Dynamic BalanceNCT07608991
Effects of Combined Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises on Dynamic Balance in Elderly
A study testing occulomotor with otago exercises and Combined Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises with Otago Exercises in people with Dynamic Balance and Risk of Fall, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study focuses on improving balance in elderly individuals (aged 60-80 years) who may experience dizziness or instability while walking or performing daily activities. Poor balance increases the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries and loss of independence. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 to 80 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Dynamic Balance, Risk of Fall
- What is being tested?
- occulomotor with otago exercises and Combined Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises with Otago Exercises
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 48 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 18 Nov 2025to 10 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 60 to 80 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Male and female participants aged 60-80 years.
- DHI-mild score(0-30)
- Ability to follow instructions and participate in exercises.
- BBS moderate (21-40)
- Normal to corrected vision
- Negative Dix Hallpike
Who cannot join
- Diagnosed vestibular disorders
- Neurological or musculoskeletal conditions affecting balance.
- Patients with VBI
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, 44000
About this study
This study focuses on improving balance in elderly individuals (aged 60-80 years) who may experience dizziness or instability while walking or performing daily activities. Poor balance increases the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries and loss of independence.
The study compares two types of exercise programs:
Read more
One group performs combined cervical (neck) exercises + eye (oculomotor) exercises + Otago balance exercises The other group performs eye (oculomotor) exercises + Otago balance exercises only These exercises are done 3 times per week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting 30-45 minutes.
The goal is to determine whether combining neck and eye exercises improves balance more effectively than eye exercises alone.
This research may help:
Reduce fall risk in elderly people Improve mobility and independence Provide better rehabilitation programs for physiotherapists
Read the detailed description
Falls are a major health concern among older adults, frequently leading to serious injuries , and diminished participation in daily activities, which negatively affect overall quality of life. Therefore, designing effective, accessible, and evidence-based strategies to improve balance and prevent falls is essential for promoting healthy aging.because it introduces a novel approach that combines cervical proprioceptive exercises and oculomotor exercises alongside the Otago exercise program. While previous research has demonstrated that both cervical and oculomotor exercises independently enhance balance and reduce fall risk, their combined effects, particularly when integrated into a structured balance program like Otago, remain largely unexplored. By addressing this gap, the present study offers an innovative strategy that targets multiple systems involved in maintaining postural control., the combined intervention is designed to be practical, cost-effective, and easily implemented in various settings, including clinics, community centers, and at home., the study has the potential to guide physiotherapists and rehabilitation professionals toward adopting more holistic balance training protocols. Ultimately, the findings may contribute to reducing fall rates, promoting independence, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the elderly population.
- Conditions
- Dynamic Balance, Risk of Fall
- Being tested
- occulomotor with otago exercises, Combined Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises with Otago Exercises
- Keywords
- Dynamic Balance, Elderly, Cervical Exercises, Oculomotor Exercises, Otago Exercise Program, Fall Prevention, Dizziness, Postural Control, Rehabilitation
- Medical subject headings
- Dizziness
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
occulomotor with otago exercisesProcedure or surgery
Smooth pursuit exercises, where the eyes follow a moving target horizontally, vertically, and diagonally while keeping the head still.
Saccadic eye movements, involving quick shifts of gaze between two stationary targets.
Gaze stability (VOR x1 and VOR x2) exercises, involving head movements while maintaining focus on a target, and moving the head and target in opposite directions.
All participants will perform the Otago exercise program, a well-established, evidence-based fall prevention program focusing on lower limb strengthening and dynamic balance. It includes:
- Strengthening exercises (e.g., knee extensions, hip abduction, calf raises).
- Static and dynamic balance exercises (e.g., tandem stance, backward walking, sit-to-stand without using hands).
- A progressive walking plan to improve endurance and confidence during ambulation.
Combined Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises with Otago ExercisesProcedure or surgery
Cervical range of motion exercises in flexion, extension, rotation, and side bending (gentle, controlled movements).
Chin tuck exercises in supine or sitting positions to activate deep cervical flexors.
Isometric neck strengthening exercises (flexion, extension, lateral flexion), focusing on controlled, static holds.
Occulomotor Exercises:
Smooth pursuit exercises, where the eyes follow a moving target horizontally, vertically, and diagonally while keeping the head still.
Saccadic eye movements, involving quick shifts of gaze between two stationary targets.
Gaze stability (VOR x1 and VOR x2) exercises, involving head movements while maintaining focus on a target, and moving the head in opposite direction Otago exercises Strengthening exercises (e.g., knee extensions, hip abduction, calf raises). Static and dynamic balance exercises (e.g., tandem stance, backward walking, sit-to-stand without using hands).
