Clinical trials

This prospective, randomized, single-blind, assessor-blinded, parallel-group clinical trial aims to compare the effects of 970-nm diode laser and liquid nitrogen cryotherapy in patients requiring maxillary labial frenectomy. The primary objective is to compare the change in salivary cortisol levels from baseline to postoperative day 2 between the two treatment groups. Secondary objectives include comparison of postoperative pain, edema, interincisal mouth opening, analgesic consumption, operation duration, state anxiety, clinical wound healing, and adverse events. Eligible adult patients with an indication for maxillary labial frenectomy will be randomly assigned to receive either 970-nm diode laser frenectomy or liquid nitrogen cryotherapy. Salivary cortisol samples and clinical outcomes will be assessed during the early postoperative follow-up period.

Family caregivers play a central role in providing daily care for patients receiving home palliative care. However, caregiving responsibilities may lead to increased burden, stress, and difficulties in symptom management and care coordination. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions may provide accessible education, symptom monitoring, and decision-support resources to improve caregiver outcomes and patient care. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile health application developed for family caregivers of patients receiving home palliative care. The primary outcome is caregiver competence. Secondary outcomes include caregiver burden, self-efficacy, patient symptom burden, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. A total of 120 family caregivers will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which will use the mobile health application for 6 weeks in addition to usual care, or the control group, which will receive usual care alone. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention (Week 6), and follow-up (Week 18).

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between fear of falling and motor recovery, stroke duration, trunk control, and balance in stroke patients.

This prospective interventional study aims to investigate changes in specific microRNAs (miRNAs) and biochemical biomarkers following a personalized cardiac rehabilitation program in patients with coronary artery disease. A total of 46 participants aged 35-75 years who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery and are eligible for cardiac rehabilitation will be included. Participants will complete a structured, individualized cardiac rehabilitation program lasting 6-8 weeks. Clinical assessments, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and blood-based biomarker measurements will be performed before and after the rehabilitation program. The primary objective is to determine changes in miRNA and biochemical biomarker levels after cardiac rehabilitation and to evaluate the relationship between these changes and clinical improvement. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of biological responses to cardiac rehabilitation and support the development of more personalized rehabilitation strategies.

This randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) combined with exercise on pain, functional status, disability, and ultrasonographic findings in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain following stroke.

Back pain is commonly seen in the working-age population, with the peak occurrence around the age of 40. Its frequency does not increase with age and is not associated with age-related degenerative changes in the spine. Especially when the underlying cause is conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), where regional muscle sensitivity in the rhomboid and trapezius areas is prominent, dry needling treatment has become increasingly popular and the subject of numerous studies in recent years. In the diagnosis of MPS, two valuable findings include the detection of a taut band upon palpation and the presence of trigger points in muscle fibers with mild finger pressure. The study we are planning involves a double-blind efficacy trial where real and sham dry needling procedures will be performed under ultrasound guidance, ensuring that both the patient and the evaluator are blinded. This study design has the potential to make a significant contribution to the literature in this field.

Myofascial pain can be diagnosed by the presence of one or more myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), defined as hyperirritable spots in taut bands of skeletal muscle fibers palpable by hand. The treatment of myofascial pain primarily relies on the inactivation of MTrPs, often through manual pressure techniques or dry needling. In manual pressure techniques, the physiotherapist applies increasing pressure directly to the MTrP. In dry needling, acupuncture-like filiform needles are applied to the same point. There are two types of dry needling: superficial dry needling, which penetrates only the skin and superficial muscle, and deep dry needling, which involves inserting a needle directly into the MTrP. The sole or adjunct effectiveness of dry needling treatment targeting the trapezius and infraspinatus muscles has been investigated, particularly in patients with shoulder myofascial pain syndrome. In the study we are planning, a double-blinded efficacy trial will be conducted in patients with shoulder myofascial pain syndrome, where real and sham dry needling applications will be performed under ultrasound guidance, with both the patient and the evaluator blinded. This study design has the potential to make a significant contribution to the literature in this field.

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of motivational interviewing added to a neuromuscular exercise and home exercise program on pain self-efficacy, exercise behavior, pain intensity, physical performance, and functional status in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Sixty individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis will be randomly allocated to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive motivational interviewing in addition to neuromuscular exercise and a home exercise program, whereas the control group will receive neuromuscular exercise and the same home exercise program. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and six weeks after the intervention.

