Clinical trials

Cardiopulmonary physical examination is a fundamental nursing skill that is essential for the early recognition of patient problems and safe clinical decision-making. Nursing students often experience difficulties in developing competence and confidence in performing cardiac and pulmonary assessment skills during their early clinical education. This quasi-experimental study aims to compare the effects of simulation-based training and standardized patient-based training on first-year nursing students' cardiopulmonary physical examination outcomes. The study will evaluate knowledge, clinical skill performance, learning satisfaction, self-confidence, and anxiety levels before and after the educational interventions. Participants will be first-year nursing students enrolled in a health assessment course. Students will be assigned to either a simulation-based training group or a standardized patient-based training group. Data will be collected using knowledge tests, skill assessment checklists, satisfaction and self-confidence scales, and anxiety measures. The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based nursing education by identifying effective teaching strategies for improving cardiopulmonary assessment competence among nursing students.

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a core stability exercise program can improve core endurance, hand grip strength, pinch strength, and manual dexterity in dental students. The study will include adult dental students who are enrolled at a university and do not have any musculoskeletal or neurological conditions. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does a 6-week core stability exercise program improve core endurance in dental students? Does the exercise program improve hand grip strength, pinch strength, and manual dexterity compared to usual daily activities? Researchers will compare a core stability exercise group to a control group to determine whether the exercise program is more effective than routine daily activities. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to either an exercise group or a control group Participate in a supervised core stability exercise program three times per week for 6 weeks (exercise group only) Continue their usual daily activities without additional exercise (control group) Undergo assessments of core endurance, hand grip strength, pinch strength, and manual dexterity before and after the intervention period

Although the postpartum period is generally considered a positive experience, obstetric interventions such as episiotomy may lead to significant maternal health problems. Episiotomy, a surgical incision performed on the perineum during the second stage of labor, remains widely used despite World Health Organization recommendations to limit its rate. Episiotomy-related complications, including pain, infection, bleeding, and dyspareunia, can negatively affect wound healing, quality of life, and postpartum sexual health. Proper episiotomy wound care and education are therefore essential components of postpartum care. This study aims to evaluate the effect of an artificial intelligence-supported video education on episiotomy wound healing and postpartum sexual quality of life. The findings are expected to contribute to improved postpartum care practices and guide future research in this field.

Introduction: Increasing sedentary lifestyle, microbiota imbalance and exercise-induced muscle fatigue are among the main causes of metabolic stress and performance decline, even in young individuals. The potential effects of functional foods-particularly polyphenol and anthocyanin-rich beverages-on both gut microbiota and muscle performance have attracted attention in recent years. In this context, intervention studies focused on the gut-muscle axis represent a promising and valuable area of research. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of a functional beverage enriched with anthocyanins and polyphenols -extracted from Sambucus nigra L. (black elderberry)- combined with a regular exercise program on muscle performance, muscle morphology, fatigue level, and gut microbiota composition in healthy individuals. Method: This 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will include participants adhering to a berry-free diet. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: the intervention group will consume a functional elderberry beverage formulated with high-purity anthocyanins obtained via supercritical CO₂ extraction; the control group will receive a placebo beverage with matched taste and energy content but without active compounds. Both groups will engage in a structured combined exercise program (3 days/week). Pre- and post-intervention assessments will include gut microbiota profiling (16S rRNA sequencing), short-chain fatty acid analysis, systemic biomarkers, muscle morphology (via ultrasound), exercise performance, and body composition. Mediator analyses will be used to explore the role of the gut-muscle axis in the observed effects. Unique value: This project represents one of the few human-based intervention studies systematically evaluating the interaction between functional beverages, exercise, and microbiota through the lens of muscle fiber-type-specific adaptations. Furthermore, by integrating mediator analyses and multi-level outcome measures, the study aims to elucidate the physiological relevance of the gut-muscle axis in a holistic manner. The development, standardization, and sensory evaluation of the elderberry-based beverage also contribute valuable insights to functional product innovation.

Globally, the aging population is increasing rapidly, leading to a dramatic rise in the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by pathological hallmarks such as β-amyloid (Aβ) plaque accumulation, tau protein aggregation, synaptic loss, and widespread neuroinflammation. These processes impair key cognitive domains including attention, memory, executive function, and orientation, hindering independent daily functioning. Beyond cognitive decline, neurodegenerative diseases are associated with a marked deterioration in oromotor functions, such as chewing and swallowing. Mastication plays a critical role not only in digestion but also in neuro-sensory stimulation. Trigeminal nerve signaling activated by chewing enhances neurotransmitter release, boosts neurotrophic factor production (e.g., BDNF), and facilitates Aβ clearance, thereby supporting synaptic plasticity and reducing inflammation. Neuroimaging studies have shown that a higher number of functional occlusal pairs is associated with increased gray and white matter volume in regions affected early in Alzheimer's disease. Systematic reviews have identified poor mastication and tooth loss as risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia. Mechanistically, loss of afferent input from the oral cavity-due to tooth loss, reduced chewing force, prosthetic use, or muscle atrophy-leads to reduced brain stimulation, diminished neurotrophic support, and impaired cerebral blood flow. Thus, geriatric-friendly chewing gum formulations with low elasticity and ease of chewing have been recommended. Chewing gum is a promising vehicle for functional compounds due to its potential for transmucosal absorption and cognitive stimulation. Randomized controlled trials have shown that both active and inactive gums improve attention and reduce error rates in cognitive tasks, highlighting the beneficial effects of mastication. Another emerging target for cognitive enhancement is the oral microbiota, a complex ecosystem of over 700 bacterial species. Dysbiosis in this ecosystem has been linked to neurological outcomes via inflammatory and neurotoxic pathways. Certain pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, have been detected in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Moreover, metagenomic studies have shown that reduced salivary microbial diversity correlates with poorer cognitive performance, even in young adults. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) is rich in anthocyanins (e.g., cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-sambubioside) with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Literature shows that polyphenols can be absorbed via buccal and sublingual mucosa, bypassing first-pass metabolism and providing faster systemic effects. However, the impact of anthocyanin-enriched chewing gum on oral microbiota and cognitive function has not yet been systematically investigated. This study aims to develop and evaluate a geriatric-friendly functional chewing gum enriched with standardized elderberry anthocyanins. The intervention targets dual mechanisms-neurophysiological and microbial-to support cognitive health and balance oral microbiota in older adults.

