Elderly (People Aged 65 or More)NCT07618143
The Effects of Somatic-Based Chair Exercises in the Elderly
A study testing Somatic-Based Chair Exercises and Conventional Exercise Group in people with Elderly (People Aged 65 or More), run by Istanbul Gedik University.
Trial summary
The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effects of easily applicable somatic-based chair exercises on balance and pain in the elderly. Additionally, the study aims to reveal the impact of exercise on functionality and cognitive level, and the resulting changes in quality of life. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 65 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Elderly (People Aged 65 or More)
- What is being tested?
- Somatic-Based Chair Exercises and Conventional Exercise Group
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 25 Jun 2026to 30 Sep 2027
- 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 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 65 years of age or older
- To be volunteered to participate
- To be able to speak and understand Turkish at a good level
Who cannot join
- Scoring <24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination
- Any neurological or orthopedic problem that would prevent the implementation of assessment and exercise methods
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Somatic-Based Chair Exercises on Balance, Pain, and Quality of Life in the Elderly
The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effects of easily applicable somatic-based chair exercises on balance and pain in the elderly. Additionally, the study aims to reveal the impact of exercise on functionality and cognitive level, and the resulting changes in quality of life.
The main research questions addressed in this study are:
- What are the most suitable exercise models that can be applied to improve pain control and balance in the elderly?
- How do the results of different approaches aimed at improving the quality of life in the elderly differ?
Read the detailed description
Somatic education refers to a process of sensory-motor learning that enables individuals to develop greater conscious control over their physiological functions. In this study, Thomas Hanna's definition of somatics and Hanna Somatic Education will be used. Thomas Hanna (1976) introduced the term "somatics" to describe the discipline of movement reeducation (somatic education/somatic movement), which aims to promote inner awareness of an individual's body. The practice of somatic movement involves pandiculation. Pandiculation is a process that starts with deliberate muscle activation and transitions into a slow and controlled eccentric release. This is done with ongoing sensory focus, and the movements remain gentle, unforced, and require little effort.
The study design involves comparing the effects of structured somatic-based chair exercises with the effects of a conventional exercise method consisting of basic range of motion exercises combined with static stretching.
- Conditions
- Elderly (People Aged 65 or More)
- Being tested
- Somatic-Based Chair Exercises, Conventional Exercise Group
- Keywords
- elderly, somatic exercises, balance, quality of life, chair exercises
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Somatic-Based Chair ExercisesOther
Also called Structured Somatic-Based Chair Exercises, SSCE
The intervention includes a structured somatic-based chair exercise program (SSCE) developed in accordance with Thomas Hanna's somatic education approach. The program consists of gentle, slow, and controlled movements incorporating pandiculation techniques to improve body awareness and movement control. Exercises target multiple body regions, including the neck, trunk, pelvis, shoulders, upper and lower extremities, wrists, hips, and ankles. Sessions will be performed twice weekly for 8 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 35-40 minutes. A total of 35 volunteers will be enrolled in the SSCE.
Conventional Exercise GroupOther
A total of 35 volunteers will be enrolled in the conventional exercise program, which combines range of motion (ROM) exercises and passive stretching of the same body regions and muscle groups as those addressed in the somatic exercise group.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Somatic-based Chair Exercise Group | Experimental | This group will participate in a structured somatic-based chair exercise program. The program will last for 8 weeks, with sessions held twice a week, each lasting 35 to 40 minutes. Receives: Other: Somatic-Based Chair Exercises |
| Conventional Exercise Group | Active comparator | The conventional exercise group will participate in a program that combines static stretching and range of motion (ROM) exercises. The exercise program will last for 8 weeks, with sessions held twice a week, each lasting 35 to 40 minutes. Receives: Other: Conventional Exercise Group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Assessment
Pain will be assessed via the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). BPI measures two objectives: the subjective severity of pain and the causal effect of pain. The questions include numerical rating scales from 0 to 10 (0: none; 1-4: mild; 5-6: moderate, and 7-10: severe).
Measured: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Balance Ability Assessment
Balance ability will be assessed by using the Berg Balance Test (BBT).
The BBT measures balance ability (static and dynamic) among older adults. It is a qualitative measure that assesses balance by performing functional activities such as reaching, bending, transferring, and standing, including most components of postural control. The test contains 14 items. A higher score indicates better balance and a lower risk of falling.
