Postural ControlNCT07717034
Effects of Sensory Integration Training on Static Standing Balance in Older Adults
A study testing sensory integration training with conventional balance training and conventional balance training in people with Postural Control and Postural Balance, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Balance impairment is a common problem among adults aged 60 years and older due to age-related decline in the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. These impairments increase the risk of falls, reduce mobility, and compromise functional independence and quality of life. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Postural Control, Postural Balance, Balance Training
- What is being tested?
- sensory integration training with conventional balance training and conventional balance training
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 28 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 10 Jan 2026to 10 Jun 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 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age above 60.
- Both Genders.
- Able to understand and follow command.
- Berg balance score lies between 21-40.
Who cannot join
- Diagnosed vestibular and neurological conditions.
- Orthopedic Conditions i.e., Recent fractures or surgeries, cervical spine issues or severe OA
- Severe visual or auditory deficit
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, 44000
About this study
Balance impairment is a common problem among adults aged 60 years and older due to age-related decline in the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. These impairments increase the risk of falls, reduce mobility, and compromise functional independence and quality of life. Conventional balance training is commonly used to improve postural stability; however, the additional benefits of sensory integration training remain unclear.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of sensory integration training combined with conventional balance training on static standing balance in older adults with a moderate risk of falls. Twenty-eight participants aged 60 years and above will be recruited and randomly allocated into an experimental group (n=14) and a control group (n=14). Experimental group will receive sesnory integration training and control group will receive conventional balance training three times per week for six weeks.
Balance performance will be assessed before and after the intervention using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB). Data will be analyzed using paired-sample t-tests for within-group comparisons and independent-sample t-tests for between-group comparisons. Statistical significance will be set at p<0.05.
Read the detailed description
Balance impairment is one of the leading causes of falls among older adults and is associated with reduced mobility, impaired postural control, functional dependence, and decreased quality of life. Aging results in progressive deterioration of the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems, reducing the ability to effectively integrate sensory information required for maintaining balance. Consequently, older adults become increasingly vulnerable to falls and fall-related injuries.
Conventional balance training is widely used in rehabilitation to improve postural stability. Sensory integration training is an intervention that specifically challenges the central nervous system to effectively process and reweight sensory information from visual, vestibular, and somatosensory inputs under different environmental conditions. Although previous studies have demonstrated improvements in balance following sensory integration training, evidence regarding its additional benefit over conventional balance training remains limited.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of sensory integration training combined with conventional balance training in improving static standing balance among older adults with a moderate risk of falls.
Twenty-eight participants aged 60 years or older who meet the eligibility criteria will be enrolled after providing written informed consent. Participants will be randomly allocated into either an experimental group (n=14) or a control group (n=14) using simple randomization. Experimental groups will receive sensory integration training and control group will receive conventional balance training for six weeks, with three treatment sessions per week.
Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline and immediately after completion of the six-week intervention. Static standing balance will be evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB). These validated outcome measures will assess functional balance, postural stability, and sensory integration during standing.
Balance impairment is one of the leading causes of falls among older adults and is associated with reduced mobility, impaired postural control, functional dependence, and decreased quality of life. Aging results in progressive deterioration of the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems, reducing the ability to effectively integrate sensory information required for maintaining balance. Consequently, older adults become increasingly vulnerable to falls and fall-related injuries.
Conventional balance training is widely used in rehabilitation to improve postural stability. Sensory integration training is an intervention that specifically challenges the central nervous system to effectively process and reweight sensory information from visual, vestibular, and somatosensory inputs under different environmental conditions. Although previous studies have demonstrated improvements in balance following sensory integration training, evidence regarding its additional benefit over conventional balance training remains limited.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of sensory integration training combined with conventional balance training in improving static standing balance among older adults with a moderate risk of falls.
Twenty-eight participants aged 60 years or older who meet the eligibility criteria will be enrolled after providing written informed consent. Participants will be randomly allocated into either an experimental group (n=14) or a control group (n=14) using simple randomization. Both groups will receive conventional balance training for six weeks, with three treatment sessions per week. In addition, the experimental group will receive sensory integration training consisting of progressively challenging balance exercises performed under altered visual, vestibular, and somatosensory conditions.
Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline and immediately after completion of the six-week intervention. Static standing balance will be evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB). These validated outcome measures will assess functional balance, postural stability, and sensory integration during standing.
Statistical analyses will be performed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics will summarize participant characteristics. Data normality will be assessed prior to inferential analysis. Paired-sample t-tests will be used to compare pre- and post-intervention outcomes within each group, while independent-sample t-tests will compare changes between groups. Statistical significance will be established at a p-value of less than 0.05.
- Conditions
- Postural Control, Postural Balance, Balance Training
- Being tested
- sensory integration training with conventional balance training, conventional balance training
- Keywords
- sensory integration training, static balance, proprioception, exercise therapy, aged, position sense
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
sensory integration training with conventional balance trainingProcedure or surgery
The experimental group participated in a structured six-week intervention program consisting exclusively of sensory integration training. Participants attended three supervised sessions per week. Each session included three repetitions of the exercises, with participants allowed a rest period of 30 to 60 seconds between repetitions to prevent fatigue and maintain the quality of each movement. Over the entire six-week period, participants completed a total of 18 supervised sessions.
conventional balance trainingProcedure or surgery
The control group participated in a structured six-week intervention program consisting exclusively of conventional balance training. Participants attended three supervised sessions per week. Each session included three repetitions of the exercises, with participants allowed a rest period of 30 to 60 seconds between repetitions to prevent fatigue and maintain the quality of each movement. Over the entire six-week period, participants completed a total of 18 supervised sessions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory Integration Training | Experimental | Participants completed three supervised sessions per week following the same static balance progression: standing on both feet, feet side by side, tandem stance, and single-leg stance.
Week 1: Static balance exercises on a firm surface. Week 2: Session 1: standard training; Session 2: auditory deprivation; Session 3: visual deprivation with verbal cues.
Week 3: Static balance on a sandy surface while wearing comfortable footwear with normal visual and auditory input.
Week 4: Session 1: standard training; Session 2: combined auditory and visual deprivation; Session 3: visual deprivation with verbal cues.
Week 5: Session 1: standard training; Sessions 2-3: progressive shoulder-tap somatosensory perturbations with safety monitoring.
Week 6: Static balance on sand with comfortable footwear. Session 1: visual and auditory deprivation; Session 2: auditory deprivation with picture cues and shoulder taps; Session 3: visual deprivation with verbal cues and shoulder taps Receives: Procedure: sensory integration training with conventional balance training |
| Conventional Balance training | Other | Conventional Balance Training (6 Weeks): Participants attended three supervised sessions per week. Each session included sitting, standing, weight-shifting, gait, and functional balance activities with progressive difficulty.
Week 1: Sitting with legs uncrossed, stepping forward/backward/sideways, and ball control while sitting then standing.
Week 2: Sitting with legs crossed, marching in place, and head rotations (up/down) during standing and walking.
Week 3: Normal standing, reaching tasks in sitting and standing, and trunk rotations during sitting, standing, and walking.
Week 4: Tandem stance, picking up objects from a table, stool, and floor, and walking forward, backward, and sideways.
Weeks 5-6: Single-leg stance, standing on foam, and dual-task training, including standing while holding a ball over a book and catching a ball, to improve postural control, coordination, and functional balance. Receives: Procedure: conventional balance training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Balance
The Berg balance scale serves to objectively evaluate a patient's capacity to maintain safe equilibrium throughout a sequence of standardized activities. It comprises 14 components, with each component featuring five levels of scoring ranging from 0 to 4.
Score range between 0-56. 0-20 means significant balance problems 21-40 moderate balance problem 41-56 independent with good balance
Measured: 6 weeks
Balance
The balance error scoring system was used. Score ranges:
- 0-10 Excellent
- 11-15 Good
- 16-20 Average
- 21-30 Below Average
- >30 Significant Balance Impairments
Measured: 6 weeks
Balance
Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance was used
Score Ranges:
- 120 Seconds (Normal Balance Performance)
- 100-119 Seconds (Mild Balance Impairment)
- 80-99 Seconds (Moderate Balance Impairment, Increased Risk of Instability and Falls)
- < 80 Seconds (Significant Balance Impairment, High Risk of Falls)
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 posted21 Jul 2026
- Study start10 Jan 2026
- Primary completion20 Apr 2026
- Study completion10 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Postural ControlStudies 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
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 28 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
- NCT07717034
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/28
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 19 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 21 Jul 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 21 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Sensory Integration Training on Static Standing Balance in Older Adults
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07717034
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/28
- Conditions
- Postural Control, Postural Balance, Balance Training
- Keywords
- sensory integration training, static balance, proprioception, exercise therapy, aged, position sense
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 28 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 21 Jul 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.
