NCT07515144

Impact of Lower Limb Neural Mobilization on Neuromuscular Function and Calf Muscle Thickness in Elderly Individuals With Sarcopenia

ENROLLING BY INVITATION NA Last updated 13 April 2026

What this trial tests

NA trial testing Neural Mobilization in Sarcopneia in Elderly Individuals in 52 participants. Enrolling by invitation.

Timeline

4 November 2025

Primary endpoint
5 April 2026

24 May 2026

Quick facts

Lead sponsor	INTI International University
Phase	NA
Status	ENROLLING BY INVITATION
Study type	INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation	randomized
Design	parallel
Masking	single
Primary purpose	other
Enrollment	52
Start date	4 November 2025
Primary completion	5 April 2026
Estimated completion	24 May 2026
Sites	1 location across Malaysia

Drugs / interventions tested

• Neural Mobilization
• Otago Exercise

Conditions studied

• Sarcopneia in Elderly Individuals — all drugs for Sarcopneia in Elderly Individuals →

Sponsor

INTI International University

Who can join

60 and older, any sex, with Sarcopneia in Elderly Individuals. Patients with the condition only — healthy volunteers not accepted.

Sponsor's own description

Sarcopenia is a common age-related condition characterized by a gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. This can make everyday activities such as walking, standing, and maintaining balance more difficult for older adults, increasing the risk of falls and reducing independence. The lower limb muscles, especially the calf muscles, play an essential role in movement and stability. When these muscles weaken, it can significantly affect balance and mobility. While traditional management of sarcopenia focuses on strengthening exercises and nutrition, there is increasing interest in approaches that also target the nervous system to improve overall function.

This study aims to examine the effect of lower limb neural mobilization on selected neuromuscular variables, namely static balance, fall risk, and ankle muscle strength as well as calf muscle thickness in elderly individuals with sarcopenia. Neural mobilization is a physiotherapy technique designed to improve the movement and flexibility of nerves. In the lower limbs, nerves such as the sciatic, tibial, and common peroneal nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and muscles. With aging or reduced activity, these nerves may become less mobile, which can affect muscle activation and coordination. Neural mobilization involves gentle, controlled movements that help restore normal nerve mobility, improve blood flow, and enhance communication between the nerves and muscles.

In this study, static balance refers to the ability to maintain a stable standing position without losing balance. Fall risk indicates the likelihood of experiencing a fall, which is a major concern in older adults. Ankle muscle strength is crucial because the ankle plays a key role in maintaining posture and responding to balance disturbances. Calf muscle thickness is an indicator of muscle mass and is commonly measured using imaging techniques such as ultrasound. Together, these measures provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual's physical function and safety.

Participants in this study will typically be individuals aged 60 years and above with sarcopenia. They will first undergo assessments to evaluate their balance, fall risk, ankle strength, and calf muscle thickness. Following this, they will participate in a structured program involving lower limb neural mobilization, which may be combined with OTAGO exercises. The intervention will be conducted by trained professionals over a set period. After completing the program, participants will be reassessed to determine any improvements.

Neural mobilization is a safe and non-invasive technique, and participants may only feel a gentle stretching sensation during the procedure. The potential benefits include improved balance, increased ankle strength, reduced risk of falls, and enhanced muscle size. These improvements can lead to better mobility, greater independence, and improved quality of life. For families and healthcare providers, this study highlights the importance of combining muscle and nerve-focused treatments in managing sarcopenia. Overall, this research aims to support more effective rehabilitation strategies for healthy aging and fall prevention in the elderly population.

Publications & conference data

No peer-reviewed publications indexed yet for this trial.