A progressive walking plan to improve endurance and confidence during ambulation.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| occulomotor exercises with otago exercises group B | Active comparator | Frequency: 3 sessions/week | Duration: 30-45 min
* Week 1-2: Eye exercises 10-12 reps, VOR x1 (30-40 sec), basic balance training, walking 5-12 min
* Week 3-4: Eye exercises 12-15 reps, VOR x1→x2 (1 min), moderate balance training, walking 12-15 min
* Week 5-6: Eye exercises 15-20 reps, VOR x1+x2 (1-2 min), advanced balance training, walking 15-20 min Receives: Procedure: occulomotor with otago exercises |
| Group A (Cervical + Oculomotor + Otago) | Experimental | * Frequency: 3 sessions/week | Duration: 30-45 min
* Week 1-2:
Cervical ROM 10-12 reps, chin tuck 5-7 sec ×10, isometrics 5-6 sec ×5-6, eye exercises 10-12 reps, VOR x1 (30-40 sec), walking 5-12 min * Week 3-4: Cervical ROM 12-15 reps, chin tuck 8-10 sec ×12, isometrics 7-8 sec ×8-10, eye exercises 12-15 reps, VOR x1→x2 (1 min), walking 12-15 min
* Week 5-6: Cervical ROM 15-20 reps, chin tuck 10-12 sec ×15, isometrics 10 sec ×10-12, eye exercises 15-20 reps, VOR x1+x2 (1-2 min), walking 15-20 min Receives: Procedure: Combined Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises with Otago Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Dynamic Balance
Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used Cut-off Values Greater than 45 → Increased risk of falls 21-40 → Moderate balance impairment Outcome Interpretation Higher score = Better balance
Measured: 6 weeks
Functional Mobility
The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) was used
Cut-off Values:
less than 10 seconds → Normal mobility 10-19 seconds → Good mobility 20-29 seconds → Mild impairment
- 30 seconds → Severe impairment > 13.5 seconds → Increased risk of falls (important clinical cutoff)
Interpretation:
Lower time indicates better performance
Measured: 6 weeks
Dynamic Balance
Four Square Step Test was used to evaluate dynamic balance
Cut-off Values:
< 15 seconds → Normal performance > 15 seconds → Increased risk of falls
Interpretation:
Lower time indicates better balance
Measured: 6 weeks
Dizziness related disability
- Dizziness Handicap was used
Cut-off Values:
0-30 → Mild handicap (used in inclusion criteria) 31-60 → Moderate handicap 61-100 → Severe handicap
Interpretation:
Higher score indicates greater dizziness-related disability
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 May 2026
- Study start18 Nov 2025
- Primary completion10 May 2026
- Study completion10 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Dynamic BalanceStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Foundation University IslamabadThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07608991
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FUI/FUCP/CTR/Neuro/AmnaMalik
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 18 May 2026
- Last updated
- 27 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Combined Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises on Dynamic Balance in Elderly
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07608991
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FUI/FUCP/CTR/Neuro/AmnaMalik
- Conditions
- Dynamic Balance, Risk of Fall
- Keywords
- Dynamic Balance, Elderly, Cervical Exercises, Oculomotor Exercises, Otago Exercise Program, Fall Prevention, Dizziness, Postural Control
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 18 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 27 May 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.
This study focuses on improving balance in elderly individuals (aged 60-80 years) who may experience dizziness or instability while walking or performing daily activities. Poor balance increases the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries and loss of independence.
The study compares two types of exercise programs:
One group performs combined cervical (neck) exercises + eye (oculomotor) exercises + Otago balance exercises The other group performs eye (oculomotor) exercises + Otago balance exercises only These exercises are done 3 times per week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting 30-45 minutes.
The goal is to determine whether combining neck and eye exercises improves balance more effectively than eye exercises alone.
