Clinical Research Directory

Core Strength Training, Anthropometry, and Postural Control in Youth Optimist Sailors

Optimist dinghy sailing is a highly demanding youth watersport characterized by prolonged, high-intensity isometric hiking postures and rapid dynamic weight shifts required to preserve boat trim, balance, and sail power output. The core (lumbar-pelvic-hip complex) functions as the central dynamic link in transferring kinetic forces between the lower limbs and trunk during continuous open-water maneuvers. This study is designed as a 12-week randomized controlled interventional trial to evaluate the effects of a periodized, circuit-based Core Strength Training (CST) program integrated into routine Technical Sailing Training (TST) compared to TST alone. Primary endpoints evaluate adaptations in the anthropometric profile (skinfold thickness, circumferences, muscle mass percentage) and postural control parameters (Center of Pressure displacement and sway velocity measured via computerized force platform posturography) in competitive youth Optimist sailors.

Sensor Ankle Brace for Special Operations Rehabilitation

The primary purpose of this study overall is to validate a modified version of a commercially available ankle brace. Inertial measurement unit sensors will be incorporated into an existing ankle brace ("sXAB") by TayCo Brace, Inc. In two consecutive studies, gait metrics data collected from the sensor enabled ankle brace will be compared to data collected by the gold-standard equipment that is used in research and clinical settings to determine whether the sXAB performs adequately in terms of measurement or technical feasibility prior to further clinical evaluation. In the Phase 2 protocol, the sXAB will be validated on healthy subjects wearing combat boots performing walking, running, jumping, and stair climbing activities. These movements were selected because they simulate key movements performed during operational activities. All participants experience both conditions: with an ankle brace and without an ankle brace. Comparisons are made within-subject between brace and no-brace conditions. It is hypothesized that the sensor-enabled ankle brace will measure gait metrics with a high degree of accuracy (within 5%) when compared against the gold-standard lab equipment (i.e., motion capture and research-grade inertial measurement units).

Sensor Ankle Brace for Special Operations Rehabilitation - Phase 1

The primary purpose of this study overall is to validate a modified version of a commercially available ankle brace. Inertial measurement unit sensors incorporated into an existing ankle brace ("sXAB") by TayCo Brace, Inc. In two consecutive studies, gait metrics data collected from the sensor enabled ankle brace will be compared to data collected by the gold-standard equipment that is used in research and clinical settings to determine whether the sXAB performs adequately in terms of measurement or technical feasibility prior to further clinical evaluation. In the Phase 1 protocol, the sXAB will be validated in the lab on healthy subjects walking in standard tennis shoes/sneakers. All participants experience both conditions: with an ankle brace and without an ankle brace. Comparisons are made within-subject between brace and no-brace conditions. It is hypothesized that the sensor-enabled ankle brace will measure gait metrics with a high degree of accuracy (within 5%) when compared against the gold-standard lab equipment (i.e., motion capture and research-grade inertial measurement units).

The Effect of Foot Reflexology in Women With Migraine

This prospective randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of foot massage on pain, anxiety, kinesiophobia, and postural control in women aged 18-45 years diagnosed with migraine who attend the Neurology Outpatient Clinic of Karabük University Karabük Training and Research Hospital. Participants who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomly allocated into either a foot massage group or a control group using a simple randomization method. The foot massage group will receive a total of 10 sessions of foot massage over 5 weeks, with two sessions per week, while no massage intervention will be applied to the control group. All participants will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention period, and two weeks following the completion of treatment. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of foot massage in the management of symptoms in women with migraine.

Plantar Sensation, Position Sense, and Weight-Bearing Asymmetry Related to Balance and Mobility Post-Stroke

This study aims to examine how sensory deficits and weight-bearing asymmetry affect posture, balance, and mobility in individuals with chronic stroke. The research focuses on evaluating the relationships between plantar foot sensation, lower extremity position sense, and asymmetrical weight distribution with functional abilities such as walking and postural control. Participants will undergo non-invasive assessments, including sensation tests, mobility and balance evaluations, and postural measurements. A total of 24 individuals with chronic stroke who are receiving physiotherapy at a rehabilitation center in Konya, Türkiye, will be included. The results of this observational, cross-sectional study may contribute to a better understanding of the sensory-motor interactions in stroke survivors and support the development of more targeted rehabilitation strategies.

Parental Experiences of Home-Based Intensive Segmental Trunk Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy

The goal of this feasibility study is to evaluate the adherence, parental experiences, and perceptions of a home-based Intensive Segmental Trunk Training (ISTT) program for children aged 4-12 with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) in Pakistan. The main questions it aims to answer are: What is the rate of caregiver adherence to a home-based ISTT program over 12 weeks? What are the primary barriers, experiences, and perceptions of caregivers implementing the program? What are the preliminary signals of clinical effectiveness on trunk control and gross motor function? Researchers will compare pre- and post-intervention outcomes (baseline vs. week 12) to see if there are statistically significant improvements in trunk control (measured by SATCo) and gross motor function (measured by GMFM-88). Participants (20 primary caregivers and their children) will: Attend an initial in-person orientation session to learn trunk stabilization exercises from a senior pediatric physical therapist Complete a 12-week home-based ISTT program with weekly tele-supervision video calls to monitor progress and address challenges Attend monthly face-to-face monitoring visits at the hospital for clinical assessment and technique reinforcement Complete a KABA (Knowledge, Attitudes, Barriers, and Adherence) survey at baseline and week 12 Participate in a semi-structured interview at the end of the 12-week program to share their experiences.

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.

The Relationship Between Lost Extremity Percentage and Postural Control, Neck and Low Back Pain, Daily Living Activities, and Reaction Time in Individuals With Unilateral Upper Limb Amputation

This observational study aims to examine the relationship between the percentage of limb loss and functional outcomes in individuals with unilateral upper limb amputation. Upper limb amputation can affect posture, balance control, pain levels, daily living activities, hand function, and reaction time. However, limited research has investigated how the amount of limb loss influences these outcomes. Participants between 18 and 65 years of age who use a myoelectric or bionic prosthesis will undergo a series of assessments. These assessments include measurements of postural control using a force platform, posture analysis, evaluation of neck and low back pain using a visual analog scale, daily living activities using a validated questionnaire, hand dexterity using the Box and Block Test, and reaction time using a visual stimulus device. The study does not involve any intervention or treatment. All evaluations will be performed during a single assessment session. The results of this study may help improve rehabilitation planning and provide better understanding of functional changes associated with different levels of limb loss in people with upper limb amputation.

Frequency-Dependent Effects of Mobilization-Based Exercise on Dynamic Postural Control in Orchestra Musicians: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial

Orchestra musicians are exposed to prolonged asymmetric postures and repetitive upper-quarter loading that may affect postural control. This exploratory randomized controlled trial examined whether a four-week mobilization-based exercise program, delivered once or twice weekly, was associated with changes in static sensory-dependent balance and dynamic voluntary weight-shifting control.

Postural Habits, Body Awareness, and Functional Performance Across BMI Categories in Women

This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between postural habits and body awareness with functional performance across different body mass index (BMI) categories in women. Participants will be categorized into four groups based on BMI (normal weight, overweight, obesity class I, and obesity class II-III). Postural habits and awareness, body awareness, and functional performance will be assessed using validated questionnaires and performance-based tests. The study also aims to explore the potential contribution of central adiposity (waist circumference) and psychological factors to these relationships. Findings are expected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the biomechanical and perceptual factors associated with obesity.

Effectiveness of Pilates on Postural Correction, Core Strength and Flexibility in Younger Individuals With Non-specific Low Backache

The aim of this clinical trial is to study the effects of Pilates intervention versus conventional therapy on postural correction, core strength and flexibility in young individuals with complaint of non-specific low backache. The main question is whether the Pilates has better improvement as compared to the conventional therapy on postural correction, core strength and flexibility moreover to compare the effectiveness of two intervention. Participants of age 18-25 years and with complaint of non-specific low backache will be recruited. 50 participants will be enrolled. Participants will perform Pilates and conventional therapy for 3 times per week for six weeks. Participants will be randomly allocated to two groups and assessor blinding will be done to take baseline assessment. Assessor blinding is done to minimize biasness. Pre and Post assessments will be taken by the assessor. SPSS will be used for the analysis of the data.

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.

Postural Kinesio Taping in Stroke Rehabilitation

Stroke often leads to postural asymmetry and impaired trunk control, which negatively affect mobility, balance, coordination, and activities of daily living. These impairments increase the risk of falls and reduce functional independence during the rehabilitation process. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effects of posture-oriented kinesio taping, applied in addition to standard neurological rehabilitation, on functional outcomes in patients with stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving kinesio taping plus standard rehabilitation or a control group receiving standard rehabilitation alone. Functional outcomes including trunk control, postural stability, balance, mobility, and activities of daily living will be assessed using validated clinical scales at baseline and after the intervention period. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of posture-oriented kinesio taping as a non-invasive and easily applicable adjunct treatment in stroke rehabilitation.

Effect of Functional Core Stability Training or Cognitive Training on Balance and Postural Control in Chronic Ankle Instability

The purpose of the study is to investigate dynamic core stability training versus cognitive training on balance, functional performance, postural control, ankle instability scores, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and mental workload in chronic ankle instability

The Effect of Motor Image Training on Balance Performance in Geriatric Individuals

The goal of this study \[type of study: clinical trial\] is to was planned to investigate the effect of motor imagery training given to geriatric individuals with action observation on their balance performance and to compare these two methods. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is virtual reality-based balance training given together with action observation and motor imagery for six weeks in geriatric individuals more effective in improving static balance than virtual reality-based balance training given alone? 2. Is virtual reality-based balance training given together with action observation and motor imagery for six weeks in geriatric individuals more effective in improving dynamic balance than virtual reality-based balance training given alone? 3. Is virtual reality-based balance training given together with motor imagery for six weeks in geriatric individuals more effective in increasing balance confidence than virtual reality-based balance training given alone? 46 geriatric individuals will be randomized into 2 groups. Along with action observation, motor imagery training and virtual reality-based balance training will be given to the study group. On the other hand, only virtual reality-based balance training will be given to the control group. All assessments will be repeated before and after the trainings. The trainings will be applied 2 days a week for 6 weeks. Each training session; 25 minutes for the control group and 45 minutes for the study group.

The Relationship Between Pes Planus, Diaphragm, Postural Control, and Plantar Pressure

Our primary aim is to compare diaphragm function (resting thickness, activity/resting thickness ratio indicating contractility), postural control, and plantar pressure between individuals with pes planus and healthy controls without pes planus.