Clinical trials

In recent years, experimental and clinical studies conducted on sheep tail fat, a natural and easily accessible resource, have shown that bioactive components found in sheep tail fat, such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and myristic acid, have anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective (cartilage-protective) properties. In addition, literature reviews have revealed that sheep tail fat alleviates joint pain and has a positive effect on joint stiffness. Sheep tail fat is known to be frequently used by patients with gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis) in Türkiye and many other countries as a traditional and complementary medicine method. In this context, this study is designed as a randomized controlled experimental study to evaluate the effects of sheep tail fat application on pain, joint stiffness, and activities of daily living in patients with gonarthrosis. The study population consists of patients diagnosed with gonarthrosis who apply to the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation outpatient clinics of two state hospitals located in Bitlis. According to the sample size calculation performed using G\*Power 3.1.9.7 software, a total of 66 participants were determined and randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. Participants in the experimental group will receive topical sheep tail fat application in addition to standard medical treatment, while the control group will continue to receive standard medical treatment only. Data collection tools include the Patient Identification Form developed by the researcher, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for assessing pain intensity, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for assessing pain, joint stiffness, and daily physical function. These scales will be administered at baseline and again after completion of the intervention period. The double-boiler (bain-marie) method is used to obtain the sheep tail fat, and participants are provided with training on the application techniques. The required ethics committee approval and institutional permissions from the relevant healthcare institutions have been obtained, and written informed consent has been obtained from all participants. Hamdani sheep, one of the sheep breeds commonly raised and traditionally preferred in the region where the study is conducted, are used to obtain the sheep tail fat. For the statistical analysis of the data, in addition to descriptive statistics, the paired-samples t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test will be used for within-group comparisons, while the independent-samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test will be used for between-group comparisons. When the assumptions of parametric tests are not met, appropriate non-parametric methods will be preferred. This study aims to contribute scientifically to clinical decision-making processes regarding traditional and complementary treatment approaches by evaluating, within an evidence-based framework, the effectiveness of a method traditionally used for the management of gonarthrosis symptoms in many countries. It also aims to support the standardization of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine practices and to provide scientific evidence regarding a low-cost, natural, non-invasive, and accessible alternative treatment option. In addition, the findings are expected to guide the development of new strategies to improve functional well-being in patients with gonarthrosis.

The goal of this study is to compare the biological effects of two blood-derived products, standard platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and extracellular vesicle-enriched PRP (EV-enriched PRP), on human gingival (gum) fibroblasts, the cells responsible for gum tissue repair. PRP is a concentrate of platelets prepared from a person's own blood and is used in periodontal and soft tissue regeneration because it releases growth factors. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanometer-sized particles released by platelets that carry proteins and genetic material and may play an important role in tissue healing. No study has yet directly compared standard PRP with an EV-enriched formulation on gingival fibroblasts. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does EV-enriched PRP increase gingival fibroblast proliferation more than standard PRP? * Does EV-enriched PRP accelerate gingival fibroblast migration (wound closure) more than standard PRP? * Do the two products differ in their effects on the expression of growth factor and collagen genes in gingival fibroblasts? Six healthy, non-smoking adult volunteers aged 20 to 40 years will each give a single blood sample (two tubes, 18 mL in total) from an arm vein. No treatment will be given to the volunteers. Each volunteer's blood will be processed into both standard PRP and EV-enriched PRP, and both products will be tested in the laboratory on a commercially available human gingival fibroblast cell line.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment modality that induces therapeutic seizures through electrical stimulation for the management of certain psychiatric disorders. Nearly all ECT procedures are performed under general anesthesia. However, ECT is commonly associated with acute hyperdynamic responses immediately following electrical stimulation, including transient hypertension and tachycardia. These acute hemodynamic changes may pose significant risks, particularly in patients with ischemic heart disease, hypertension, or cerebrovascular disease. Therefore, the hemodynamic response, seizure quality, and recovery profile are critical factors influencing the choice of anesthetic and adjuvant agents. The primary goal of anesthesia for ECT is to maintain hemodynamic stability without compromising seizure duration or quality while ensuring rapid and safe recovery

Anxiety is a state of worry and apprehension caused by internal and external threats. High preoperative anxiety levels have been associated with increased anesthetic requirements, higher morbidity, and mortality rates. In adult patients undergoing various surgical procedures, preoperative anxiety rates have been reported to range from 11% to 80%. Most studies show that postoperative anxiety levels are related to preoperative anxiety levels. In patients undergoing general anesthesia, anxiety levels increase a few days after surgery as issues related to recovery and pain become apparent. Patients with high postoperative anxiety levels have also been reported to have a higher rate of medical complications.

