Effect Of Foot And Ankle Proprioceptive Exercise Program On Physical Performance, Foot Posture And Falls in Geriatric Individuals
Phase: NA
Conditions: Geriatric, Foot Ankle Injuries, Exercise, Fall in Nursing Home
Sponsor: Ankara University

Study Supporting Document 
Official Study Title: The Effect of a Foot and Ankle Proprioceptive Exercise Program on 
Physical performance, Foot Posture, Sensation, and Falls in Older Adults 
NCT Number: Not yet assigned 
Document Date: April 2026 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Methods 
Study Design and Participants 
This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a targeted 
foot–ankle proprioceptive exercise program on foot posture, physical performance, and 
fall risk in older adults between January 2023 and June 2024. The study protocol was 
approved by the Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Health Sciences Ethics Committee 
(Approval Date: December 8, 2022; Decision No: 2022-1238; Research Code: 2022- 
1238). 
Formal institutional permissions were obtained from the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of 
Family and Social Services. All procedures were conducted in accordance with the 
Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. 
Participants were recruited from Demetevler Fatma Üçer Nursing Home and Elderly 
Care Rehabilitation Center. All participants received detailed information regarding the 
study and voluntarily agreed to participate. 
Sample Size and Randomization 
Sample size was calculated using G*Power software (version 3.1.9.6). Based on 
previous research, an effect size of 0.80 was assumed. With α = 0.05 and power = 0.80, 
the required sample size was 17 participants for the intervention group and 18 for the 
control group. Considering potential dropout, 20 participants were recruited per group. 
Participants were randomized using a computer-generated randomization method. 
Inclusion Criteria 
• Age ≥ 65 years 
• MMSE score ≥ 24 
• Turkish literacy 
• Voluntary participation 
• Independent ambulation 
Exclusion Criteria 
• Visual or hearing impairments 

• Recent orthopedic surgery 
• Severe deformities 
• Lower limb amputation 
• Cardiovascular contraindications 
• Inability to comply with protocol 
Study Procedure 
Participants were randomly assigned to: 
• Supervised Exercise Group (SEG) 
• Home-Based Control Group (HCG) 
Assessments were conducted at: 
• Baseline (T0) 
• Post-intervention (T1) 
• Follow-up at 3 months (T2) 
Outcome Measures 
Physical Performance 
Physical performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery 
(SPPB). 
Foot Posture 
Foot posture was assessed using the Navicular Drop Test, metatarsal width, and foot 
length. 
Fear of Falling 
Fear of falling was assessed using the International Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I). 
Plantar Sensory Function 
Sensory testing was conducted using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. 
Ankle Proprioception 
Joint position sense was evaluated using angle reproduction tests. 
Intervention 
Supervised Exercise Group 

Participants completed an 8-week supervised foot and ankle proprioceptive exercise 
program, three times per week. 
Each session lasted 40 minutes: 
• 10 min warm-up 
• 20 min proprioceptive exercises 
• 10 min cool-down 
Exercises were performed barefoot using sensory equipment. 
Home-Based Control Group 
Participants continued daily activities and received exercise brochures. 
Safety and Compliance 
All sessions were monitored for adverse events. Compliance was recorded and 
assessments were conducted by a blinded assessor.