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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07701356

The Effectiveness of Joint Mobilization in Stiff Hand Treatment

Although various treatment modalities have been investigated for the management of stiff hand, no previous study has examined the combined use of exercise and joint mobilization. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of peripheral joint mobilization, applied in addition to conventional exercise, on functional outcomes in patients with stiff hand.

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Key information

Conditions

Stiff Hand

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Pamukkale University

Denizli, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Hand or forearm injury managed conservatively or surgically
  • Stiff hand criteria confirmed by Modified Weeks Test (0-20° difference between pre- and post-conditioning passive ROM)
  • No communication impairment
  • No prior neurological, orthopedic, or rheumatological condition or surgery in the affected extremity

Exclusion criteria

  • Circulatory disorder or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
  • Dupuytren's disease
  • Acute inflammation in any finger within the last week
  • Fracture due to non-traumatic causes
  • Significant edema

Treatment and study plan

Joint Mobilization with Conventional Physiotherapy

Other

Participants received conventional physiotherapy program (classical massage, scar massage, active and resistive hand-wrist exercises, adhesive bandage for edema control) in addition to joint mobilization. Joint mobilization was initiated at minimum 6 weeks post-injury or surgery. Participants were seated with forearm in neutral position. The joint proximal to the mobilized segment was stabilized. Distraction force was applied in the distal direction. Volar glides (8-12 repetitions) were applied for flexion deficits and dorsal glides for extension deficits according to the convex-concave rule, with each glide held at end range for approximately 30 seconds. Mobilization was applied for 4-6 minutes per joint. Total session duration: approximately 30 minutes. Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total).

Conventional Physiotherapy Only

Other

Participants received conventional physiotherapy program consisting of classical massage, scar massage, active and resistive hand-wrist exercises, and adhesive bandage for edema control. Total session duration: approximately 30 minutes. Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total).

Primary outcomes

  1. Range of Motion

    Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.

    Total Active Motion (TAM) assessed by metal finger goniometer.

  2. Grip Strength

    Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.

    Grip Strength was assessed by Jamar dynamometer (gross grip, pinch, pulp, lateral, tripod)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire

    Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.

    This questionnaire evaluates the functionality of the hand and consists of 63 questions in total. Each question is scoredbetween 1-5 and the score of each section varies between 0-100. High total score indicates high satisfaction.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Pamukkale University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Joint Mobilization on Hand Function in Patients With Stiff Hand: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 14, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 14, 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.