Clinical trials

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if aerobic exercise training and connective tissue massage, in addition to patient education, can help treat women with bladder pain syndrome. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does aerobic exercise training and connective tissue massage reduce bladder-related pain severity? Does this intervention improve urinary symptoms, pain sensitivity, central sensitization-related symptoms, psychological symptoms, and quality of life? Researchers will compare patient education plus aerobic exercise training and connective tissue massage with patient education alone to see if the combined physiotherapy program is more effective. Participants will: Receive patient education about bladder pain syndrome Be randomly assigned to one of two groups Receive either patient education alone or patient education together with aerobic exercise training and connective tissue massage for 8 weeks Complete assessments at the beginning of the study and after 8 weeks

The aim of this study is to compare the motor imagery abilities of patients with migraine to those of healthy individuals, and to examine the relationship between motor imagery and proprioception (cervical and trunk), balance, body awareness, anxiety, and depression levels. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the relationship between proprioception and balance in patients with migraine. Motor imagery abilities of patients with migraine and healthy control subjects (aged 18-65 years; planned sample size: 68 individuals in each group, 68 migraine patients and 68 healthy participants) will be assessed using the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-3, the Motor Imagery Ability Test, mental chronometry, mental rotation tasks, and functional MRI (fMRI) during motor imagery of different tasks. Additionally, in patients with migraine, cervical and trunk proprioception, balance, body awareness, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the Vertigo Symptom Scale, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale will be evaluated. 1. Hypothesis H0: There is no difference in motor imagery abilities between patients with migraine and healthy controls. H1: There is a difference in motor imagery abilities between patients with migraine and healthy controls. 2. Hypothesis H0: There is no relationship between motor imagery abilities and proprioception in patients with migraine. H1: There is a relationship between motor imagery abilities and proprioception in patients with migraine. 3. Hypothesis H0: There is no relationship between proprioception (cervical/trunk) and balance in patients with migraine. H1: There is a relationship between proprioception (cervical/trunk) and balance in patients with migraine. 4. Hypothesis H0: There is no relationship between motor imagery abilities and body awareness, anxiety, and depression in patients with migraine. H1: There is a relationship between motor imagery abilities and body awareness, anxiety, and depression in patients with migraine.

The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to determine whether breaking up prolonged sitting with aerobic or sprint cycling breaks reduces postprandial blood glucose, insulin, CRP, and blood pressure, which are established risk markers for cardiometabolic diseases; and (2) to assess substrate oxidation during this period in order to identify which exercise condition promotes the greatest increase in fat oxidation.

This study aims to comparatively investigate the effects of low-volume High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on gait, balance, cognitive functions, and neurovascular biomarkers (BDNF, VEGF) in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation.

This study will investigate whether mentally simulating walking movements while watching others walk can improve walking performance in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Participants will be divided into two groups: one group will watch walking videos and imagine themselves walking, while the other group will watch nature scenes. The study will measure muscle activity and walking patterns to assess the effects. The results may help support the use of mental practice techniques to improve mobility in people with MS.

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between body awareness, trunk stabilization, and upper extremity functionality in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Hypotheses of the study: H1: There is a significant relationship between body awareness and upper extremity functionality in patients with MS. H2: There is a significant relationship between body awareness and trunk stabilization in patients with MS. H3: Body awareness is reduced in patients with MS compared to healthy individuals. H4: Trunk stabilization is reduced in patients with MS compared to healthy individuals. H5: Upper extremity functionality is reduced in patients with MS compared to healthy individuals.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if motivational interviewing (MI) works to improve symptoms in people with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). TOS is a condition that causes long-term pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm and shoulder area. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does MI lower pain and improve arm function in people with TOS? * Does psychological resilience predict treatment outcomes in people with TOS? Researchers will compare participants who receive MI sessions plus a home exercise program to those who receive a home exercise program alone. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Participants will: * Follow a home exercise program for 6 weeks * Some participants will also attend up to 4 motivational interviewing sessions * Complete questionnaires about pain, function, sleep, anxiety, and depression at the start and end of the 6-week program