Measured: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Objective Balance Assessment via Becure Balance System
Objective balance performance will be assessed using the Becure Balance System. The system utilizes the Nintendo WiiFit balance board integrated with computer-based software to evaluate static standing balance, center of gravity distribution, and postural oscillations. The validity and reliability of the system have previously been established.
Measured: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Secondary outcomes (7)
Cognitive Assessment
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) will be used to assess changes in cognitive levels after the exercise program. The scale is scored between 0 and 30, and includes 6 cognitive functions (memory, visual-spatial skills, executive functions, attention, concentration and working memory tasks, language, and orientation). Higher scores indicate better cognitive performance.
Measured: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Quality of Life Assessment
The Quality of Life Scale in the Elderly (CASP-19) will be used to determine changes in the volunteers' quality of life after the exercise program. CASP-19 consists of 19 items and 4 sub-dimensions as 'Control', 'Autonomy', 'Enjoyment', and 'Self-actualization'. Each item of the scale is rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0-3). Higher scores indicate better perceived quality of life and well-being in older adults.
Measured: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Assessment of Mobility
The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) will be used to assess mobility along with fall risk. TUG correlates well with balance, gait speed, and functional capacity.
In this test, participants are instructed to stand up from a standard chair, walk 3 meters at a comfortable, safe pace, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down again.
The total time required to complete the task is recorded in seconds. Shorter completion times indicate better functional mobility and dynamic balance, whereas longer times indicate poorer mobility and increased fall risk.
Measured: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Upper Extremity Muscle Strength Assessment
The Weight Lifting Test (Arm Curl Test) will be used to assess upper extremity muscle strength. Participants perform as many arm curls as possible within 30 seconds while holding a standardized weight [5 lbs (2.3 kg) for women and 8 lbs (3.6 kg) for men].
Higher repetition counts indicate better upper extremity muscle strength.
Measured: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Upper Extremity Flexibility Assessment
Upper extremity flexibility will be assessed using the Back Scratch Test (Apley Scratch Test). The test measures the distance between or the overlap of the middle fingers behind the back. An overlap between the fingers is recorded as a positive value, whereas a gap between the fingers is recorded as a negative value. Higher positive values indicate better upper extremity flexibility.
Measured: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Lower Extremity Muscle Strength Assessment
Lower extremity muscle strength will be assessed using the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test. Participants perform as many sit-to-stand repetitions as possible within 30 seconds. Higher repetition counts indicate better lower extremity muscle strength.
Measured: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Lower Extremity Flexibility Assessment
Lower extremity flexibility will be assessed using the Chair Sit-and-Reach Test. The test measures the distance between the fingertips and toes while reaching toward the foot from a seated position. The distance between the fingertips and the toes is measured in centimeters. Reaching beyond the toes is recorded as a positive value, whereas the inability to reach the toes is recorded as a negative value. Higher positive values indicate better lower extremity flexibility.
Measured: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Jun 2026
- Study start25 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion25 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Sep 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Elderly (People Aged 65 or More)Studies 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
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Gedik University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Medipol University
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, İlkay Tuğçe Köse, Medipol University
- Investigators
- Pınar Kaya Sarıbaş, Assoc. Prof., Study director, Medipol Universityİlkay Tuğçe Köse, M.Sc., Principal investigator, Istanbul Gedik University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07618143
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IGUN-ITKOSE-001
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 5 May 2026
- Last updated
- 1 Jun 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 1 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Somatic-Based Chair Exercises on Balance, Pain, and Quality of Life in the Elderly
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07618143
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IGUN-ITKOSE-001
- Conditions
- Elderly (People Aged 65 or More)
- Keywords
- elderly, somatic exercises, balance, quality of life, chair exercises
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Gedik UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Medipol University
- Study start
- 25 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 25 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Sep 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 1 Jun 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 primary aim of this study is to investigate the effects of easily applicable somatic-based chair exercises on balance and pain in the elderly. Additionally, the study aims to reveal the impact of exercise on functionality and cognitive level, and the resulting changes in quality of life.
The main research questions addressed in this study are:
- What are the most suitable exercise models that can be applied to improve pain control and balance in the elderly?
- How do the results of different approaches aimed at improving the quality of life in the elderly differ?
