Skip to content

Flexor Hallucis Longus Training and Balance-Gait in Geriatrics

Examination of Balance-Gait Parameters and Fall Effect of Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle Strengthening Training in Geriatric Group

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06887478
Enrollment
56
Registered
2025-03-20
Start date
2024-03-10
Completion date
2025-04-01
Last updated
2026-06-24

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle Strength in Elderly Individuals

Keywords

elderly, flexor hallucis longus, balance, gait, falls

Brief summary

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.

Interventions

OTHERExercise

A progressive resistance exercise program focusing on strengthening the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle in elderly participants.

Sponsors

Lokman Hekim University
Lead SponsorOTHER_GOV

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
65 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes

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.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Muscle Strength Measurementpre-intervention, immediately after the interventionFlexor hallucis longus strength and toe grip strength will be assessed using Dynamo by Vald branded dynamometer. The results will be reported in Newtons.
balance assessmentpre-intervention, immediately after the interventionberg balance scale
gaitpre-intervention, immediately after the interventiongait speed, cadence

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Jun 25, 2026