Effects of Wheelchair Treadmill and Conventional Exercises on Trunk Balance in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

This study aims to determine whether wheelchair treadmill exercises improve trunk balance and stability compared to conventional wheelchair exercises. Trunk balance is essential for mobility, transfers, and daily activities in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study includes individuals with SCI who use manual wheelchairs. Participants will be randomly assigned to: A control group performing conventional wheelchair exercises, an experimental group performing wheelchair treadmill exercises. Researchers will measure trunk balance, daily independence, wheelchair satisfaction, quality of life, and fear of falling. This research will help identify better rehabilitation methods for people with SCI. This study is a prospective observational study. Regardless of whether the exercises are performed conventionally or using an alternative platform such as a wheelchair treadmill, all interventions included in the study are routine clinical practices. Patients whose treatment programs already adhere to the aforementioned procedures will be included in the study. In the Upper Extremity and Hand Rehabilitation Laboratory, where the wheelchair treadmill is available, patients with spinal cord injuries undergo a standardized rehabilitation program as part of routine clinical practice. This laboratory operates on a scheduled appointment basis. After random allocation into groups, patients in the experimental group will be assessed at the beginning and end of the wheelchair treadmill therapy. Meanwhile, patients in the control group will be enrolled in the study before initiating wheelchair treadmill therapy. Once the data from the control group have been collected, these patients will also have the opportunity to receive wheelchair treadmill therapy.