This study was planned as a randomized controlled experimental study in order to compare the effects of oral care with saline and black mulberry syrup in addition to sodium bicarbonate on oral mucositis level in children aged 6-18 years receiving chemotherapy.

Simulation training provided before clinical practice at many universities helps students feel confident and well prepared for the clinical environment. Simulation-based learning not only improves professional competence in midwifery educators but also equips and empowers midwifery students in practice. In undergraduate midwifery education, students are provided obstetric skills training on electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), delivery management, shoulder dystocia, postpartum hemorrhage, breech delivery, umbilical cord prolapse and perineal repair (incision and episiotomy). It has been determined that simulation-based training positively affects the perceived readiness of the participants. It is emphasized that health personnel should be encouraged to freely choose birth positions and be informed about the risks and benefits of upright and supine positions. This study will be conducted to evaluate the effect of midwifery students' use of alternative birth positions in the second stage of labor on students' anxiety, self-efficacy, skill and knowledge levels.

Simulation training motivates participants to interact and collaborate, and studies on interdisciplinary groups show that it improves soft skills such as communication and teamwork. Midwifery students' skills are the ability to apply knowledge and use their knowledge to perform tasks and solve problems. They are cognitive in nature and include logical, intuitive and creative thinking. Practical experiences such as the application of skills and methods, materials, tools and equipment further develop these skills. Skills represent the application of learned abilities and the result of practical experience that emerges both cognitively and practically. In addition, feedback is included in the methods used as an important part of clinical education

Pregnancy is a normal and natural process in a woman's life. During this process, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and emotional changes are observed. The changes are a period in which social, biophysical and psychological changes are experienced, which also means a journey into the unknown for the woman and her family. Although the scope of prenatal care is high today, the main focus is on the physical aspects of care and medical precautions. Midwives who provide holistic care should also address spiritual care. Therefore, the ESMADEM training model will be conducted to examine the effect of the spiritual coping, prenatal attachment and fear of birth of pregnant women.

Placenta previa is the extension of placental tissue over the endocervical os or covering the cervical os. Placenta previa is a common complication in the third trimester of pregnancy and is a major cause of postpartum hemorrhage and perinatal death.There are many studies in the literature on attachment. However, no studies have been found on fetal movement in placenta previa pregnant women. Counting fetal movements is an easy and inexpensive assessment that pregnant women can do on their own, without the need for any specialist or equipment, and for which they take responsibility. It is assumed that the effective time spent during fetal movement counting will positively affect the attachment between the pregnant woman and the fetus, and that the stress of the pregnant woman, who is sure that her baby is well, will decrease.

Pregnancy is a normal and natural process in a woman's life. During this process, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and emotional changes are observed. During pregnancy, sometimes risk situations arise from the mother, sometimes from the fetus. the scope of prenatal care is high today, the main focus is on the physical aspects of care and medical measures. Midwives who provide holistic care should also address spiritual care. Therefore, the esmadem education model will be conducted to examine the effect of the spiritual coping, tolerance and depression of risky pregnancies.

Cesarean section is one of the most common surgical interventions in many countries. It is seen that 21.1% of women worldwide, 57.5% in Turkey, give birth by cesarean section. 99.6% of women have pain in the first 24 hours after cesarean section and oral analgesia is not sufficient for pain. It is seen that pain has an effect on recovery and breastfeeding after CS.This study will be conducted to determine the effects of non-pharmacological methods, virtual reality glasses, focusing and expressive touch on pain, anxiety, breastfeeding and mobilization in women giving birth by cesarean section. The ınvestigators aim to contribute to the midwifery and nursing care literature with the findings and results of the study.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a type of diabetes that occurs as a result of intolerance of carbohydrate metabolism during pregnancy in an individual whose blood glucose concentration is within normal limits before pregnancy. GDM is an important condition that should be handled carefully. Because it is one of the most common metabolic diseases during pregnancy and poses risks to the health of the mother, fetus and newborn. Increasing Self-Efficacy in Gestational Diabetes with education based on the Health Belief Model,

Birth is an important period that affects a woman's life physically, psychologically and socially. Although this experience can bring joy, it can also be accompanied by anxiety and fear. Fear of birth is affected by people's past traumatic birth experiences, lack of information, and the transfer of birth experiences experienced by individuals . Birth stories are one of the most accessible and frequently used tools for women to learn about birth. These stories are seen to affect women's fears of birth and their birth preferences .This study will evaluate the impact of Potcost Stories on childbirth-related fear, pain, experiences and mode of delivery.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if telerehabilitation in patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does telerehabilitation improve the functional level of the participants? * Does telerehabilitation improve the locomotor performance of the participants? Researchers will compare telerehabilitation to face to face rehabilitation (traditional rehabilitation programme) to see if telerehabilitation works in total hip arthroplasty recovery. Participants will: * Attend physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions supervised by a physiotherapist 2 days a week for 8 weeks. * Participate in assessments (before surgery and at 6 weeks and 12 weeks after surgery).