Upper Extremity Dysfunction in Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy

NCT06923085 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: GO 21/906
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 58
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study will examine how cervical radiculopathy (a pinched nerve in the neck) affects function in both arms, not just the symptomatic side. The investigators will evaluate 42 patients with different cervical nerve root involvement (C4-5, C5-6, or C6-7) and compare them to 16 control subjects with non-specific neck pain. The assessments will measure muscle strength, sensory function, hand performance, pain levels, and psychological factors. These evaluations may contribute to the development of rehabilitation programs for cervical radiculopathy.

Conditions

Cervical Radiculopathy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Muscle Strength

  Upper extremity muscle strength will be measured using a calibrated digital dynamometer. Measurements will be performed for shoulder flexors, extensors, and abductors, elbow flexors and extensors, wrist flexors and extensors, and forearm supination and pronation. Three consecutive measurements will be taken during maximal isometric contraction for each muscle group while the patient is seated in a standardized position, and the highest value will be recorded in Newtons (N). A 30-second rest period will be provided between measurements. Testing will be conducted bilaterally, with the unaffected side tested first.

  Single assessment at study enrollment

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Light Touch Sensation

  Single assessment at study enrollment

• Vibration Sense

  Single assessment at study enrollment

• Upper Extremity Function

  Single assessment at study enrollment

Study Arms (4)

Group 1: C4-5 Radiculopathy Group

Patients with confirmed C4-5 cervical radiculopathy. Assessments included pain (VAS), neck disability (NDI), upper extremity functionality (DASH), muscle strength measurements, sensory function, hand performance, kinesiophobia (TAMPA) and emotional status (Beck Inventory).

Other: Observational Assessment Only

Group 2: C5-6 Radiculopathy Group

Patients with confirmed C5-6 cervical radiculopathy. Assessments included pain (VAS), neck disability (NDI), upper extremity functionality (DASH), muscle strength measurements, sensory function, hand performance, kinesiophobia (TAMPA) and emotional status (Beck Inventory).

Other: Observational Assessment Only

Group 3: C6-7 Radiculopathy Group

Patients with confirmed C6-7 cervical radiculopathy. Assessments included pain (VAS), neck disability (NDI), upper extremity functionality (DASH), muscle strength measurements, sensory function, hand performance, kinesiophobia (TAMPA) and emotional status (Beck Inventory).

Other: Observational Assessment Only

Control Group

Control subjects with non-specific neck pain without radiculopathy. Assessments included pain (VAS), neck disability (NDI), upper extremity functionality (DASH), muscle strength measurements, sensory function, hand performance, kinesiophobia (TAMPA) and emotional status (Beck Inventory).

Other: Observational Assessment Only

Interventions

Observational Assessment Only OTHER

This is an observational study examining bilateral sensorimotor function in patients with cervical radiculopathy. No interventional procedures were applied. Participants underwent comprehensive assessments including pain evaluation (VAS), neck disability (NDI), upper extremity functionality (DASH), muscle strength measurements, sensory function testing, hand performance evaluation, kinesiophobia (TAMPA), and emotional status assessment (Beck Inventory). The study compared findings between different cervical radiculopathy groups and a control group with non-specific neck pain.

Control Group; Group 1: C4-5 Radiculopathy Group; Group 2: C5-6 Radiculopathy Group; Group 3: C6-7 Radiculopathy Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

This prospective study will include patients with cervical radiculopathy (CR) and a control group with mechanical neck pain. Participants aged 18 to 65 years will be recruited from X Hospital. CR diagnosis will be confirmed by medical history, physical examination, and MRI findings. Patients will be categorized into three subgroups based on the affected cervical level: C4-5 (C5), C5-6 (C6), and C6-7 (C7). Exclusion criteria will include systemic or neurological disorders (excluding CR), previous spinal surgery, acute trauma, fracture, malignancy, osteoporosis, rheumatic disease, or ongoing treatment for chronic neck pain. Only patients with neck pain for at least three months will be eligible. MRI findings, dermatome mapping, and physical examination will be used to determine the primary affected level in cases of overlapping symptoms.

You may qualify if:

• Age 18-65 years
• Clinical diagnosis of unilateral cervical radiculopathy at C4-5, C5-6, or C6-7 level
• Diagnosis confirmed by clinical examination and MRI
• Symptoms present for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment
• Ability to understand and follow study instructions
• Ability to provide informed consent for participation
• For control group: non-specific neck pain without radiculopathy
• Ability to complete required assessments

You may not qualify if:

• Systemic disorders
• Neurological disorders (excluding CR)
• Previous spinal surgery
• Acute trauma
• Fracture
• Malignancy
• Osteoporosis
• Rheumatic disease
• Ongoing pharmacological treatment for chronic neck pain

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Beykent: lead

Study Sites (1)

İstanbul Beykent University

Istanbul, None Selected, 34100, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Radiculopathy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Nervous System Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 11, 2025
• First Posted: April 11, 2025
• Study Start: September 22, 2021
• Primary Completion: April 22, 2023
• Study Completion: April 22, 2023
• Last Updated: April 11, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)