Clinical Research Directory

Thoracic Mobility, Posture, Functional Capacity, and Respiratory Rate in Children Playing Wind Instruments

The aim of this study is to evaluate thoracic mobility, posture, functional capacity, and respiratory rate in children aged 8-14 years who play wind instruments and to compare these findings with those of their peers who do not play wind instruments. In line with this primary objective, the study seeks to comprehensively investigate the potential biomechanical and physiological adaptations associated with playing wind instruments in the context of childhood music education, with a particular focus on chest wall mobility, postural alignment, respiratory efficiency, and functional capacity. The novelty of this study lies in being the first to adopt a holistic perspective to examine the effects of wind instrument playing on the postural and cardiorespiratory systems during the sensitive developmental period of 8-14 years, which is known to be highly responsive to biomechanical adaptations. By addressing this understudied age group, the study aims to fill an important gap in the existing literature.

The Effects of a Customized Exercise Program on Pain, Kyphosis Angle, and Quality of Life

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a customized corrective exercise program on back pain, kyphosis degree, and quality of life in healthy adults. Our hypothesis is that healthy adults participating in a customized exercise program will show a reduction in back pain, a decrease in thoracic kyphosis angle, and an improvement in quality of life in the post-intervention period compared to the control group. The program will continue twice a week for four weeks.

Physical Activity Levels and Musculoskeletal Health Among Health Science Academicians at Istanbul Aydin University

This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity levels and posture, sleep quality, depression, and musculoskeletal system problems among academic staff working in the health sciences field at Istanbul Aydın University. Modern technological developments and sedentary work patterns have significantly reduced daily physical activity levels. Academic personnel often spend long hours sitting, preparing lectures, conducting research, and using computers, which may negatively affect posture and increase the risk of musculoskeletal pain. Reduced physical activity has also been associated with poor sleep quality and increased depressive symptoms. This cross-sectional study will include academic staff aged 23-65 years working in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Participation will be voluntary. Data will be collected using a sociodemographic information form and validated assessment tools, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ), New York Posture Rating Chart, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The primary objective is to evaluate whether physical activity levels are associated with posture, sleep quality, depression levels, and musculoskeletal complaints. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of preventive strategies aimed at improving occupational health, well-being, and quality of life among academic personnel.

Effect of Mental Arithmetic Priming on Gait and Balance in Stroke

This study investigates the effect of cognitive priming through mental arithmetic on functional mobility in post-stroke patients. It hypothesizes that performing mental calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication) prior to movement stimulates frontoparietal networks, thereby improving gait speed and dynamic balance compared to a passive control condition.

Improving Core Strength in the Warfighter With a Novel Device

Low back pain is one of the most common chief complaints amongst adult patients in the ambulatory clinic and emergency settings and poor core strength is a known underlying cause/perpetuator. Additionally, it is one of the most common reasons active-duty military personnel seek medical care (absolute 2015; absolute 2016; absolute 2017). Moreover, musculoskeletal conditions represent a common reason service members are placed on limited duty and considered medically not fit to deploy. The AllCore360° has the potential to prevent pain and injury, decrease pain as well as reduce duty, fitness and mobility restrictions in active-duty members with low back pain.

Shoulder Pain and Function in Individuals With Implantable Cardiac Electronic Devices

The primary aim of our study is to evaluate shoulder pain, range of motion, postural changes, muscle tightness, activities of daily living, upper extremity functional status, and exercise capacity in individuals with Implantable Cardiac Electronic Devices (ICED), during each follow-up visit over a two-year period, and to compare the assessment outcomes according to different types of implantable cardiac electronic devices. The secondary aim of our study is to investigate the factors determining the severity and duration of shoulder pain in these patients.

Postural Perturbations Tracing to the Stomatognathic System

A connection of the stomatognathic system \[an anatomical system comprising the teeth, jaws, and associated soft tissues\] to postural control has been suggested in the literature. This research will investigate how occlusion can impact postural response, disorder, and rehabilitation by examining how modifications in the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) influence balance and gait. Although it is currently unclear which or how restorative approaches cause postural disturbances, changes in several occlusal factors, i.e. VDO, Angle's class, crossbite and others have been suggested to manifest clearly into an altered stability, which could have a significant effect on the quality of life, especially in the elderly. The present study aims to identify the degree to which specific interventions in oral cavity affect the stability and gait patterns of patients, This will b achieved by either: * The use of dental splints (fully certified devices) * The use of the subjects' own dentures A direct correlation of postural perturbations and VDO, would essentially void the necessity to evaluate specific interventions (e.g. different types of restorations) independently and allow clinicians to assess a potential effect on their patients' stability and gait based on pre- to post- treatment VDO.