Detailed description
Somatic education refers to a process of sensory-motor learning that enables individuals to develop greater conscious control over their physiological functions. In this study, Thomas Hanna's definition of somatics and Hanna Somatic Education will be used. Thomas Hanna (1976) introduced the term "somatics" to describe the discipline of movement reeducation (somatic education/somatic movement), which aims to promote inner awareness of an individual's body. The practice of somatic movement involves pandiculation. Pandiculation is a process that starts with deliberate muscle activation and transitions into a slow and controlled eccentric release. This is done with ongoing sensory focus, and the movements remain gentle, unforced, and require little effort.
The study design involves comparing the effects of structured somatic-based chair exercises with the effects of a conventional exercise method consisting of basic range of motion exercises combined with static stretching.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Somatic-based Chair Exercise Group | Experimental | Other: Somatic-Based Chair ExercisesThis group will participate in a structured somatic-based chair exercise program. The program will last for 8 weeks, with sessions held twice a week, each lasting 35 to 40 minutes. |
| Conventional Exercise Group | Active comparator | Other: Conventional Exercise GroupThe conventional exercise group will participate in a program that combines static stretching and range of motion (ROM) exercises. The exercise program will last for 8 weeks, with sessions held twice a week, each lasting 35 to 40 minutes. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 65 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 65 years of age or older
- To be volunteered to participate
- To be able to speak and understand Turkish at a good level
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Scoring <24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination
- Any neurological or orthopedic problem that would prevent the implementation of assessment and exercise methods
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Somatic-Based Chair ExercisesAlso: Structured Somatic-Based Chair Exercises, SSCEThe intervention includes a structured somatic-based chair exercise program (SSCE) developed in accordance with Thomas Hanna's somatic education approach. The program consists of gentle, slow, and controlled movements incorporating pandiculation techniques to improve body awareness and movement control. Exercises target multiple body regions, including the neck, trunk, pelvis, shoulders, upper and lower extremities, wrists, hips, and ankles. Sessions will be performed twice weekly for 8 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 35-40 minutes. A total of 35 volunteers will be enrolled in the SSCE. | Other | Somatic-based Chair Exercise Group |
| Conventional Exercise GroupA total of 35 volunteers will be enrolled in the conventional exercise program, which combines range of motion (ROM) exercises and passive stretching of the same body regions and muscle groups as those addressed in the somatic exercise group. | Other | Conventional Exercise Group |
Primary outcome
Pain Assessment
Time frame: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Pain will be assessed via the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). BPI measures two objectives: the subjective severity of pain and the causal effect of pain. The questions include numerical rating scales from 0 to 10 (0: none; 1-4: mild; 5-6: moderate, and 7-10: severe).
Balance Ability Assessment
Time frame: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Balance ability will be assessed by using the Berg Balance Test (BBT). The BBT measures balance ability (static and dynamic) among older adults. It is a qualitative measure that assesses balance by performing functional activities such as reaching, bending, transferring, and standing, including most components of postural control. The test contains 14 items. A higher score indicates better balance and a lower risk of falling.
Objective Balance Assessment via Becure Balance System
Time frame: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Objective balance performance will be assessed using the Becure Balance System. The system utilizes the Nintendo WiiFit balance board integrated with computer-based software to evaluate static standing balance, center of gravity distribution, and postural oscillations. The validity and reliability of the system have previously been established.
7 secondary outcomes
Cognitive Assessment
Time frame: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Quality of Life Assessment
Time frame: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Assessment of Mobility
Time frame: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Upper Extremity Muscle Strength Assessment
Time frame: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Upper Extremity Flexibility Assessment
Time frame: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Lower Extremity Muscle Strength Assessment
Time frame: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Lower Extremity Flexibility Assessment
Time frame: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 1 Jun 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.
Pınar Kaya Sarıbaş, Assoc. Prof. study director
Medipol University
İlkay Tuğçe Köse, M.Sc. principal investigator
Istanbul Gedik University
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Somatic-Based Chair Exercises and Conventional Exercise Group in people with Elderly (People Aged 65 or More), run by Istanbul Gedik University.
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 2 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
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?
Contact İlkay Tuğçe Köse, M.Sc. (+90 444 5 438, tugce_kose@gedik.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain Assessment (time frame: 1 week before the study (T0); at week 4 (T1) and at week 8 (T2)). 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 1 Jun 2026.