Balance impairment is a common problem among adults aged 60 years and older due to age-related decline in the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. These impairments increase the risk of falls, reduce mobility, and compromise functional independence and quality of life. Conventional balance training is commonly used to improve postural stability; however, the additional benefits of sensory integration training remain unclear.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of sensory integration training combined with conventional balance training on static standing balance in older adults with a moderate risk of falls. Twenty-eight participants aged 60 years and above will be recruited and randomly allocated into an experimental group (n=14) and a control group (n=14). Experimental group will receive sesnory integration training and control group will receive conventional balance training three times per week for six weeks.
Balance performance will be assessed before and after the intervention using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB). Data will be analyzed using paired-sample t-tests for within-group comparisons and independent-sample t-tests for between-group comparisons. Statistical significance will be set at p<0.05.
Detailed description
Balance impairment is one of the leading causes of falls among older adults and is associated with reduced mobility, impaired postural control, functional dependence, and decreased quality of life. Aging results in progressive deterioration of the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems, reducing the ability to effectively integrate sensory information required for maintaining balance. Consequently, older adults become increasingly vulnerable to falls and fall-related injuries.
Conventional balance training is widely used in rehabilitation to improve postural stability. Sensory integration training is an intervention that specifically challenges the central nervous system to effectively process and reweight sensory information from visual, vestibular, and somatosensory inputs under different environmental conditions. Although previous studies have demonstrated improvements in balance following sensory integration training, evidence regarding its additional benefit over conventional balance training remains limited.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of sensory integration training combined with conventional balance training in improving static standing balance among older adults with a moderate risk of falls.
Twenty-eight participants aged 60 years or older who meet the eligibility criteria will be enrolled after providing written informed consent. Participants will be randomly allocated into either an experimental group (n=14) or a control group (n=14) using simple randomization. Experimental groups will receive sensory integration training and control group will receive conventional balance training for six weeks, with three treatment sessions per week.
Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline and immediately after completion of the six-week intervention. Static standing balance will be evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB). These validated outcome measures will assess functional balance, postural stability, and sensory integration during standing.
Balance impairment is one of the leading causes of falls among older adults and is associated with reduced mobility, impaired postural control, functional dependence, and decreased quality of life. Aging results in progressive deterioration of the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems, reducing the ability to effectively integrate sensory information required for maintaining balance. Consequently, older adults become increasingly vulnerable to falls and fall-related injuries.
Conventional balance training is widely used in rehabilitation to improve postural stability. Sensory integration training is an intervention that specifically challenges the central nervous system to effectively process and reweight sensory information from visual, vestibular, and somatosensory inputs under different environmental conditions. Although previous studies have demonstrated improvements in balance following sensory integration training, evidence regarding its additional benefit over conventional balance training remains limited.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of sensory integration training combined with conventional balance training in improving static standing balance among older adults with a moderate risk of falls.
Twenty-eight participants aged 60 years or older who meet the eligibility criteria will be enrolled after providing written informed consent. Participants will be randomly allocated into either an experimental group (n=14) or a control group (n=14) using simple randomization. Both groups will receive conventional balance training for six weeks, with three treatment sessions per week. In addition, the experimental group will receive sensory integration training consisting of progressively challenging balance exercises performed under altered visual, vestibular, and somatosensory conditions.
Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline and immediately after completion of the six-week intervention. Static standing balance will be evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB). These validated outcome measures will assess functional balance, postural stability, and sensory integration during standing.
