Clinical trial NCT06894485: Sensory Training in Distal Radius Fractures
Official title: Effectiveness of Sensory Training in Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Distal Radius Fractures
Keywords: Distal Radius Fractures
Sensory
Physiotherapy
Rehabilitation
Lead sponsor: Istanbul University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-03-25
Enrollment: 44
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 65
Standard ages: ADULT
OLDER_ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

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.

Eligibility criteria: 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

Primary outcomes:
measure: Monofilament Test
timeFrame: on the first day, four and eight week change
measure: Numerical Pain Rating Scale
timeFrame: on the first day, four and eight week change
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Grip Strength
timeFrame: on the first day, four and eight week change
measure: Nine-Hole Peg Test
timeFrame: on the first day, four and eight week change
measure: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire
timeFrame: on the first day, four and eight week change
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Istanbul
country: Turkey
facility: Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
Study officials:
References:
citation: Muurling M, Lotters FJB, Geelen JE, Schouten AC, Mugge W. A long-term effect of distal radius fracture on the sensorimotor control of the wrist joint in older adults. J Hand Ther. 2021 Oct-Dec;34(4):567-576. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2020.07.002. Epub 2020 Jul 29.