Breathing exercises added to balance training to support thinking and prevent falls in older adults
Comparing Different Breathing Exercises Added to Balance Training on Cognitive and Functional Outcomes in Elderly Population
This program will test whether adding specific breathing exercises to twice-weekly balance training helps thinking skills in adults 65 and older.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07505914 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants aged 65 and older will join an 8-week supervised program with two weekly sessions that combine 30 minutes of balance-based exercises and 15 minutes of breathing practice. Two different breathing protocols will be applied and cognitive performance will be measured before and after each protocol. Sessions are led by a physical therapist and target independently ambulatory older adults who can tolerate light to moderate activity. The design compares cognitive change with the different breathing approaches when paired with standard balance training.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 or older who can walk independently, tolerate light to moderate physical activity, and can attend two supervised sessions per week for eight weeks.
Not a fit: People who recently had surgery, are currently in another structured rehabilitation program, have neurological disorders that significantly limit mobility, or cannot attend in-person sessions are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding breathing exercises to balance training could improve cognitive function and help reduce fall risk among older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Some small trials of inspiratory muscle training and breath-focused interventions have shown benefits for respiratory function and selective cognitive or balance outcomes, but using breathing protocols specifically with balance training for cognition is fairly novel and not yet well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 65 years and older * Able to walk independently * Suitable for light to moderate physical activity * Willing and able to attend 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks Exclusion Criteria: * Underwent surgery within the last 6 months * Currently participating in another structured rehabilitation program * Neurological disorders that significantly restrict mobility (e.g., Parkinson's disease, stroke)
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Müzeyyen Keçeli Aile Sağlığı Merkezi — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Deema Almurad
- Email: deemaalmurad@gmail.com
- Phone: 00905010492000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.