This study compares two types of dental implants, short implants (6 millimeters or less in length) and standard implants (longer than 8 millimeters), to evaluate their effect on the health of the gum and bone tissue surrounding the implant. Approximately 40 patients receiving a total of 80 dental implants will be followed. Researchers will assess clinical signs of gum health around the implants, measure specific protein levels (biomarkers) in the fluid surrounding the implants associated with gum disease. The goal of this study is to determine whether implant length affects the risk of inflammation or infection around dental implants, which may help guide treatment decisions in the future.

This study aims to investigate acute changes in serum ferritin, folate, vitamin B12, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels following aerobic exercise in professional soccer players. Twenty professional male soccer players will voluntarily participate in the study. Participants will complete a progressive 20-meter shuttle run test. Venous blood samples will be collected immediately before and after the exercise protocol. Pre- to post-exercise changes in each blood parameter will be analyzed to determine the acute physiological responses to aerobic exercise in professional soccer players.

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of a midwife-led digital follow-up program on postpartum depression, perceived social support, and breastfeeding self-efficacy in women who will undergo cesarean section. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group that will receive structured face-to-face education followed by a 4-week digital follow-up program, or a control group that will receive routine postpartum care. Data will be collected at baseline (postpartum day 1), at 1 week, and at 4 weeks postpartum using validated measurement tools. The study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of continuous, midwife-led digital support in improving maternal psychological well-being and breastfeeding outcomes in the early postpartum period.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ranks third among the leading causes of death worldwide. It causes a variety of symptoms resulting from irreversible obstruction of the airways. In addition to pharmacological methods, nonpharmacological methods are also used to alleviate these symptoms. A review of the methods used for this purpose reveals that yoga and breathing exercises are among them. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of pranayama breathing exercises performed to the sound of rain on dyspnea, self-efficacy, and respiratory function in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study, designed as a randomized controlled pre-test/post-test trial, will be conducted at the Turgut Özal Medical Center of İnönü University between April 2026 and September 2027 among patients visiting the Pulmonology Outpatient Clinic. The study will consist of two experimental groups and one control group. Prior to the start of the study, informed consent will be obtained from the patients, and the Patient Demographic Form, COPD Self-Efficacy Scale, Dyspnea 12 Severity Scale, Visual Analog Scale, and Pulmonary Function Test will be administered. The intervention will be administered twice daily for 15-20 minutes over a 6-week period. 1. Patients in the experimental group will have a pranayama breathing exercise video and the sound of rain downloaded to their phones so they can practice at home. 2. Patients in the control group will have only the pranayama breathing exercise video downloaded to their phones so they can practice at home. No intervention will be performed on patients in the control group. Throughout the study, patients will receive daily reminder messages urging them to continue the exercises for 6 weeks. At the end of the 6 weeks, patients will be called to the outpatient clinic, where they will complete the COPD Self-Efficacy Scale, the Dyspnea 12 Severity Scale, the Visual Analog Scale, and a pulmonary function test. To be able to administer the pranayama breathing exercise, the researcher will receive training prior to the study. Based on the results of the study, it is believed that, thanks to the ease of practice of pranayama breathing exercises, they can be performed by nurses on the ward and by patients at home, leading to a reduction in their symptoms.

This randomized controlled, single-blind, quasi-experimental study primarily aims to investigate the effects of unilateral resistance exercise applied without directly loading the affected shoulder on muscle strength and upper extremity function in individuals with frozen shoulder. Additionally, the study seeks to examine the effects on joint range of motion, quality of life, and activities of daily living. The study will be conducted among individuals diagnosed with frozen shoulder at the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic of Malatya Battalgazi State Hospital. The data collection process is planned to be completed between February 2026 and December 2026. Participants will be selected from the relevant population using a non-probability convenience sampling method. Individuals meeting the inclusion criteria will be enrolled after providing written informed consent. The study will be carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the control or intervention group. The study will include individuals aged 18-65 years with a diagnosis of unilateral primary or secondary frozen shoulder, presenting with more than 50% restriction in at least one of the following shoulder movements compared to the unaffected side: external rotation, abduction, or flexion, and with more than 30% limitation in joint range of motion in at least two movement planes. Individuals with concomitant shoulder trauma (e.g., rotator cuff injury), bilateral shoulder involvement, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, prior treatment for frozen shoulder, psychiatric disorders that may affect compliance with medical or physical therapy interventions, concomitant neurological conditions, or a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score below 24 will be excluded from the study.