Assessing the Socio-Psychological Determinants of Sagittal Balance

The research focuses on describing the association between socio-psychological factors, collected through standardized self-questionnaires, and the postural alignment of patients without spinal pathology consulting in the orthopaedic surgery department, as evaluated on EOS® radiographic images. This mono-centric, analytical, non-interventional, cross-sectional epidemiological study has for primary outcome to explore the relationship between socio-psychological factors and posture in patients with a healthy spine.

Screen Culture's Impact on Generation Z Adolescents' Physical Activity, Posture and Well-being in Egypt

Ubiquitous adoption of screen-based technologies has transformed the behavioral and physiological environment of Generation Z youth. In Egypt, where digital adoption speeds up with apace urbanisation, teens (13-18) have greater exposure to computers, mobile phones, and other screen-based devices. Growing evidence points towards excessive viewing of screens in compromised well-being, including sleep issues, inactive lifestyles, weight loss/gain, and musculoskeletal disturbances. Contextual evidence for the Egyptian teenager is scarce. This study fills the gap by investigating the multi-dimensional influence of screen culture on physical well-being, focusing on sleep quality, body mass index (BMI), posture, physical activity, and disability outcomes.

Effects of Different Hyperextension Braces on Spinal Mobility

This project aims to investigate the effects of different hyperextension braces (Jewett and Spinomed) on spinal mobility and posture. Hyperextension braces are commonly prescribed to limit spinal flexion and regulate load distribution, especially in cases of spinal injuries and postural disorders. However, their objective impact on spinal biomechanics remains unclear. Purpose and Scope The study will be conducted on 30 healthy participants aged 18-35. Spinal mobility, posture, and movement analysis will be assessed using a dual inclinometer and the PostureScreen mobile application. Evaluations will be performed under three conditions: * Without a brace * With a Jewett brace * With a Spinomed brace (applied in randomized order) Assessments will include four-direction spinal mobility and postural analysis during daily life activities such as standing, squatting, and single-leg stance. Hypotheses H0: Hyperextension braces do not restrict spinal mobility. H1: Hyperextension braces restrict spinal mobility. H2: Hyperextension braces do not alter body alignment during movements. H3: Hyperextension braces alter body alignment during movements. Methodology The study is designed as a cross-sectional trial. Each measurement will be repeated three times. Data will be analyzed statistically using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests depending on distribution. Ethical approval has been obtained (Yalova University, Protocol No: 2024/4). Expected Contributions Academic: Results are expected to be presented at the Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics (2025) and published in a high-impact Q1 journal such as Spine. Clinical: Findings will provide objective data on the effectiveness of hyperextension braces, guiding clinicians and physiotherapists in brace selection. Educational: The project will also contribute to the training of young researchers, offering hands-on experience in research design and execution

Effects of SNAGs & CBT on Pain, Craniovertebral Angle & Disability in Non Specific Neck Pain

Non-specific neck pain is a prevalent condition causing discomfort, reduced craniovertebral angle, and disability. This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the combined effects of Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides (SNAGs) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on pain, posture, and function. Group A will receive SNAGs and CBT, while Group B will undergo SNAGs with cervical stabilization exercises, twice weekly for four weeks. Outcomes will include pain, craniovertebral angle, and disability, analyzed using SPSS.

Investigation of the Immediate Effect of IASTM on Some Parameters in E-Sports Players

