Effects of Sensorimotor Balance Training vs Digitally Augmented Core Stabilization in Women With Osteoporosis

NCT07875894 — Not applicable, Not yet recruiting, 40 participants, Riphah International University

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Effects of Sensorimotor-Based Balance Training Versus Digitally Augmented Core Stabilization on Postural Control and Fall Risk in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis

RegistryNCT07875894
StatusNot yet recruiting
PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional; randomized, parallel, masking: single, treatment
Enrollment40 (Estimated)
SponsorRiphah International University (Other)
ConditionsPostmenopausal Osteoporosis
InterventionsSensorimotor-Based Balance Training, Digitally Augmented Core Stabilization (Behavioral)
Datesstart 2026-09-01 (estimated), primary completion 2027-06-30 (estimated), completion 2027-07-31 (estimated), first posted 2026-10-15, last updated 2026-10-15
Locations1 site in Pakistan

Related Papers Related Patents Related Grants Related Experts
All trials for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis All trials of Sensorimotor-Based Balance Training All trials of Digitally Augmented Core Stabilization

-Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of sensorimotor-based balance training and digitally augmented core stabilization on postural control and fall risk in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a common condition in postmenopausal women that can impair balance, reduce functional mobility, and increase the risk of falls and fractures. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups. Group A will receive a structured sensorimotor-based balance training program, while Group B will receive a digitally augmented core stabilization exercise program supported through the HEP2Go platform and monitored via WhatsApp. Both groups will receive supervised physiotherapy sessions three times per week for 8 weeks. Outcome measures including postural control, fall risk, spinal alignment, core muscle endurance, proprioception, muscle strength, adherence, and usability will be assessed before and after the intervention. The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding effective physiotherapy strategies for improving balance and reducing fall risk in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

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+Detailed description

Osteoporosis is a progressive skeletal disorder characterized by reduced bone mineral density and deterioration of bone microarchitecture, resulting in increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. Postmenopausal women are particularly affected because estrogen deficiency accelerates bone loss, leading to impaired postural stability, reduced muscle strength, proprioceptive deficits, and an increased risk of falls. Falls are a major cause of morbidity, disability, and reduced quality of life among women with osteoporosis.

Exercise-based physiotherapy is an important non-pharmacological intervention for improving balance, postural control, muscle strength, and functional mobility in individuals with osteoporosis. Sensorimotor-based balance training aims to improve proprioception, neuromuscular coordination, and postural stability through progressively challenging balance and functional activities. Core stabilization exercises focus on strengthening deep trunk muscles to improve spinal stability, posture, and movement control.

Digital rehabilitation technologies have increasingly been incorporated into physiotherapy practice to improve exercise adherence, accessibility, and patient engagement. In this study, digital augmentation will be delivered through the HEP2Go platform by providing individualized home exercise programs with exercise illustrations and written instructions. Participants in the digitally augmented group will also receive regular follow-up and adherence monitoring through WhatsApp communication with the assistance of caregivers.

This study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial involving postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis. Eligible participants who satisfy the inclusion criteria and provide written informed consent will undergo baseline assessment and then be randomly allocated to one of two intervention groups. Group A will receive a structured sensorimotor-based balance training program, whereas Group B will receive a digitally augmented core stabilization exercise program. Both interventions will be administered three times per week for 8 weeks.

Primary outcomes include postural control and fall risk. Secondary outcomes include thoracic kyphosis angle, core muscle endurance, lumbar joint position sense, trunk extensor strength, exercise adherence, and system usability. Outcome measures will be recorded before and after completion of the intervention using standardized assessment tools. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 26 to compare within-group and between-group changes.

+Arms and interventions

ArmTypeInterventionsDescription
Sensorimotor-Based Balance TrainingExperimentalBehavioral: Sensorimotor-Based Balance TrainingParticipants assigned to this arm will receive a structured sensorimotor-based balance training program aimed at improving postural control, proprioception, balance, and reducing fall risk in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The intervention consists of warm-up exercises, static and dynamic balance training, sensorimotor and proprioceptive exercises, gait and functional training, lower-limb strengthening exercises, and cool-down activities. Supervised physiotherapy sessions will be conducted three times per week for 8 weeks, with progressive exercise intensity according to participant tolerance.
Digitally Augmented Core StabilizationExperimentalBehavioral: Digitally Augmented Core StabilizationParticipants assigned to this arm will receive a structured core stabilization exercise program enhanced through digital augmentation using the HEP2Go platform. Individualized home exercise programs containing exercise illustrations and written instructions will be provided through HEP2Go. The intervention includes warm-up, deep core muscle activation, core stabilization exercises, functional core training, postural training, and cool-down exercises. Supervised physiotherapy sessions will be conducted three times per week for 8 weeks. Exercise adherence and progress will be monitored through regular WhatsApp communication with participants and their caregivers.
  • Sensorimotor-Based Balance Training (Behavioral): A supervised sensorimotor-based balance training program comprising progressive static and dynamic balance exercises, proprioceptive training, gait training, lower-limb strengthening, functional balance activities, and cool-down exercises. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for 8-12 weeks to improve postural control, balance, and functional mobility in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
  • Digitally Augmented Core Stabilization (Behavioral): A supervised core stabilization exercise program focusing on activation and strengthening of deep trunk muscles, postural alignment, and functional stability. Digital augmentation will be provided through the HEP2Go platform by delivering individualized home exercise programs with exercise illustrations and written instructions. Participants will also receive regular WhatsApp reminders, educational support, and adherence monitoring throughout the 8-12-week intervention period.

