Clinical Research Directory

Vestibular and Postural Function in Children Suspected of Balance Disorders

The goal of this prospective cohort study is to investigate the vestibular function in children suspected of balance disorders, and to follow up on their balance progressions after rehabilitation. The main hypothesis of the study is that delayed gross motor development and symptoms of dizziness and balance problems in some children are caused by vestibular dysfunction. The investigators expect that early detection and rehabilitation by a physiotherapist will improve the balance ability for the child. The participants will be children in the age of 6 months to 10 years with delayed gross motor development and/or with dizziness/balance problems. The test protocol consists of questionnaires, hearing screening and vestibular and postural assessments.

Vestibular Function in Obesity

Previous studies have demonstrated that obesity negatively affects the human vestibular system. However, whether improvement in vestibular function occurs following the resolution of obesity remains an area requiring further investigation. Therefore, the investigators aimed to assess and analyze vestibular system functions in patients scheduled for bariatric surgery, both before the surgery, after the surgery, and following significant weight loss. Participants aged between 18 and 60 years who meet the inclusion criteria will be enrolled in the study. Initially, participants will undergo medical history assessment and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement. The enrolled participants will be evaluated using the following tests at three different time points-preoperatively, at the 1st month postoperatively, and at the 6th month postoperatively: Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), static posturography test, Berg Balance Scale, SF-12 Quality of Life Scale, and the Activity-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Although obesity has been shown to be associated with impaired postural balance, studies evaluating the direct effect of BMI on postural sway are limited. The aim of our study is to assess the vestibular system in obese patients before and after bariatric surgery. Through this, the investigators hope to contribute to the literature by providing balance assessments in individuals with obesity

Combined Effects of Vestibular Rehabilitation With Dual Task Training in Vestibular Disorders

Patients with vestibular disorders often experience cognitive-motor interference which can adversely affect their motor performance, significantly impair daily functioning, increase instability, reducing quality of life and increasing the risk of falls. Vestibular rehabilitation is a well-established therapeutic approach for managing vestibular disorders in reducing symptoms and improving balance and mobility. Similarly, Dual Task Training improves cognitive-motor integration by enhancing both cognitive and motor functions and has shown promising results in other populations. This study is aimed to determine the combined effects of both interventions as it might provide a more comprehensive and effective treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

The Effect of Computerized Vestibular Function Assessment and Training System Combined With Cognitive/Motor Dual-task

This study aims to investigate the effect of computerized vestibular function assessment and interactive training system, combined with cognitive/motor dual-task for the elderly with dizziness. The investigators will compare the movement abilities among older adults with different cognitive level, and further establish an assessment module that can evaluate participants' dual-task performance in both vestibular and cognitive tasks. Finally, leveraging the advantages of sensor detection technology and computerized feedback, an appropriate dual-task rehabilitation approach for vestibular function and cognition will be developed.