Median and Ulnar Nerve Function in Tattoo Artists

NCT07496398 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2025-1981
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This case-control study aims to investigate the effects of occupational hand-arm vibration exposure on median and ulnar nerve functions in tattoo artists. Chronic exposure to vibration generated by tattoo machines may lead to neurosensory impairment, reduced tactile sensitivity, and decreased hand strength. Objective assessments including nerve provocation tests, sensory threshold evaluation, two-point discrimination, vibration perception, grip and pinch strength measurements, and validated patient-reported outcome questionnaires will be used. Findings will be compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls.

Conditions

Peripheral Neuropathy Pain; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS); Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Threshold

  Assessment of light touch sensory threshold using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments applied to the index and little fingers.

  Baseline (single assessment session)

Secondary Outcomes (7)

• Two-Point Discrimination

  Baseline (single assessment session)

• Vibration Perception Duration

  Baseline (single assessment session)

• Grip Strength

  Baseline (single assessment session)

• Pinch Strength

  Baseline (single assessment session)

• Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Score

  Baseline (single assessment session)

Study Arms (2)

Tattoo Artists (Vibration-Exposed)

Professional tattoo artists aged 18 years and older with at least one year of occupational exposure to hand-arm vibration generated by tattoo machines. Participants will undergo standardized sensory and motor assessments including nerve provocation tests, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, two-point discrimination, vibration perception threshold, grip and pinch strength measurements, and validated hand function questionnaires.

Healthy Controls

Age- and sex-matched healthy individuals without occupational vibration exposure and without history of upper extremity trauma, neuropathy, or systemic disease affecting nerve function. Participants will undergo the same standardized sensory and motor assessments as the case group.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Professional tattoo artists with at least one year of occupational exposure to vibration and age- and sex-matched healthy individuals.

You may qualify if:

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Professional tattoo artists with at least 1 year of occupational experience (case group)
• Healthy individuals without occupational vibration exposure (control group)
• Voluntary participation and provision of informed consent
• No upper extremity trauma or surgery within the last 6 months

You may not qualify if:

• Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
• Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy
• History of cervical radiculopathy or cervical disc herniation
• History of upper extremity surgery or injury
• Presence of rheumatologic or systemic inflammatory diseases
• Pregnancy
• Substance or alcohol abuse
• Engagement in a second occupation involving repetitive hand use or vibration exposure

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Gazi University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gazi University

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Median Neuropathy; Mononeuropathies; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Nerve Compression Syndromes; Cumulative Trauma Disorders; Sprains and Strains; Wounds and Injuries; Ulnar Neuropathies; Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndromes

Central Study Contacts

Sedanur Güngör, MSc.

CONTACT

+905334480698; sedagungor06@hotmail.com

Study Design

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

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 19, 2026
• First Posted: March 27, 2026
• Study Start: March 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 1, 2026
• Last Updated: March 27, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-11

Locations

TU (1)