Effects of Thumb Manipulation on Hand Grip Strength, Function, and Sensation

NCT07068698 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: CMT0010
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled study will aim to investigate the effects of thumb manipulation on hand grip strength, function, and sensation in healthy individuals. A total of 60 volunteers aged between 18 and 50 years will be recruited from Ortadağ Special Education and Rehabilitation Center. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a chiropractic manipulation group (n=30) or a control group (n=30), with an equal distribution of males and females in each group. The intervention group will receive thumb manipulation twice weekly for 4 weeks, while the control group will not receive any intervention. Outcome measures will include two-point discrimination (assessed with a discriminator), hand grip strength (measured using a dynamometer), pinch strength (evaluated with a pinch meter), and hand function (measured by the Duruöz Hand Index). Statistical analyses will be performed with a significance level set at p\<0.05. It is expected that participants in the manipulation group will show greater improvements in all measured parameters compared to the control group, suggesting a positive effect of thumb manipulation on hand-related sensorimotor functions in healthy individuals.

Conditions

Thumb Manipulation; Hand Grip Strength; Hand Sensory Function; Hand Function in Healthy Individuals; Sensory Function

Keywords

Thumb manipulation; Chiropractic; Hand grip strength; Hand function; Healthy individuals

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Duruoz Hand Index

  The Duruöz Hand Index is a validated self-reported questionnaire used to assess hand function and disability in daily activities. It includes 18 items covering various tasks such as dressing, hygiene, kitchen activities, and carrying objects. Each item is scored on a scale from 0 (no difficulty) to 5 (unable to perform), with higher scores indicating greater hand disability.

  T0 (Baseline, before intervention), T1 (Week 2 of intervention), and T2 (Week 4, end of intervention

• Two-Point Discrimination Test

  The Two-Point Discrimination Test is used to evaluate sensory perception and tactile acuity. It measures the smallest distance at which two points of contact can be perceived as separate. In this study, the test will be applied to the thumb (right and left) using a standardized discriminator tool. Lower discrimination distances indicate better sensory perception. The test provides objective data on changes in cutaneous sensory function.

  T0 (Baseline, before intervention), T1 (Week 2 of intervention), and T2 (Week 4, end of intervention)

• Pinchmeter

  Pinch strength will be measured using a standardized pinchmeter to assess lateral, palmar, and tip-to-tip pinch strength in the thumb, index, and middle fingers of both hands. The test will provide quantitative data on fine motor strength and thumb function. Higher values indicate increased pinch strength. The measurement will be used to evaluate the effect of thumb manipulation on hand function.

  T0 (Baseline, before intervention), T1 (Week 2 of intervention), and T2 (Week 4, end of intervention)

Study Arms (2)

Chiropractic Manipulation Group (CMG)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive chiropractic manipulation specifically applied to the thumb. The intervention will be administered twice a week for 4 weeks by a trained physiotherapist experienced in manual therapy techniques. Each session will involve standardized manipulation techniques aimed at improving thumb mobility, hand grip strength, sensory function, and overall hand function. No additional interventions or therapies will be provided during the study period.

Other: Thumb Manipulation

Control Group (CG)

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in the control group will not receive any intervention or treatment during the 4-week study period. They will continue their usual daily activities without any specific therapy applied. Outcome measurements will be conducted at the same time points as the intervention group to allow for comparison.

Interventions

Thumb Manipulation OTHER

This intervention consists of chiropractic manipulation techniques applied specifically to the thumb joint. The manipulation will be performed by a trained physiotherapist twice weekly for 4 weeks. The procedure aims to improve thumb joint mobility, hand grip strength, sensory function, and overall hand function. Each session includes standardized manual therapy maneuvers targeting the thumb's range of motion and soft tissue mobility without the use of any devices or medications. The intervention differs from other manual therapies by focusing solely on the thumb region.

Also known as: Chiropractic Thumb Manipulation, Manual Thumb Mobilization

Chiropractic Manipulation Group (CMG)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 50 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Aged between 18 and 50
• Willing to participate in the study
• Have signed the informed consent form
• Able to use verbal and written communication skills

You may not qualify if:

• Having contraindications that may prevent manipulation
• Having a history of congenital or acquired orthopedic or neurological conditions affecting the upper extremity
• Having a history of rheumatological diseases
• Having a history of trauma or surgery affecting the upper extremity

Sponsors & Collaborators

• SEFA HAKTAN HATIK: lead

Study Sites (1)

Sinop University

Sinop, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Officials

• SEFA H HATIK

  Sinop University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

SEFA H HATIK, Asst. Prof.

CONTACT

+905058761553; haktanhtk@gmail.com

OMER D KIZIL, PhD.

CONTACT

+905415233691; omerdiclekizil@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: The outcome assessors will be blinded to the group assignments to reduce measurement bias. Participants will be aware of their group allocation due to the nature of the intervention (the control group does not receive any treatment). The care providers performing the manipulation will not be blinded.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Asst. Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 7, 2025
• First Posted: July 16, 2025
• Study Start: July 6, 2025
• Primary Completion: August 6, 2025
• Study Completion: September 6, 2025
• Last Updated: July 16, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)