Effects of Three Different Exercise Programs on Dynamic Balance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

NCT07525453 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 15.2026fbu
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 45
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to compare the effects of core stabilization exercises, an amplitude-based exercise program derived from LSVT BIG principles, and their combination on dynamic balance in community-dwelling healthy older adults aged 65 years and above. Secondary outcomes include functional mobility, fear of falling, reaction time, and quality of life. Age-related declines in neuromuscular and sensory functions impair postural control and increase fall risk. While both core stabilization and amplitude-based exercises have shown beneficial effects, their comparative and combined effects in healthy older adults remain unclear. This study will determine whether the combined intervention provides additional benefits over single interventions.

Conditions

Balance Disorders; Risk of Falling in the Elderly; Aging

Keywords

Dynamic Balance; Older Adults; Postural Control; Reaction Time

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Dynamic Balance (Y Balance Test)

  The Y Balance Test is a reliable and valid measure used to assess dynamic balance and neuromuscular control. It is a modified version of the Star Excursion Balance Test and evaluates an individual's ability to maintain single-leg stance while reaching in multiple directions. During the test, the participant stands on one leg at the center of a Y-shaped grid and uses the free limb to reach as far as possible in three directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. Reach distances are measured in centimeters, and a composite score is calculated by normalizing reach distances to limb length. Higher reach distances and composite scores indicate better dynamic balance performance. The test has been widely used in clinical and research settings due to its sensitivity in detecting balance deficits and risk of injury or falls.

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Functional Reach Distance

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

• 360-Degree Turn Time

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

• Reaction Time

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

• Fear of Falling (FES-I)

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

• Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF)

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Study Arms (3)

Core Stabilization Exercise Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will perform a structured core stabilization exercise program focusing on trunk muscle activation and postural control.

Behavioral: Core Stabilization Exercises

Amplitude-Based Exercise Group (LSVT BIG)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will perform an amplitude-based exercise program derived from LSVT BIG principles, focusing on increasing movement amplitude and functional mobility.

Behavioral: Amplitude-Based Exercise (LSVT BIG)

Combined Core and Amplitude-Based Exercise Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will perform a combined exercise program including both core stabilization exercises and amplitude-based exercises based on LSVT BIG principles.

Behavioral: Combined Core and Amplitude-Based Exercise

Interventions

Core Stabilization Exercises BEHAVIORAL

A structured exercise program focusing on trunk muscle activation, spinal stability, and postural control.

Core Stabilization Exercise Group

Amplitude-Based Exercise (LSVT BIG) BEHAVIORAL

An exercise program derived from LSVT BIG principles, emphasizing increased movement amplitude and functional mobility.

Amplitude-Based Exercise Group (LSVT BIG)

Combined Core and Amplitude-Based Exercise BEHAVIORAL

A combined program including core stabilization exercises and amplitude-based exercises based on LSVT BIG principles.

Combined Core and Amplitude-Based Exercise Group

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

• Age 65 years and older
• Ability to walk independently
• Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score \> 24, indicating sufficient cognitive ability to understand and follow instructions
• Willingness to participate in the study and provide written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• History of serious lower extremity injury, surgery, or acute musculoskeletal condition within the last 6 months
• Severe visual or hearing impairment that would prevent safe and accurate completion of the assessments
• Presence of acute vestibular disorders significantly affecting balance
• Presence of neurological disease
• Uncontrolled cardiac disease, uncontrolled hypertension, severe pulmonary disease, or any condition that makes exercise unsafe

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Fenerbahce University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Atasehir 30 August Retirees Cultural Center, Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Ataşehir, 34734, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

Study Officials

• Burcu AKKURT, PhD

  Fenerbahçe University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Burcu AKKURT, PhD

CONTACT

0 216 910 1907; burcu.akkurt@fbu.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 6, 2026
• First Posted: April 13, 2026
• Study Start: March 16, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): May 11, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 11, 2026
• Last Updated: April 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)