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AgingNCT07472101

Effects of Telerehabilitation-Based Dual-Task Exercises on Balance, Fall Risk, Cognitive Function, and Sleep Quality in Geriatric Individuals

A study testing Telerehabilitation Based Dual-Task Exercises and Educational Brochure and Phone Follow-Up in people with Aging and Balance Control in Elderly, run by Bulent Ecevit University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of dual-task exercises-which simultaneously target cognitive and motor functions-delivered via telerehabilitation on fall risk, balance, cognitive functions, and sleep quality in geriatric individuals.Aging is often associated with balance disorders, increased… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 65 to 74 years
What is being tested?
Telerehabilitation Based Dual-Task Exercises and Educational Brochure and Phone Follow-Up
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
2 Feb 2026to 2 Jul 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 65 to 74 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Participants aged 65 to 74 years.
  • Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score between 41 and 56.
  • Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) score between 19 and 23.
  • Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score between 18 and 30.
  • Independent in activities of daily living.
  • Able to walk without assistive devices.
  • Capable of using video call applications for telerehabilitation sessions.

Who cannot join

  • Participants younger than 65 years.
  • Individuals with cardiovascular diseases.
  • Amputees.
  • Individuals with severe cognitive impairment.
  • Individuals with significant visual or hearing impairments.
  • Individuals without internet access.
  • Individuals unable to use video call applications for telerehabilitation sessions.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University

    Zonguldak, Kozlu, 67600

    Sanem ŞENER, PhD, +90 553 591 83 96, sanemsener@yahoo.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: The Effects of Dual-Task Exercises Performed Through Telerehabilitation on Balance, Falls, Cognitive Function, and Sleep Quality in Geriatric Individuals: A Randomised Control Trial

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of dual-task exercises-which simultaneously target cognitive and motor functions-delivered via telerehabilitation on fall risk, balance, cognitive functions, and sleep quality in geriatric individuals.Aging is often associated with balance disorders, increased fall risk, cognitive decline, and impaired sleep quality, all of which significantly impact the quality of life in the elderly. Dual-task interventions require individuals to perform physical and cognitive tasks concurrently, aiming to improve sensorimotor control and enhance balance strategies under cognitive load.This study utilizes telerehabilitation as a cost-effective and sustainable solution to facilitate access to healthcare services, providing a remote alternative to face-to-face rehabilitation. The research aims to demonstrate that dual-task exercises performed through telerehabilitation can contribute to functional recovery, reduce the fear of falling, and increase the safe mobility capacity of geriatric individuals.

Read the detailed description

Aging is associated with various physiological and functional changes that can negatively affect independence and quality of life in older adults. Among the most common problems observed in geriatric individuals are balance impairments, increased risk of falls, decline in cognitive functions, and deterioration in sleep quality. These conditions not only reduce functional independence but also increase morbidity and healthcare utilization in older populations. Therefore, effective and accessible rehabilitation strategies are needed to address these multidimensional problems.

In recent years, technological approaches have increasingly been integrated into rehabilitation programs. One of the most prominent approaches is telerehabilitation, which enables healthcare professionals to deliver rehabilitation interventions remotely using digital communication technologies. Telerehabilitation facilitates access to rehabilitation services for older individuals who may have limited mobility or difficulty accessing healthcare facilities. Previous studies have demonstrated that telerehabilitation can provide outcomes comparable to conventional face-to-face rehabilitation, particularly in terms of pain reduction, functional improvement, and quality of life enhancement in musculoskeletal conditions. These findings suggest that telerehabilitation may serve as a safe, effective, and sustainable rehabilitation model for older adults.

Dual-task training has emerged as an important intervention approach aimed at improving both cognitive and motor functions simultaneously. Dual-task exercises require individuals to perform a motor task while concurrently completing a cognitive task, thereby stimulating the interaction between motor and cognitive systems. This approach reflects real-life situations in which individuals frequently perform multiple tasks at the same time during daily activities. Research has shown that dual-task training can improve postural stability, enhance cognitive performance, and reduce fall risk in older adults by strengthening sensorimotor control and motor-cognitive integration.

Functional mobility and dynamic balance are important determinants of independence in older adults. The interaction between cognitive load and motor performance plays a critical role in maintaining postural control and preventing falls in this population. In addition, cognitive status in older individuals is frequently evaluated using standardized tools that assess attention, memory, executive functions, and orientation, as these cognitive processes are closely related to balance performance and functional mobility.

Sleep quality is another important factor affecting the health and functional capacity of older adults. Poor sleep quality has been associated with decreased cognitive performance, impaired balance, and increased risk of falls. Previous studies have reported that combined physical and cognitive training interventions, such as dual-task exercise programs, may improve not only physical performance but also cognitive functioning and sleep quality in older adults.

Considering these findings, dual-task exercise programs delivered through telerehabilitation platforms may provide an effective and accessible intervention strategy for geriatric individuals. Such programs allow participants to perform exercises in their home environment under remote supervision, thereby improving accessibility and adherence while reducing barriers related to transportation and mobility.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of telerehabilitation-based dual-task exercises on balance, fall risk, cognitive functions, and sleep quality in geriatric individuals.

This experimental study is planned to be conducted with geriatric patients presenting to Zonguldak Atatürk State Hospital between February 2, 2026 and June 2, 2026. The findings of the study are expected to contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding the role of telerehabilitation and dual-task exercise approaches in improving functional and cognitive outcomes in older adults.

