-Mill biofeedback systems with a control group (patients receiving conventional therapeutic exercise) in order to determine whether these devices are effective in improving postural control and reducing the risk of falls in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia. Participants are required to: Complete a course consisting of 8 procedures, performed once daily. Report any adverse events occurring during or after the procedures, should they arise.

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

Short-Term Effects of Antihypertensive Drugs on Postural Balance and Fall Risk

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the short-term effects of three commonly prescribed antihypertensive drug classes (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers) on postural balance and fall risk in adults with newly diagnosed primary hypertension. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Do different antihypertensive drugs affect objective balance performance and fall risk? * What are the effects of these medications on dizziness and fear of falling? Researchers will use a balance analysis system (Biodex Balance System) and self-reported scales (Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Falls Efficacy Scale) to assess outcomes. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to one of three drug groups (metoprolol, ramipril, or amlodipine) * Be evaluated at baseline (prior to treatment), at 2 weeks, and at 4 weeks after starting treatment * Complete balance tests and questionnaires at each time point This study aims to provide clinical insight into how commonly used blood pressure medications may impact balance and fall risk in real-world settings.

Diaphragmatic Kinesio Taping With HIIT in Trained Individuals

This study examines whether adding diaphragmatic kinesio taping to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves physical performance in trained individuals. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will perform an 8-week HIIT program on a cycle ergometer. The other group will follow the same HIIT program and will also receive diaphragmatic kinesio taping before each exercise session. The taping is applied to support breathing muscles and may help improve oxygen use during exercise. Before and after the training period, participants will undergo tests to measure aerobic capacity (VO₂max), anaerobic power (Wingate test), balance (Y-Balance test), lung function (spirometry), body composition, and heart rate responses. The results of this study will help determine whether diaphragmatic kinesio taping provides additional benefits when combined with HIIT training.

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Nordic Walking on Gait and Balance in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease can cause slow or unsteady walking and balance problems that raise the risk of falls. This study will test whether adding a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during a supervised Nordic Walking program improves mobility in people with Parkinson's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or an inactive (sham) procedure that feels the same but does not deliver current, while both groups complete the same supervised walking program. Sessions occur three times per week for four weeks. We will measure walking speed with a 10-Meter Walk Test as the main outcome, and also evaluate balance, motor symptoms, quality of life, and any side effects. We expect that tDCS given during the walking sessions will help people walk faster and feel steadier compared with the walking program alone.

Effect of Orthognathic Surgery on Plantar Pressure and Posture

Orthognathic surgery leads to changes in the three-dimensional position of the jaws, which may result in alterations in head and neck posture as well as overall body posture. These postural changes are also expected to influence plantar pressure distribution. This study aims to evaluate the direction and magnitude of these changes by assessing posture and plantar pressure measurements before and after orthognathic surgery. Postural analysis and plantar pressure measurements will be performed preoperatively and at the 6-month postoperative follow-up in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. In order to allow a reliable comparison, a control group consisting of non-operated individuals will also be included. The range of natural changes observed in the control group will be determined, and the outcomes will be compared between the surgical and control groups. By comparing preoperative and postoperative measurements, this study aims to evaluate the effects of orthognathic surgery on body posture and plantar pressure distribution. The findings are expected to contribute to the identification of parameters that should be considered in postoperative evaluation and rehabilitation. Furthermore, the results will provide valuable information regarding the postural and plantar pressure changes observed in patients following orthognathic surgery.

Motor Development and Early Predictors of Psychomotor Outcomes in Preterm and Term Infants Assessed by MOS-R and Caregiver Questionnaire at 18 and 36 Months

This study examines how early motor behavior in infants relates to their later psychomotor development. Researchers will observe both preterm and full-term infants during the first months of life, using video-based assessments to evaluate spontaneous movements and early postural control. These early motor patterns will be scored with the Motor Optimality Score - Revised (MOS-R). When the children reach 18 and 36 months of age, their development in areas such as motor skills, communication, sensory processing, and social behavior will be evaluated through a caregiver-completed questionnaire. The purpose of the study is to determine whether early motor quality can predict later developmental outcomes, whether preterm and full-term infants with similar motor scores develop differently, and whether early therapy may improve outcomes for infants with low MOS-R results.

Comparative Effects Of Exergaming And Otago Exercise On Anticipatory Postural Control And Sensory Integration In Older Adults

This study explores whether non-immersive, interactive Exergaming using Xbox Kinect can go beyond conventional exercise by actively training the brain and body to react faster, balance smarter, and move more confidently. Through dynamic games like Reflex Ridge and 20,000 Leaks, we aim to stimulate internal perturbations and real-time Sensory Integration, something Otago doesn't directly target. In this randomized controlled trial, 36 older adults (aged 55+) will be assigned to either the Exergaming or Otago group. Both groups will receive 6 weeks of supervised balance training (3x/week, 30 mins/session). Primary outcomes include Sensory Integration, measured using modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) and Anticipatory postural control assessed through Limits of Stability (LOS) test. Timed up and Go (TUG) will capture functional mobility, which will serve as the secondary outcome in this study. Both mCTSIB and LOS will be administered using the Postural Stability System of Biodex, a reliable and valid computerized platform designed to objectively quantify postural control under varying sensory conditions. With evidence-based outcome tools and rigorous analysis, this project doesn't just aim to compare two programs, it's about challenging tradition, modernizing rehab, and making balance training smarter, safer, and more engaging for the elders we serve. This research could be a leap forward in community-based fall prevention and a step toward a more responsive, personalized future in Neurological Rehabilitation.

Development of a Static Balance Assessment Tool for High-Functioning Older Adults (KSVGH25-CT3-09)

This single-center interventional study aims to develop and validate a static balance assessment tool tailored for high-functioning older adults. Participants aged 65 years or older, who achieve a perfect score on the Short Physical Performance Battery and can maintain an open-eyes single-leg stance for at least 10 seconds, will be recruited. The assessment includes body composition measurement, open-eyes/closed-eyes single-leg stance, and the Balance Error Scoring System under firm and foam surface conditions. Each participant will undergo two testing sessions, 5-7 days apart, with both on-site and video-based scoring to determine test-retest reliability. The expected outcome is the development of an accurate and highly applicable static balance measurement tool to support healthy aging and fall prevention in community and long-term care settings.