NCT07701356

Brief Summary

Although various treatment modalities have been investigated for the management of stiff hand, no previous study has examined the combined use of exercise and joint mobilization. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of peripheral joint mobilization, applied in addition to conventional exercise, on functional outcomes in patients with stiff hand.

Trial Health

87
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
34

participants targeted

Target at P25-P50 for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Jan 2025

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
completed

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

January 24, 2025

Completed
1.1 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

March 11, 2026

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

March 11, 2026

Completed
4 months until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

July 8, 2026

Completed
6 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

July 14, 2026

Completed
Last Updated

July 14, 2026

Status Verified

July 1, 2026

Enrollment Period

1.1 years

First QC Date

July 8, 2026

Last Update Submit

July 8, 2026

Conditions

Stiff Hand

Keywords

joint mobilizationhand function

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

  • Range of Motion

    Total Active Motion (TAM) assessed by metal finger goniometer.

    Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.

  • Grip Strength

    Grip Strength was assessed by Jamar dynamometer (gross grip, pinch, pulp, lateral, tripod)

    Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.

Secondary Outcomes (1)

  • Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire

    Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.

Study Arms (2)

Joint mobilization with conventional physiotherapy

EXPERIMENTAL
Other: Joint Mobilization with Conventional Physiotherapy

Conventional Physiotherapy Only

ACTIVE COMPARATOR
Other: Conventional Physiotherapy Only

Interventions

Joint Mobilization with Conventional PhysiotherapyOTHER

Participants received conventional physiotherapy program (classical massage, scar massage, active and resistive hand-wrist exercises, adhesive bandage for edema control) in addition to joint mobilization. Joint mobilization was initiated at minimum 6 weeks post-injury or surgery. Participants were seated with forearm in neutral position. The joint proximal to the mobilized segment was stabilized. Distraction force was applied in the distal direction. Volar glides (8-12 repetitions) were applied for flexion deficits and dorsal glides for extension deficits according to the convex-concave rule, with each glide held at end range for approximately 30 seconds. Mobilization was applied for 4-6 minutes per joint. Total session duration: approximately 30 minutes. Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total).

Joint mobilization with conventional physiotherapy
Conventional Physiotherapy OnlyOTHER

Participants received conventional physiotherapy program consisting of classical massage, scar massage, active and resistive hand-wrist exercises, and adhesive bandage for edema control. Total session duration: approximately 30 minutes. Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total).

Conventional Physiotherapy Only

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 65 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

  • Hand or forearm injury managed conservatively or surgically
  • Stiff hand criteria confirmed by Modified Weeks Test (0-20° difference between pre- and post-conditioning passive ROM)
  • No communication impairment
  • No prior neurological, orthopedic, or rheumatological condition or surgery in the affected extremity

You may not qualify if:

  • Circulatory disorder or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
  • Dupuytren's disease
  • Acute inflammation in any finger within the last week
  • Fracture due to non-traumatic causes
  • Significant edema

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Pamukkale University

Denizli, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (2)

  • Glasgow C, Tooth LR, Fleming J. Mobilizing the stiff hand: combining theory and evidence to improve clinical outcomes. J Hand Ther. 2010 Oct-Dec;23(4):392-400; quiz 401. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2010.05.005. Epub 2010 Sep 9.

    PMID: 20828988BACKGROUND

  • Weeks PM, Wray RC Jr, Kuxhaus M. The results of non-operative management of stiff joints in the hand. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1978 Jan;61(1):58-63. doi: 10.1097/00006534-197801000-00010.

    PMID: 145602BACKGROUND

Study Officials

  • Umut Eraslan

    Pamukkale University

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
NONE
Purpose
TREATMENT
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

July 8, 2026

First Posted

July 14, 2026

Study Start

January 24, 2025

Primary Completion

March 11, 2026

Study Completion

March 11, 2026

Last Updated

July 14, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Locations

TU(1)