Clinical trial NCT06990828: Frenkel Exercises in Geriatric Balance and Fall Prevention
Official title: The Effect of Frenkel's Stabilization Exercises on Balance, Physical Performance, and Fear of Falling in Geriatric Individuals
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Healthy Aging
Keywords: balance
fear of falling
physical performance
frenkel stabilitation exercises
Lead sponsor: Okan University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-05-25
Enrollment: 20
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 65
Standard ages: OLDER_ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: NA
Intervention model: SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: Aging is a natural process starting from birth and progressing through childhood and adulthood, marked by physical and mental decline, including musculoskeletal, cognitive, and motor deterioration. It often results in common conditions such as visual and hearing impairments, sleep disturbances, urinary incontinence, hypertension, dementia, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, gait abnormalities, and frequent falls. Osteoporosis contributes to decreased bone density and structural integrity, impairing posture and balance.

Balance, maintained through the integration of vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive inputs, becomes impaired with aging, increasing fall risk and injury. Falls are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly, affecting one-third of individuals over 65 annually. Risk factors are classified as intrinsic (e.g., muscle weakness, gait issues, chronic diseases) and extrinsic (e.g., poor lighting, unsafe flooring).

Physical inactivity in older adults leads to reduced strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall functional health, requiring greater effort for daily tasks. Early detection of reduced physical fitness and the implementation of targeted exercise programs are essential to prevent functional decline and falls. Evidence supports the effectiveness of strength and balance exercises in reducing fall-related injuries and fear of falling.

Exercise improves both physical and psychological well-being in older adults, enhancing social participation, flexibility, strength, bone mineral density, and spinal mobility. This study aims to investigate the effects of Frenkel's Stabilization Exercises on balance, physical performance, and fear of falling in healthy geriatric individuals.


Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals aged 65 years and older,
* Individuals who are able to comprehend the questions in the data collection forms,
* Volunteers who are willing to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with painful or painless orthopedic conditions that could significantly affect physical performance,
* Individuals with serious orthopedic or systemic disorders that would prevent them from participating in exercise.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Tinetti Balance and Gait Test
timeFrame: 20 days
measure: The Alusti Test
timeFrame: 20 days
measure: The International Fall Efficacy Scale
timeFrame: 20 days
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Istanbul
country: Turkey
facility: Istanbul Okan University
Study officials:
References: