Clinical trials

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between muscle mass and physiological parameters and blood gas values in adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit. While muscle mass will be determined using anthropometric measurements, SpO₂, pulse rate, blood pressure, diuresis, and arterial blood gas values will be evaluated. The primary hypothesis of the study is that there is a significant relationship between muscle mass and, in particular, oxygenation and other physiological and blood gas parameters.

The aim of this randomized controlled study is to investigate the immediate effect of connective tissue massage (CTM) on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) in women with fibromyalgia.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a physiotherapy program including cervical muscle training and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on pain, functional status, quality of life, psychological status, and sleep quality in individuals with migraine.

Childhood accidents and sudden health emergencies are significant public health concerns that may lead to severe injury or death. Parents, as primary caregivers, play a critical role in providing timely first aid and basic health interventions; however, studies indicate that their knowledge and practical skills are often limited, particularly among families of children with special needs. Therefore, structured training programs are essential. This study aims to evaluate the effect of 5E (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate)model-based simulation training in first aid and basic health on the knowledge and practical skills of parents of children with special needs. By integrating active learning, hands-on workshops, and interactive teaching methods, the program seeks to enhance theoretical knowledge and practical competence, ultimately supporting safer and more effective responses to pediatric emergencies.

Lateral epicondylitis is a chronic degenerative tendinopathy characterized by pain, tenderness, decreased grip strength, and functional limitations, particularly on the outer part of the elbow. While conservative treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) are used, surgical methods are considered as alternatives in resistant cases. ESWT reduces pain and inflammation by increasing vascularization in the targeted area and supporting tissue regeneration. Blood flow restriction therapy (BFR), on the other hand, promotes muscle hypertrophy and strength gains through low-intensity exercise. The biochemical effects of both methods increase cellular proliferation and protein synthesis through different mechanisms, thereby supporting tissue healing and functional recovery. However, there are no studies in the literature examining the effects of combining ESWT and BFR in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Therefore, in our study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the combined application of ESWT and BFR on pain, muscle strength, and functionality in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Patients will be divided into two groups and will undergo treatment for a total of 4 weeks, with one session per week. The study group will receive ESWT treatment in combination with blood flow restriction therapy (BFR). The control group will receive only ESWT. In both groups, the intensity of the ESWT treatment will be increased between sessions based on the patient's pain tolerance. Pain levels, grip strength, wrist isometric muscle strength, and upper extremity functional status will be assessed in patients in both the treatment and control groups before and after treatment. The effectiveness of the methods will be statistically analyzed. The findings obtained may contribute to the development of an innovative, evidence-based treatment protocol in the field of physical therapy and rehabilitation, thereby filling a gap in the literature aimed at improving pain management and functional recovery in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

This study evaluates the effect of an artificial intelligence-supported mobile application, PRESS AI, on pressure injury prevention and nursing care in adult intensive care patients. The application supports nurses in pressure injury risk assessment, wound assessment and staging, and selection of appropriate prevention and care interventions. The study compares the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries before and after the implementation of PRESS AI. During the pre-intervention period, patients receive routine pressure injury prevention and nursing care. During the intervention period, nurses use PRESS AI together with an integrated pressure injury prevention and care algorithm to support clinical assessment and care planning.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a chess programme on nursing students' critical thinking tendencies and levels of cognitive flexibility.

The aim of this study is to investigate the positive effects of deep, slow breathing exercises and suboccipital relaxation, when added to a routine physiotherapy and rehabilitation program, on autonomic, motor, cognitive, and emotional status functions in individuals who have experienced a stroke, and to examine their superiority compared to routine physiotherapy and rehabilitation alone.

The goal of this randomised clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy-infused foot baths on pain, sleep quality, and fatigue in cancer patients. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: * Is an aromatherapy foot bath effective in reducing pain in cancer patients? * Is an aromatherapy foot bath effective in improving sleep quality in cancer patients? * Is an aromatherapy foot bath effective in reducing fatigue in cancer patients? The experimental group will receive a total of 5 sessions of aromatherapy foot baths, each lasting 20 minutes per day for 5 days, administered by the researcher. The control group will receive only routine care without any treatment. Before and after all treatments are completed, participants will be given and asked to complete the Hirai Cancer Fatigue Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Numerical Pain Scale. The pain, fatigue, and sleep quality scores of the experimental and control groups will then be compared.

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Schroth training and the multidimensional effects of adding Pilates-based exercises to Schroth training in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Specifically, the study aims to evaluate the effects of Pilates-based exercises combined with Schroth training on lung capacity, trunk muscle strength, proprioception, trunk rotation, and posture. In addition, it seeks to examine the impact of the intervention on important functional and psychosocial outcomes, including quality of life, perceived cosmetic deformity, and pain threshold. This study is expected to contribute to the existing evidence on the use of Pilates exercises in combination with Schroth exercises for individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by providing a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of this combined intervention. The findings are intended to provide guidance for clinicians and researchers regarding the combined use of different exercise approaches in the management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Furthermore, the study aims to explore the potential benefits of integrating the Schroth method with Pilates as a holistic treatment approach for scoliosis management.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the intra-observer and inter-observer reliability of the Kinovea video analysis software in measuring knee and hip angles during the sit-to-stand movement. Participants will perform sit-to-stand tasks while being video-recorded. The recorded movements will be analyzed using the Kinovea software to determine the consistency and reliability of joint angle measurements.

The project aims to evaluate the effects of a visceral osteopathic manual therapy (VOM) protocol on semen parameters and testicular hemodynamic indicators in men diagnosed with varicocele. Varicocele, the most common correctable cause of male infertility, is a progressive vascular pathology characterized by dilation of the pampiniform plexus veins and venous reflux. Multifactorial mechanisms such as venous valve insufficiency, increased intra-abdominal pressure, microcirculatory impairment, and oxidative stress play a role in the pathophysiology of varicocele. Therefore, the present study investigates the clinical effectiveness of a non-invasive rehabilitation approach aimed at regulating intra-abdominal pressure and improving pelvic venous drainage. The study will be conducted using a prospective, randomized controlled clinical design, including male participants aged 18-45 years diagnosed with varicocele. The intervention group will receive visceral osteopathic manual therapy techniques two times per week for eight weeks, while the control group will receive lifestyle recommendations only. Before and after the intervention, semen analysis results, sperm morphology, motility parameters, and testicular venous hemodynamic measurements obtained by color Doppler ultrasonography will be compared. Parametric and non-parametric statistical methods will be used in the analyses. This project aims to generate clinical evidence regarding conservative, complementary medicine-based treatment options in the field of male infertility. Compared to studies on female reproductive health, research focusing on male reproductive health is more limited; therefore, this study is expected to contribute to the literature in this area. The results are anticipated to support the development of a cost-effective and accessible model for infertility treatment processes. In addition, the project aims to provide scientific data for the development of sustainable reproductive health approaches in terms of health economics in Türkiye. The study seeks to determine the effects of visceral osteopathic manual therapy on varicocele-related semen parameters and hemodynamic variables and to contribute to the development of new evidence-based approaches in the management of male infertility.

Migraine is a significant health problem due to its high prevalence and substantial contribution to disability. Individuals with migraine have been reported to exhibit myofascial trigger points, increased pain sensitivity, and altered muscle activation patterns, particularly in the trapezius muscles. As the upper and middle trapezius muscles play critical roles in scapular stability and movement, alterations in these muscles may affect scapular orientation and upper extremity function. However, studies investigating the relationship between trapezius muscle activation, scapular orientation, and upper extremity performance in individuals with migraine are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to compare trapezius muscle activation, scapular orientation, and upper extremity performance between individuals with and without migraine. We hypothesized that individuals with migraine would exhibit altered upper and middle trapezius muscle activation, impaired scapular orientation, and reduced upper extremity performance compared with healthy controls.

The aim of our study was to examine and compare the effects of different physiotherapy methods, namely connective tissue massage, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation and both, on pain, health status, sleep quality, fatigue, psychosocial status, autonomic symptoms and quality of life in women with fibromyalgia.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination and axonal degeneration. Neuromuscular impairments associated with MS, including muscle weakness, spasticity, fatigue, and proprioceptive deficits, may lead to alterations in spinal posture and reduced spinal mobility. These changes can negatively affect trunk control, balance, respiratory function, and functional independence. Although postural abnormalities and mobility limitations have been reported in individuals with MS, the relationship between spinal posture, spinal mobility, and balance remains insufficiently investigated. Therefore, this study aims to examine the associations between spinal posture, spinal mobility, and balance performance in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Improved understanding of these relationships may contribute to the development of targeted rehabilitation interventions aimed at enhancing postural control and functional outcomes in this population. This study further hypothesises that alterations in spinal posture and spinal mobility are associated with impaired balance performance in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

The aim of this prospective, randomized, single-group interventional study is to use quantitative methods to investigate the acute effects of using lateral-wedge insoles on lower extremity biomechanics, muscle activation patterns, and knee adduction moment during walking and running activities in healthy individuals aged 18-40. The primary research questions it seeks to answer are as follows: * Do lateral wedge insoles cause a significant change in knee adduction moment? * Do lateral wedge insoles change lower extremity biomechanics during walking and running? * Do lateral wedge insoles change the activation patterns of lower extremity muscles during walking and running? To compare the effectiveness of lateral wedge insoles, participants will randomly use insoles with 0 (neutral), 5, and 10-degree angles. Participants will do the following: * Put on the shoes and insoles provided to you in the motion analysis laboratory and complete the walking and running protocols, each taking 1 minute, on the treadmill. * While walking at your normal walking speed, step so that your dominant leg is positioned over the force plate. * Repeat all of this for the insoles at the other two angles.

Parents of children with special needs often experience high levels of stress and difficulties in emotional regulation, which may negatively affect both their well-being and parent-child interactions. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a Comfort Theory-based yoga and values clarification intervention on emotional regulation, comfort, and perceived stress levels in these parents. This randomized controlled study will include three groups: a yoga intervention group, a values clarification group, and a control group. Participants will be randomly assigned to groups. Data will be collected using the Emotion Regulation Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and General Comfort Questionnaire. The intervention is expected to improve emotional regulation and comfort levels while reducing perceived stress among parents of children with special needs. The findings may contribute to the development of effective nursing interventions to support caregiver well-being.

This randomized controlled trial evaluates a family-centered comfort intervention for children hospitalized in a pediatric intensive care unit. The intervention consists of listening to the mother's voice, environmental light regulation, and use of a weighted blanket, delivered in addition to routine nursing care. Outcomes include child comfort, anxiety, fear, and sleep parameters, as well as parental anxiety and satisfaction with care. The study will determine whether the intervention improves child and parent outcomes compared with routine care.

The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial with an experimental and control group, using a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up test design. All students who agreed to participate in the study will complete the "Demographic Information Form," the "Knowledge Test on the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections (pre-test)," the "Teaching Material Motivation Scale (pre-test)," and the "Nursing Students' Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (pre-test)." Students will be assigned to the experimental and control groups using simple randomization based on their scores on the Surgical Site Infections Prevention Knowledge Test. Students in the experimental group will be briefed on the topic of Surgical Site Infections (CAE) prevention by the researcher. Following the training, an escape room simulation designed according to the ARSC Motivation Model will be conducted. Each escape room simulation will be conducted with 6 students and will consist of a pre-briefing session, the escape room simulation activity, and a debriefing session. During the pre-briefing session, the simulation objectives, the purpose of the scenario, the roles within the scenario, and the game rules will be explained, and the escape room and the standard patient will be briefly introduced to the students in the meeting room. Following this, the students will carry out the scenario and game activities (KAHOOT, Board Game, Card Game, Word Cloud, Crossword Puzzle) in the simulation laboratory, which has been set up as an escape room, accompanied by a standard patient. The researcher will serve as a facilitator during the escape room simulation. If the expected steps are not performed correctly or the game activity is not successfully completed during the session, the team has the right to request a hint from the facilitator. Immediately after the escape room simulation is completed, a debriefing session will be held. The debriefing session, lasting approximately 20-30 minutes per team, will take place in the meeting room located directly across from the escape room. During the debriefing session, students will be encouraged to express their feelings and thoughts, and the researcher will provide feedback. All students in the control group will receive instruction on the topic of Surgical Site Infection prevention using the traditional teaching method by the researcher. After the training is completed and 1. month, all students will be administered the "Surgical Site Infection Prevention Knowledge Test (post-test)," the "Teaching Material Motivation Scale (post-test)," and the "Nursing Students' Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (post-test)." Research Questions Does an ARCS-model-based escape room simulation increase nursing students' knowledge levels regarding surgical site infections? Does an ARCS-model-based escape room simulation increase nursing students' learning motivation regarding surgical site infections? Does an ARCS-model-based escape room simulation increase nursing students' self-efficacy regarding surgical site infections?

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) frequently affects permanent first molars and increases the risk of rapid post-eruptive breakdown and restorative failure. Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are considered a reliable treatment option for severely affected molars; however, SSC placement may temporarily alter the occlusal vertical dimension and occlusal contacts. Quantitative evidence describing the occlusal adaptation process following SSC placement in MIH-affected permanent molars is limited. This prospective longitudinal clinical study aims to evaluate occlusal adaptation after SSC placement using the modified Hall technique in MIH-affected permanent first molars. Forty-six children will be included. Intraoral scans will be obtained at baseline, immediately after treatment, and during follow-up visits up to 3 months. Digital models will be superimposed to measure three-dimensional changes in cusp position, occluso-vertical dimension, and occlusal contact area. Temporomandibular joint function and periodontal parameters will also be assessed. The results are expected to provide quantitative evidence on occlusal adaptation following SSC treatment in MIH-affected molars.