Being tested
Telerehabilitation Based Dual-Task Exercises, Educational Brochure and Phone Follow-Up
Keywords
telerehabilitation, dual-task exercise, balance, cognitive function, sleep quality
Medical subject headings
Sleep Wake Disorders, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Telerehabilitation Based Dual-Task ExercisesOther

    Participants perform 4-week home-based dual-task exercises 3 days/week via video call with a physiotherapist. Each session includes 5 minutes of warm-up, 50 minutes of combined motor and cognitive exercises, and 5 minutes of cool-down. Motor tasks focus on balance and posture (semi-tandem, tandem walking, single-leg stance, directional changes). Cognitive tasks are performed simultaneously, including counting, naming objects/colors/animals, simple arithmetic, memory, and sequencing tasks. Task difficulty is progressively increased weekly, and intensity is adjusted individually. The physiotherapist monitors exercise form and safety visually during each session.

  • Educational Brochure and Phone Follow-UpOther

    Participants receive a brochure covering posture, balance, sleep hygiene, safe physical activity, and the dual-task exercises provided to the intervention group. Weekly phone calls are made to monitor adherence, encourage engagement, and answer questions. Participants perform exercises independently at home, following brochure instructions. No structured telerehabilitation sessions are provided.

Study groups in NCT07472101
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Telerehabilitation GroupExperimentalParticipants will perform supervised telerehabilitation dual-task exercises at home for 4 weeks, 3 days per week, to improve balance, posture, cognitive function, and reduce fall risk. Each session includes warm-up, dual-task exercises (motor + cognitive), and cool-down.
Receives: Other: Telerehabilitation Based Dual-Task Exercises
Control GroupExperimentalParticipants will receive an educational brochure including guidance on posture, balance, safe activity, sleep, and the dual-task exercises provided to the intervention group. Participation will be monitored weekly by phone.
Receives: Other: Educational Brochure and Phone Follow-Up

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Balance performance

    Berg Balance Scale (BBS) will be used to assess static and dynamic balance in older adults. Participants perform 14 items evaluating daily functional movements, each scored 0-4 points, total score 0-56. Higher scores indicate better balance. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, after 4-week intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.

    Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks, 1 month

  2. Fall risk and fear of falling

    Falls Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I) will be used to evaluate participants' concern about falling during 16 daily activities. Each item is scored 1-4, with higher scores indicating greater fear of falling. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, after 4-week intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.

    Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks, 1 month

  3. Sleep quality

    Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) will be used to evaluate sleep quality and disturbances over the past month. Total score ranges 0-21; higher scores indicate poorer sleep quality. Assessments will be performed at baseline, after 4-week intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.

    Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks, 1 month

  4. Balance and gait performance

    Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) will be used to assess both balance (9 items) and gait performance (7 items) in older adults. Each item is scored 0-2 (0 = unable, 1 = partial/unsafe, 2 = safe and correct), with a total score ranging from 0 to 28. Fall risk is classified as high (<19), medium (19-23), or low (≥24). Assessments will be conducted at baseline, after the 4-week intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.

    Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks, 1 month

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Functional mobility

    Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test will be performed to evaluate mobility and fall risk. Participants rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit; time to complete is measured. Longer times indicate reduced mobility. Measurements will be performed at baseline, after 4-week intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.

    Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks, 1 month

  2. Mental state

    Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) will be used to evaluate orientation, attention, memory, language, and calculation skills. Total score ranges 0-30; lower scores indicate cognitive impairment. Assessments will be performed at baseline, after 4-week intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.

    Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks, 1 month

  3. Cognitive function

    Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) will be used to evaluate attention, executive functions, memory, language, visuospatial skills, abstraction, and orientation. Score ranges 0-30; higher scores indicate better cognitive performance. Assessments will be performed at baseline, after 4-week intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.

    Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks, 1 month

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted16 Mar 2026
  2. Study start2 Feb 2026
  3. Primary completion2 Jun 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion2 Jul 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07472101
Sponsor's protocol ID
GeriatricDualTaskTelerehab2026
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
10 Mar 2026
Last updated
16 Mar 2026
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Li F, Harmer P. Prevalence of Falls, Physical Performance, and Dual-Task Cost While Walking in Older Adults at High Risk of Falling with and Without Cognitive Impairment. Clin Interv Aging. 2020 Jun 22;15:945-952. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S254764. eCollection 2020.

    PubMed 32606636
  • Ghai S, Ghai I, Effenberg AO. Effects of dual tasks and dual-task training on postural stability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Interv Aging. 2017 Mar 23;12:557-577. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S125201. eCollection 2017.

    PubMed 28356727
  • Cottrell MA, O'Leary SP, Raymer M, Hill AJ, Comans T, Russell TG. Does telerehabilitation result in inferior clinical outcomes compared with in-person care for the management of chronic musculoskeletal spinal conditions in the tertiary hospital setting? A non-randomised pilot clinical trial. J Telemed Telecare. 2021 Aug;27(7):444-452. doi: 10.1177/1357633X19887265. Epub 2019 Nov 26.

    PubMed 31771410

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Telerehabilitation Based Dual-Task Exercises and Educational Brochure and Phone Follow-Up in people with Aging and Balance Control in Elderly, run by Bulent Ecevit University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Balance performance (time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 1 month). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07472101, which also lists 3 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Mar 2026.

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