The Effects of Plantar Sensory Based Physiotherapy Interventions on Balance and Fallings of Nursing Home Elderly

August 6, 2025 updated by: muyesser cavlak
Aging in all living things is defined as a normal physiological process that causes a decrease in realistic body function. According to the World Health Organization; It is classified as 65 years old and older and 85 years old and older (1). Characteristics of aging; decrease in reserve capacity of organ systems, decrease in homeostatic control, decrease in adaptability to environmental factors, decrease in stress response capacity (3). Stability is defined as postural stimulation against changes in the center of gravity during rest and activity. Postural answers that provide this harmony; vestibular, proprioceptive and visual data in the central nervous system. In older people, static balance can be maintained for a longer period of time, while dynamic balance may deteriorate more quickly. Aging-affected muscle strength, joint mobility, proprioceptive, vestibular and visual loss also make postural control difficult to achieve. Although the physiological mechanism underlying the risk of loss of equilibrium and falls is multifaceted, it is mostly caused by somatosensory sensitivity and decreased neuromuscular capacity (3-5). It has been determined that one third of the elderly individuals living in the society have fallen at least once a year and these rates have been stated to increase to 60% in nursing homes. Falls cause long-term disability, stay in nursing homes, in the absence of a serious injury as a result of falling, there is a fear of falling, which causes a limitation in activities of daily living. Due to the physiology of aging, it is stated that peripheral sensation decreases in older ages (12). Mold showed that bilateral somatosensorial disorder was present in approximately 26% of individuals aged 65-74, 36% of those aged 75-84, and 54% of those aged 85 years (13). In the literature, it was reported that plantar sensory loss in the elderly affects balance, mobility and gait and is a risk factor for falls (14). Different senses can be sensed by sensing receptors during the exercise program to increase sensory perception. Aerobic and strengthening exercise, feedback, virtual reality have been used in the studies on balance and falling seen in the elderly in recent years. However, a program aimed at increasing plantar sensation and it has not been found in the literature. In this study, physiotherapy programs aimed at increasing plantar sensation in the elderly will be compared.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Completed

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

The study is planned to be conducted between the years of 2019-January-2020 for elderly people over 70 years old who live in Küçük Çamlıca Fahrettin Kerim Gökay Nursing Home. The study was planned as a randomized controlled clinical trial; By simple randomization method, cases will be divided into two groups. There are 47 elderly people over 70 years old in the nursing home to be studied. The sample size was planned to be 16 for each group.Group 1 (n:16), group 2 (n:17). 40 minutes / 3 days per week / 8 weeks long program will be applied to both groups. Four weeks after the first measurement, the second measurement was performed. Thus, pilot study was made. After the second measurement, rehabilitation program was started in both groups.After the 8-week program is finished, the third measurements will be made. After the third measurements, the fourth measurement will be done 4 weeks later for late results.The measurements are as follows.

Primary results: electronic pedobarography device for static and dynamic base pressure changes. Biodex balance test for measuring fall risk and static stability. For secondary results; 30 second Chair stand test, Berg balance scale, Semmes weinstein monofilament test.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
40

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Turkey
      • Istanbul, Turkey
        • Istanbul Medipol University

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

70 years and older (Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Voluntariness
  • 70 years and older
  • Cognitive functions are sufficient for communication (MM score 22 and above)
  • 20 meters independent walk
  • The soles of the soles are at least at the reduced protective sensory level

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Severe visual loss
  • A history of mental retardation or schizophrenia
  • Person has any problems to prevent walking

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Active Comparator: Plantar sensitive exercise group
Plantar sensitive exercises:
Other: Plantar sensitive exercises

Plantar sensitive exercises:

40 minutes / 3 days per week / 8 weeks Warm up exercise (5 minute) Walking on different 4 different textured floors and hot floor (15 minute) Trying to recognize small objects with the soles of the feet (5min) Seated work with barbed ball and balance pad (5min) Massage to the sole of the foot with different textured fabrics (5min) Cooling exercise (5 min)
Active Comparator: Textured insole group
Other: Textured insole

Textured insole group.

