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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06679361

Effects of Motor and Sensory Exercises on Hand Functions

This project will compare the effectiveness of sensory and motor exercises used in clinical settings for healthy young adults. This approach will allow the investigators to evaluate the impact of these exercises on hand functions.

The study plans to include 80 healthy young adults aged 18-25. After providing participants with information about the study's purpose, written informed consent will be obtained to confirm voluntary participation. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: "sensory exercise," "motor exercise," and "sensory and motor exercise." The effects on muscle reaction time and hand skills for the dominant hands will be evaluated before and after the exercises.

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Key information

Conditions

Motor Function; Retardation

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Atlas University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Hand functions occupy a significant place in the functional activities of daily life. Therefore, impairments in wrist function can severely impact daily activities and quality of life. Hand rehabilitation includes various methods aimed at improving hand functions for treating numerous conditions affecting the wrist. However, it has been determined that treatments targeting both motor and sensory functions should be used together to enhance functionality. For this purpose, this project will compare the effectiveness of sensory and motor exercises used in clinical settings in healthy young adults, allowing investigators to evaluate their impact on hand functions.

The study will include 80 healthy young adults aged 18-25. After participants are informed about the study's purpose, written informed consent will be obtained to confirm voluntary participation. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: "sensory exercise," "motor exercise," and "sensory and motor exercise." The effects on muscle reaction time and hand skills for the dominant hand will be evaluated before and after the exercises. Data from the study will be analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Demographic characteristics of participants will be expressed as arithmetic mean ± standard deviation and percentages. The normal distribution of data will be examined using visual (histogram and probability plots) and analytical methods (Kolmogorov-Smirnov/Shapiro-Wilk tests). Pre- and post-evaluations within groups will be assessed using the student-t test, and intergroup comparisons will be evaluated with the student-t test if data follows a normal distribution, or with the Mann-Whitney U test if not. A p-value of <0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Having the ability to verbally communicate to answer questions
  • Willingness to participate in the study
  • Having read and signed the informed consent form

Exclusion criteria

  • Having joint movement restriction in the upper extremity
  • Presence of skin injury or scarring on the hand or wrist
  • History of surgery on the upper extremity
  • Having an orthopedic problem in the upper extremity
  • Having a rheumatic disease
  • Having a neurological condition in the upper extremity
  • Having a severe mental or cognitive impairment

Treatment and study plan

Motor Exercise Program

Behavioral

This program consists of wrist motor exercises focused on active range of motion (including flexion, extension, ulnar and radial deviation, and finger flexion) along with nerve mobilization exercises for the medial, radial, and ulnar nerves. The aim is to enhance motor function in the wrist and hand.

Sensory Exercise Group

Behavioral

Arm Description: This group will engage in sensory exercises designed to enhance sensory awareness in the hand and wrist. Exercises will include interaction with varied textures (such as sand and sensory balls), different fabrics (fur, satin, linen), and multisensory foam gels. The goal is to improve sensory function and tactile discrimination.

Combined Motor and Sensory Exercise Group

Behavioral

Participants in this group will perform both motor and sensory exercises as described for the first two groups. By combining motor and sensory interventions, this group aims to improve both motor skills and sensory awareness in the wrist and hand, potentially enhancing overall hand function more effectively.

Primary outcomes

  1. Hand Dexterity (Moberg Pick-Up Test) Hand Dexterity (Moberg Pick-Up Test) Hand Dexterity (Moberg Pick-Up Test)

    Time frame: immediately after the intervention

    This measure will evaluate hand dexterity and functional hand skills using the Moberg Pick-Up Test. Participants will be asked to place various objects into a container using both their dominant and non-dominant hands, with and without visual cues. The time taken for each attempt will be recorded, and the best score from three trials will be used to assess dexterity. Measurements are recorded in seconds, where lower scores indicate better hand dexterity.

    Scale Range: No minimum or maximum value in seconds (lower time indicates better dexterity).

    Interpretation: Lower times signify better outcomes, as they reflect quicker and more coordinated hand movements in completing the task.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Muscle Reaction Time

    Time frame: immediately after the intervention

    Light Trainer® system, which consists of a wireless lighting system with LED pods and a central controller. The participants were seated with their hands on the table, 40 cm apart, palms down, and elbows at 90°. The Light Trainer was positioned centrally 20 cm away from each hand. When the pod was illuminated, the participants were instructed to turn off the light as quickly as possible by touching it. Light activation was randomized to avoid predictability, requiring participants to respond based on light cues each time. In the first task, the participants used their dominant hand to turn off the light as quickly as possible. In the second task, they responded to a light signal by deactivating a predetermined light from two different colors using their dominant hand.

    Scale Range: No minimum or maximum value in milliseconds (lower time is better).

    Interpretation: Lower reaction times signify better outcomes, as they reflect faster muscle response to visual stimuli.

  2. Grip Strength (Measured Using Jamar Electronic Dynamometer)

    Time frame: immediately after the intervention

    Hand performance was assessed based on grip strength using a Takei Handheld Dynamometer (Takei Scientific Instruments Co., Tokyo, Japan). Participants were seated with elbows flexed at 90 degrees and forearms in a neutral position, and were instructed to squeeze the dynamometer with maximum force for 3-5 seconds, with the palm facing upwards. Each hand was tested three times with a 20-second rest between trials, and the highest value was recorded. This protocol ensures standardized and consistent results, with measurements documented in kilograms (kg) to provide reliable grip strength assessment.

    Scale Range: The dynamometer measures from 0 to 90 kg. Interpretation: Higher scores reflect stronger grip strength, which is indicative of better hand function.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Atlas University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of the Effects of Motor and Sensory Exercises on Hand Functions in Healthy Young Adults

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2025
First posted
Nov 7, 2024
Registry last updated
Jul 28, 2025

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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