According to updated data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) for 2022, breast cancer in women is responsible for one in four cancer cases and one in six cancer deaths worldwide and is the second leading cause of global cancer incidence, accounting for 11.6% of all cancer cases, and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, accounting for 6.9% of all cancer deaths. During or after breast cancer treatments, there is exposure to a variety of direct (local/regional treatment, systemic treatment and supportive care) and indirect factors (modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors) that may have adverse effects on treatment-related haematological, cardiovascular, pulmonary and musculoskeletal components. Upper limb dysfunction and lymphoedema have been reported to be two of the most common side effects affecting the quality of life of breast cancer patients after breast cancer treatments. The elastic resistance band, which is widely used in strength training, has the advantage of being applied to various classes because it provides resistance angles in various postures and has a low risk of injury. However, few studies have been conducted on elastic resistance band application in patients with breast cancer. At the same time, evidence on the effectiveness of upper extremity aerobic exercise training in patients with breast cancer is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of upper extremity aerobic exercise training combined with progressive resistance training and upper extremity aerobic exercise training alone on upper extremity exercise capacity, upper extremity functionality, sarcopenia, frailty, quality of life and lymphedema in patients with breast cancer.

This study will examine and record the patient's medical information and medical records (patient files, computer records, etc.). Physical examination, echocardiographic, electrocardiographic, laboratory, radiological, etc. evaluations are made during the routine controls of the patients. Within the scope of this study, no attempt will be made on the patients, no additional tests will be performed, or treatment changes will not be made in the patients because they are included in this study. After these records, KPET will be performed by a specialist doctor and physiotherapist for the patients who are directed to the Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Unit. Pulmonary function tests and respiratory muscle strength measurements will be performed on patients who have adequate rest after CPET.

This study aims to investigate the effects of the SOS approach alone, or the SOS approach plus the OPC intervention, on children's feeding problems and feeding behaviors, as well as parents' feeding attitudes and mealtime behaviors in children diagnosed with ARFID. This randomized, single-blind, controlled trial will be conducted with children aged 3-8 years who were diagnosed with ARFID by a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist according to DSM-V criteria and referred to an occupational therapy department. Power analysis determined the sample size to be 45 children (15 per group). Participants will be assigned to three groups using computer-assisted block randomization: Group 1: Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding Approach alone; Group 2: SOS approach plus Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC); and Group 3: Control group (standard follow-up without intervention). The study design will utilize the Consort checklist used for randomized controlled trials. Informed consent will be obtained from participants. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be conducted on the child's feeding behaviors, food variety, and mealtime negative behaviors, as well as parental feeding attitudes, mealtime behaviors, and stress. The study concludes that feeding interventions implemented using the SOS approach will be effective in reducing food acceptance, food variety, and mealtime negative behaviors in children with ARFID. These effects are expected to be more pronounced and sustained when Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) is added to the SOS approach. Furthermore, positive changes in parents' feeding attitudes and strengthened parent-child interactions at mealtime are anticipated. These results will contribute to the literature on the effectiveness of using sensory-based approaches and family-based counseling in combination in interventions for ARFID. They are also expected to provide an evidence-based roadmap for occupational therapists to develop holistic intervention programs when working with children with ARFID in clinical practice.

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMC OA) is a common condition affecting the base of the thumb that causes pain, weakness, and difficulty with daily hand use. Current clinical assessment often focuses on physical findings alone, without considering psychological and social factors that also influence patient outcomes. This study has three objectives organized as interrelated work packages: OBJECTIVE 1 (Clinical Assessment): To comprehensively assess individuals with TMC OA using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. This includes evaluating pain, joint mobility, grip strength, daily activity limitations, social participation, psychological factors (anxiety, depression, fear of movement, pain beliefs), and environmental factors (family support, ergonomic adaptations). OBJECTIVE 2 (AI Knowledge Evaluation): To compare the performance of four large language models (GPT-5.2, Claude Opus 4.6, Gemini 2.5 Pro, LLaMA 4 Maverick) in answering patient questions about TMC OA, and to test whether adding a clinician-oriented system prompt changes that performance. Each question is submitted under two prompting conditions (zero-shot and clinician-oriented system prompt) and responses are rated by blinded experts for accuracy, comprehensiveness and clinical relevance, with readability assessed by automated indices. OBJECTIVE 3 (AI-Based Prediction): To analyze whether the best-performing large language model can predict multidimensional ICF-based patient profiles using only a limited set of core clinical parameters.

