Sensory Training in Distal Radius Fractures

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Distal Radius Fractures

• Registration Number: NCT06894485
• Lead Sponsor: Istanbul University

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial examines the effectiveness of sensory training in patients undergoing rehabilitation for distal radius fractures. Forty-four participants (aged 18-65, with no prior upper extremity injuries) will be randomly assigned to a control group (conventional physiotherapy) or an experimental group (conventional physiotherapy plus sensory training, including desensitization and proprioception exercises). Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks using grip strength, sensory function, fine motor skills, pain level, and functional capacity measures. The study aims to compare the impact of sensory training versus conventional physiotherapy on pain reduction, sensory recovery, grip strength, and functional hand use.

Detailed Description

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of sensory training in patients with distal radius fractures. Designed as a randomized controlled trial, the study will include 44 participants aged 18-65 years who have not had a prior upper extremity injury and are in the rehabilitation phase after a fracture. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the control group (receiving conventional physiotherapy) or the experimental group (receiving conventional physiotherapy plus sensory training, including desensitization and proprioception exercises).

Assessments will be conducted before treatment, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks. The evaluation tools will include grip strength (hand dynamometer \& pinch meter), sensory function (monofilament test), fine motor skills (Nine-Hole Peg Test - NHPT), pain level (Numerical Pain Rating Scale - NPRS), and functional capacity (DASH questionnaire).

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of sensory training versus conventional physiotherapy on pain reduction, sensory recovery, grip strength, and functional hand use.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-03
• Study First Submitted: 2025-03-19
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-19
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-03-19
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-25
• Last Update Posted: 2025-03-25
• Study Start: 2025-04-01
• Primary Completion: 2026-04-01
• Study Completion: 2026-04-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 44

Inclusion Criteria

• Aged 18-65 years
• Diagnosed with distal radius fracture
• In the rehabilitation phase after fracture healing
• No prior upper extremity injuries
• No neurological or psychiatric disorders affecting hand function
• Able to comply with the rehabilitation program

Exclusion Criteria

• Any other musculoskeletal injury affecting the upper limb
• Previous upper extremity surgeries
• Severe neuropathy or sensory disorders
• Uncontrolled chronic pain conditions

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Monofilament Test	on the first day, four and eight week change	The monofilament test is a clinical assessment method used to evaluate sensory function and detect peripheral nerve damage. It is widely used in physiotherapy and neurology to measure tactile sensitivity and identify sensory impairments.; 1. The patient is comfortably seated, and the test area is exposed.; 2. Applying the monofilament: * The monofilament is placed perpendicularly to the skin surface.; * It is gently pressed until it reaches its bending point (held for approximately 1-2 seconds).; 3. Patient response: The patient is asked to indicate when they feel the touch.; 4. Recording results: The areas where the patient does or does not feel the stimulus are noted, creating a sensory map.
Numerical Pain Rating Scale	on the first day, four and eight week change	The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a measurement method based on the patient's numerical expression of pain. It is commonly used to determine the intensity of pain and track changes during the treatment process.; Test Procedure Explaining the Scale to the Patient: A scale ranging from 0 to 10 is shown to the patient. 0 = No pain, 10 = The most intense pain imaginable. The patient is asked to choose the number that best represents their current pain.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Grip Strength	on the first day, four and eight week change	Hand Dynamometer: The hand dynamometer is a device used to measure hand grip strength and is commonly used in the evaluation of hand functions.; * The device is placed on a stable surface and calibrated to ensure accurate measurement.; * The patient should sit or stand in a comfortable position, with the elbow typically bent at a 90-degree angle.; * The patient holds the dynamometer and is asked to squeeze the handle.; Pinch Meter: Pincer Meter is a device used to measure the strength of a pinching or gripping action, typically between the thumb and index finger.; * The patient should be seated comfortably or standing, with their elbow typically at a 90-degree angle.; * The device measures the force exerted between the thumb and index finger.; * The test will repeat three times, and the highest value is recorded.
Nine-Hole Peg Test	on the first day, four and eight week change	Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) is a test used to assess hand function, fine motor skills, and hand coordination. It is commonly used in neurological conditions, hand injuries, and rehabilitation processes.; Procedure: 1. Preparation: A pegboard with 9 holes is placed on a flat surface, with a peg in each hole. The patient sits comfortably, and the test is performed on one hand at a time.; 2. Test Execution: * Starting Position: The patient prepares by looking at the pegs placed in the starting position.; * Placing the Pegs: The patient is instructed to pick up each peg and place it into the holes one by one.; * Test Duration: The time taken to place and remove the pegs is recorded. The test is repeated on both hands.; 3. Results Evaluation: At the end of the test, the total time taken is recorded and used to evaluate hand function. The test is typically repeated three times, and the average time is calculated.
Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire	on the first day, four and eight week change	The DASH Scale (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) is a widely used and valid questionnaire for assessing upper extremity function.; The DASH scale consists of 30 questions. These questions cover the difficulties patients experience with arm, shoulder, and hand functions, the level of pain they experience, and any difficulties they encounter in daily activities. Additionally, a 5-point Likert scale is used to assess the severity of the complaints (1 = no difficulty, 5 = very difficult).; Each response is scored, and a total result is obtained. The scores are then evaluated on a scale of 0-100. Lower scores indicate less disability, while higher scores indicate greater functional impairment.; Evaluation: The results are used to assess the patient's overall functional status and their response to treatment. Higher scores indicate significant difficulties with upper extremity function.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa; 🇹🇷 Istanbul, Turkey