This observational cross-sectional study aims to determine chronic pain phenotypes in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to investigate the clinical characteristics associated with different pain phenotypes. Participants with MS and chronic pain will undergo a comprehensive clinical assessment to identify nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic, and mixed pain phenotypes. The assessment will include clinical history, pain characteristics and distribution, quantitative sensory testing, pain intensity, disease severity, fatigue, health-related quality of life, and pain catastrophizing. The clinical characteristics of participants with different pain phenotypes will subsequently be compared.

This observational cross-sectional study aims to determine pain phenotypes in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Participants will be classified according to a mechanism-based clinical pain phenotyping algorithm as having nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic, or mixed pain. Clinical history, quantitative sensory assessment, pain characteristics and distribution, central sensitization-related symptoms, disability, health-related quality of life, and pain catastrophizing will be assessed. In addition, the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the pain phenotyping algorithm will be investigated, and the clinical characteristics of different pain phenotypes will be compared.

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate whether the timing of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) relative to exercise influences clinical and autonomic outcomes in individuals with chronic neck pain. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of three groups: taVNS applied before exercise, taVNS applied after exercise, or exercise alone. All groups will receive a standardized exercise program designed for chronic neck pain. The intervention will be conducted over a 6- to 8-week period. The effects of the interventions will be evaluated using pain intensity, neck-related disability, sleep quality, heart rate variability, and exercise adherence. The study will determine whether applying taVNS before or after exercise provides additional benefits compared with exercise alone and whether the timing of stimulation influences treatment outcomes.

Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Effective hypertension management requires medication adherence, lifestyle modification, regular blood pressure monitoring, and self-management behaviors. Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach that may support behavior change and improve hypertension management. This study aims to evaluate the effects of nurse-led individual motivational interviewing and family-involved motivational interviewing on blood pressure control in patients with hypertension. The study will be conducted as a single-center, three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. A total of 180 patients with hypertension will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: usual care, individual motivational interviewing, or family-involved motivational interviewing. Participants in the intervention groups will receive a 6-week nurse-led motivational interviewing program. In the family-involved motivational interviewing group, a family member who supports hypertension management will also participate in the sessions. Data will be collected at baseline, 6 weeks, and 18 weeks. The primary outcome is systolic blood pressure. Secondary outcomes include diastolic blood pressure, hypertension knowledge level, treatment adherence, and hypertension self-efficacy.

Hemodialysis patients may experience dialysis-related distress due to long-term treatment requirements, dietary and fluid restrictions, medication use, vascular access problems, dialysis-related symptoms, and psychosocial challenges. Nurse-led self-management programs may help patients improve dialysis self-management, reduce distress, and support treatment adherence. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a nurse-led needs-based dialysis self-management program on dialysis-related distress in patients receiving hemodialysis. The study will be conducted as a single-center, two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. A total of 100 adult hemodialysis patients will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the intervention group will receive a 6-week nurse-led needs-based dialysis self-management program in addition to routine hemodialysis care. Participants in the control group will continue routine hemodialysis care. Data will be collected at baseline, 6 weeks, and 18 weeks. The primary outcome is dialysis-related distress. Secondary outcomes include illness and treatment uncertainty, treatment adherence, and clinical adherence indicators.

This study aimed to examine the effects of hemiplegic shoulder pain on upper extremity motor assessment, trunk control, fear of falling, mobility, and functional indepedence patients with stroke.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) phenotyping on responsiveness to clinical interventions in individuals with CTS.

This prospective, randomized, active-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study compares the postoperative analgesic efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided bilateral Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) versus bilateral Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block (SPSIPB) in adult patients (45-85 years, ASA I-III) undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The primary outcome is postoperative pain intensity assessed by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes include intraoperative fentanyl/remifentanil consumption, postoperative morphine consumption, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) demand/delivery parameters (if PCA is used), need for rescue analgesics, extubation and mobilization times, peak inspiratory flow measured by incentive spirometry at predefined time points, ICU and hospital length of stay, recovery quality (QoR-15 at 0, 24, and 48 hours), mortality, and block-related adverse events.

Physiotherapists, who hold a significant place in the healthcare sector, are at risk for mobbing and low levels of job satisfaction due to both demanding physical working conditions and emotional stress. This study was designed to investigate the mobbing exposure and job satisfaction levels of physiotherapists.

This study is a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (posterior tibial nerve stimulation, PTNS) in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) developing after stroke. Primary Hypothesis: PTNS therapy will significantly improve OAB symptoms in post-stroke patients compared to standard care/sham stimulation. Primary Outcome Measure: Change from baseline in Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and/or frequency of urgency episodes as assessed after 12 weeks of treatment."

