Vestibular and balance changes before and after sleeve gastrectomy

Evaluation of the Effect of Bariatric Surgery on the Vestibular System in Obese Patients.

Observational Istanbul Aydın University · NCT07033221

This study will see if vestibular (balance) function improves in adults having sleeve gastrectomy for severe obesity by testing them before surgery and at one and six months after surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul Aydın University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Küçükçekmece)
Trial IDNCT07033221 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is an observational study enrolling Turkish-speaking adults aged 18–60 with BMI ≥40 who are scheduled for bariatric sleeve gastrectomy. Participants will have baseline history and BMI recorded, then undergo vestibular and balance testing including video head impulse test (vHIT), static posturography, Berg Balance Scale, SF-12 quality of life, and an activity-specific balance confidence measure. The same battery will be repeated at 1 month and 6 months after surgery to track short- and mid-term changes associated with weight loss. People with prior vestibular diagnoses, neurological disorders, or significant joint/muscle/walking problems are excluded, and no experimental interventions are assigned.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Turkish-speaking adults aged 18–60 with BMI ≥40 who are eligible for sleeve gastrectomy and have no prior vestibular or major mobility disorders.

Not a fit: People with preexisting vestibulopathy, neurological disease, significant joint or muscle problems, non-Turkish speakers, or those outside the age/BMI range are unlikely to benefit from this study's findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If findings show improvement after weight loss, clinicians could better predict balance recovery and tailor fall-prevention or rehabilitation plans after bariatric surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research indicates obesity can impair vestibular function, but longitudinal data on vestibular recovery after bariatric surgery are limited, so this approach builds on partial prior evidence rather than being entirely novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. The native language must be Turkish
2. The participant must be between the ages of 18-60
3. The participant must be suitable for bariatric surgery (BMI ≥40 kg/m2)
4. Not have any previous vestibular diagnosis
5. Not have any problems such as joints, muscles, or walking

Exclusion Criteria:

Individuals with additional disabilities, neurological problems, vestibulopathy, joint, muscle or walking disorders will not be included in the study.

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Küçükçekmece

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ObesityVestibular Function DisorderBalance AssessmentBalance ImpairmentSleeve Gastrectomysleeve gastrectomybalance in obese patientsvestibular function after sleeve gastrectomy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.