Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Acute Effects of Oculomotor Exercises on Posturography and Gait Analysis Parameters in Regular Exercisers

Turkey (Türkiye)51 participantsStarted 2025-09-02

Plain-language summary

This study aims to investigate the acute effects of a single-session oculomotor exercise program on static posturography and gait analysis parameters in healthy individuals who exercise regularly. Postural control and gait are complex sensorimotor functions that depend on the integration of visual, vestibular, somatosensory, and motor systems. Eye movements and gaze stabilization may contribute to postural orientation and locomotor control by influencing visual-vestibular integration, head-eye coordination, and sensorimotor adaptation. However, the immediate effects of short-duration oculomotor exercise programs on postural sway and gait-related parameters in regular exercisers have not been fully clarified. This study is designed as a single-group, within-session, pre-post interventional study. Participants will undergo baseline assessments, complete a single session of oculomotor exercises, and then be reassessed after the intervention in the same testing session. The study population will consist of healthy adults who exercise regularly and meet the predefined eligibility criteria. Individuals with musculoskeletal injury, neurological or vestibular disorders, visual conditions that may affect balance or eye movement performance, or any condition limiting participation in the testing procedures will be excluded. Static posturography will be performed using the HUR SmartBalance BTG4 system to evaluate postural sway under different sensory conditions. Measurements will be obtained during quiet standing with eyes open on a firm surface, eyes closed on a firm surface, eyes open on a foam surface, and eyes closed on a foam surface. The main posturography variables will include sway area, trace length, sway velocity, lateral sway, and anterior-posterior sway. Gait analysis will be performed before and after the intervention using the DIERS Pedogait system. Spatiotemporal, phase-related, and center-of-pressure-based gait parameters will be recorded. These parameters may include step length, stride length, step time, stride time, track width, cadence, stance phase, swing phase, double support, pre-swing, and center-of-pressure-related gait variables. The oculomotor exercise program will include three main components: extraocular eye movement exercises, vestibulo-ocular and cervico-ocular gaze stabilization exercises, and accommodation exercises. During extraocular eye movement exercises, participants will be asked to follow a visual target with eye movements while keeping the head stable. During gaze stabilization exercises, participants will maintain visual fixation on a target while performing controlled head movements and walking steps. During accommodation exercises, participants will alternate focus between a near target and a distant target. The exercises will be performed at different speeds to stimulate oculomotor control, gaze stabilization, and visual focusing mechanisms. The primary outcome of the study is the change in sway area from baseline to the post-intervention assessment. Secondary outcomes include changes in other static posturography parameters and gait analysis variables. By evaluating both postural sway and gait-related outcomes, this study aims to provide preliminary evidence on whether a short oculomotor exercise session may produce immediate changes in postural control and walking characteristics in regular exercisers.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 50 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy adults aged 18 to 50 years * Regular participation in exercise * Ability to walk independently without an assistive device * Ability to understand and follow the study procedures * Ability to complete the oculomotor exercise program, static posturography assessment, and gait analysis * Provision of written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Acute musculoskeletal injury or pain that could affect balance, gait, or exercise performance * Neurological disease that could affect balance, gait, or oculomotor control * Vestibular disorder or current symptoms of dizziness or vertigo * Visual or ocular disorder that could affect visual fixation, eye movements, or balance assessment * Use of medication that could affect balance, coordination, alertness, or gait * Inability to walk independently * Inability to complete the oculomotor exercise intervention or assessment procedures * Any medical condition considered by the investigator to interfere with safe participation or the validity of the assessments

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change From Baseline in Sway Area Under Four Sensory Conditions

Timeframe: Baseline and 15 minutes after the intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07718282

SponsorEge University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-09-05

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