This study aims to investigate the effects of swaddling and cradling methods on pain and stress levels in newborn infants receiving respiratory support. Infants receiving respiratory support in the neonatal intensive care unit may experience stress and discomfort during treatment. In this study, two different care methods that help infants feel more comfortable and secure will be scientifically compared. Only one of the Swaddling or Nesting methods will be applied to the newborns participating in the study. These methods are comfort-enhancing care practices routinely used in neonatal intensive care that do not harm the baby. The newborn's heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen level, pain and stress symptoms will be closely and safely monitored by the healthcare team. A pain-free saliva sample will be collected to assess the newborn's stress level. It does not involve needles, does not hurt, and takes approximately 2 minutes. Pain and stress levels will be assessed in a multifaceted manner using clinical observation, physiological parameters, and saliva cortisol levels. The study aims to contribute to the strengthening of evidence-based non-pharmacological care practices in neonatal intensive care.

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of a nurse-led caregiver support program on caregiver competency and healthcare utilization among family caregivers of patients receiving home palliative care. Family caregivers in the intervention group will receive a structured 6-week nurse-led support program including face-to-face education, weekly telephone coaching, caregiver guidance materials, and decision support for symptom management and healthcare utilization. The control group will continue to receive routine home palliative care services. Primary outcome is caregiver competency. Secondary outcomes include caregiver burden, self-efficacy, patient symptom burden, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations.

Frailty is an important geriatric syndrome associated with reduced physiological reserve, functional decline, falls, hospitalization, and increased health care use among older adults. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of a nurse-led telehealth-supported multicomponent frailty management program on frailty level and functional status in older adults living at home. The study will be conducted as a single-center, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. A total of 100 older adults aged 65 years and older who are living at home and are frail or at risk of frailty will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the intervention group will receive an 6-week nurse-led telehealth-supported frailty management program, including weekly telephone counseling and individualized follow-up. Participants in the control group will continue usual care. Data will be collected at baseline, at 6 weeks, and at 18 weeks. The primary outcome is frailty level measured using the FRAIL Scale. Secondary outcomes include functional status, depressive symptoms, number of falls, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of autogenous grafts harvested from different palatal regions on the peri-implant mucosa when applied during second-stage dental implant surgery. Clinical, radiographic, and digital assessment methods will be used to investigate the early effects of these grafts on peri-implant mucosal width and thickness. In addition, peri-implant tissue health and patient-reported outcomes will be evaluated to compare the effectiveness of the grafting techniques in peri-implant soft tissue management.

This interventional clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of internal and external focus-based exercise training combined with cognitive dual-task training in individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The primary objective is to determine whether these exercise approaches improve gait, balance, and cognitive functions. The main research questions are: Does dual-task training combined with internal focus-based exercises improve gait, balance, and cognitive performance? Does dual-task training combined with external focus-based exercises lead to greater improvements compared to internal focus strategies? Participants will be divided into two groups, and the researchers will compare the effects of internal focus-based and external focus-based dual-task exercise training on functional outcomes. Participants will: Perform structured exercise sessions under the supervision of a physiotherapist Engage in dual-task activities by combining motor exercises with simple cognitive tasks (e.g., backward counting, word generation) Participate in an 8-week training program, with sessions held twice a week lasting approximately 45-60 minutes Undergo assessments of gait, balance, and cognitive function before and after the intervention This study does not involve invasive procedures or biological sample collection. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of more effective dual-task rehabilitation strategies for individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Although it has been reported that these problems seen together with neck pain are related to functional limitations and disability, there is still insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between factors affecting functional status and chronic neck pain symptoms in individuals with chronic neck pain. Furthermore, a mixed methodology approach has not been used to comprehensively investigate this relationship. Identifying factors affecting functional status in CNP will help guide the prevention, treatment, and management of neck pain. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between functional status and psychosocial and bodily functions in CNP.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of motor imagery training on pain, functionality, proprioception and kinesiophobia in patients with partial rotator cuff tears. Participants will be randomly assigned to traditional physiotherapy and motor imagery groups. Interventions will be performed with a physiotherapist for a total of 20 sessions for 4 weeks, 5 days a week. The intervention program will be determined by the Specialist Physical Therapy Physician. Data will be collected before the study, at the end of the training in the 4th week and at the 8th week (follow-up evaluation). Motor imagery ability will be assessed with the Movement Imagery Questionnaire (MIQ-R), pain will be assessed with the Numerical Assessment Scale for functionality with the DASH, proprioception will be assessed with the inclinometer and kinesiophobia will be assessed with the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale.