Clinical Research Directory

Postural Stability and Trunk Strength in Wrestlers

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the relationship between sagittal plane isokinetic trunk strength and dynamic postural stability in elite wrestlers compared to healthy sedentary volunteers (males, aged 18-30). The main questions it aims to answer are: Is there a significant correlation between maximal concentric isokinetic trunk torque/power values and dynamic postural stability variables in elite wrestlers? How do the agonist/antagonist (flexion/extension) ratios and core strength profiles of elite wrestlers differ from those of a sedentary control group. Comparison Group: Researchers will compare elite wrestlers (with at least 5 years of professional experience) to a healthy sedentary control group to see if professional wrestling training leads to superior trunk muscle integration and enhanced dynamic balance control.Participants will:Complete a demographic data form and a health screening to ensure they meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria (e.g., no history of spinal surgery or acute back pain).Perform a standardized warm-up session on a cycle ergometer at 55-60 rpm.Undergo dynamic postural stability testing to measure balance control and center of gravity displacement.Perform isokinetic trunk strength testing (flexion and extension) to measure peak torque, total work, and power values relative to body weight (PT/BW).

Effects of Neck Proprioception Impairment on Balance in Cervical Spondylosis Patients

This observational cross-sectional study aims to investigate the impact of cervical proprioception deficits on postural stability in patients with cervical spondylosis. Using pedobarographic analysis, the study will assess static balance parameters in affected individuals. The main question it aims to answer is: Does Cervical proprioception deficits affect postural stability in patients with cervical spondylosis measured by pedobarographic parameters?

Neurophysiological Changes After Perturbation-based Training in Older Adults

This is an assessor-blinded neurophysiological study. Participants will be randomly assigned to a perturbation-based training (PBT) or a walking (control) group. Changes in postural stability and neurophysiology in the brain following PBT compared to walking exercise without perturbation will be investigated.

The Effects of Visual Input on Cognitive Function, Physical Performance, and Postural Stability in Adolescent Male Basketball Players

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of exercises performed with stroboscopic glasses-recently gaining popularity in sports-on cognitive function, physical performance, and postural stability, which are among the key skills in athletic performance. The originality of the study lies in being the first to examine the effects of stroboscopic glasses-based exercises on basketball players. Hypotheses of the study: H1: Exercises performed with stroboscopic glasses have an effect on athletes' cognitive functions. H2: Exercises performed with stroboscopic glasses have an effect on athletes' physical performance. H3: Exercises performed with stroboscopic glasses have an effect on athletes' static and dynamic postural stability.

Dance and Blood Flow Restriction as Balance Training for Older Women

Falls are one of the leading causes of hospitalization and mortality among older adults (aged 65+) in Canada. Falls result from postural instability following age-related declines in muscle strength which begin in the 5th decade of life. Older women have higher rates of injury from falls due to greater deterioration of bone mass density and lower levels of physical activity when compared to men. Participation in physical activity and exercise has been shown to slow these age-related declines in postural stability by improving muscle function as well as proprioceptive and sensory systems, however the majority of older women are inactive. Dance has been used to inspire physical activity uptake among older women, and is particularly good for balance due to its both sensory and motor aspects that focus on precise execution of movement. Dance interventions have been found to improve postural stability and balance confidence. Post-pandemic, online dance classes have provided greater accessibility to exercise interventions aimed at promoting balance. These help reach women facing transportation barriers, who have a fear of exercising with others, women with time-consuming caregiver roles at home etc. While beneficial, the intensity of online classes must be lower to ensure safety, thereby limiting physiological stimulus for adaptations. As typically higher intensity exercise is needed to promote muscle strength there may not be adequate stimulus for adaptations. Furthermore, there is little evidence of strength gains even from in-person dance classes. Blood flow restriction may offer an easy and cost-effective way to mimic higher intensity exercise and boost training benefits. Blood flow restriction has been found to boost strength during low-intensity resistance training, but there is little information on adaptations after balance training or potential transfer to reduce the risk of falls. This 12-week online exercise intervention investigates whether blood flow restriction during dance classes can augment strength, dynamic balance and postural stability of older women aged 65 years and above. Two groups of older women will participate in twice weekly 75 minute ballet and modern-dance classes over Zoom. One group will be randomized to wear 5 centimeter elasticised blood flow restriction bands on their proximal thighs during the classes. Bands will be tightened to a 7/10 of perceived tightness. Postural stability will be assessed using 9, 30-second trials of quiet standing on a force platform in conditions of eyes-open, eyes-closed and on a foam block - trials will be staggered to reduce fatigue effects. Trials will also be video recorded for kinematic analysis of shoulder and hip displacement using Kinovea. Dynamic balance will be assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test. Participants will be asked to stand on one foot in the middle of the star and reach their other leg as far as they can above the line. The distance the participant reaches in each direction will be recorded and normalized by limb length. Strength will be assessed using the 30-second Sit-to-Stand test and Calf-Raise Senior test. Both tests involve participants doing the maximum number of repetitions possible within a 30-second time frame. Finally scales of fears of falling and overall perceptions of health will be collected. It is expected that this study will have great practical implications as the accessibility of this program can provide opportunities to older adults from various remote locations to increase their levels of physical activity in a safe manner. The affordability may also aid in adoption by community health and recreation centers as an easy-to-implement program that helps to reduce the risk of falls of older women, thereby promoting independence and quality of life.

Effects of VR-based Respiratory Training on Motor Reaction Time and Correctness, Stress Levels, Attention, Motor Skills, Postural Stability and Sleep Quality in Shift Healthcare Workers

This study investigates the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based respiratory training on various physiological and cognitive functions in shift-working healthcare professionals, including paramedics and nurses. The research will evaluate how VR-guided breathing exercises influence: stress levels, motor reaction time and accuracy, attention and cognitive performance, motor skills and postural stability, sleep quality Participants will be divided into three groups: VR-based respiratory training group - performing guided breathing exercises in a VR environment. Music-based relaxation group - listening to relaxing music without structured breathing instructions. Control group - no intervention. The findings will help determine whether VR-based respiratory training is an effective method for improving stress resilience, cognitive function, and physical performance in shift-working healthcare professionals.

The SaVe Project-Sarcopenia and Vertigo in Aging Patients With Colorectal Cancer

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about the cause of dizziness and decline in walking ability in in older adults ≥65 years during chemotherapy treatment for colorectal cancer. Another goal is to investigate if a comprehensive geriatric assessment and three months' specialized physical group-based exercise three times/week can counteract muscle weakness, vertigo, instability, impaired walking balance, and neuropathy

Novel Sock Design on Ankle and Postural Stability

This study uses a prospective cohort study design using a convenience sample to explore the sock's impact on various aspects of ankle function and overall stability. A secondary objective is measuring subjective changes in reported confidence levels in performing balance and stability exercises with and without sock

Neuropathic Pain and Postural Stability in Patients With Lumbar Radiculopathy

The aim of this study is to answer the questions below; 1. Is there a difference between patients with lumbar radiculopathy suffering from radicular pain and healthy subjects in terms of static and dynamic postural stability? 2. Is there a relationship between postural stability and the neuropathic characteristics of radicular pain?

Sensory Motor Training on Foot Weight Distribution in Patients With Foot Burn

The purpose of the current study is to investigate the effect sensory motor training on foot weight distribution and postural stability in patients with foot burn.