Figure-of-eight Backward Walk Test in Elderly

NCT07180030 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: figure-of-eight backward walk
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 87
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Mobility is a fundamental element of healthy aging. Balance is a necessary function during mobility for all movements throughout life in elderly individuals. Falls due to balance disorders in elderly individuals cause a decrease in the quality of life. Studies in the literature indicate that 13% of individuals aged 65-69 experience falls, and this rate rises to 46% in individuals over 85. Lower extremity muscle volume and strength gradually decrease with aging. This decreased muscle strength directly impacts individuals' activities of daily living.Normal walking speed for elderly individuals is related to balance and overall health performance. However, walking assessments generally focus on walking activities in a forward direction and in a straight line. However, in daily life, we may need to sit on a chair, walk backward to navigate a narrow space, or change direction suddenly due to obstacles or environmental cues. Walking backward requires more complex motor control, and these gait training programs are known to be effective in improving balance and walking skills.Clinically, balance assessments in the elderly persons are commonly measured by using the TUG, 10-meter walk test, functional reach test, 4-square step test, and Berg balance scale. The methods used to assess balance are still not fully standardized. The best test for assessing dynamic balance and fall risk is still up for debate, especially when it comes to elderly individuals who live freely in the community. Further research is needed to determine whether lateral walking tests can identify those at high risk of falling in elderly adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability, validity, and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the Figure-of-8 backward walking test in healthy elderly adults.

Conditions

Balance; Dynamic Balance; Backward Walking; Elderly (People Aged 65 or More)

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• figure-of-eight backward walking test

  In the figure-of-eight backward walking (F8BWT) test, participants begin at the midpoint of two cones 1.5 m apart. Participants walk backward, circle both cones, and record the time it takes to return to the starting point. The test is administered by both raters on the first and second days.The assessments will be conducted by two separate specialists(physiotherapists). Individuals' completion times for each activity during the tests will be recorded using a stopwatch. Assessments will be conducted over two days, in two sessions per day. On the first day, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will perform the F8BWT twice. In the second session, the second assessor (PT2) will perform the F8BWT twice. The average of the two recorded times will be noted. On the second day of the assessment, the PT2 will begin by performing the F8BWT. PT2 will then perform the F8BWT twice. The average of the two recorded times will be noted.

  On the day 1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will perform the F8BWT twice. In the second session, the second assessor (PT2) will perform the F8BWT twice.

Secondary Outcomes (8)

• SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FORM

  On the day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.

• 8-Figure Walk Test

  On the day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.

• Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)

  On the first day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.

• Modified 4-Square Step Test (mFSST)

  On the first day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.

• 3-Meter Backward Walk Test (3MGYT)

  On the day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.

Study Arms (1)

1/study group

Healthy elderly individuals over the age of 65 living in the city center of Kahramanmaraş

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years - 85 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

It is planned to include elderly individuals over 65 years of age residing in the Kahramanmaraş city center in the scope of the research, and healthy elderly individuals over 65 years of age (n=87) who can be reached by random sampling method will be included in the research.

You may qualify if:

• Healthy elderly individuals over 65 years of age.
• Elderly individuals who have fluent in Turkish and able to communicate.
• Elderly individuals who have no cognitive impairment.

You may not qualify if:

• Elderly individuals who have any neurological problems (Parkinson's, hemiplegia, etc.)
• Elderly individuals who have any orthopedic problems (fractures, etc., in the last year)
• Elderly individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2
• Elderly individuals who havevision problems
• Elderly individuals who have had any lower extremity surgery in the last year
• Elderly individuals who use any mobility aids
• Elderly individuals who refuse to participate in the study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Kahramanmaraş Sütçü imam University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Kahramanmaraş, Onikişubat, 46100, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

Study Officials

• hatice adıgüzel tat, Associate Professor

  Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Abdülkadir Ertürk, Msc

  Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Yusuf Şinasi Kırmacı, Asisstant Prof

  Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University

  STUDY CHAIR

• mehmet göğremiş, Asisstant Prof

  Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University

  STUDY CHAIR

• Mehtap Sönmez, Professor

  Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University

  STUDY CHAIR

• Suat Erel, Professor

  Pamukkale University

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Emel Taşvuran Horata

  Sakarya University of Applied Sciences

  STUDY CHAIR

Central Study Contacts

hatice adıgüzel tat, Associate Proffessor

CONTACT

+903443002647; fzthatis@gmail.com

hatice Adiguzel tat, Associate Proffessor

CONTACT

+903443002647; fzthatis@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 5, 2025
• First Posted: September 18, 2025
• Study Start: May 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: January 15, 2026
• Study Completion: January 30, 2026
• Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-12

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)