Plantar sensitive exercises with insole 40 minutes / 3 days per week / 8 weeks (all exercises will be done with insoles) Warm up exercise (5 minute) Walking on flat ground (15 minute) Exercise with roller under the sole of the foot (5 minute) Seated work with barbed balance pad (5 min) Dorsi flexion and plantar flexion and hip flexion exercises (5min). Cooling exercise (5 min)

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Pedobarographic investigation
Time Frame: day 0 (before intervention)
By means of pressure sensors in force platforms, foot pressure is detected and transferred to computer environment. Static and dynamic measurement is also possible. Plantar pressure can be measured as total and divided areas and it will be combined to report g/cm2. Plantar contact area can be measured as total and divided areas and it will be combined to report cm2.
day 0 (before intervention)
Pedobarographic investigation
Time Frame: 4 weeks
By means of pressure sensors in force platforms, foot pressure is detected and transferred to computer environment. Static and dynamic measurement is also possible. Plantar pressure can be measured as total and divided areas and it will be combined to report g/cm2. Plantar contact area can be measured as total and divided areas and it will be combined to report cm2.
4 weeks
Pedobarographic investigation
Time Frame: 12 weeks
By means of pressure sensors in force platforms, foot pressure is detected and transferred to computer environment. Static and dynamic measurement is also possible. Plantar pressure can be measured as total and divided areas and it will be combined to report g/cm2. Plantar contact area can be measured as total and divided areas and it will be combined to report cm2.
12 weeks
Pedobarographic investigation
Time Frame: 16 weeks
By means of pressure sensors in force platforms, foot pressure is detected and transferred to computer environment. Static and dynamic measurement is also possible. Plantar pressure can be measured as total and divided areas and it will be combined to report g/cm2. Plantar contact area can be measured as total and divided areas and it will be combined to report cm2.
16 weeks
Biodex Balance System
Time Frame: day 0 (before intervention)
It is a multi-axis device which objectively measures the balance of the person in static state or under dynamic stress and records the measurement results. The Biodex Balance System permits a 20 ° inclination of the foot platform in all directions. Thus, it provides maximum stimulation of the mechanical sensors in the ankle. Biodex Balance System measurements are calculated in degrees for each direction It can be done by creating a dynamic environment for the measurement of fall risk on the same platform .
day 0 (before intervention)
Biodex Balance System
Time Frame: 4 weeks
It is a multi-axis device which objectively measures the balance of the person in static state or under dynamic stress and records the measurement results. The Biodex Balance System permits a 20 ° inclination of the foot platform in all directions. Thus, it provides maximum stimulation of the mechanical sensors in the ankle. Biodex Balance System measurements are calculated in degrees for each direction It can be done by creating a dynamic environment for the measurement of fall risk on the same platform .
4 weeks
Biodex Balance System
Time Frame: 12 weeks
It is a multi-axis device which objectively measures the balance of the person in static state or under dynamic stress and records the measurement results. The Biodex Balance System permits a 20 ° inclination of the foot platform in all directions. Thus, it provides maximum stimulation of the mechanical sensors in the ankle. Biodex Balance System measurements are calculated in degrees for each direction It can be done by creating a dynamic environment for the measurement of fall risk on the same platform .
12 weeks
Biodex Balance System
Time Frame: 16 weeks
It is a multi-axis device which objectively measures the balance of the person in static state or under dynamic stress and records the measurement results. The Biodex Balance System permits a 20 ° inclination of the foot platform in all directions. Thus, it provides maximum stimulation of the mechanical sensors in the ankle. Biodex Balance System measurements are calculated in degrees for each direction It can be done by creating a dynamic environment for the measurement of fall risk on the same platform .
16 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Berg Balance Scala
Time Frame: day 0 (before intervention)
It is a 14-item clinical scale evaluating static and dynamic equilibrium abilities, each section rated from 0 (poor) to 4 (best). The highest score is 56. A score of less than 45 is an indicator of addiction in daily life. Evaluates the level of dependence and / or independence during positions such as standing up from sitting, standing with feet adjacent, standing in tandem position, staying in balance on one leg and ability to change position. The highest scores indicate the best balance score.
