Thoracic spine manipulation to improve balance after stroke
Effects of Thoracic Spinal Manipulation on Balance, Fall Risk, and Thoracic Mobility in Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Crossover Trial
NA · Bitlis Eren University · NCT07436975
This trial will try thoracic spinal manipulation to see if it improves balance, lowers fall risk, and increases upper-back mobility in people with chronic stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bitlis Eren University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Bolu, Merkez) |
| Trial ID | NCT07436975 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The study uses a randomized crossover design in at least 26 people with chronic stroke who meet cognitive and mobility criteria. Each participant will receive both a real thoracic spinal manipulation and a placebo manipulation in different sessions, with outcomes compared within individuals. Primary outcomes include measures of balance, fall risk, and thoracic mobility collected before and after interventions. The crossover design reduces between-person variability and allows direct comparison of immediate effects of the real versus placebo procedures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 40–75 with chronic stroke, Mini-Mental State Examination ≥24, Brunnstrom stage ≥4, and the ability to stand for 20 seconds and walk 10 meters (with aids if needed).
Not a fit: People with recent spinal fractures or surgery, cervical or thoracic radiculopathy or myelopathy, serious spinal pathology, vestibular disorders, unstable cardiac conditions, posterior circulation (basilar) stroke, active lower-limb ulceration or amputation, recent alcohol use, fibromyalgia, or who had spinal manipulation in the prior two months are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a non-invasive way to improve balance, reduce fall risk, and increase thoracic mobility for people living with chronic stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Manual spinal manipulation has shown mixed results in other populations, and there are few high-quality trials testing thoracic manipulation specifically for balance after stroke.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Having chronic stroke, * A Mini-Mental State Examination score of 24 or higher, * Ability to stand independently for 20 seconds or more, * Ability to walk independently for 10 meters, using assistive devices or orthoses if necessary, * Being between 40 and 75 years of age, * Having a Brunnstrom stage of 4 or above Exclusion Criteria: * History of whiplash injury, * Diagnosis of fibromyalgia, * History of spinal manipulation treatment within the previous 2 months, * History of cervical or thoracic fracture or dislocation, * History of cervical or thoracic spine surgery, * Diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy, * Presence of serious spinal pathology, * Presence of any orthopedic or neurological disorder other than stroke, or an unstable cardiac condition, * Presence of a vestibular disorder, * The presence of lower extremity ulceration or amputation, * Alcohol consumption in the last 24 hours, * Posterior circulation stroke involving the basilar artery or cerebellum, * Having experienced an acute lower extremity injury in the last six weeks, * History of lower extremity surgery
Where this trial is running
Bolu, Merkez
- Bolu İzzet Baysal Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi — Bolu, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: ömer dursun, Asst. Prof. — Bitlis Eren University
- Study coordinator: ömer dursun, Asst. Prof.
- Email: fztomrdrsn@gmail.com
- Phone: 5426088687
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.