The aim of this study is to compare the effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) based exercises and balance exercises on functional capacity, balance, muscle strength, and quality of life in older adults.
Aging leads to a decline in postural control, muscle strength, balance, and functional capacity, increasing the risk of falls and negatively impacting quality of life. Therefore, investigating the effectiveness of exercise approaches targeting neuromuscular control and stability in older adults is of great importance. Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is a developmental kinesiology-based approach that aims to reactivate the deep stabilizer system, promote diaphragmatic breathing, and restore optimal movement patterns. Traditional balance exercises are commonly used in older adults to improve balance performance. However, evidence regarding the effects of DNS exercises on functional capacity, balance, and quality of life in older adults is limited. The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to compare the effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercises and traditional balance exercises on functional capacity, balance, and quality of life in older adults. Individuals aged 65 and over will be included in the study and randomized into two groups: a DNS exercise group and a balance exercise group. Functional capacity and physical performance assessments will be conducted using the Hand Grip Strength Test, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Timed Up and Walk Test. Trunk stability and deep stabilizer system activation will be assessed using the Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback (SPB) device. Physical activity level will be measured using the Physical Activity Assessment Scale for the Elderly, and quality of life will be measured using the SF-12 Quality of Life Scale. All assessments will be conducted before the intervention and after the exercise program.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
18
Participants in this group will receive Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercises based on developmental kinesiology principles. The intervention focuses on activation and coordination of the deep stabilizing system, diaphragmatic breathing, regulation of intra-abdominal pressure, and restoration of optimal postural and movement patterns. Exercises will be performed in progressively challenging positions appropriate for older adults and will be supervised by a physiotherapist throughout the intervention period.
Conventional static and dynamic balance exercises commonly used in geriatric rehabilitation, including weight-shifting and functional balance tasks, supervised by a physiotherapist.
Yeditepe University
Istanbul, Ataşehir, Turkey (Türkiye)
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) will be used to assess functional capacity, including balance, gait speed, and lower extremity strength in older adults. Higher scores indicate better physical performance. In elderly individuals, a total SPPB score of 8 points or less is considered a clinically significant threshold for poor physical performance and frailty. Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
The Timed Up and Go Test will be used to evaluate dynamic balance and functional mobility. Shorter completion times indicate better balance and mobility performance. In the elderly population, a TUG test duration of 13.5 seconds or more is used as a cut-off value indicating an increased risk of falls. Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback (SPB)
Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback will be used to assess activation and control of the deep stabilizing system during specific stabilization tasks. In elderly individuals, maintaining a pressure change of 0-2 mmHg compared to an initial pressure of 40 mmHg during the abdominal drawing-in maneuver, as assessed by Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback, is considered the optimal value for proper activation of the deep abdominal muscles. Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Hand Grip Strength Test
Hand grip strength will be assessed using a hand dynamometer to evaluate upper extremity muscle strength as an indicator of overall muscle function. In elderly individuals, a hand grip strength below 16 kg in women and 27 kg in men is considered an indicator of low muscle strength and possible sarcopenia. Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.
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Time frame: 6 weeks
Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE)
The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) will be used to assess habitual physical activity levels in older adults. A PASE score of 67 or below is considered indicative of low physical activity levels and physical inactivity in elderly individuals. Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12)
Health-related quality of life will be evaluated using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire, including physical and mental component summary scores. In older individuals, SF-12 component scores below 50 indicate that health-related quality of life is below societal norms. Assessments will be conducted as an initial assessment before the six-week exercise program and as a final assessment after the program is completed.
Time frame: 6 weeks