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NCT Number: NCT06990828

Frenkel Exercises in Geriatric Balance and Fall Prevention

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Aging

Age range

65 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Okan University

Istanbul, 34010, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

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.

Treatment and study plan

Frenkel Stabilization Exercises

Other

Participants included in the study will undergo a program of Frenkel Stabilization Exercises.

Primary outcomes

  1. Tinetti Balance and Gait Test

    Time frame: 20 days

    This test evaluates balance ability and walking under two main categories. The first nine items assess balance, while the following seven items evaluate gait.

    The total score of the balance items gives the balance score, and the total of the gait items gives the gait score.

    The sum of both scores represents the overall test score. Higher scores indicate a lower risk of falling.

  2. The Alusti Test

    Time frame: 20 days

    The physical performance of the participants will be assessed using the Alusti Test.

    This test, designed for geriatric individuals, consists of 10 items and is scored out of 100 to evaluate physical performance.

    According to the total score, levels of mobility are classified as follows:

    0-30: Completely dependent mobility 31-40: Severely dependent mobility 41-50: Moderately dependent mobility 51-60: Mildly dependent mobility 61-75: Good mobility 76-90: Very good mobility 91-100: Excellent mobility

  3. The International Fall Efficacy Scale

    Time frame: 20 days

    The International Fall Efficacy Scale (FES-I) will be used to assess fear of falling.

    The scale evaluates older adults' confidence and level of fear of falling during activities of daily living.

    It has been translated into many languages and is widely used. The total score ranges from 16 to 64, with higher scores indicating a greater fear of falling.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Okan University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Frenkel's Stabilization Exercises on Balance, Physical Performance, and Fear of Falling in Geriatric Individuals

Important dates

Study start
2021
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2022
First posted
May 25, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 13, 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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