The goal of this two-group parallel randomized controlled study is to determine the effect of a web-based mind-body-based awareness program based on Meleis Transition Theory on fertility awareness and readiness levels in women receiving infertility treatment.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that can affect daily functioning, mobility, and overall quality of life. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is known to be a time-efficient exercise approach that improves exercise capacity and reduces fatigue in MS. However, current research lacks sufficient data on how HIIT affects individuals with different levels of disability. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of a stationary bicycle-based HIIT protocol on maximum walking distance, fatigue, balance, muscle strength, endurance, gait speed, and quality of life in MS patients across three different disability levels: mild, moderate, and severe (classified according to Expanded Disability Status Scale - EDSS scores). Participants will complete a cycle ergometer-based HIIT program. Assessments will be conducted at three time points: Before starting the exercise program (baseline) Immediately after completing the program (post-treatment) 4 weeks after the completion of the program (follow-up) To ensure unbiased results, a triple-blind design will be used, meaning the outcome assessor, the treating physiotherapist, and the data analyst will be blinded to group assignments. The findings aim to help clinicians tailor personalized, effective HIIT protocols based on a patient's specific disability level rather than using a standardized, one-size-fits-all approach in MS rehabilitation.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of aerobic fitness level, feeding status, and acute exercise on whole-body metabolic fuel utilization and mitochondrial function in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in healthy young men. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Do individuals with high and low aerobic fitness levels differ in fat and carbohydrate oxidation at rest and during exercise following an overnight fast, and do their PBMC mitochondrial responses to acute exercise differ? 2. Does feeding alter fat and carbohydrate oxidation at rest and during exercise compared with the fasted state in individuals with high aerobic fitness? 3. Are PBMC mitochondrial respiration parameters and their exercise-induced changes associated with fat and carbohydrate oxidation during fasted exercise?

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the immediate effects of Kinesio Taping compared with sham taping in adults with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). The study aims to determine whether a single application of Kinesio Taping provides greater improvements in symptom severity, grip strength, and hand dexterity than sham taping. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does a single application of Kinesio Taping reduce symptom severity and improve tolerance to the Roos test compared with sham taping? Does a single application of Kinesio Taping improve grip strength and hand dexterity compared with sham taping? Researchers will compare participants receiving Kinesio Taping with those receiving sham taping to determine whether the observed effects are attributable to the therapeutic application of Kinesio Taping rather than nonspecific or placebo effects. Participants will: * undergo baseline assessments of symptom severity during the Roos test, Roos test completion time, grip strength, and hand dexterity; * be randomly assigned to receive either Kinesio Taping or sham taping; * undergo immediate post-intervention assessments using the same outcome measures.

Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological disorder and one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, substantially affecting quality of life and individuals during their most productive years. Chronic migraine, defined as headache occurring on ≥15 days per month for more than three months, is a particularly disabling form of the disease. Physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary behaviors, stress, sleep disturbances, risky substance use, and inadequate social support may contribute to the burden and chronification of migraine. The CALM-Migraine trial aims to investigate the effects of a comprehensive lifestyle-based intervention in individuals with chronic migraine. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a lifestyle intervention group or a wait-list control group. Participants allocated to the lifestyle intervention group will receive an 8-week comprehensive lifestyle intervention alongside their usual pharmacological treatment. The intervention will consist of supervised exercise training, structured patient education, and peer support sessions delivered under the supervision of a physiotherapist. It will address the six pillars of lifestyle medicine: physical activity, diet, mental health and stress management, sleep, risky substance use, and social connections. The study will evaluate the intervention's effects on migraine-related clinical outcomes, neuroinflammatory biomarkers, health-related lifestyle behaviors, body composition, autonomic nervous system function, cognitive function, self-efficacy, and quality of life. Participants will be followed after the intervention to assess whether the effects are maintained over time.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often complicated by acute exacerbations, which lead to functional impairments, increased dyspnea, and a rapid decline in lung function. During an exacerbation, impaired pulmonary gas exchange, systemic inflammation, and increased work of breathing significantly alter oxygen availability and metabolic demand in skeletal muscles. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare respiratory and peripheral muscle oxygenation in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and patients with clinically stable COPD. By examining these physiological changes, the study seeks to determine the impact of exacerbations on muscle function and oxygenation efficiency

This cross-sectional methodological study aims to examine the test-retest reliability, intrasession reliability, and construct validity of the Cone Evasion Walk (CEW) Test in individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The CEW test is a performance-based clinical assessment that evaluates dynamic balance, obstacle avoidance, and fall risk by quantifying the number of cones contacted during a standardized walking task. Although the psychometric properties of the CEW test have been established in populations including stroke survivors, patients with knee osteoarthritis, and patients with hip osteoarthritis, no study has yet investigated its measurement properties in individuals with MS. Given the multifaceted nature of gait and balance impairments in MS - encompassing motor, sensory, cognitive, and visuospatial deficits - the CEW test may serve as a clinically meaningful and ecologically valid tool in this population. Participants will be recruited from the Department of Neurology at Erciyes University Hospital and will undergo the CEW test along with a comprehensive battery of established mobility and balance outcome measures.

The Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-12 (HOOS-12) is a short patient-reported outcome measure developed to assess pain, function, and hip-related quality of life in individuals with hip osteoarthritis. Although widely used internationally, a validated Turkish version is currently unavailable. This study aims to translate and culturally adapt the HOOS-12 into Turkish and evaluate its psychometric properties, including internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity, structural validity, responsiveness, and measurement error, in Turkish-speaking patients with hip osteoarthritis.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is associated with chronic hyperglycemia and metabolic disturbances that affect not only glucose metabolism but also the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and cardiovascular function. Growing evidence suggests that individuals with T2DM are at increased risk of cognitive impairment, autonomic dysfunction, reduced functional capacity, and psychological distress. However, the interactions among metabolic status, brain activity, cardiac autonomic regulation, functional performance, and mental health have not been comprehensively investigated within a single study. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationships between metabolic abnormalities and brain-heart axis function in adults with T2DM. Approximately 50 participants aged 40-65 years with a confirmed diagnosis of T2DM will undergo comprehensive assessments, including resting electroencephalography (EEG), heart rate variability (HRV), functional capacity tests (1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test and 6-Minute Walk Test), cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and psychological status using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Clinical and metabolic variables, including HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers, will also be collected from medical records. The primary objective is to determine whether metabolic disturbances are associated with alterations in EEG-derived brain activity and HRV-derived autonomic function and whether these changes are related to cognitive performance, functional capacity, physical activity, and psychological well-being. Correlation analyses, path analysis, and structural equation modeling will be used to explore direct and indirect relationships among these variables. The findings are expected to improve understanding of the brain-heart axis in T2DM and provide evidence for multidimensional assessment strategies to support early detection of neurocardiac dysfunction and optimize rehabilitation approaches.

