Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises Versus Balance Exercises in Older Adults

NCT07495280 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: IrmakCetinel
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 18
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) based exercises and balance exercises on functional capacity, balance, muscle strength, and quality of life in older adults.

Conditions

Age-Related Balance Impairment; Healthy Older Adults

Keywords

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization; Older Adults; Functional Capacity; Quality of Life; Hand Grip Strength; Balance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)

  The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) will be used to assess functional capacity, including balance, gait speed, and lower extremity strength in older adults. Higher scores indicate better physical performance. In elderly individuals, a total SPPB score of 8 points or less is considered a clinically significant threshold for poor physical performance and frailty. Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.

  6 weeks

• Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)

  The Timed Up and Go Test will be used to evaluate dynamic balance and functional mobility. Shorter completion times indicate better balance and mobility performance. In the elderly population, a TUG test duration of 13.5 seconds or more is used as a cut-off value indicating an increased risk of falls. Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.

  6 weeks

• Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback (SPB)

  Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback will be used to assess activation and control of the deep stabilizing system during specific stabilization tasks. In elderly individuals, maintaining a pressure change of 0-2 mmHg compared to an initial pressure of 40 mmHg during the abdominal drawing-in maneuver, as assessed by Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback, is considered the optimal value for proper activation of the deep abdominal muscles. Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.

  6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Hand Grip Strength Test

  6 weeks

• Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE)

  6 weeks

• Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12)

  6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercise Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants assigned to this group will receive Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercises focusing on trunk stabilization, diaphragmatic breathing, and activation of the deep stabilizing system.

Other: Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises

Balance Exercise Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants assigned to this group will receive conventional balance exercises aimed at improving postural control and functional balance.

Other: Balance Exercises

Interventions

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises OTHER

Participants in this group will receive Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercises based on developmental kinesiology principles. The intervention focuses on activation and coordination of the deep stabilizing system, diaphragmatic breathing, regulation of intra-abdominal pressure, and restoration of optimal postural and movement patterns. Exercises will be performed in progressively challenging positions appropriate for older adults and will be supervised by a physiotherapist throughout the intervention period.

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercise Group

Balance Exercises OTHER

Conventional static and dynamic balance exercises commonly used in geriatric rehabilitation, including weight-shifting and functional balance tasks, supervised by a physiotherapist.

Balance Exercise Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Older adults aged 65 and over, of both sexes
• Ability to walk independently and perform basic daily living activities without assistance
• Willingness to participate and written consent

You may not qualify if:

• Severe neurological disorders or advanced cognitive impairment
• Serious cardiopulmonary or systemic diseases that would prevent participation in exercise
• History of orthopedic surgery or acute trauma within the last 6 months
• Psychiatric disorders or communication difficulties that would prevent participation

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Yeditepe University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Yeditepe University

Istanbul, Ataşehir, 34758, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Officials

• Irmak Sıla Çetinel

  Yeditepe University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Elif Develi, PhD C

CONTACT

0905555936293; elifstn@yahoo.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: This study is conducted as an open-label trial. Due to the nature of the exercise interventions, neither the participants nor the therapists can be blinded to group allocation. Outcome assessments will be performed using standardized and validated measurement tools.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Physiotherapist

Model Details: Participants are divided into two separate groups (DNS exercise group and balance exercise group), and each group receives only its own intervention during the same time period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 12, 2026
• First Posted: March 27, 2026
• Study Start: March 30, 2026
• Primary Completion: April 30, 2026
• Study Completion: May 15, 2026
• Last Updated: March 27, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Locations

TU (1)