Upper Extremity Skills, Trunk Control, and Body Awareness in Parkinson's Disease

NCT07639463 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: KA26/04
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 118
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Parkinson's disease is associated with impairments in upper extremity function, postural control, and sensory-motor processing that may negatively affect daily activities and quality of life. While upper extremity dysfunction has been extensively investigated, the potential contributions of trunk control and body awareness have received less attention. This cross-sectional observational study aims to compare upper extremity skills, trunk control, and body awareness between individuals with Parkinson's disease and healthy adults, and to examine the relationships among these variables within the Parkinson's disease group. The findings may improve understanding of factors associated with upper extremity performance and support the development of more comprehensive rehabilitation approaches for individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Conditions

Parkinson Disease

Keywords

Functionality; Body; Parkinson's Disease; Upper Extremity

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (9)

• Manual Dexterity Measured by Purdue Pegboard Test

  The Purdue Pegboard Test is used to measure gross movements of the hands, fingers and arms, as well as fingertip dexterity. The assessment includes four subtests: preferred hand, non-preferred hand, both hands, and assembly. For the first three subtests, the score is the number of pins placed within a 30 second time limit (higher numbers indicate better dexterity). For the assembly subtest, the score is the number of parts assembled in 60 seconds (higher numbers indicate better dexterity).

  Baseline

• Hand Grip Strength Measured by Hand Dynamometer

  Hand grip strength of both dominant and non-dominant hands is measured using a standart digital hand dynamometer. Participants perform maximum isometric contractions in a seated position. Measurement is recorded in kilograms (kg). The average value of three trials is used. Higher scores indicate greater hand grip strength.

  Baseline

• Pinch Strength Measured by Pinch Gauge

  Pinch strength is evaluated using a standard mechanical or digital pinch gauge (pinchmeter) to assess lateral (key) pinch strength and palmar (tip-to-tip) pinch strength for both dominant and non-dominant hands. Participants perform maximum isometric contractions. Measurement is recorded in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs). Higher scores indicate greater pinch strength.

  Baseline

• Reaction Time Measured by Light Trainer System

  Visual and auditory reaction times are assessed using an electronic light trainer system. The system measures the latency between the presentation of a light stimulus and the participant's physical response (hitting or pressing the light target)while tracking the total number of successfully touched targets. The time score is recorded in milliseconds (ms). Lower time scores and higher hit counts indicate faster reaction time and better overall performance.

  Baseline

• Reaction Time Measured by Ruler Drop Test

  The ruler drop test is used to evaluate clinical reaction time based on free-fall distance. A standard metric ruler is suspended and dropped without warning, and the participant catches it as quickly as possible. The distance fallen is measured in centimeters (cm) using a standard formula. Lower distances indicate faster reaction time.

  Baseline

• Motor Speed and Coordination Measured by Finger Tapping Test

  The Finger Tapping Test is used to assess motor speed, coordination, and bradykinesia in the upper extremities. Participants are asked to tap their index finger against their thumb as rapidly and fully as possible within a specified time frame (typically 60 seconds) or for a set number of repetitions. The score is recorded as the total number of correct taps achieved within the time limit. Higher numbers of taps indicate faster motor speed and better neurological function.

  Baseline

• Trunk Control Measured by Trunk Impairment Scale

  The TIS evaluates motor impairment of the trunk through three subscales: static sitting balance, dynamic sitting balance, and coordination. Total scores range from 0 to 23. Higher scores indicate better trunk control and balance.

  Baseline

• Body Awareness Measured by Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ)

  The BAQ is a self-report scale designed to assess non-clinically invert-focused body awareness, such as sensitivity to normal bodily processes and changes. It consists of 18 items scored on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = not at all true of me, 7 = very true of me). Total scores range from 18 to 126. Higher scores indicate a higher level of subjective body awareness.

  Baseline

• Upper Extremity Disability Measured by Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire

  The DASH questionnaire is a 30-item self-report questionnaire designed to measure physical function and symptoms in patients with musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb. Items are scored on a 5-point Likert scale. The responses are used to calculate a scale score ranging from 0 (no disability) to 100 (most severe disability). Lower scores indicate better upper extremity function and less disability.

  Baseline

Study Arms (2)

Parkinson's Disease Group

Patient diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease by a neurologist who meet the inclusion criteria

Healthy Control Group

Age matched healthy individuals with no neurological disorders

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 50 Years - 80 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of patients diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who follow up at the Neurology Department, and age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects recruited from the local community.

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease
• Age between 50 and 80 years
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥21
• Modified Hoehn and Yahr Stage 2-3
• Stable medication regimen with no medication or dosage changes within the previous month
• Ability to understand and follow instructions
• Voluntary agreement to participate

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of another chronic neurological disorder
• Orthopedic or rheumatologic conditions limiting upper extremity movement
• Previous upper extremity or trunk surgery
• Severe tremor or dyskinesia preventing participation in assessments
• Significant visual or communication impairments interfering with testing

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Baskent University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Başkent University Hospitals

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Parkinson Disease

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Parkinsonian Disorders; Basal Ganglia Diseases; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Movement Disorders; Synucleinopathies; Neurodegenerative Diseases

Central Study Contacts

Zeliha Özlem YÜRÜK, PhD

CONTACT

+90 532 327 2755; bastug@baskent.edu.tr

Zeynep Aybike KASAL, BSc

CONTACT

+90 507 685 1720; zeynepkasalk@hotmail.com

Study Design

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

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 1, 2026
• First Posted: June 10, 2026
• Study Start: June 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): October 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): October 10, 2026
• Last Updated: June 10, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)