Effects of Combined Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises on Dynamic Balance in Elderly

NCT07608991 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 48

Last updated 2026-05-27

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study focuses on improving balance in elderly individuals (aged 60-80 years) who may experience dizziness or instability while walking or performing daily activities. Poor balance increases the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries and loss of independence.

The study compares two types of exercise programs:

One group performs combined cervical (neck) exercises + eye (oculomotor) exercises + Otago balance exercises The other group performs eye (oculomotor) exercises + Otago balance exercises only These exercises are done 3 times per week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting 30-45 minutes.

The goal is to determine whether combining neck and eye exercises improves balance more effectively than eye exercises alone.

This research may help:

Reduce fall risk in elderly people Improve mobility and independence Provide better rehabilitation programs for physiotherapists

Conditions

  • Dynamic Balance
  • Risk of Fall

Interventions

PROCEDURE

occulomotor with otago exercises

Smooth pursuit exercises, where the eyes follow a moving target horizontally, vertically, and diagonally while keeping the head still. Saccadic eye movements, involving quick shifts of gaze between two stationary targets. Gaze stability (VOR x1 and VOR x2) exercises, involving head movements while maintaining focus on a target, and moving the head and target in opposite directions. All participants will perform the Otago exercise program, a well-established, evidence-based fall prevention program focusing on lower limb strengthening and dynamic balance. It includes: * Strengthening exercises (e.g., knee extensions, hip abduction, calf raises). * Static and dynamic balance exercises (e.g., tandem stance, backward walking, sit-to-stand without using hands). * A progressive walking plan to improve endurance and confidence during ambulation.

PROCEDURE

Combined Cervical and Oculomotor Exercises with Otago Exercises

Cervical range of motion exercises in flexion, extension, rotation, and side bending (gentle, controlled movements). Chin tuck exercises in supine or sitting positions to activate deep cervical flexors. Isometric neck strengthening exercises (flexion, extension, lateral flexion), focusing on controlled, static holds. Occulomotor Exercises: Smooth pursuit exercises, where the eyes follow a moving target horizontally, vertically, and diagonally while keeping the head still. Saccadic eye movements, involving quick shifts of gaze between two stationary targets. Gaze stability (VOR x1 and VOR x2) exercises, involving head movements while maintaining focus on a target, and moving the head in opposite direction Otago exercises Strengthening exercises (e.g., knee extensions, hip abduction, calf raises). Static and dynamic balance exercises (e.g., tandem stance, backward walking, sit-to-stand without using hands). A progressive walking plan to improve endurance and confidence during ambulation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Foundation University Islamabad

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
60 Years
Max Age
80 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-11-18
Primary Completion
2026-05-10
Completion
2026-05-10

Countries

  • Pakistan

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07608991 on ClinicalTrials.gov