Does the Cervical Stenosis Affect Hand Function?

Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age18-75
SponsorIzmir Democracy University

About this trial

The cervical spine is a complex structure that supports the weight of the head and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots. Cervical spinal stenosis (CSS), which develops as a result of degenerative processes, can cause narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of nerve structures, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. This condition can negatively affect hand function, particularly grip strength and dexterity. However, studies in the literature examining the effect of CSS on grip strength and hand function are limited. Therefore, this study will be conducted to determine the effect of the severity of cervical spinal stenosis, identified in patients who underwent MRI following their presentation with cervical problems at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic of Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital, İzmir Democracy University, on hand grip strength and functionality. Grip strength will be assessed using the Jamar hand dynamometer, and fine pinch strength will be evaluated using the Lafayette pinch meter. Additionally, hand functionality will be measured using the Nine-Hole Peg Test. The impact of neck pain on daily life will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index. The data obtained will be compared and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

This study is expected to fill a significant gap in the current literature by comprehensively elucidating the effects of cervical stenosis on hand function and grip performance, thereby contributing to the individualization of rehabilitation approaches.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Individuals aged 18-75

Individuals who have previously undergone a cervical MRI

Cases where the degree of stenosis can be clearly determined on MRI

Individuals who have had neck pain for at least 3 months

Disqualifiers

Individuals who declined to participate in the study

Individuals who had undergone cervical surgery

Individuals diagnosed with vertigo

Individuals with sudden hearing loss

Trial population

The sample for this study will consist of individuals who presented to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic at the Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital of Izmir Democracy University due to cervical problems and underwent cervical MRI. After obtaining informed consent, the individuals included in the study will undergo evaluation. First, participants will be grouped based on their cervical stenosis scores. The degree of cervical stenosis will be determined using MRIs that were previously requested and performed during various outpatient services. The evaluation of the MRI will be scored according to the Kang grading system for spinal stenosis. The Kang grading system includes four degrees ranging from 0 to 3 based on spinal cord compression.

Trial design

Design model

Case-only

Time perspective

Cross-sectional

Treatments tested in this trial

Not listed

Trial groups

180 Participants
are grouped into 4 trial groups
Group A: 1
Group B: 2
Group C: 3
Group D: 4

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Hand Grip Strength

Hand grip strength will be assessed using a Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer. Measurements will be taken while seated, with the arm positioned as follows: shoulder adduction, elbow at 90° flexion, and forearm in a neutral position. The wrist will be positioned at 0-30° extension and 0-15° ulnar deviation. The volunteer will be asked to grip the dynamometer firmly and squeeze as hard as possible. The measurements will be repeated three times, and the average value will be recorded in kilograms.

Time frame
Day 1

Secondary outcomes

1

Pinch Strength

A Lafayette brand hydraulic pinch meter will be used for this measurement. Measurements will be taken in three ways: two-point, lateral, and three-point grips. For the two-point grip measurement, the subject will be asked to squeeze the pinch meter using the tips of their thumb and index finger. For the lateral grip measurement, the volunteer will be asked to squeeze the pinch meter using the middle of the distal phalanx of the thumb and the lateral part of the middle phalanx of the index finger. For the three-point grip measurement, the subject will be instructed to squeeze the pinch meter using the distal phalanges of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Measurements will be taken in the same position as the grip strength test, in accordance with the standard; three measurements will be taken for each grip type, and the average will be recorded in pounds (lb).

Time frame
Day 1
2

The Nine-Hole Peg Test

The participants' manual dexterity will be assessed using the Nine-Hole Peg Test, which has been proven to be valid and reliable. The test consists of nine identical holes spaced at equal intervals and nine matching pegs. The timer starts the moment the person first touches a peg to place it. The person will be asked to take the pegs from the box, place them in the holes as quickly as possible, and then remove them and return them to the box. The test will be conducted while the person is seated. The activity time will be recorded in seconds.

Time frame
Day 1
3

Neck Disability Index

The Neck Disability Index is an adaptation of the Oswestry Disability Index for the cervical region and is a widely used 10-item questionnaire for assessing cervical dysfunction and neck pain. Each item is scored between 0 (no disability) and 5 (complete disability). The total score ranges from 0 to 50; a higher score indicates greater functional limitation. The questionnaire has established validity and reliability in Turkish.

Time frame
Day 1

Other outcomes

Locations

This trial has no locations.

Sponsors and contacts

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