The aim of this cross-sectional observational study is to comprehensively examine the effects of adherence to a gluten-free diet on cognitive, motor, and psychosocial functions in adolescents aged 8-18 years diagnosed with celiac disease. In this context, dual-task gait performance, cognitive processing speed and attention, working memory and executive functions, muscle strength, quality of life, and fatigue levels of individuals with celiac disease who are adherent or non-adherent to a gluten-free diet will be compared with those of healthy peers. In addition, sleep patterns, pubertal development, socioeconomic indicators, and serological markers will be taken into account to evaluate the unique effects of diet adherence on neurocognitive and functional outcomes. All assessments will be conducted in accordance with a predefined standardized protocol. The order of measurement instruments will be randomized to minimize potential bias. Inclusion criteria will consist of being between 8 and 18 years of age, having a celiac disease diagnosis confirmed by serology, being followed with this diagnosis for at least six months, and obtaining written informed consent from both the participant and their parent/guardian. For the healthy control group, participants must be within the same age range and have no history of chronic neurological, psychiatric, or gastroenterological conditions. Data analysis will be performed using SPSS

This interventional study aims to investigate the acute effects of three different exercise modalities-aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT)-on irisin, leptin, and ghrelin levels in sedentary women. A total of 20 sedentary women will participate in the study. Hormonal responses will be evaluated in relation to the exercise sessions to determine exercise-induced changes in irisin, leptin, and ghrelin and to compare the responses associated with the three exercise modalities.

This study examines whether short-term mental fatigue and different jump instructions affect how high people can jump. Thirty-two physically active university students will complete two testing sessions in random order: one after a 30-minute mentally tiring computer task and one after a 30-minute relaxing video. In both sessions, participants will perform vertical jumps while receiving one of three types of instructions: no special instruction, focusing on their own body movements, or focusing on pushing the ground away. The study will compare jump height across these conditions to better understand how mental tiredness and coaching cues affect jumping performance, which may help coaches and athletes design better training and competition preparation.

This randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of mandala art therapy in reducing childbirth fear and state anxiety among fathers whose partners are nulliparous pregnant women and who are waiting in the obstetric ward waiting area during labor. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to either the intervention or the control group. Fathers assigned to the intervention group will participate in a single 20-25-minute mandala art therapy session, whereas those in the control group will receive standard care without any additional intervention. Childbirth fear and state anxiety will be assessed using the Fathers' Birth Fear Scale and the State subscale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively, at baseline and immediately following the intervention. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of mandala art therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention for alleviating childbirth-related fear and anxiety among expectant fathers.

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of mandala art therapy applied before cesarean section on surgical fear and cortisol levels in high-risk pregnant women. Participants will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group will receive mandala art therapy prior to surgery, while the control group will receive standard care. Surgical fear levels and salivary cortisol levels will be measured to assess the outcomes.

Participants will complete six sessions, including one familiarization and baseline session followed by five experimental conditions: control (no supplementation), placebo, L-tyrosine, caffeine, and combined L-tyrosine plus caffeine. The experimental conditions will be performed in a randomized, counterbalanced crossover design with a washout period of at least 72 hours between sessions. Resting physiological and cognitive assessments will be performed during the familiarization session, while biochemical, cognitive, and boxing-specific performance assessments will be conducted before and after each experimental session.

Aim: This study was conducted to examine the effects of breathing exercises on maternal anxiety, well-being, and infant stress. Materials and Methods: The research was initiated in a hospital in eastern Turkey between November 2024 and November 2026, after obtaining ethical committee and institutional approvals. The study population consisted of mothers whose babies were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of that hospital.The generally available G\*Power 3.1.9.7 for Windows software was used to calculate the sample size. Similar literature studies were referenced when determining the sample size of the research (Shamsdanesh et al., 2023). Furthermore, after the research is completed, a post-hoc power analysis will be performed on the main dependent variable, maternal anxiety level (MAL), to determine the power of the study (approximately 35 experimental, 35 control). The aim of the research is to ensure that the resulting sample size has sufficient statistical power to reveal the effect being examined. The research data is collected using a Demographic Information Form, prepared by the researcher through a literature review, the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Psychological Well-being Scale, and the Neonatal Stress Scale. Mothers perform this exercise three times a day for two days (days 1 and 2), under the supervision of a researcher. The four-square breathing exercise is a non-pharmacological pain reliever that has been shown to be beneficial in conditions other than pain. Each breathing exercise lasts 5-10 minutes. Mothers in the experimental group are given a questionnaire before the start of the study and after the exercise on days 1 and 2. Mothers in the control group are given only a questionnaire before the start of the study, at the end of day 1, and at the end of day 2. Mothers in the control group do not perform the four-square breathing exercise and receive routine hospital care. At the end of both days, mothers in the control group who wish to practice the breathing exercise are given the opportunity to do so.