Due to the nature of competitive sports, frequent and regular training by e-sports players to increase their performance provides e-athletes with success in the field, but it also increases the time spent in front of the screen. It is known that e-athletes train for an average of 5.5 to 10 hours per day. Therefore, sedentary behavior that develops due to screens is an issue that e-athletes should be careful about. While reasons such as disrupted sleep patterns, increased stress levels and mood changes experienced in the game following increased screen time negatively affect cardiovascular and metabolic health, the fact that e-sports do not require any physical effort also negatively affects the e-sports player's muscular activation. Due to the reasons mentioned, e-sports can cause chronic diseases in the long term. The process from the presence of a stimulus to the execution of the action that will occur following the stimulus is called reaction time. Reaction time can also be described as the value taken when a stimulus exceeds the threshold value, when movement is released or at the beginning of the explosive response. Reaction time consists of stages. The process, which starts with the transmission of the sensory stimulus through the receptors, establishes a perceptual link with the motor response and decides to produce a reactive response, and ends with the process of producing a movement that requires muscular force in the perceptual process. In studies conducted on e-sports players, the most common complaints resulting from long training periods are vision problems and eye fatigue, followed by pain experienced especially in the back, neck and wrist areas. E-sports players perform with poor posture compared to traditional athletes. Games played on mobile phones, especially computer-based games, cause changes in the structure of the spine, pain complaints, movement limitations, and loss of stability and balance. It is argued that the main reason for the pain experienced by approximately half of the players is the anterior displacement of the head due to the prolonged static position spent in front of the screen after a certain number of minutes and the pains brought about by muscle strength imbalances. To our knowledge, there is no study in the literature that investigates the immediate effect of a myofascial release technique applied to university student e-sports players on hand reaction time, neck pain and cervical joint position sense parameters. The aim of this study is to investigate the instantaneous effect of a myofascial release technique, the Graston Technique, on hand reaction time, neck pain and cervical joint position sense in university student e-sports players. Our study is valuable in this respect.

the Effect of Web-based Exercises on Postural Deformities

this study aims to investigate the effect of telerehabilitation with web-based exercises on postural deformities in individuals with postural problems. This randomized controlled study is planned to include 40 individuals. The individuals will be university students between the ages of 18-25. The students will be divided into two groups: home exercise program and telerehabilitation group. Exercises will be applied to both groups 3 times a week for 6 weeks.

Effect of Action Observation Therapy in Comparison to Motor Relearning Program on Balance and Mobility Among Subacute Stroke Patients

This study is a randomized controlled trial. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of Action Observation Therapy in Comparison to a Motor Relearning Program on Balance and Mobility among subacute stroke patients.

Ergonomic Challenges for Surgeons; The Problem and Solutions

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are highly prevalent among surgeons. Despite growing awareness, there remains a lack of detailed data on the specific postures that contribute to ergonomic risk, particularly within General Surgery. This study aims to characterise postures encountered during open, laparoscopic, and robotic gastrointestinal procedures using wearable sensor technology and video analysis, to inform future ergonomic interventions and training. A single-centre, prospective observational study of 30 surgical cases will be conducted at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. Participating surgeons will wear inertial measurement units (IMUs) to record real-time body segment position data whilst performing live surgery. A biomechanical model will then be used to calculate joint angles and whole body posture. Video recordings will be synchronised with IMU data to map posture to surgical tasks. Static and dynamic postures will be analysed using standard ergonomic assessment tools. Alternative tools tailored to surgery will be assessed and proposed. Surgeons will complete questionnaires pre- and post-operatively to report musculoskeletal symptoms. Outcomes will compare ergonomic risk across surgical techniques, identify high-risk procedural steps, and assess the acceptability of wearable technologies in the operating theatre. The data generated will also be used to evaluate, train or refine artificially intelligent camera-based pose estimation models for the operating theatre environment in order to make future ergonomics research and assessment more accessible.

Effect of Otago Exercise Program in Comparison With Dual Task Training on Balance and Postural Control in Elderly Population

Balance and postural control are major concerns in reduction of risk of fall among older adults. Otago Exercise Program and dual task training program are commonly used approaches to improve balance, functional mobility and postural control. However, limited studies have compared the efficacy of Otago Exercise Program and dual task training program in improving balance and functional mobility. One-third to one-half of the population over age 60 reports injuries due to fall because of the high incidence of balance and mobility disorders in older adults, interventions are necessary that optimize the performance of balance- and mobility-related activities among older adults. The aim of the current study to find out better intervention which will benefit the clinicians and physiotherapists in clinical decision making of managing the geriatric population, suffering fear of fall, going to effect on their daily livings, with evidence.

Floor Sitting Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the impact of different sitting environments on general well-being and movement patterns in healthy young adults aged 18-35. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does floor sitting lead to increased movement and postural changes compared to chair sitting? Over a month-long period, how does sustained floor sitting influence overall well-being, posture, and movement habits? Researchers will compare the effects of chair sitting and floor sitting in a controlled lab environment (Aim 1) and observe the longer-term effects of habitual floor sitting in participants natural environments (Aim 2) to see if consistent floor sitting promotes more dynamic movement and comfort. Participants will: Undergo two 30-minute experimental sitting sessions, one in a chair and the other on the floor, while engaging in typical desk activities (Aim 1). Participate in a month-long study where they integrate an hour of floor sitting into their daily routines, recording their experiences and any changes in sitting habits through daily diaries and in-depth interview (Aim 2).