Clinical trials

This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of a sensorimotor training protocol using a mobilized balance platform device on proprioceptive system function, movement control, balance, physical performance, pain severity, and quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain. A total of 44 patients with chronic low back pain will be recruited from the outpatient clinic of Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a sensorimotor training group or a control group. The intervention group will receive sensorimotor training using the Huber 360 balance system, while the control group will perform a home exercise program including stretching, spinal mobility, lumbopelvic control, and balance exercises. Pain severity, proprioception, functional status, balance, physical performance, and quality of life will be assessed before and after treatment by an assessor blinded to group allocation.

This prospective single-blind randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of mobilized balance platform exercises on balance parameters, pain, functional status, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A total of 36 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis will be recruited from the outpatient clinic of Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group will receive conventional physical therapy including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and a home exercise program consisting of knee strengthening, balance, range of motion, proprioceptive, and stretching exercises. The intervention group will receive the same conventional treatment in addition to mobilized balance platform exercises using the Huber 360 system. Pain severity, functional status, balance parameters, fear of falling, and kinesiophobia will be evaluated before and after treatment by an assessor blinded to treatment allocation.

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of body weight-supported gait training that includes virtual reality-assisted dual-task applications with body weight-supported forward and backward gait training on functional capacity, gait parameters (such as step length, gait speed, and balance), cognitive functions and psychological status in patients with stroke. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of more effective rehabilitation strategies for improving mobility in patients with stroke

This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of virtual reality (VR)-assisted gait training, in addition to Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT), on gait parameters, physical function, quality of life, and edema levels in patients with lower extremity lymphedema. Lymphedema is a progressive condition characterized by the accumulation of protein-rich fluid due to lymphatic drainage insufficiency, leading to chronic inflammation and fibrosis. It impairs gait patterns and reduces functional mobility. VR technologies, such as the RehaWalk system, provide interactive, personalized rehabilitation environments that enhance motor learning, motivation, and adherence to treatment. The study evaluates spatiotemporal gait parameters, three-zone foot analysis (heel, midfoot, forefoot), limb circumferences, ultrasound measurements (dermis, epidermis, subcutaneous fat thickness), and patient-reported outcomes. VR-based training offers a novel, engaging approach to improve physical rehabilitation outcomes in patients with lower limb lymphedema. No significant risks are expected in this study.

This single-center, prospective, comparative study aims to compare hand function, quality of life, patient satisfaction, task completion time, fatigue, and compensatory elbow, shoulder, and cervical movements in individuals with transradial amputation or wrist disarticulation who use either standard myoelectric or bionic hand prostheses. The primary research questions are: 1. Are there differences in patient satisfaction, quality of life, and hand function between individuals using standard myoelectric and bionic hand prostheses? 2. Do individuals using standard myoelectric and bionic hand prostheses exhibit different kinematics in terms of compensatory shoulder, elbow, and neck movements? Could bionic hand prostheses with their diverse grasping capabilities lead to fewer compensatory movements compared to standard myoelectric hand prostheses? 3. Can fatigue induced by performing specific activities of daily living alter hand function and upper extremity-neck kinematics in individuals using either standard myoelectric or bionic hand prostheses? 4. Can cognitive and physical fatigue following activities of daily living lead to different levels of changes in hand function and upper extremity-neck kinematics in individuals using standard myoelectric and bionic hand prostheses?

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) being a major risk factor that doubles the risk of ischemic stroke. Glycemic dysregulation is observed in nearly two-thirds of patients after acute stroke and is associated with both the severity of the initial cerebrovascular event and the risk of recurrence. Effective glycemic control, patient education, and adherence to treatment are therefore critical for secondary stroke prevention and improved patient outcomes. Mobile health technologies, particularly social media applications, have become increasingly important in supporting chronic disease management. WhatsApp-based education has been shown to improve self-efficacy, self-management, and diabetes knowledge in patients with T2DM. However, there is a limited number of studies investigating the effect of WhatsApp-supported education and counseling on stroke patients with T2DM, especially regarding healthy lifestyle behaviors, glycemic control, and disease-related knowledge. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of WhatsApp-supported education and counseling on healthy lifestyle behaviors, glycemic control, and knowledge levels among stroke patients receiving insulin therapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The control group will receive routine face-to-face diabetes education and insulin injection training during hospitalization. The intervention group will receive the same routine education plus a structured WhatsApp-based diabetes education program over four weeks. Educational content will include videos, photos, and booklets focusing on diabetes definition and symptoms, complications, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia management, foot care, nutrition, exercise, oral antidiabetic and insulin therapy, and insulin injection demonstration. Participants' questions will be answered through WhatsApp messages, supporting continuous learning and adherence after discharge. A total of 84 participants (42 per group) will be included, based on power analysis with a 5% significance level, 95% power, and accounting for a 10% dropout rate. Randomization will be conducted using block randomization with six combinations via an independent researcher through an online randomization tool. Data will be collected at baseline (T0) and six months after the intervention (T1). The primary outcomes include diabetes knowledge measured by the Revised Diabetes Knowledge Test-2, healthy lifestyle behaviors assessed using the Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale, and glycemic control parameters (fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR). All assessments will be performed by a trained nurse in the stroke clinic. Data analysis will include descriptive statistics, parametric or non-parametric tests depending on distribution, and reliability analyses using Cronbach's alpha. Ethical approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of SBÜ Gaziler Physical Training and Rehabilitation Research Hospital (Approval No: E-34215015). This study is expected to demonstrate that WhatsApp-supported education and counseling improve patient knowledge, promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, and enhance glycemic control in stroke patients with T2DM. These findings may support the integration of digital counseling interventions into rehabilitation programs for secondary prevention and long-term disease management.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of transauricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) on cardiac autonomic functions in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).