Lower-back (thoracolumbar) fascia thickness in people with chronic stroke
Investigation of Thoracolumbar Fascia Thickness and Its Relationship With Balance, Trunk Control, Trunk Flexibility, and Functional Independence in Chronic Stroke Patients
This project will test whether thickness of the thoracolumbar (lower-back) fascia is linked to balance, trunk control, flexibility, and independence in people at least six months after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ankara University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Trial ID | NCT07107295 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational study measuring thoracolumbar fascia thickness by ultrasound in people with chronic stroke and comparing those measures with clinical tests of trunk flexibility, trunk function, balance, and daily independence. Trunk flexibility will be measured with the Sit-and-Reach test, trunk function with the Trunk Impairment Scale, balance with the Functional Reach Test and the Timed Up and Go, and independence with the Functional Independence Scale; demographic data will also be recorded. Eligible participants are aged 40–70, at least six months post-stroke, with MoCA scores above 21 and Modified Rankin Scale 0–3, and without major additional neurological disease or cardiac contraindications to exercise. The study is conducted in person at a single site and is intended to explore relationships rather than test an intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are people aged 40–70 who are at least six months past a stroke, able to communicate, have MoCA >21 and mRS 0–3, and who can safely participate in physical testing.
Not a fit: Patients within six months of stroke, those with severe cognitive or visual impairment, additional neurological disorders, congestive heart failure, or who cannot safely exercise are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If a link is found, clinicians could target the thoracolumbar fascia in rehabilitation to help improve balance, trunk control, and daily independence.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is relatively novel in stroke populations; small observational studies have linked trunk or fascial changes to function but the evidence base is limited and not yet well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 40 and 70 years old. * Being diagnosed with a stroke by a neurologist. * Scoring above 21 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale. * Scoring between 0 and 3 on the Modified Rankin Scale. * Being at least 6 months past the stroke Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to communicate verbally * Individuals with severe visual impairment, neurological disorders in addition to stroke, and/or congestive heart failure * Patients in whom exercise is not recommended.
Where this trial is running
Ankara
- Baskent University — Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Büşra Seçkinoğulları Korkusuz, PhD — Ankara University
- Study coordinator: Büşra Seçkinoğulları Korkusuz, PhD
- Email: bskorkusuz@ankara.edu.tr
- Phone: +905442436914
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.