Lower-extremity exercise program versus neuromuscular electrical stimulation for older adults
The Effects of Lower Extremity Functional Exercise Program and Neuromuscular Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Muscle Strength, Muscle Thickness, Gait and Fall Risk in the Elderly
This trial will test whether a lower-leg functional exercise program or neuromuscular electrical stimulation better improves muscle size, strength, walking, and fall risk in relatively healthy older women aged 65–84.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 84 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Biruni University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Zeytinburnu) |
| Trial ID | NCT07076797 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, controlled trial that assigns participants to either a lower extremity functional exercise program or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Outcomes include muscle thickness, muscle strength, gait measures, and fall risk. Participants are relatively healthy older women able to walk independently and will receive interventions and testing at a single site in Istanbul. The trial compares the two approaches head-to-head to see which yields greater improvements in physical function.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are relatively healthy women aged 65–84 who can walk independently, have adequate cognition (Hodkinson score ≥6), high daily-living function (Barthel ≥90), and no major neurological, orthopedic, or cardiovascular conditions.
Not a fit: People with active neurological, orthopedic, severe systemic or psychiatric disease that impairs mobility, those on statin therapy, with diagnosed sarcopenia, severe vision/hearing loss, or major communication problems are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could increase leg muscle strength and size, improve walking, and reduce fall risk in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials have shown that both targeted exercise and NMES can improve muscle strength and function in older adults, though direct head-to-head comparisons are less common.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Relatively healthy older women aged 65-84 years * Individuals without neurological, orthopedic, systemic (cardiovascular) problems that would prevent them from performing the test * To have a score of 6 and above on the Hodkinson Abbreviated Mental Test * At least 90 points on the Barthel activities of daily living test * Ability to walk independently (with or without walking aids) * Living in a nursing home or in their own home Exclusion Criteria: * Having a defined neurological (including vertigo), orthopedic, orthopedic, psychiatric, systemic (cardiovascular, cachectic due to malnutrition) disease that prevents walking and mobility * Being in the statin drug group * Diagnosis of sarcopenia * Having communication problems * Visual impairment (severe) or hearing impairment (severe)
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Zeytinburnu
- Faculty of Health Sciences in Biruni University — Istanbul, Zeytinburnu, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: UGUR CAVLAK, Prof. — Biruni University
- Study coordinator: Ugur Cavlak
- Email: ucavlak@biruni.edu.tr
- Phone: 05324519644
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.