Purpose: The primary goal of this study is to investigate how different levels of upper extremity (arm) support affect walking patterns in individuals who have experienced a stroke. Specifically, the research aims to determine how restricting or facilitating arm swing during walking modulates spatiotemporal gait parameters (such as speed, step length, and rhythm). Background: Arm swing plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, stability, and energy efficiency during normal walking. Following a stroke, many patients use walking aids (like canes or walkers) or clinical supports (like parallel bars) that restrict natural arm movement. This study examines whether these restrictions significantly alter gait mechanics in the stroke population. Methodology: Participants will participate in a cross-over experimental trial. Each participant will walk on a specialized treadmill system (C-Mill VR+) under three randomized conditions: 1. Unsupported walking (no arm support), 2. Single-arm support (using the non-paretic side), 3. Dual-arm support (using both arms). Researchers will record gait speed, step length, cadence, and duration of stance/swing phases for each condition. Expected Outcome: The findings will provide scientific evidence on how different support strategies modulate walking performance. This information will help physical therapists design more effective, individualized rehabilitation programs to improve mobility and quality of life for stroke survivors.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide, and balance and gait impairments are common in the subacute phase, limiting activity performance and quality of life. Early and intensive rehabilitation during the first six months after stroke is considered critical for optimizing functional recovery. Virtual reality-based rehabilitation has emerged as a promising approach to enhance motor learning through task-specific, repetitive, and feedback-driven training. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of intensive virtual reality-based balance and gait training on activity performance, balance confidence, and quality of life in individuals with subacute stroke. Participants will be randomly allocated to either an intervention group receiving conventional physiotherapy combined with additional virtual reality-based balance and gait training, or a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy alone during the study period. Outcome measures will include functional mobility, balance confidence, cognitive status, and stroke-specific quality of life. The findings of this study may contribute to optimizing rehabilitation intensity and timing strategies in subacute stroke rehabilitation

Objective: A randomized controlled trial was designed to determine the effect of virtual reality-based education provided to patients undergoing knee arthroplasty on preoperative surgical fear, postoperative pain, and patient satisfaction. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a randomized controlled experimental study, with the group receiving animation-based patient education via virtual reality goggles serving as the experimental group and the group receiving routine patient education at the clinic serving as the control group. Research data will be collected using a patient characteristics form prepared by the researcher based on a literature review, a surgical fear scale, a visual analog scale, and a patient education satisfaction scale. Virtual reality glasses will be used as the application tool in the study.

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of intraosseous and infiltration anesthesia techniques administered using a computer-assisted anesthesia device (SleeperOne® 5; Dental HiTec, France) during restorative treatments of permanent first molars affected by Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) in children. Clinical effectiveness will be evaluated based on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), behavioral pain response, pulse rate , salivary chromogranin A levels, and the need for additional anesthesia.

This research was planned to determine the effect of escape room simulation on nursing students' knowledge and academic self-efficacy levels regarding stoma care. The research was planned as a randomized controlled trial. This research will be conducted with 60 students of the Nursing Department of Başkent University Faculty of Health Sciences between December 29, 2025 and February 28, 2026. All students who agree to participate in the study will be administered the "Descriptive Characteristics Form", the "Stoma Care and Colostomy Irrigation Knowledge Test (pre-test)", and the "Nursing Students Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (pre-test)". Students will be divided into experimental and control groups using a simple randomization method. Students in the experimental group will be given a lecture on stoma care and irrigation by the researcher. After the training, an escape room simulation will be conducted. Each escape room simulation will be conducted with 6 students, in the form of a pre-information session, an escape room simulation application, and an analysis session. In the pre-information session, the simulation objectives, the purpose of the scenario, the roles within the scenario, and the game rules will be explained, and the escape room and standard patient will be briefly introduced to the students in the meeting room. Then, the students will carry out the scenario and game activity (KAHOOT, Table Game, Card Game, Word Cloud, Crossword Puzzle) with a standard patient in the simulation laboratory prepared as an escape room. The researcher will act as a facilitator during the escape room simulation application. During the simulation, if the expected steps are not performed correctly or the game activity is not successfully completed, the team has the right to request hints from the facilitator. Immediately after the escape room simulation is completed, a debriefing session will be held. The debriefing session, lasting approximately 20-30 minutes for each team, will take place in the meeting room located directly opposite the escape room. During the debriefing session, students will be encouraged to express their feelings and thoughts, and feedback will be provided by the researcher. After the debriefing session, and after 1 month the "Stoma Care and Colostomy Irrigation Knowledge Test (post-test)" and the "Nursing Students Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (post-test)" will be administered. All students in the control group will receive instruction on stoma care and irrigation using traditional teaching methods provided by the researcher. After the training is completed, and after 1 month the "Stoma Care and Colostomy Irrigation Knowledge Test (post-test)" and the "Nursing Students Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (post-test)" will be administered. Data analysis will be performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 26 software package. The main research questions are: Does escape room simulation increases nursing students' knowledge levels regarding stoma care? Does escape room simulation increases nursing students' academic self-efficacy regarding stoma care?