Flexor Hallucis Longus Training and Balance-Gait in Geriatrics

Lokman Hekim Üniversitesi

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle Strength in Elderly Individuals

Treatments: Other: Exercise

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06887478

2024049

Details and patient eligibility

About

Examination of Balance-Gait Parameters and Fall Effect of Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle Strengthening Training in Geriatric Group It has been demonstrated that the reduction in the strength of the toe flexor muscles is an independent indicator of falls in geriatric individuals. However, the extent of this strength loss and the effects of strengthening training programs on balance, gait parameters, and falls are not well understood.

Objective: The aim is to investigate whether a progressive resistance exercise program, focusing specifically on the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle, can improve toe flexor strength and influence gait, balance, and falls in geriatric individuals.

Materials and Methods: Individuals over the age of 65 who are willing to participate in the study will be included. The participants will be divided into three groups: individual exercise group, home exercise group, and control group. Individuals who are unable to walk independently, have severe musculoskeletal disorders, have hallux rigidus deformity, suffer from orthostatic hypotension, have difficulty understanding instructions, or have diabetic neuropathy will be excluded from the study. After obtaining socio-demographic information from the participants, anthropometric measurements will be taken. Toe grip strength will be assessed using a digital dynamometer, and the strength of the intrinsic foot muscles and lower extremity antigravity muscles will also be measured using a digital dynamometer. Balance parameters will be evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test, while gait parameters will be assessed using the 10-meter walk test and Tinetti Gait Scale. Fall parameters will be assessed by the Falls Efficacy Scale and fall frequency.

The collected data will be analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software.

Enrollment: 66 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 65+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Individuals over the age of 65,
• Individuals who do not have hearing or speech problems,
• Individuals who do not have any neurological, orthopedic or visual problems that would prevent walking (can walk 10 meters independently)
• Individuals who score 24 points and above in the Mini Mental Test evaluation.

Exclusion criteria

• Those who cannot walk independently,
• Those with serious musculoskeletal system disorders,
• Those with hallux rigidus deformity,
• Those with orthostatic hypotension,
• Those who have difficulty understanding instructions and those with diabetic neuropathy.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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66 participants in 3 patient groups

Physiotherapist-Assisted Isolated FHL Strengthening Exercise Group

Experimental group

Description:

The intervention for the "Physiotherapist-Assisted Isolated FHL Strengthening Exercise Group (FHL-SET)" will consist of physiotherapist-guided, isolated strengthening exercises specifically targeting the Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) muscle. Participants will engage in exercises designed to isolate and strengthen the FHL muscle through controlled and progressive resistance. Sessions will occur three times a week for 8 weeks, with the physiotherapist providing individualized adjustments and ensuring proper technique and progression.

Treatment:

Other: Exercise

Home-Based Foot and Ankle Strengthening Exercise Training Group

Experimental group

Description:

After the initial assessments, the participants in this group will receive home-based foot and ankle strengthening exercises three times a week for 8 weeks. They will be monitored weekly using an exercise log. The Home-Based Exercise Group (EvT-KE) will be taught general foot exercises without progression in resistance. These exercises include ankle rotations, toe raises, toe lifts, rolling a ball under the foot for 2 minutes, picking up marbles with toes, towel collection exercises, and foot shortening exercises.

Treatment:

Other: Exercise

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

For the Control Group, initial and final assessments will be conducted at the beginning of the study and at the end of 8 weeks. No exercise program will be provided during this period. After the study, necessary exercises and recommendations will be given.