Clinical trials

Lumbar disc herniation is a common musculoskeletal condition that negatively affects quality of life, physical function, and daily activities. Previous studies have shown that individuals with lumbar disc herniation often experience poor sleep quality, which is closely related to pain severity and functional limitations. In addition, a bidirectional relationship exists between chronic pain and sleep disturbances, where poor sleep can increase pain perception, and pain can further impair sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder associated with reduced sleep quality, daytime dysfunction, and adverse health outcomes. The STOP-Bang questionnaire (Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, high blood Pressure, Body mass index, Age, Neck circumference, and Gender) is a widely used and practical screening tool to identify individuals at high risk for OSA in clinical settings. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs are commonly used in the conservative management of lumbar disc herniation and have been shown to improve pain and functional outcomes. However, the effect of the timing of rehabilitation (daytime versus evening) on sleep-related outcomes has not been sufficiently investigated. Considering that circadian rhythms influence pain perception, physiological processes, and sleep regulation, the timing of rehabilitation interventions may play an important role in clinical outcomes. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of daytime versus evening rehabilitation programs on sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in patients with lumbar disc herniation who are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation. In addition to its well-known cardiometabolic consequences, OSA may negatively affect functional capacity and daily activity performance. However, upper extremity functional capacity in individuals with OSA has not been adequately evaluated. The 6-Minute Pegboard and Ring Test (6PBRT) is a functional test designed to assess upper extremity functional capacity during unsupported arm activity. Although the test has been widely used in respiratory diseases, its measurement properties have not yet been evaluated in patients with OSA. The aim of this study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the 6PBRT in adults diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea using polysomnography. Participants with OSA will undergo polysomnographic evaluation and complete the 6PBRT. Test-retest reliability will be assessed by repeating the test under the same conditions. The relationship between 6PBRT performance and polysomnographic parameters (AHI, ODI, minimum SpO₂ and T90) will also be examined. In addition, associations between 6PBRT performance and clinical scales such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire will be analyzed. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the measurement properties of the 6PBRT in individuals with OSA and contribute to the clinical assessment of upper extremity functional capacity in this population.

The aim of this educational research is to determine whether a mixed reality-based training program is effective in teaching midwifery students how to assess cervical effacement and dilation. The study also examines the impact of mixed reality on students' cognitive load, sense of presence, and midwifery professional perception. The main questions the study seeks to answer are: Does mixed reality training reduce students' cognitive load? Does mixed reality increase the students' sense of presence? How does mixed reality-based training influence students' professional perception of midwifery? Do students who receive mixed reality training perform better in assessing cervical effacement and dilation on real pregnant women compared with the control group?

This study investigates whether adding Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) to Short Foot Exercises (SFE) improves pes planus, balance, and body awareness in adults with flexible pes planus. Fifty participants aged 18-45 will be randomly assigned to either a BBAT + SFE group or an SFE-only control group. The interventions will last eight weeks with supervised sessions twice weekly and additional home exercises. Outcomes will be measured before, after, and two months post-intervention.