Hypertension is associated with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, reduced muscle strength, and impaired functional capacity, all of which contribute to increased cardiovascular risk and decreased quality of life. Resistance training is recommended as a non-pharmacological intervention for hypertension; however, it remains unclear whether unilateral and bilateral resistance training produce different physiological adaptations, particularly regarding cardiac autonomic function. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of unilateral and bilateral resistance training on heart rate variability (HRV), muscle strength, and functional capacity in adults with hypertension. Eligible participants aged 40-75 years with a confirmed diagnosis of hypertension will be randomly allocated to one of three groups: a unilateral resistance training group, a bilateral resistance training group, or a control group. Randomization will be performed using a computer-generated block randomization procedure with sex stratification to ensure balanced group allocation. Participants in the two intervention groups will complete a supervised 12-week resistance training program, performed twice weekly at an intensity of 60-70% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). The unilateral training group will perform exercises using one limb at a time, whereas the bilateral training group will perform the same exercises simultaneously with both limbs. The control group will receive no structured exercise intervention during the study period but will receive general information regarding the benefits of physical activity. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. The primary outcome will be heart rate variability measured using a Polar H10 heart rate sensor and Elite HRV software. Secondary outcomes will include peripheral muscle strength assessed by one-repetition maximum testing, functional capacity assessed using the Six-Minute Walk Test and the Glittre Activities of Daily Living Test, and blood pressure measured using a sphygmomanometer. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the optimal resistance training strategy for improving autonomic function and physical performance in individuals with hypertension, thereby supporting the development of safer and more individualized exercise prescriptions.

This study aims to compare the effects of long-term rowing training on aerobic capacity, physical fitness, heart rate variability, and psychological performance in novice rowers, professional rowers, and healthy controls. Approximately 60 adults aged 18-65 years will be enrolled and allocated into three groups: novice rowers, professional rowers, and a non-exercising control group. Participants in the rowing groups will complete an 8-week supervised rowing ergometer training program (twice weekly), while the control group will maintain their usual daily activities without structured exercise. Assessments will be performed before and after the intervention and will include aerobic capacity (shuttle walk test, 500-m and 2000-m rowing ergometer tests), muscle strength, muscle power, muscular endurance, core stability, flexibility, agility, posture, heart rate variability, flow state, and mental toughness. The study is designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the physiological and psychological adaptations associated with rowing training at different levels of experience and to identify factors that distinguish novice and elite rowers.

This study aims to systematically compare the levels of anticipated illness stigma and illness identity among men diagnosed with hypogonadism to those of men with other chronic endocrine conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and hypertension). Furthermore, it examines whether these psychosocial variables predict quality-of-life deterioration specifically within the hypogonadism cohort.

There is no study in the literature comparing the effectiveness of ESWT and splint therapy, which are the most commonly used approaches in the treatment of Trigger Finger (TF). The aim in this study is to investigate the effectiveness of ESWT and splint therapy used in the treatment of TF.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a traditional grape-based fermented drink called hardaliye helps treat fibromyalgia in adult women. We will also learn whether adding hardaliye to a personalized nutrition plan works better than using either one alone. The main questions are: Does diet + hardaliye improve antioxidant status and lower oxidative stress more than diet only or hardaliye only? Does diet + hardaliye lower inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP) and raise SIRT1 levels? Do these changes relate to less pain and better symptoms (fibromyalgia impact, gut symptoms, sleep, mood)? Are there benefits for weight, waist size, blood pressure, and blood lipids? How the groups are compared: Researchers will compare three groups for 8 weeks: Diet + Hardaliye (personalized medical nutrition plan + one 200 mL bottle of hardaliye daily) Diet only (personalized medical nutrition plan) Hardaliye only (usual diet + one 200 mL bottle of hardaliye daily) Participants will: Drink one 200 mL bottle of hardaliye each day if assigned to Diet + Hardaliye or Hardaliye only Follow a personalized nutrition plan if assigned to Diet + Hardaliye or Diet only Visit the clinic at the start and end of the study, with brief check-ins around weeks 2, 4, and 6 Give blood samples before and after the 8-week period Complete short questionnaires on pain, fibromyalgia impact, gut symptoms, sleep, and mood Keep simple logs of daily drink intake and diet plan adherence, and report any side effects Who can join: Adult women (20-40 years) with doctor-diagnosed fibromyalgia and BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m² who meet the study's health and medication criteria.