Clinical trial NCT06887478: Flexor Hallucis Longus Training and Balance-Gait in Geriatrics
Official title: Examination of Balance-Gait Parameters and Fall Effect of Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle Strengthening Training in Geriatric Group
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle Strength in Elderly Individuals
Keywords: elderly
flexor hallucis longus
balance
gait
falls
Lead sponsor: Lokman Hekim Üniversitesi
Sponsor class: OTHER_GOV
First posted: 2025-03-20
Enrollment: 66
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 65
Standard ages: OLDER_ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: Examination of Balance-Gait Parameters and Fall Effect of Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle Strengthening Training in Geriatric Group It has been demonstrated that the reduction in the strength of the toe flexor muscles is an independent indicator of falls in geriatric individuals. However, the extent of this strength loss and the effects of strengthening training programs on balance, gait parameters, and falls are not well understood.

Objective: The aim is to investigate whether a progressive resistance exercise program, focusing specifically on the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle, can improve toe flexor strength and influence gait, balance, and falls in geriatric individuals.

Materials and Methods: Individuals over the age of 65 who are willing to participate in the study will be included. The participants will be divided into three groups: individual exercise group, home exercise group, and control group. Individuals who are unable to walk independently, have severe musculoskeletal disorders, have hallux rigidus deformity, suffer from orthostatic hypotension, have difficulty understanding instructions, or have diabetic neuropathy will be excluded from the study. After obtaining socio-demographic information from the participants, anthropometric measurements will be taken. Toe grip strength will be assessed using a digital dynamometer, and the strength of the intrinsic foot muscles and lower extremity antigravity muscles will also be measured using a digital dynamometer. Balance parameters will be evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test, while gait parameters will be assessed using the 10-meter walk test and Tinetti Gait Scale. Fall parameters will be assessed by the Falls Efficacy Scale and fall frequency.

The collected data will be analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software.


Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals over the age of 65,
* Individuals who do not have hearing or speech problems,
* Individuals who do not have any neurological, orthopedic or visual problems that would prevent walking (can walk 10 meters independently)
* Individuals who score 24 points and above in the Mini Mental Test evaluation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those who cannot walk independently,
* Those with serious musculoskeletal system disorders,
* Those with hallux rigidus deformity,
* Those with orthostatic hypotension,
* Those who have difficulty understanding instructions and those with diabetic neuropathy.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Muscle Strength Measurement
timeFrame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention
measure: balance assessment
timeFrame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention
measure: gait
timeFrame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Samsun
country: Turkey
facility: Atakum Nursing Home, Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Center
Study officials:
References: