PROJECT #1: TÜSEB (Turkish Health Institutes Presidency) GROUP B R&D PROJECT
Project Title: Development of a Biofeedback-Based Interactive Rehabilitation System and Evaluation of its Effectiveness in Sensorimotor Exercise Training
Project No: 40001
Project Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Veysel ALCAN, Tarsus University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering
Project Researcher: Assoc. Prof. Fatma Kübra ÇEKOK, Tarsus University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Project Researcher: Assoc. Prof. Nurel ERTÜRK, Tarsus University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Project Duration: 24 months

ABSTRACT: This project aims to develop an interactive Biofeedback-Based Interactive Rehabilitation System that promotes motor learning and adaptation towards visual-motor-perceptual integration by providing feedback based on visual guidance and physical interaction (foot pressure sensitivity). To measure the effectiveness and results of the developed system, comprehensive biomechanical evaluations will be conducted before and after the intervention period, including clinical tests, electrophysiological measurements based on surface electromyography (Surface EMG), and postural sway (CoP) analysis. In this project, unlike traditional experimental conditions (eyes open-eyes closed), the effect of intermittent visual manipulations with flashing glasses on participants' sensory processing and cognitive-motor integration will be examined. This innovative methodology will provide valuable information about individuals' ability to adapt to changing sensory environments by offering a dynamic assessment of postural control. Thus, evidence will be obtained for different manipulator scenarios in the visual guidance of patients in rehabilitation based on biofeedback-based interactive rehabilitation system technology.

PROJECT #2: TÜBİTAK 2515 - COST ACTION MEMBERS R&D SUPPORT PROGRAM
Project Title: Evaluation of the Effect of Exergame Exercises on Improving Balance and Foot Muscles in the Elderly with Surface EMG and Postural Sway Analysis
Project Duration: 24 Months
Project Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Veysel ALCAN, Tarsus University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Project Researcher: Assoc. Prof. Fatma Kübra ÇEKOK, Tarsus University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Project Researcher: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşenur GÖKŞEN, Tarsus University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Project Researcher: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kutluk Bilge ARIKAN, Ankara University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Project Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Senih GÜRSES, Middle East Technical University (METU), Department of Engineering Sciences
Project Advisor: Prof. Dr. Murat ZİNNUROĞLU, Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

ABSTRACT: The increasing sedentary lifestyles among older adults have become a significant public health problem, exacerbating age-related declines in physical mobility, muscle strength, postural control, and balance. These factors contribute to an increased risk of falls, highlighting the critical need for effective intervention strategies. Rehabilitative interactive games (Exergames) offer a promising approach that combines motor learning (balance and functional mobility) and cognitive development goals. However, the relationship of Exergames to lower extremity functionality, balance, and neuromuscular activity is not sufficiently understood. Our project presents a unique approach that investigates electromyography-force relationships of trunk, leg, and foot muscles using surface electromyography (surface EMG), addressing this area that has been limitedly studied in the literature. This approach will provide valuable information on the functional roles of leg and trunk muscles, and especially foot muscles, in maintaining balance and mobility, and will complement aspects of lower extremity muscles that are frequently assessed in the current literature. The main objective of this project is to identify biomarkers based on surface EMG data related to physical fitness and cognitive/motor performance in the elderly population. This project aims to fill the gap in quantitatively evaluating the effectiveness of interactive rehabilitative play exercises by defining the activity of the main muscles involved in conducting dynamic balance tests, and to develop a surface EMG reference frame in terms of the variability of muscle activation that is useful in detecting possible balance deficiencies in the elderly.

PROJECT #3: TÜBİTAK 1002 - B EMERGENCY SUPPORT MODULE
Project Title: Quantitative Evaluation and Classification of Daily Physical Activity Levels or Sedentary Behaviors in Elderly Individuals with a Wearable Accelerometer
Project Duration: 6 Months
Project Leader: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Veysel ALCAN, Tarsus University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering
Project Researcher: Assoc. Prof. Fatma Kübra ÇEKOK, Tarsus University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

ABSTRACT: In recent years, the use of wearable accelerometers for accurate and continuous assessment of physical activity has become widespread. Wearable accelerometers offer a sensitive and objective assessment opportunity to determine different types of movement such as walking, standing, sitting, leisure activities, and sleeping. This project aims to objectively determine the daily movement patterns of elderly individuals, and to more comprehensively evaluate the effects of physical activity and sedentary behavior on motor control, balance mechanisms, and general health. To monitor participants' 24-hour movement behavior, data will be recorded using an AX3 accelerometer worn on the wrist for seven consecutive days. Algorithms will be developed for movement and sleep analysis to obtain features, which will then be classified as sedentary, light, moderate, and intense activity according to specific thresholds using machine learning models. This will provide more reliable data on the physical activity and sedentary behavior of the elderly, offering evidence for future studies.

