Core muscle function and balance in people with leg amputations
Official title: Investigation of the Relationship Between Core Muscle Function Assessed by Ultrasonography and Postural Control During Different Activities in Individuals With Lower Extremity Amputation
Run by Hacettepe University · NCT07875075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how leg amputation affects core muscles and balance by comparing muscle thickness on the amputated side, the intact side, and healthy people using ultrasound.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hacettepe University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Balçova, İzmir) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 4, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 4, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 4, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07875075 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20-60 with unilateral transtibial or transfemoral amputation at K1-K3 activity level who use a prosthesis for at least 4 hours daily.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with bilateral amputations, higher BMI (>30), phantom or residual limb pain ≥6, vestibular disorders, or joint contractures may not benefit from the findings.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study will use ultrasonography to measure core muscle thickness in adults with unilateral transtibial or transfemoral amputations and compare it with their intact side and a matched healthy control group. Researchers will examine how core muscle size relates to postural stability, sway, and functional tasks such as sit-to-stand and stair navigation, across different activities. Data analysis will include descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and correlations to explore the relationship between muscle thickness and balance outcomes. The study aims to identify patterns of asymmetry and potential links between core musculature and prosthesis adaptation and fall risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform targeted rehabilitation strategies to strengthen core muscles and improve balance for amputees.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work on core muscle function and balance supports the relevance of ultrasound-based assessment in this area, though this exact comparison across amputated, intact, and control groups is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
For the Amputee Group Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 20-60 years of age * Having a unilateral transtibial or transfemoral amputation * Being at K1-K3 functional activity level * Being able to stand without the use of assistive devices * Using a prosthesis for at least 4 hours per day * Volunteering to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Having phantom or residual limb pain ≥6 according to the Numeric Rating Scale * Having bilateral lower extremity amputation * Having a Body Mass Index greater than 30 For the Healthy Control Group Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy individuals with demographic characteristics similar to the amputee group * Not having a regular exercise habit Exclusion Criteria: * Having central or peripheral vestibular disorders * Having lower extremity joint contractures * Using medications that affect balance * Having a Body Mass Index greater than 30
Where it's running
-
Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation 15 July Health Campus, Mithatpaşa Street No: 56/15 İnciraltı 35340 - İZMİR
Balçova, İzmir, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Seher Özyürek, Prof.
- Email: seherozyurek@gmail.com
- Phone: 0 232 4124935
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.