Does the Cervical Stenosis Affect Hand Function?

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Spinal Stenosis Cervical Hand Grip Strength Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

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

Exclusion criteria

Individuals who declined to participate in the study
Individuals who had undergone cervical surgery
Individuals diagnosed with vertigo
Individuals with sudden hearing loss
Individuals with additional neurological conditions
Individuals with psychiatric or cognitive disorders that would prevent measurement in the study

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Hand Grip Strength

Time frame: Day 1

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.

Secondary outcomes

Pinch Strength

Time frame: Day 1

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).
The Nine-Hole Peg Test

Time frame: Day 1

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.
Neck Disability Index

Time frame: Day 1

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.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Kadir Songür, Assoc. Prof.

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905054529231

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Izmir Democracy University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Does the Degree of Cervical Spinal Stenosis Affect Hand Function?

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2027
Study completion: 2027
First posted: Apr 6, 2026
Registry last updated: May 15, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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