PROJECT #4: TARSUS UNIVERSITY BAP (Scientific Research Projects) PROJECT
Project Title: Investigation of Physiological Biomarkers in Evaluating the Effects of Game-Based Exercise on Muscle Performance in Older People
Project No: MF.23.001
Project Leader: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Veysel ALCAN, Tarsus University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering
Project Researcher: Dr. Fatma Kübra ÇEKOK, Tarsus University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Project Duration: 24 months

ABSTRACT: Age-related sedentary lifestyle has a detrimental effect on postural control as a result of a more general age-related deterioration in sensory and neuromuscular control mechanisms, and all these aspects lead to a risk of falls. Game-based exercises are suggested as a promising strategy to improve the performance of postural balance control in older adults and reduce falls in healthy older adults. However, despite significant interest in evaluating the qualitative/functional and quantitative aspects of relevant muscles in age-related neuromuscular dysfunction, very few studies have been conducted to determine the effect of computer game-assisted physical activity exercise on muscle activity in older adults. Therefore, since the aging process causes numerous changes in the muscular and nervous systems, the underlying mechanisms regarding the extent to which game-based exercise intervention affects functional performance, and its effectiveness on muscle functionality and balance, remain unclear. The overall aim of this proposed research project is to provide a more objective and quantitative understanding of the underlying mechanisms regarding the effectiveness of game-based exercise intervention on muscle functionality and balance in healthy older adults, and to investigate electrophysiological biomarkers that will provide evidence of how much it improves postural control, musculoskeletal strength, and executive motor control. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) design will be implemented. Thirty healthy older adults over the age of 60 living independently in their homes or residential facilities (elderly care facilities) will be included in the study. Fifteen participants will receive traditional/standard physiotherapy balance exercises as a control group, while fifteen participants will receive game-based training in addition to these exercises as an intervention group. Nintendo Wii Fit games with balance boards will be used as the games. Clinical tests will be administered before and after the intervention using the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Walk Test, and Functional Reach Test. During the reach test, surface EMG signals will be recorded from the tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles of both legs of the participants. In addition to traditional statistical analyses, surface EMG signals will also be analyzed using nonlinear methods such as entropy, which measures the regularity/disorder and complexity of muscle activation, to obtain more information about the muscles and identify new potential electrophysiological biomarkers.
  A. TÜBİTAK 2209-A -B UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
PROJECT-1:
Project Name: Sensor-Based Posture Monitoring and Correction System for Posture Disorders in Students
Project Leader: Uğur Çetin
Project Researchers: Halit Yusuf Ölekli, Electrical-Electronics Engineering Department Students

ABSTRACT: This project aims to develop a real-time posture monitoring and correction system using LPMS-B2 sensors to detect and correct common postural disorders among university students. Modern lifestyles, particularly prolonged sitting and computer work, have led to an increase in musculoskeletal disorders in young adults. These disorders manifest as problems such as head tilt, rounded shoulders, back pain, and poor core stability. Most existing methods are ineffective in achieving long-term behavioral changes as they are limited to theoretical training and short-term applications. Therefore, this project aims to offer a practical and sustainable solution using wearable sensor technology. The system includes a mechanism that continuously monitors students' head and shoulder alignment and informs the user with audible or vibrating alerts when deviations from neutral posture are detected. Students will be able to recognize and correct their poor posture habits through continuous monitoring and feedback. In this way, the goal is for students to develop healthy posture habits in the long term and reduce the effects of musculoskeletal disorders. The unique aspect of the project is that it offers a new approach to the posture correction process by combining wearable technology with a real-time feedback mechanism. As part of the project, a pilot study will be conducted on 50 university students, and participants will be monitored with LPMS-B2 sensors during their daily activities. The sensors will measure the students' head and shoulder alignment and provide feedback when poor posture is detected. This process will last four weeks, and participants will be regularly evaluated. The collected data will be analyzed through biomechanical parameters such as head tilt, shoulder alignment, and back curvature. Furthermore, participants' perceptions and experiences with the feedback system will be assessed through surveys and interviews. This project aims to offer an innovative and applicable solution for preventing postural disorders and improving the quality of life for individuals. The developed system offers a model that can be scaled up not only for students but also for office workers and other risk groups.

PROJECT-2: 

Project Name: Development of a Multifaceted Microcontroller-Based Measurement Tool for Psychomotor Ability Assessment
Project Leader: Hüseyin Yücal
Project Researchers: Abdi Kızgut, Zeynep Şahutoğlu, Ali Sefa Yıldırım, Electrical-Electronics Engineering Department students
Advisor: Dr. Veysel Alcan