Statistical analyses will be performed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics will summarize participant characteristics. Data normality will be assessed prior to inferential analysis. Paired-sample t-tests will be used to compare pre- and post-intervention outcomes within each group, while independent-sample t-tests will compare changes between groups. Statistical significance will be established at a p-value of less than 0.05.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Sensory Integration Training | Experimental | Procedure: sensory integration training with conventional balance trainingParticipants completed three supervised sessions per week following the same static balance progression: standing on both feet, feet side by side, tandem stance, and single-leg stance. Week 1: Static balance exercises on a firm surface. Week 2: Session 1: standard training; Session 2: auditory deprivation; Session 3: visual deprivation with verbal cues. Week 3: Static balance on a sandy surface while wearing comfortable footwear with normal visual and auditory input. Week 4: Session 1: standard training; Session 2: combined auditory and visual deprivation; Session 3: visual deprivation with verbal cues. Week 5: Session 1: standard training; Sessions 2-3: progressive shoulder-tap somatosensory perturbations with safety monitoring. Week 6: Static balance on sand with comfortable footwear. Session 1: visual and auditory deprivation; Session 2: auditory deprivation with picture cues and shoulder taps; Session 3: visual deprivation with verbal cues and shoulder taps |
| Conventional Balance training | Other | Procedure: conventional balance trainingConventional Balance Training (6 Weeks): Participants attended three supervised sessions per week. Each session included sitting, standing, weight-shifting, gait, and functional balance activities with progressive difficulty. Week 1: Sitting with legs uncrossed, stepping forward/backward/sideways, and ball control while sitting then standing. Week 2: Sitting with legs crossed, marching in place, and head rotations (up/down) during standing and walking. Week 3: Normal standing, reaching tasks in sitting and standing, and trunk rotations during sitting, standing, and walking. Week 4: Tandem stance, picking up objects from a table, stool, and floor, and walking forward, backward, and sideways. Weeks 5-6: Single-leg stance, standing on foam, and dual-task training, including standing while holding a ball over a book and catching a ball, to improve postural control, coordination, and functional balance. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Age above 60.
- Both Genders.
- Able to understand and follow command.
- Berg balance score lies between 21-40.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Diagnosed vestibular and neurological conditions.
- Orthopedic Conditions i.e., Recent fractures or surgeries, cervical spine issues or severe OA
- Severe visual or auditory deficit
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 |
|---|---|---|
| sensory integration training with conventional balance trainingThe experimental group participated in a structured six-week intervention program consisting exclusively of sensory integration training. Participants attended three supervised sessions per week. Each session included three repetitions of the exercises, with participants allowed a rest period of 30 to 60 seconds between repetitions to prevent fatigue and maintain the quality of each movement. Over the entire six-week period, participants completed a total of 18 supervised sessions. | Procedure or surgery | Sensory Integration Training |
| conventional balance trainingThe control group participated in a structured six-week intervention program consisting exclusively of conventional balance training. Participants attended three supervised sessions per week. Each session included three repetitions of the exercises, with participants allowed a rest period of 30 to 60 seconds between repetitions to prevent fatigue and maintain the quality of each movement. Over the entire six-week period, participants completed a total of 18 supervised sessions. | Procedure or surgery | Conventional Balance training |
Primary outcome
Balance
Time frame: 6 weeks
The Berg balance scale serves to objectively evaluate a patient's capacity to maintain safe equilibrium throughout a sequence of standardized activities. It comprises 14 components, with each component featuring five levels of scoring ranging from 0 to 4. Score range between 0-56. 0-20 means significant balance problems 21-40 moderate balance problem 41-56 independent with good balance
Balance
Time frame: 6 weeks
The balance error scoring system was used. Score ranges: * 0-10 Excellent * 11-15 Good * 16-20 Average * 21-30 Below Average * >30 Significant Balance Impairments
Balance
Time frame: 6 weeks
Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance was used Score Ranges: * 120 Seconds (Normal Balance Performance) * 100-119 Seconds (Mild Balance Impairment) * 80-99 Seconds (Moderate Balance Impairment, Increased Risk of Instability and Falls) * < 80 Seconds (Significant Balance Impairment, High Risk of Falls)
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 Jul 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 sensory integration training with conventional balance training and conventional balance training in people with Postural Control and Postural Balance, 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 4 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 21 Jul 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?
Balance (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 Jul 2026.