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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07436975

Thoracic Spinal Manipulation in Stroke

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of thoracic spinal manipulation on balance, fall risk, and thoracic mobility of the patients with chronic stroke.

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Key information

Conditions

Stroke Brain Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Nervous System Diseases Vascular Diseases

Age range

40 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Bolu İzzet Baysal Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi

Bolu, Merkez, 14280, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

The study, utilizing a randomized crossover design, is planned to be conducted on a minimum of 26 patients with stroke who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients included in the study will be randomly assigned to receive both placebo thoracic spinal manipulation and thoracic spinal manipulation interventions.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Having chronic stroke,
  • A Mini-Mental State Examination score of 24 or higher,
  • Ability to stand independently for 20 seconds or more,
  • Ability to walk independently for 10 meters, using assistive devices or orthoses if necessary,
  • Being between 40 and 75 years of age,
  • Having a Brunnstrom stage of 4 or above

Exclusion criteria

  • History of whiplash injury,
  • Diagnosis of fibromyalgia,
  • History of spinal manipulation treatment within the previous 2 months,
  • History of cervical or thoracic fracture or dislocation,
  • History of cervical or thoracic spine surgery,
  • Diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy,
  • Presence of serious spinal pathology,
  • Presence of any orthopedic or neurological disorder other than stroke, or an unstable cardiac condition,
  • Presence of a vestibular disorder,
  • The presence of lower extremity ulceration or amputation,
  • Alcohol consumption in the last 24 hours,
  • Posterior circulation stroke involving the basilar artery or cerebellum,
  • Having experienced an acute lower extremity injury in the last six weeks,
  • History of lower extremity surgery

Treatment and study plan

Thoracic Spinal Manipulation

Other

This technique is based on the application of a high-velocity, low-amplitude force to the thoracic spine with the aim of increasing thoracic mobility.

Placebo Thoracic Spinal Manipulation

Other

This intervention is a classic method used to evaluate the effect of thoracic spinal manipulation.

Primary outcomes

  1. Overall Postural Stability Index Measurement

    Time frame: Change from baseline overall postural stability index immediately after the intervention

    This index will be assessed by measuring deviations of the center of gravity in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. Lower scores indicate smaller deviations and better postural stability. The test will be performed on a stable platform with two trials of 30 seconds each. The average of the three trials will be automatically calculated by the TechnoBody balance system.

  2. Fall Risk Assessment

    Time frame: Change from baseline overall postural stability index immediately after the intervention

    Fall risk will be assessed by measuring the patient's ability to maintain balance on an unstable platform. Based on their ability to maintain balance, a fall risk score will be generated, with higher scores indicating a greater risk of falling. The test will be performed with two 30-second trials. The average of the three trials will be calculated automatically by the TechnoBody balance system.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Anteroposterior Stability Index Measurement

    Time frame: Change from baseline overall postural stability index immediately after the intervention

    The anteroposterior stability index will be assessed by measuring deviations of the center of gravity in the anteroposterior direction. Lower scores indicate smaller deviations and better anteroposterior postural stability. The test will be performed on a stable platform with two trials of 30 seconds each. The average of the three trials will be automatically calculated by the TechnoBody balance system.

  2. Mediolateral Stability Index Measurement

    Time frame: Change from baseline mediolateral stability index immediately after the intervention

    The mediolateral stability index will be assessed by measuring deviations of the center of gravity in the mediolateral direction. Lower scores indicate smaller deviations and better mediolateral postural stability. The test will be performed on a stable platform with two trials of 30 seconds each. The average of the three trials will be automatically calculated by the TechnoBody balance system.

  3. Thoracic Mobility

    Time frame: Change from baseline mediolateral stability index immediately after the intervention

    Thoracic mobility will be assessed by measuring trunk rotation and lateral flexion using a smartphone inclinometer positioned at the level of T2.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Bitlis Eren University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Thoracic Spinal Manipulation on Balance, Fall Risk, and Thoracic Mobility in Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 27, 2026
Registry last updated
May 28, 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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