Age-Related Balance ImpairmentNCT07495280
Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises Versus Balance Exercises in Older Adults
A study testing Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises and Balance Exercises in people with Age-Related Balance Impairment and Healthy Older Adults, run by Yeditepe University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 65 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Age-Related Balance Impairment, Healthy Older Adults
- What is being tested?
- Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises and Balance Exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 30 Mar 2026to 15 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises Versus Balance Exercises on Functional Outcomes, Balance, and Quality of Life in Older Adults
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.
Read the detailed description
Aging leads to a decline in postural control, muscle strength, balance, and functional capacity, increasing the risk of falls and negatively impacting quality of life. Therefore, investigating the effectiveness of exercise approaches targeting neuromuscular control and stability in older adults is of great importance.
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is a developmental kinesiology-based approach that aims to reactivate the deep stabilizer system, promote diaphragmatic breathing, and restore optimal movement patterns. Traditional balance exercises are commonly used in older adults to improve balance performance. However, evidence regarding the effects of DNS exercises on functional capacity, balance, and quality of life in older adults is limited.
The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to compare the effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercises and traditional balance exercises on functional capacity, balance, and quality of life in older adults. Individuals aged 65 and over will be included in the study and randomized into two groups: a DNS exercise group and a balance exercise group.
Functional capacity and physical performance assessments will be conducted using the Hand Grip Strength Test, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Timed Up and Walk Test. Trunk stability and deep stabilizer system activation will be assessed using the Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback (SPB) device. Physical activity level will be measured using the Physical Activity Assessment Scale for the Elderly, and quality of life will be measured using the SF-12 Quality of Life Scale. All assessments will be conducted before the intervention and after the exercise program.
- Being tested
- Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises, Balance Exercises
- Keywords
- Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, Older Adults, Functional Capacity, Quality of Life, Hand Grip Strength, Balance
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization ExercisesOther
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.
Balance ExercisesOther
Conventional static and dynamic balance exercises commonly used in geriatric rehabilitation, including weight-shifting and functional balance tasks, supervised by a physiotherapist.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Receives: 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. Receives: Other: Balance Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (3)
Hand Grip Strength Test
Hand grip strength will be assessed using a hand dynamometer to evaluate upper extremity muscle strength as an indicator of overall muscle function. In elderly individuals, a hand grip strength below 16 kg in women and 27 kg in men is considered an indicator of low muscle strength and possible sarcopenia.
Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.
Measured: 6 weeks
Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE)
The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) will be used to assess habitual physical activity levels in older adults. A PASE score of 67 or below is considered indicative of low physical activity levels and physical inactivity in elderly individuals.
Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.
Measured: 6 weeks
Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12)
Health-related quality of life will be evaluated using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire, including physical and mental component summary scores. In older individuals, SF-12 component scores below 50 indicate that health-related quality of life is below societal norms.
Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Mar 2026
- Study start30 Mar 2026
- Primary completion30 Apr 2026
- Study completion15 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Age-Related Balance ImpairmentStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Model description
- 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.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Yeditepe University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Elif Develi, Yeditepe University
- Investigators
- Irmak Sıla Çetinel, Principal investigator, Yeditepe University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07495280
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IrmakCetinel
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 12 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 21 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: It's not decided yet.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises Versus Balance Exercises on Functional Outcomes, Balance, and Quality of Life in Older Adults
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07495280
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IrmakCetinel
- Keywords
- Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, Older Adults, Functional Capacity, Quality of Life, Hand Grip Strength, Balance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Yeditepe UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 30 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 27 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
Aging leads to a decline in postural control, muscle strength, balance, and functional capacity, increasing the risk of falls and negatively impacting quality of life. Therefore, investigating the effectiveness of exercise approaches targeting neuromuscular control and stability in older adults is of great importance.
Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is a developmental kinesiology-based approach that aims to reactivate the deep stabilizer system, promote diaphragmatic breathing, and restore optimal movement patterns. Traditional balance exercises are commonly used in older adults to improve balance performance. However, evidence regarding the effects of DNS exercises on functional capacity, balance, and quality of life in older adults is limited.
The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to compare the effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercises and traditional balance exercises on functional capacity, balance, and quality of life in older adults. Individuals aged 65 and over will be included in the study and randomized into two groups: a DNS exercise group and a balance exercise group.
Functional capacity and physical performance assessments will be conducted using the Hand Grip Strength Test, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Timed Up and Walk Test. Trunk stability and deep stabilizer system activation will be assessed using the Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback (SPB) device. Physical activity level will be measured using the Physical Activity Assessment Scale for the Elderly, and quality of life will be measured using the SF-12 Quality of Life Scale. All assessments will be conducted before the intervention and after the exercise program.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- 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.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercise Group | Experimental | Other: Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization ExercisesParticipants assigned to this group will receive Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercises focusing on trunk stabilization, diaphragmatic breathing, and activation of the deep stabilizing system. |
| Balance Exercise Group | Active comparator | Other: Balance ExercisesParticipants assigned to this group will receive conventional balance exercises aimed at improving postural control and functional balance. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 65 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization ExercisesParticipants 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. | Other | Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Exercise Group |
| Balance ExercisesConventional static and dynamic balance exercises commonly used in geriatric rehabilitation, including weight-shifting and functional balance tasks, supervised by a physiotherapist. | Other | Balance Exercise Group |
Primary outcome
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
Time frame: 6 weeks
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.
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
Time frame: 6 weeks
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.
Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback (SPB)
Time frame: 6 weeks
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.
3 secondary outcomes
Hand Grip Strength Test
Time frame: 6 weeks
Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE)
Time frame: 6 weeks
Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12)
Time frame: 6 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. It's not decided yet.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Irmak Sıla Çetinel principal investigator
Yeditepe University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises and Balance Exercises in people with Age-Related Balance Impairment and Healthy Older Adults, run by Yeditepe 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 3 inclusion and 4 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Oct 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 21 Oct 2026.