Virtual reality balance and exercise program for postmenopausal osteoporosis
Official title: The Investigation of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Applications in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi · NCT07231822 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether virtual reality balance and exercise programs can help women aged 50–75 with postmenopausal osteoporosis improve balance and lower their risk of falls.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Center, Kirşehi̇r) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07231822 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are postmenopausal women aged 50–75 with osteoporosis (DEXA T-score ≤ -2.5), at least one year postmenopause, able to walk without aids, cognitively intact (e.g., MMSE ≥ 24), and willing to consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with secondary osteoporosis, recent lower-limb fracture or surgery, severe cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, vestibular or visual disorders, intolerance to VR, or recent regular physiotherapy/exercise are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study enrolls postmenopausal women with osteoporosis confirmed by DEXA (T-score ≤ -2.5) who can walk independently and have adequate cognition. Participants receive either conventional treatment or a virtual reality–based exercise program (exergames) aimed at improving balance and gait. Outcomes will focus on changes in balance, walking speed, and fall risk measures to determine whether the VR intervention produces functional improvements. The trial is conducted at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University and excludes patients with secondary osteoporosis, recent lower-limb injury or surgery, significant comorbidities affecting balance, or intolerance to VR.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the virtual reality program could improve balance and mobility and reduce the risk of falls and fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
How similar studies have gone: Some studies using VR and exergames in older adults and people with balance problems have shown promising improvements in balance and gait, but evidence specifically for postmenopausal osteoporosis is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Postmenopausal women aged 50-75 years * Individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis based on Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) measurement (T-score ≤ -2.5) * Having been in menopause for at least 1 year * Being able to walk independently (without the use of assistive devices) * Volunteering to participate in the study and having provided informed consent * Having adequate cognitive function (e.g., Mini Mental Test ≥ 24) Exclusion Criteria: * Secondary osteoporosis diagnosis (e.g. endocrine, metabolic or drug-induced causes) * History of lower limb fracture or surgical intervention within the last 6 months * Individuals with severe cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders * Individuals with vestibular or visual impairments that may affect balance * Intolerance to virtual reality applications (e.g., dizziness, nausea, etc.) * Individuals who have participated in a regular physiotherapy or exercise programme within the last 3 months
Where it's running
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Kırşehir Ahi Evran University
Center, Kirşehi̇r, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: İrem CANLI, Ph.D.
- Email: iremvalamur@gmail.com
- Phone: 05348377384
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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.