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NCT Number: NCT07495280

Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises Versus Balance Exercises in Older Adults

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) based exercises and balance exercises on functional capacity, balance, muscle strength, and quality of life in older adults.

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Key information

Conditions

Age-Related Balance Impairment Healthy Older Adults

Age range

65 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

Aging leads to a decline in postural control, muscle strength, balance, and functional capacity, increasing the risk of falls and negatively impacting quality of life. Therefore, investigating the effectiveness of exercise approaches targeting neuromuscular control and stability in older adults is of great importance.

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is a developmental kinesiology-based approach that aims to reactivate the deep stabilizer system, promote diaphragmatic breathing, and restore optimal movement patterns. Traditional balance exercises are commonly used in older adults to improve balance performance. However, evidence regarding the effects of DNS exercises on functional capacity, balance, and quality of life in older adults is limited.

The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to compare the effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercises and traditional balance exercises on functional capacity, balance, and quality of life in older adults. Individuals aged 65 and over will be included in the study and randomized into two groups: a DNS exercise group and a balance exercise group.

Functional capacity and physical performance assessments will be conducted using the Hand Grip Strength Test, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Timed Up and Walk Test. Trunk stability and deep stabilizer system activation will be assessed using the Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback (SPB) device. Physical activity level will be measured using the Physical Activity Assessment Scale for the Elderly, and quality of life will be measured using the SF-12 Quality of Life Scale. All assessments will be conducted before the intervention and after the exercise program.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Older adults aged 65 and over, of both sexes
  • Ability to walk independently and perform basic daily living activities without assistance
  • Willingness to participate and written consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Severe neurological disorders or advanced cognitive impairment
  • Serious cardiopulmonary or systemic diseases that would prevent participation in exercise
  • History of orthopedic surgery or acute trauma within the last 6 months
  • Psychiatric disorders or communication difficulties that would prevent participation

Treatment and study plan

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises

Other

Participants in this group will receive Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercises based on developmental kinesiology principles. The intervention focuses on activation and coordination of the deep stabilizing system, diaphragmatic breathing, regulation of intra-abdominal pressure, and restoration of optimal postural and movement patterns. Exercises will be performed in progressively challenging positions appropriate for older adults and will be supervised by a physiotherapist throughout the intervention period.

Balance Exercises

Other

Conventional static and dynamic balance exercises commonly used in geriatric rehabilitation, including weight-shifting and functional balance tasks, supervised by a physiotherapist.

Primary outcomes

  1. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) will be used to assess functional capacity, including balance, gait speed, and lower extremity strength in older adults. Higher scores indicate better physical performance. In elderly individuals, a total SPPB score of 8 points or less is considered a clinically significant threshold for poor physical performance and frailty.

    Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.

  2. Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    The Timed Up and Go Test will be used to evaluate dynamic balance and functional mobility. Shorter completion times indicate better balance and mobility performance. In the elderly population, a TUG test duration of 13.5 seconds or more is used as a cut-off value indicating an increased risk of falls.

    Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.

  3. Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback (SPB)

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback will be used to assess activation and control of the deep stabilizing system during specific stabilization tasks. In elderly individuals, maintaining a pressure change of 0-2 mmHg compared to an initial pressure of 40 mmHg during the abdominal drawing-in maneuver, as assessed by Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback, is considered the optimal value for proper activation of the deep abdominal muscles.

    Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Hand Grip Strength Test

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Hand grip strength will be assessed using a hand dynamometer to evaluate upper extremity muscle strength as an indicator of overall muscle function. In elderly individuals, a hand grip strength below 16 kg in women and 27 kg in men is considered an indicator of low muscle strength and possible sarcopenia.

    Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.

  2. Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE)

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) will be used to assess habitual physical activity levels in older adults. A PASE score of 67 or below is considered indicative of low physical activity levels and physical inactivity in elderly individuals.

    Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.

  3. Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12)

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Health-related quality of life will be evaluated using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire, including physical and mental component summary scores. In older individuals, SF-12 component scores below 50 indicate that health-related quality of life is below societal norms.

    Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Elif Develi, PhD C

CONTACT

[email protected]

0905555936293

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Yeditepe University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises Versus Balance Exercises on Functional Outcomes, Balance, and Quality of Life in Older Adults

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 27, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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