Clinical trials

Parkinson's disease often causes speech and voice impairments, such as reduced vocal loudness and decreased speech intelligibility, which significantly impact the quality of life for patients and their families. The Lee Silverman Voice Therapy-LOUD (LSVT-LOUD) is a specialized, evidence-based speech therapy protocol designed to improve vocal function. This study investigates the effectiveness of the LSVT-LOUD protocol in Turkish-speaking individuals with Parkinson's disease. The research evaluates objective changes in vocal loudness and speech quality, as well as the subjective therapy experiences of participants. By analyzing both clinical outcomes and patient feedback, this study aims to contribute to the clinical application and adaptation of LSVT-LOUD for the Turkish-speaking population

Bariatric surgery is a widely used surgical treatment method in obesity management that improves quality of life and provides long-term weight loss. Patients often experience thirst in the early postoperative period. Factors that increase thirst include cessation of oral intake, room temperature, intubation, dehydration, hypovolemia, and oxygen therapy in the preoperative period. Furthermore, failure to initiate oral intake early in the postoperative period increases thirst and negatively impacts patient comfort. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of menthol spray and cold spray applications on the thirst and comfort levels of patients in the postoperative period. The study aims to contribute to the improvement of nursing practices related to postoperative thirst and comfort management with the findings obtained from this study. This randomized controlled clinical trial is planned to be conducted with patients undergoing bariatric surgery at the General Surgery Clinic of Istanbul Atlas University Hospital. The study population will consist of patients hospitalized in the General Surgery Department of Atlas University Hospital who have undergone bariatric surgery. The sample was determined as 159 patients meeting the inclusion criteria in three groups, calculated using the GPower 3.1.9.7 program with an effect size of f=0.25, a significance level of α=0.05, and a test power of (1-β)=0.80. Considering data loss, the study is planned to be conducted with 180 patients. The "Patient Information Form," "Visual Analog Scale-Comfort (VAS-A)," "Dehydration Visual Analog Scale (VAS)," and "Surgical Dehydration Discomfort Scale (CDSBRÖ)" will be used to collect research data.

Autism spectrum disorder may affect children's participation in daily occupations through difficulties related to motor planning, problem-solving, attention, behavioral regulation, and sensory processing. The Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance approach is a goal-oriented intervention that supports children in identifying and using cognitive strategies to improve the performance of personally meaningful activities. This pilot study aims to examine the preliminary effects of a 10-session Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance intervention on occupational performance, satisfaction with performance, observed performance quality, and individualized goal attainment in primary school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder. Possible changes in autism-related behavioral characteristics and sensory processing patterns will also be examined.

Lipedema is a chronic adipose tissue disorder characterized by pain, tenderness, disproportionate fat accumulation, and impaired quality of life. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been proposed as a non-invasive treatment option that may improve pain and tissue characteristics in patients with lipedema. The aim of this prospective interventional study is to evaluate the effects of ESWT on pain intensity, quality of life, functional outcomes, and ultrasonographic findings in patients diagnosed with lipedema. Participants will receive a standardized ESWT protocol consisting of six treatment sessions over a two-week period. Clinical assessments and ultrasonographic examinations will be performed before and after treatment.

This randomized controlled study was designed to compare the effects of Warm Foot Bath, ShotBlocker®, and Buzzy®-applied prior to heel lance-on the vital signs of newborns. Heel lance is one of the most frequently performed invasive procedures during the neonatal period, and the pain and stress experienced during the procedure may lead to alterations in vital parameters such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. Therefore, identifying non-pharmacological, safe, and feasible pain management methods is essential for enhancing the quality of nursing care. Data will be collected at three time points: before, during, and after the procedure, and changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, and SpO₂ will be recorded. With parental consent, the procedure will be video-recorded before, during, and after heel lance; the recordings will be anonymized and shared with experts for pain assessment. Additionally, the infant's crying duration and time to bleeding cessation will also be evaluated.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether three different instructional strategies improve learning outcomes and knowledge retention in nursing students receiving education on peritoneal dialysis catheter care. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does Pecha Kucha-based education improve students' knowledge of peritoneal dialysis catheter care compared with concept map-based education and traditional education? Do the three instructional strategies differ in terms of knowledge retention, learning satisfaction, learning experience, and perceived cognitive load? Researchers will compare Pecha Kucha-based education, concept map-based education, and traditional education to see which instructional strategy is more effective in improving students' knowledge, supporting knowledge retention, and providing a positive learning experience. Participants will: Complete a pre-test before the education. Receive one of three educational interventions on peritoneal dialysis catheter care: Pecha Kucha-based education, concept map-based education, or traditional education. Complete a post-test after the education. Complete forms evaluating learning satisfaction, learning experience, and perceived cognitive load. Complete a follow-up knowledge test to assess knowledge retention.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of midwife-led antenatal perineal massage education on pregnancy empowerment, self-efficacy for normal birth, and fear of childbirth among primiparous pregnant women. The study is designed as a controlled quasi-experimental study and will be conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of Silifke State Hospital in Mersin, Turkey. Eligible participants will be primiparous pregnant women aged 18-35 years, between 28 and 34 weeks of gestation, with a singleton pregnancy and a plan for vaginal birth. Participants in the intervention group will receive structured antenatal perineal massage education led by a midwife, in addition to routine antenatal care. Participants in the control group will receive routine antenatal care. The primary outcome will be pregnancy empowerment. Secondary outcomes will include self-efficacy for normal birth, fear of childbirth, knowledge and preferences regarding antenatal perineal massage, and adherence to antenatal perineal massage practice.

