An interventional study of Multimodal Intervention in Muscle Weakness, Postural Balance and Physical Functional Performance, sponsored by Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 65 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-11-02.
Sponsored by Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a 12-week multidisciplinary intervention on muscle strength, postural alignment, and balance in older adults living in temporary container settlements following the February 2023 earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye.
A total of 60 adults aged 65 years and older were allocated to an intervention group (n=30) or a control group (n=30). The intervention group participated in an individualized health management program that included exercises targeting muscle strength, balance, mobility, and posture, together with nutritional counseling, psychosocial support, and health education. The control group received no active intervention and underwent assessments at baseline and after 12 weeks.
Muscle strength was assessed using digital and manual dynamometers. Postural alignment was evaluated using PostureScreen, while postural sway and balance were assessed using Gyko and functional performance tests, including the Timed Up and Go Test and Short Physical Performance Battery.
The study aimed to determine whether a multidisciplinary intervention could improve physical function, postural alignment, and balance in older adults living in post-disaster temporary housing.
This randomized controlled trial was conducted among adults aged 65 years and older residing in temporary container settlements in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, following the February 2023 earthquakes. The study investigated the effects of a multidisciplinary health management intervention on muscle strength, postural alignment, balance, and physical performance.
Sixty eligible participants were allocated to two groups: an intervention group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). Randomization was conducted using a sealed-envelope method, with consideration of participants' frailty status.
The intervention group received a 12-week individualized multidisciplinary program addressing physical, nutritional, and psychosocial health needs. Physical interventions included exercises designed to improve muscle strength, balance, mobility, range of motion, and postural control. Additional components included nutritional counseling, psychosocial support, lifestyle guidance, and medication-related health education. The program was delivered under the supervision of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
The control group received no active intervention and participated in baseline and 12-week follow-up assessments.
Muscle strength was assessed using the KFORCE KINVENT digital muscle strength measurement system, Jamar hand dynamometer, and pinch dynamometer. Postural alignment was assessed using the PostureScreen application. Postural sway was evaluated using the Gyko system. Functional mobility, balance, and lower-extremity physical performance were assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test and Short Physical Performance Battery.
Assessments were performed at baseline and following the 12-week intervention period.
The study was designed to evaluate whether a structured multidisciplinary approach could improve physical function and postural outcomes among older adults experiencing the long-term consequences of displacement following a major earthquake.
477 studies on the registry are indexed under Muscle Weakness; 73 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 60 is above the median of 44 across 362 interventional studies indexed under Muscle Weakness.
Browse Muscle Weakness studies →Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University is the lead sponsor of 198 studies on the registry; 40 are open to participants now.
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Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Being an earthquake survivor.
Being 65 years of age or older.
Having a score of 4 or below on the Edmonton Frailty Scale.
Being able to understand verbal commands.
Being able to speak and understand Turkish.
Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
Not living in a temporary container settlement.
Being younger than 65 years.
Being unable to speak or understand Turkish.
Being unable to understand verbal commands.
Having a diagnosed psychological disorder.
Having undergone surgery within the previous six months.
Having a score of 5 or above on the Edmonton Frailty Scale.
Declining to participate in the study.
Older adults aged 65 years and above who experienced the earthquake and were living in temporary container settlements. Participants in this group received a 12-week multidisciplinary health management intervention including exercises for muscle strength, balance, mobility, and posture, together with nutritional counseling, psychosocial support, and health education.
Behavioral: Multimodal Intervention
Older adults aged 65 years and above who experienced the earthquake and were living in temporary container settlements. Participants in this group received no active intervention and underwent assessments at baseline and after 12 weeks.
A 12-week individualized multidisciplinary health management program was delivered to older adults living in post-earthquake temporary container settlements. The intervention included exercises targeting muscle strength, postural alignment, balance, mobility, and range of motion. Additional components consisted of nutritional counseling, psychosocial support, lifestyle guidance, and medication-related health education. The program was implemented under the supervision of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Change in Upper and Lower Extremity Muscle Strength
Isometric muscle strength of selected upper- and lower-extremity muscle groups was assessed using the KFORCE KINVENT digital muscle strength measurement device. Measurements were performed bilaterally to evaluate changes in muscle strength following the 12-week intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Change in Postural Alignment
Postural alignment was assessed using the PostureScreen mobile application. Frontal and lateral photographs were obtained to identify postural deviations and evaluate changes in postural alignment following the intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Change in Postural Sway and Balance
Postural sway was assessed using the Gyko system. The assessment included sway length, sway area, sway progression rate, and sway frequency to evaluate postural stability and balance changes following the 12-week intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Change in Handgrip Strengt
Handgrip strength was assessed using a Jamar hand dynamometer. Measurements were performed to evaluate changes in handgrip strength between baseline and the end of the 12-week intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Change in Pinch Strength
Pinch strength was assessed using a mechanical pinch dynamometer (Baseline Pinch Gauge). Measurements were performed to evaluate changes in pinch strength following the intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Change in Functional Mobility and Dynamic Balance
Functional mobility and dynamic balance were assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). The time required to stand from a chair, walk three meters, turn, return, and sit down was recorded in seconds. Lower completion times indicate better functional mobility.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Change in Lower Extremity Physical Performance
Lower-extremity physical performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), consisting of standing balance, a four-meter walking test, and a chair-rise test. Total scores range from 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating better physical performance.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Plan to share: No
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
This study is completed, as verified in Oct 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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