This research may help:
Reduce fall risk in elderly people Improve mobility and independence Provide better rehabilitation programs for physiotherapists
Detailed description
Falls are a major health concern among older adults, frequently leading to serious injuries , and diminished participation in daily activities, which negatively affect overall quality of life. Therefore, designing effective, accessible, and evidence-based strategies to improve balance and prevent falls is essential for promoting healthy aging.because it introduces a novel approach that combines cervical proprioceptive exercises and oculomotor exercises alongside the Otago exercise program. While previous research has demonstrated that both cervical and oculomotor exercises independently enhance balance and reduce fall risk, their combined effects, particularly when integrated into a structured balance program like Otago, remain largely unexplored. By addressing this gap, the present study offers an innovative strategy that targets multiple systems involved in maintaining postural control., the combined intervention is designed to be practical, cost-effective, and easily implemented in various settings, including clinics, community centers, and at home., the study has the potential to guide physiotherapists and rehabilitation professionals toward adopting more holistic balance training protocols. Ultimately, the findings may contribute to reducing fall rates, promoting independence, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the elderly population.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| occulomotor exercises with otago exercises group B | Active comparator | Procedure: occulomotor with otago exercisesFrequency: 3 sessions/week | Duration: 30-45 min * Week 1-2: Eye exercises 10-12 reps, VOR x1 (30-40 sec), basic balance training, walking 5-12 min * Week 3-4: Eye exercises 12-15 reps, VOR x1→x2 (1 min), moderate balance training, walking 12-15 min * Week 5-6: Eye exercises 15-20 reps, VOR x1+x2 (1-2 min), advanced balance training, walking 15-20 min |
| Group A (Cervical + Oculomotor + Otago) | Experimental | Procedure: Combined Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises with Otago Exercises* Frequency: 3 sessions/week | Duration: 30-45 min * Week 1-2: Cervical ROM 10-12 reps, chin tuck 5-7 sec ×10, isometrics 5-6 sec ×5-6, eye exercises 10-12 reps, VOR x1 (30-40 sec), walking 5-12 min * Week 3-4: Cervical ROM 12-15 reps, chin tuck 8-10 sec ×12, isometrics 7-8 sec ×8-10, eye exercises 12-15 reps, VOR x1→x2 (1 min), walking 12-15 min * Week 5-6: Cervical ROM 15-20 reps, chin tuck 10-12 sec ×15, isometrics 10 sec ×10-12, eye exercises 15-20 reps, VOR x1+x2 (1-2 min), walking 15-20 min |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Male and female participants aged 60-80 years.
- DHI-mild score(0-30)
- Ability to follow instructions and participate in exercises.
- BBS moderate (21-40)
- Normal to corrected vision
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Diagnosed vestibular disorders
- Neurological or musculoskeletal conditions affecting balance.
- Patients with VBI
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 |
|---|---|---|
| occulomotor with otago exercisesSmooth pursuit exercises, where the eyes follow a moving target horizontally, vertically, and diagonally while keeping the head still. Saccadic eye movements, involving quick shifts of gaze between two stationary targets. Gaze stability (VOR x1 and VOR x2) exercises, involving head movements while maintaining focus on a target, and moving the head and target in opposite directions. All participants will perform the Otago exercise program, a well-established, evidence-based fall prevention program focusing on lower limb strengthening and dynamic balance. It includes: * Strengthening exercises (e.g., knee extensions, hip abduction, calf raises). * Static and dynamic balance exercises (e.g., tandem stance, backward walking, sit-to-stand without using hands). * A progressive walking plan to improve endurance and confidence during ambulation. | Procedure or surgery | occulomotor exercises with otago exercises group B |
| Combined Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises with Otago ExercisesCervical range of motion exercises in flexion, extension, rotation, and side bending (gentle, controlled movements). Chin tuck exercises in supine or sitting positions to activate deep cervical flexors. Isometric neck strengthening exercises (flexion, extension, lateral flexion), focusing on controlled, static holds. Occulomotor Exercises: Smooth pursuit exercises, where the eyes follow a moving target horizontally, vertically, and diagonally while keeping the head still. Saccadic eye movements, involving quick shifts of gaze between two stationary targets. Gaze stability (VOR x1 and VOR x2) exercises, involving head movements while maintaining focus on a target, and moving the head in opposite direction Otago exercises Strengthening exercises (e.g., knee extensions, hip abduction, calf raises). Static and dynamic balance exercises (e.g., tandem stance, backward walking, sit-to-stand without using hands). A progressive walking plan to improve endurance and confidence during ambulation. | Procedure or surgery | Group A (Cervical + Oculomotor + Otago) |
Primary outcome
Dynamic Balance
Time frame: 6 weeks
Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used Cut-off Values Greater than 45 → Increased risk of falls 21-40 → Moderate balance impairment Outcome Interpretation Higher score = Better balance
Functional Mobility
Time frame: 6 weeks
The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) was used Cut-off Values: less than 10 seconds → Normal mobility 10-19 seconds → Good mobility 20-29 seconds → Mild impairment * 30 seconds → Severe impairment > 13.5 seconds → Increased risk of falls (important clinical cutoff) Interpretation: Lower time indicates better performance
Dynamic Balance
Time frame: 6 weeks
Four Square Step Test was used to evaluate dynamic balance Cut-off Values: < 15 seconds → Normal performance > 15 seconds → Increased risk of falls Interpretation: Lower time indicates better balance
Dizziness related disability
Time frame: 6 weeks
4. Dizziness Handicap was used Cut-off Values: 0-30 → Mild handicap (used in inclusion criteria) 31-60 → Moderate handicap 61-100 → Severe handicap Interpretation: Higher score indicates greater dizziness-related disability
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 27 May 2026.
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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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing occulomotor with otago exercises and Combined Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises with Otago Exercises in people with Dynamic Balance and Risk of Fall, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 6 inclusion and 3 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 27 May 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 Pakistan. 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?
Dynamic Balance (time frame: 6 weeks). 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?
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 27 May 2026.