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) and computer-controlled digital anesthesia in achieving adequate anesthesia in pediatric patients presenting with acute dental pain and requiring emergency endodontic treatment of mandibular permanent molars. Achieving profound anesthesia in such cases can be challenging due to acute inflammation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either conventional IANB or digital anesthesia. Pain perception during the procedure will be assessed using validated pain scales. In addition, physiological parameters including heart rate and blood pressure will be recorded to evaluate the stress response associated with each anesthesia technique. Anesthesia success will be determined based on the absence of pain during treatment and the need for supplemental anesthesia. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence-based guidance for selecting the most effective and comfortable anesthesia technique in pediatric dental patients.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between motor imagery skills and neglect level, upper extremity motor function, activities of daily living, quality of life, lateralization performance, and mental timer performance in individuals with stroke. Individuals with stroke who meet the inclusion criteria and voluntarily agree to participate will be evaluated. Demographic and clinical information of the participants will be recorded on an assessment form prepared by the researcher. Upper extremity motor functions will be assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Assessment Scale and the Wolf Motor Function Test; activities of daily living will be assessed using the Modified Barthel Index; and quality of life will be assessed using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale. Motor imagery skills will be measured using the Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire and a mental timer task; upper extremity lateralization performance will be assessed using the Recognise™ application. Neglect level will be assessed using the Catherine Bergego Scale, the Line Splitting Test, and the Star Erase Test. The data obtained will be statistically analyzed to examine the relationships between motor imagery skills and other clinical variables.

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of motivational interviewing on menopause myths and posttraumatic growth in postmenopausal women. Participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group receiving four weekly motivational interviewing sessions or a control group receiving usual care. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention using validated scales.

This prospective cross-sectional clinical study aims to investigate the relationship between circadian rhythm disruption and periodontal inflammation by evaluating circadian clock protein levels, inflammatory (IL-1beta) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of individuals with and without circadian rhythm disruption. Participants aged 20-50 years will be classified into four groups based on their circadian rhythm status (disrupted/normal) and gingival health status (gingivitis/healthy). Clinical periodontal parameters including plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, and probing depth will be assessed. Circadian rhythm status will be determined using validated questionnaires (Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire and Munich Chronotype Questionnaire). Night-shift workers will represent the circadian rhythm disruption group. GCF samples will be analyzed for circadian clock proteins (BMAL-1, CLOCK, PER-1, PER-2, PER-3, CRY-1, CRY-2, REV-ERB-beta, MTNR1B) and cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-10) using ELISA. Serum cortisol and melatonin levels will be measured for biochemical verification of circadian rhythm status. Gingivitis groups will receive standard periodontal treatment and be re-evaluated at 2 weeks post-treatment. A total of 116 participants (29 per group) are planned for enrollment.

Patients in intensive care units experience significant physiological and psychological stress due to life-threatening conditions and invasive treatments. This randomized controlled study aims to examine the effects of virtual art therapy on physiological parameters, delirium risk, anger, anxiety, and mental-spiritual recovery in 62 patients in the coronary ICU of Malatya Training and Research Hospital. Data will be collected using validated scales and analyzed with appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests. The study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of virtual art therapy as a technology-based complementary intervention in intensive care settings.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of mindfulness-based self-compassion training provided to primiparous women on fear of childbirth, pregnancy stress, and comfort. Research Hypotheses H1a: Mindfulness-based self-compassion training provided to primiparous women reduces fear of childbirth. H1b: Mindfulness-based self-compassion training provided to primiparous women reduces pregnancy stress. H1c: Mindfulness-based self-compassion training provided to primiparous women increases comfort.

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training given to adolescent pregnant women and their partners on fear of childbirth, maternal and paternal bonding, and breastfeeding success. Adolescent pregnancy is associated with increased stress, fear of childbirth and parenting anxiety, which negatively affect mother-infant and father-infant bonding and breastfeeding outcomes. MBSR training is expected to reduce fear of childbirth, strengthen maternal and paternal bonding, and improve breastfeeding success in adolescent pregnant women and their partners compared to the control group receiving routine care.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical, microbiological, and biochemical effects of Morus nigra (black mulberry) mouthwash when used as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing - SRP) in patients with generalized gingivitis. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving SRP only, and the other receiving SRP plus Morus nigra mouthwash twice daily for 14 days. Clinical parameters, cytokine levels in gingival crevicular fluid (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-10), and subgingival bacterial load will be assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months.

This study investigated the effects of a virtual reality-based motor imagery intervention integrated into a conventional exercise programme on pain outcomes (pain intensity, central sensitisation, pressure pain threshold, galvanic skin response, pain catastrophising), quality of life, sleep quality, fatigue, psychological outcomes (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), imagery ability and patient satisfaction.