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NCT Number: NCT06057259

Validity and Reliability of Wrist Proprioception Measurement Methods

The goal of this observational study is to compare the validity and reliability of three Different methods used for wrist proprioception measurement in the healthy population. The main question[s] it aims to answer are:

* Are the methods valid and reliable? * Which method is superior?

Wrist proprioception measurement of the participants is performed. Researchers compared the inclinometer, goniometer, and joint position sense goniometer to determine the superior method.

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Key information

Conditions

Position Sense Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Sensation Disorders Signs and Symptoms Somatosensory Disorders Wrist

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Barış SEVEN

Izmir, Çiğli, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Proprioception is one of the most important mechanisms involved in ensuring the optimal position of the wrist to prevent injuries. It occurs through stimuli from different structures such as muscle, tendon, joint capsule and skin and provides the perception of the joint's position and movement characteristics (direction, speed, etc.). This perception is essential for effective and safe motor performance. Previous studies have provided evidence that proprioceptive training yields improvements in somatosensory and sensorimotor function. Furthermore, a relationship between the loss of proprioception and motor function has also been demonstrated. Additionally, proprioceptive training reduces the frequency of injuries and provides a faster and more efficient rehabilitation process. Therefore, it is essential to detect proprioceptive defects as a part of patient evaluation which is only achievable by using valid and reliable assessment tools.

Proprioception encompasses both static (i.e., joint position sense (JPS)) and dynamic (i.e., kinesthesia) components of joint perception. Many tools and methods are available to evaluate these components, including universal goniometer, inclinometer, wrist goniometer, mobile applications, robot-assisted assessment, and isokinetic dynamometers. Especially, goniometer, inclinometer, and isokinetic dynamometer are widely used in evaluating proprioception. However, the number of studies on the validity and reliability of these tools is very limited for the wrist. In addition to these tools, the joint position sense goniometer (JPSG) is replicated and used by researchers due to its low cost and accessibility.

Although some studies found goniometer to have high precision in wrist trauma patients, there are still no gold standard tests or tools available for evaluating wrist proprioception. Therefore, it becomes confusing for researchers and clinicians to decide which method should be used in their practice accurately. In line with all these data, the present study aimed to examine the validity and test-retest reliability of two frequently used methods (Goniometer and Inclinometer) and JPSG in wrist proprioception assessment.

The detailed information about the measurements is provided in the "Study Protocol" file.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • After providing detailed information about the study, individuals who had agreed to participate in the research were included in the study

Exclusion criteria

  • individuals who suffered an injury or underwent a surgical procedure in the last six months that could affect hand functions or senses were excluded from the study.
  • Individuals with a history of neuromuscular disease, traumatic nerve injury, congenital anomalies, or skin infections were excluded.

Treatment and study plan

Joint position sense measurement

Device

The participants' wrist joint position sense was evaluated.

Primary outcomes

  1. Active joint position sense measurement with the Goniometer

    Time frame: through study completion, an average of 1 year

    The goniometric (1° scale increments) measurement was performed with the elbow positioned at 90° flexion and resting on the table, the forearm was in mid-pronation, and the fingers were relaxed. The movement axis of the mid-carpal and radiocarpal joints is defined as the pivot point of the goniometer to ensure a compatible measurement of wrist movement. The stable arm of the goniometer was placed parallel to the radius, and the mobile arm followed the third metacarpal bone.

  2. Active joint position sense measurement with the Joint Position Sense Goniometer

    Time frame: through study completion, an average of 1 year

    The JPSG consists of two wooden boards fixed at an angle of 90°. The plate perpendicular to the ground has an opening that the wrist can go through. 0 to 180° angle values with 1° increments were drawn on the plate that parallels the floor. For the evaluation, the participant was asked to sit in front of the table with the trunk upright and the shoulder in the neutral position. The patient's forearm passed through the opening in the JPSG, and the wrist joint was adjusted to match the axis of movement. The forearm was positioned in mid-pronation, the wrist was positioned at 0° flexion/extension, and the forearm was in the neutral position. Participants were asked not to contact the plates during the measurements.

  3. Active joint position sense measurement with the Inclinometer

    Time frame: through study completion, an average of 1 year

    Another tool used to evaluate wrist active joint position sense was the digital dual inclinometer. The limb position used during the inclinometer evaluations was the same as the position for the goniometer. One of the inclinometer sensors was placed on the 3rd metacarpal bone on the dorsal side of the hand. The other sensor was placed on the dorsal side of the forearm, perpendicular to the flexion/extension movement axis.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Active joint position sense measurement with the Cybex Isokinetic Dynamometer

    Time frame: through study completion, an average of 1 year

    The Cybex isokinetic dynamometer was used as a reference standard to test the validity of the methods. The evaluation of proprioception using the isokinetic dynamometer was performed with the participants in sitting. The shoulder was positioned in the midline, the elbow was flexed about 90°, and the wrist was positioned in supination. During the evaluation, the forearm was fixed with a strap to prevent the forearm from moving and changing the angle of the wrist. The rotation axis of the dynamometer was aligned with the diagonal axis of the distal tubercule of radius and the head of ulna. The wrist was placed in a 0° position. In this starting position, the range of motion was set as 40° flexion and 40°extension. The device was calibrated before the evaluation of each participant.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Gazi University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of the Validity and Reliability of Three Different Methods Used for Wrist Proprioception Measurement

Important dates

Study start
2018
Primary completion
2019
Study completion
2019
First posted
Sep 28, 2023
Registry last updated
Sep 28, 2023

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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