day 0 (before intervention)
Berg Balance Scala
Time Frame: 4 weeks
It is a 14-item clinical scale evaluating static and dynamic equilibrium abilities, each section rated from 0 (poor) to 4 (best). The highest score is 56. A score of less than 45 is an indicator of addiction in daily life. Evaluates the level of dependence and / or independence during positions such as standing up from sitting, standing with feet adjacent, standing in tandem position, staying in balance on one leg and ability to change position. The highest scores indicate the best balance score
4 weeks
Berg Balance Scala
Time Frame: 12 weeks
It is a 14-item clinical scale evaluating static and dynamic equilibrium abilities, each section rated from 0 (poor) to 4 (best). The highest score is 56. A score of less than 45 is an indicator of addiction in daily life. Evaluates the level of dependence and / or independence during positions such as standing up from sitting, standing with feet adjacent, standing in tandem position, staying in balance on one leg and ability to change position. The highest scores indicate the best balance score
12 weeks
Berg Balance
Time Frame: 16 weeks
It is a 14-item clinical scale evaluating static and dynamic equilibrium abilities, each section rated from 0 (poor) to 4 (best). The highest score is 56. A score of less than 45 is an indicator of addiction in daily life. Evaluates the level of dependence and / or independence during positions such as standing up from sitting, standing with feet adjacent, standing in tandem position, staying in balance on one leg and ability to change position. The highest scores indicate the best balance score
16 weeks
30 Second Chair Stand Test
Time Frame: day 0 (before intervention)
A test that assesses the person's sit-up activity, lower extremity strength and dynamic balance. Number of sitting and getting up in 30 seconds is noted.
day 0 (before intervention)
30 Second Chair Stand Test
Time Frame: 4 weeks
A test that assesses the person's sit-up activity, lower extremity strength and dynamic balance. Number of sitting and getting up in 30 seconds is noted.
4 weeks
30 Second Chair Stand Test
Time Frame: 12 weeks
A test that assesses the person's sit-up activity, lower extremity strength and dynamic balance. Number of sitting and getting up in 30 seconds is noted.
12 weeks
30 Second Chair Stand Test
Time Frame: 16 weeks
A test that assesses the person's sit-up activity, lower extremity strength and dynamic balance. Number of sitting and getting up in 30 seconds is noted.
16 weeks
Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Test
Time Frame: day 0 (before intervention)
Consists of 6 different diameter and equal length monofilments. The test of the sense of touch by questioning whether the person feels the monofilament touches while their eyes are closed.
day 0 (before intervention)
Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Test
Time Frame: 4 weeks
Consists of 6 different diameter and equal length monofilments. The test of the sense of touch by questioning whether the person feels the monofilament touches while their eyes are closed.
4 weeks
Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Test
Time Frame: 12 weeks
Consists of 6 different diameter and equal length monofilments. The test of the sense of touch by questioning whether the person feels the monofilament touches while their eyes are closed.
12 weeks
Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Test
Time Frame: 16 weeks
Consists of 6 different diameter and equal length monofilments. The test of the sense of touch by questioning whether the person feels the monofilament touches while their eyes are closed.
16 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
muyesser cavlak

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Study Director: Candan ALGUN, Prof, Medipol University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
June 1, 2019

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
September 1, 2020

Study Completion (Actual)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
October 1, 2020

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
October 4, 2019

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
October 24, 2019

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
October 28, 2019

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
August 11, 2025

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
August 6, 2025

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
August 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • 10840098-604.01.01-E52392

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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