Objective: This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the impact of guided imagery exercises on surgical fear and perioperative comfort in patients undergoing Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). Background: Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) remains the gold standard surgical treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Despite its efficacy, a significant majority of patients (60-80%) experience substantial surgical fear, which can negatively affect their recovery and perioperative comfort. Guided imagery is a non-pharmacological, cognitive-behavioral technique that utilizes mental visualization to activate the mind-body connection, reduce sympathetic activity, and promote relaxation. Methods: Grounded in Kolcaba's Comfort Theory, this study investigates the relationship between guided imagery and the multi-dimensional aspects of patient comfort (physical, psycho-spiritual, environmental, and socio-cultural). The intervention group will receive structured guided imagery sessions designed to reduce physiological stress responses and enhance emotional regulation, while the control group will receive standard care.

This prospective observational study aims to functionally characterize chemotherapy resistance in patients with locally advanced breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Despite standard molecular classification, significant heterogeneity in treatment response exists, and the biological mechanisms underlying chemoresistance remain incompletely understood. In this study, patient-derived organoid (PDO) models will be established from tumor tissues obtained during routine clinical care. These three-dimensional models preserve the biological characteristics of individual tumors and enable ex vivo functional assessment of drug response. Chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance will be evaluated using quantitative parameters including Half-Maximal Inhibitory Concentration (IC50) values, cell viability, and apoptotic response. Functional data obtained from PDO models will be correlated with clinical and pathological treatment outcomes, particularly pathological complete response (pCR), to assess the predictive value of PDO-based assays. In addition, apoptotic biomarkers such as Caspase-3/7 will be measured in serum samples collected during routine clinical evaluation and analyzed in relation to treatment response. Furthermore, selected Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved small molecules will be tested in PDO models to evaluate their potential to reverse chemotherapy resistance, supporting drug repurposing strategies. This study aims to establish a functional, patient-specific platform for assessing chemoresistance and to contribute to the development of personalized therapeutic approaches in breast cancer.

This observational study aims to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of neck musculoskeletal symptoms among Turkish endodontists. Endodontists are exposed to prolonged static postures and repetitive movements during clinical procedures, which may increase the risk of neck-related disorders. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires regarding demographic characteristics, occupational factors, ergonomic conditions, and neck pain. In addition, physical assessments including cervical range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and proprioception will be performed using validated measurement tools. The study also aims to identify factors associated with neck pain, such as working conditions, posture, and clinical experience. The findings may help improve preventive strategies, ergonomic recommendations, and rehabilitation approaches for dental professionals.

Early recognition of physical abuse in children is essential for ensuring child safety and preventing further harm. However, distinguishing abuse-related injuries from accidental findings can be challenging, especially for nursing students who have limited clinical experience. Simulation-based educational methods may provide safe and effective environments for developing these skills. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of moulage-based simulation training in improving nursing students' ability to recognize signs of physical abuse in children. The study will use a randomized controlled design in which students will be assigned to either a moulage-based simulation group or a control group receiving standard theoretical education. After a lecture on child physical abuse within the Child Health and Pediatric Nursing course, students will participate in laboratory practice sessions. The intervention group will assess a pediatric mannequin prepared with simulated abuse findings using moulage techniques. Students' knowledge and recognition of physical abuse indicators will be evaluated before and after the intervention. The study seeks to determine whether moulage-based education improves nursing students' recognition of physical abuse findings and supports the development of clinical assessment skills.

This prospective observational study aims to investigate subtype-specific circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and their association with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with breast cancer. Serum samples will be collected before NAC and prior to surgery, and changes in miRNA expression levels will be evaluated. Pathological complete response (pCR) and Miller-Payne scoring will be used to assess treatment response after NAC. The study also explores whether changes in circulating miRNA profiles can predict treatment response across different breast cancer subtypes. The findings may help identify biomarkers that support treatment planning and personalized therapy strategies.

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate whether exosomal microRNA profiles derived from tumor tissue and blood serum are associated with pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with breast cancer. Breast cancer patients with similar clinical and pathological features may respond differently to treatment, underscoring the need for reliable biomarkers that can help predict therapeutic outcomes. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles released by tumor cells that carry molecular signals, including microRNAs, which may reflect tumor behavior and treatment sensitivity. In this study, patients with breast cancer receiving standard NAC as part of routine clinical care will be followed prospectively. Exosomal microRNA profiles obtained from tumor tissue and blood samples collected during routine diagnostic and treatment procedures will be analyzed and compared with pathological complete response (pCR) assessed after completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A group of patients with benign breast disease will be included as a reference control for comparative analyses. The results of this study may contribute to the identification of minimally invasive biomarkers that support personalized treatment strategies in breast cancer.

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate serum levels of PTEN, a tumor suppressor gene, and organ-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with metastatic patterns in breast cancer. Serum samples will be analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)-based miRNA profiling and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based PTEN quantification. Three groups will be included: patients with metastatic breast cancer (n=80), patients with non-metastatic early-stage breast cancer (n=40), and healthy controls (n=40). The primary objective is to identify serum biomarkers that differentiate metastatic from non-metastatic disease. Secondary analyses will evaluate correlations between biomarker levels and organ-specific metastatic involvement, including bone, lung, liver, and brain metastases. Findings from this study may support the development of a noninvasive serum-based tool for predicting metastatic patterns in breast cancer.

This study will look at whether a reduced-calorie Mediterranean-style eating plan, together with a synbiotic supplement, can improve health measures and quality of life in women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and are overweight or have obesity. Participants will be assigned by chance (like flipping a coin) to receive either the synbiotic supplement or a placebo (a look-alike product with no active ingredients). All participants will follow the same reduced-calorie Mediterranean diet for 8 weeks. The study team will measure body composition and weight-related measurements, and will collect blood samples to evaluate selected laboratory markers before and after the 8-week period. Participants will also complete the PCOSQ-50 quality-of-life questionnaire before and after the intervention. The goal is to better understand the possible role of synbiotic supplementation alongside dietary treatment in PCOS.

This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the acute effects of a single session of core stabilization exercises on balance and upper extremity functional performance in competitive archers. Core stability is essential for postural control, neuromuscular coordination, and efficient force transfer during archery shooting. Understanding the immediate effects of core stabilization exercises may support their use as an effective warm-up and performance-enhancing strategy in archery athletes.

Our study aims to develop a personalized interactive digital breathing game and device that can be produced in our country and to provide daily airway cleaning treatment at home via mobile phone or computer without the need for a physiotherapist or healthcare professional with the use of an interactive digital breathing game.

Fear of childbirth can be defined as approaching the process of giving birth with fear and anxiety. The aim of prenatal education is to help expectant mothers develop positive feelings towards childbirth and to foster a sense of security.

The purpose of breathing exercises or the use of assistive devices is to provide deep breathing after surgery and to obtain a normal breathing pattern. The purpose of choosing the method to be applied is to obtain the best result. The results of the few studies conducted on this subject are contradictory and insufficient. In this context, the purpose of this study is to compare the effects of using only triflow and using triflow together with deep breathing and cough exercises on postoperative respiratory functions in patients who underwent simultaneous tricuspid valve surgery for mitral valve.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the commonly used surgical treatment methods for gallbladder diseases. However, many patients experience significant nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It is observed that approximately 20% to 30% of patients experience postoperative nausea and vomiting as the most common complaint after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of periorbital massage in postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the reborn lifestyle regulation program on physical activity, fatigue level, pain, mental health burden and quality of life in breast cancer patients.