This randomized controlled study will aim to investigate the effects of thumb manipulation on hand grip strength, function, and sensation in healthy individuals. A total of 60 volunteers aged between 18 and 50 years will be recruited from Ortadağ Special Education and Rehabilitation Center. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a chiropractic manipulation group (n=30) or a control group (n=30), with an equal distribution of males and females in each group. The intervention group will receive thumb manipulation twice weekly for 4 weeks, while the control group will not receive any intervention. Outcome measures will include two-point discrimination (assessed with a discriminator), hand grip strength (measured using a dynamometer), pinch strength (evaluated with a pinch meter), and hand function (measured by the Duruöz Hand Index). Statistical analyses will be performed with a significance level set at p\<0.05. It is expected that participants in the manipulation group will show greater improvements in all measured parameters compared to the control group, suggesting a positive effect of thumb manipulation on hand-related sensorimotor functions in healthy individuals.
Aged between 18 and 50
Willing to participate in the study
Have signed the informed consent form
Able to use verbal and written communication skills
Having contraindications that may prevent manipulation
Having a history of congenital or acquired orthopedic or neurological conditions affecting the upper extremity
Having a history of rheumatological diseases
Having a history of trauma or surgery affecting the upper extremity
Parallel
Thumb Manipulation
Other interventionThis intervention consists of chiropractic manipulation techniques applied specifically to the thumb joint. The manipulation will be performed by a trained physiotherapist twice weekly for 4 weeks. The procedure aims to improve thumb joint mobility, hand grip strength, sensory function, and overall hand function. Each session includes standardized manual therapy maneuvers targeting the thumb's range of motion and soft tissue mobility without the use of any devices or medications. The intervention differs from other manual therapies by focusing solely on the thumb region.
Duruoz Hand Index
The Duruöz Hand Index is a validated self-reported questionnaire used to assess hand function and disability in daily activities. It includes 18 items covering various tasks such as dressing, hygiene, kitchen activities, and carrying objects. Each item is scored on a scale from 0 (no difficulty) to 5 (unable to perform), with higher scores indicating greater hand disability.
Two-Point Discrimination Test
The Two-Point Discrimination Test is used to evaluate sensory perception and tactile acuity. It measures the smallest distance at which two points of contact can be perceived as separate. In this study, the test will be applied to the thumb (right and left) using a standardized discriminator tool. Lower discrimination distances indicate better sensory perception. The test provides objective data on changes in cutaneous sensory function.
Pinchmeter
Pinch strength will be measured using a standardized pinchmeter to assess lateral, palmar, and tip-to-tip pinch strength in the thumb, index, and middle fingers of both hands. The test will provide quantitative data on fine motor strength and thumb function. Higher values indicate increased pinch strength. The measurement will be used to evaluate the effect of thumb manipulation on hand function.
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SEFA HAKTAN HATIK
Lead sponsor
Sinop University
Sponsor institution
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