Neurodynamic Tensioning Plus Grip Strengthening for Hand Grip Strength

NCT07762937 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 36-04.08.2026
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial will investigate whether adding neurodynamic tensioning to a grip strengthening program provides additional improvements in hand grip strength in healthy adults. Sixty participants aged 18 to 40 years will be randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups will perform a standardized grip strengthening program for six weeks, three days per week. The experimental group will additionally receive neurodynamic tensioning exercises targeting the median and ulnar nerves. Hand grip strength will be assessed at baseline, week 3, and week 6. The study aims to determine whether neurodynamic tensioning provides additional benefit beyond grip strengthening alone.

Conditions

Hand; Grip; Nerve

Keywords

Neurodynamic Tensioning; Grip Strengthening; Resistance Training; Healthy Adults

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Hand Grip Strength

  Hand grip strength of the dominant hand will be measured in kilograms (kg) using a Jamar hand dynamometer or an equivalent valid and reliable hand dynamometer. Measurements will be performed in three upper-extremity positions: standard seated position with the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion, elbow extension with the shoulder in a neutral position, and shoulder at 90 degrees of flexion with the elbow extended. Three trials will be performed in each position, and the mean of the three measurements will be used for analysis.

  Baseline, Week 3, and Week 6

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Change in Pinch Strength

  Baseline, Week 3, and Week 6

• Change in Manual Dexterity

  Baseline, Week 3, and Week 6

• Perceived Exertion During the Intervention

  Baseline, Week 3, and Week 6

Study Arms (2)

Grip Strengthening Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will perform a standardized grip strengthening program using an adjustable hand gripper for six weeks, three sessions per week. Each session will consist of 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions. Resistance will be progressively adjusted according to performance and perceived exertion. No neurodynamic tensioning, neural gliding, or sham intervention will be applied to this group.

Other: Grip Strengthening Program

Neurodynamic Tensioning Plus Grip Strengthening Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive neurodynamic tensioning targeting the median and ulnar nerves in addition to the same standardized grip strengthening program. For each nerve, neurodynamic tensioning will be performed as 3 sets of 10 repetitions using controlled rhythmic tensioning within pain-free limits. The intervention will be performed for six weeks together with the grip strengthening program.

Other: Grip Strengthening Program; Other: Neurodynamic Tensioning

Interventions

Grip Strengthening Program OTHER

Participants will perform a standardized grip strengthening program using an adjustable hand gripper with the dominant hand for six weeks, three sessions per week. Each session will consist of 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions, with approximately 2 seconds of gripping and 2 seconds of relaxation per repetition. Rest periods of 60-90 seconds will be provided between sets. Resistance will be progressively adjusted according to performance and perceived exertion.

Grip Strengthening Group; Neurodynamic Tensioning Plus Grip Strengthening Group

Neurodynamic Tensioning OTHER

Neurodynamic tensioning targeting the median and ulnar nerves will be applied before the grip strengthening program. For each nerve, 3 sets of 10 repetitions will be performed, with each repetition consisting of approximately 4-5 seconds of controlled rhythmic tensioning. A 30-second rest period will be provided between sets. The technique will be performed within pain-free limits, producing only a mild stretching sensation.

Neurodynamic Tensioning Plus Grip Strengthening Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Aged between 18 and 40 years.
• Willing to participate voluntarily in the study.
• No history of upper-extremity pain, injury, or surgery within the previous three months.
• No diagnosed neurological, rheumatological, or systemic disease affecting the peripheral nervous system.
• Sufficient cognitive ability to understand and follow the study protocol.

You may not qualify if:

• History of carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, or upper-extremity entrapment neuropathy.
• History of upper-extremity fracture or surgery within the previous six months.
• Regular participation in grip strengthening exercises or intensive upper-extremity resistance training.
• Use of medication that may affect neuromuscular performance.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University: lead

Related Publications (2)

• Gamelas T, Fernandes A, Magalhaes I, Ferreira M, Machado S, Silva AG. Neural gliding versus neural tensioning: Effects on heat and cold thresholds, pain thresholds and hand grip strength in asymptomatic individuals. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2019 Oct;23(4):799-804. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.04.011. Epub 2019 Apr 24.

  PMID: 31733764 BACKGROUND

• Dierick F, Brismee JM, White O, Bouche AF, Perichon C, Filoni N, Barvaux V, Buisseret F. Fine adaptive precision grip control without maximum pinch strength changes after upper limb neurodynamic mobilization. Sci Rep. 2021 Jul 7;11(1):14009. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-93036-8.

  PMID: 34234161 BACKGROUND

Study Officials

• Uğur Sözlü, PhD

  Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa Üniversitesi

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Uğur Sözlü, PhD

CONTACT

05368921936; ugur.sozlu@gop.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: The outcome assessor will be blinded to group allocation. Participants and the physiotherapist delivering the interventions cannot be blinded because of the nature of the interventions.
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: associate professor

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to two parallel groups: grip strengthening alone or neurodynamic tensioning combined with grip strengthening. Both groups will be followed for six weeks.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 10, 2026
• First Posted: August 13, 2026
• Study Start (Estimated): September 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): January 15, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): January 15, 2027
• Last Updated: August 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share