+Outcome measures

Primary outcomes

  • Postural Control (Mini-BESTest) [Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention.]: Postural control will be assessed using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), a 14-item clinical measure of postural control. Total scores range from 0 to 28 points, with higher scores indicating better postural control.
  • Fall Risk [Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention.]: Fall risk will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test. Time is recorded in seconds, with shorter completion times indicating better functional mobility and lower fall risk.

Secondary outcomes

  • Thoracic Kyphosis Angle [Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention.]: Thoracic kyphosis angle will be measured using a Flexicurve ruler.
  • Core Muscle Endurance [Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention]: core muscle endurance will be assessed using the Modified McGill Trunk Endurance Test.
  • Proprioception [Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention.]: Lumbar proprioception will be assessed using the lumbar joint position sense repositioning error test.
  • Trunk Extensor Muscle Strength [Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention.]: Trunk extensor muscle strength will be measured using a handheld dynamometer.
  • Exercise Adherence [Throughout the 8-week intervention period.]: Exercise adherence will be evaluated using attendance records and home exercise adherence logs throughout the intervention period.
  • System Usability [At the end of the 8-week intervention.]: System usability of the digitally augmented intervention will be assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS). The SUS consists of 10 items and provides a total score ranging from 0 to 100 points, with higher scores indicating better perceived usability of the digitally augmented intervention.

+Eligibility

Sex: Female, ages: 45 Years to 70 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* PMW diagnosed with osteoporosis through DEXA (T-score ≤ -2.5)
* Age (45-70 years).
* Able to participate in sessions and walk independently.
* Mild to moderate Balance impairment as per BBS

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Women with severe mobility impairments.

  * History of fragility fracture within the last 6 months
  * Women with cognitive conditions affecting participation.
  * Women with lower limb joint injury or surgery.

+Locations (1)

FacilityCityCountryStatus
Muhammad Adnan SaeedIslamabad, FederalPakistan

+Publications

  • Mohebbi R, Shojaa M, Kohl M, von Stengel S, Jakob F, Kerschan-Schindl K, Lange U, Peters S, Thomasius F, Uder M, Kemmler W. Exercise training and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies with emphasis on potential moderators. Osteoporos Int. 2023 Jul;34(7):1145-1178. doi: 10.1007/s00198-023-06682-1. Epub 2023 Feb 7. PMID 36749350
  • Zhou X, Deng H, Shen X, Lei Q. Effect of balance training on falls in patients with osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Rehabil Med. 2018 Jul 17;50(7):577-581. doi: 10.2340/16501977-2334. PMID 29767225
  • Wei F, Hu Z, He R, Wang Y. Effects of balance training on balance and fall efficacy in patients with Osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. J Rehabil Med. 2023 May 17;55:jrm00390. doi: 10.2340/jrm.v55.4529. PMID 37194565
  • Alonso Perez JL, Martin Perez S, Battaglino A, Villafane JH, Alonso-Sal A, Sanchez Romero EA. An Up-Date of the Muscle Strengthening Exercise Effectiveness in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis: A Qualitative Systematic Review. J Clin Med. 2021 May 21;10(11):2229. doi: 10.3390/jcm10112229. PMID 34063906
  • Anupama DS, Norohna JA, Acharya KK, Ravishankar, George A. Effect of exercise on bone mineral density and quality of life among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis without fracture: A systematic review. Int J Orthop Trauma Nurs. 2020 Nov;39:100796. doi: 10.1016/j.ijotn.2020.100796. Epub 2020 Jul 28. PMID 33041224
  • Kemmler W, Shojaa M, Kohl M, von Stengel S. Effects of Different Types of Exercise on Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Calcif Tissue Int. 2020 Nov;107(5):409-439. doi: 10.1007/s00223-020-00744-w. Epub 2020 Aug 12. PMID 32785775

+Investigators

  • Huma Riaz, Principal investigator, Riphah International University, Islamabad