Effects of Rehabilitative Exergame Training on Foot Muscle Activity, Balance, and Mobility in Older Adults
Official title: Evaluation of the Effects of Rehabilitative Exergame Exercises on Foot Muscle Activation, Balance, and Mobility in Older Adults Using Surface Electromyography and Postural Sway Measurements
Run by Tarsus University · NCT07357662 · Data updated 2026-11-12
In this study, healthy older adults will try an interactive game-based exercise program to see if it improves foot muscles, balance, and mobility compared with standard balance training.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Tarsus University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tarsus, Mersi̇n) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07357662 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Candidates are adults aged 65–80 who can walk 10 meters independently (with or without aid), have MMSE ≥26, and meet other eligibility criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with BMI ≥30, major neurological or vestibular conditions, lower limb amputation or recent related surgery, or significant cardiac/cerebrovascular disease may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial tests whether rehabilitative exergame-based training can improve foot muscle activity, balance, and mobility in older adults. Forty participants aged 65–80 living in nursing homes or rehabilitation centers in Mersin are randomized to either an exergame intervention or conventional functional balance training for 8 weeks (three 40-minute sessions per week). Outcomes include clinical cognitive and functional balance assessments, surface electromyography during the Functional Reach Test, and biomechanical data from wearable sensors. The study explores neuromuscular contributions of foot, leg, and trunk muscles to balance, aiming to clarify how interactive gaming may enhance mobility in aging populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the exergame training could offer a engaging way to improve balance and foot muscle function, potentially reducing fall risk in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests exergames can improve balance and mobility in some older adults, but the neuromuscular mechanisms and foot-specific effects remain underexplored.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 65 to 80 years * Having a minimum of 5 years of formal education * Ability to walk independently for at least 10 meters, with or without a walking aid if necessary * Having sufficient cognitive function for communication and participation, defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥26 Exclusion Criteria: * Body mass index (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) * Presence of central or peripheral nervous system disorders or use of medications that may affect balance * History of vestibular pathology * Lower extremity amputation, prior lower extremity surgery, or malignancy affecting the lower extremities * Presence of moderate to severe congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, or cerebrovascular disease * Presence of visual, psychiatric, or cognitive impairments that could interfere with study participation or assessment procedures
Where it's running
-
Fatma kübra çekok
Tarsus, Mersi̇n, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: FATMA Kübra ÇEKOK, Asst.Prof
- Email: kubracekok@tarsus.edu.tr
- Phone: 05434857545
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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.