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Stabilization Exercises for Young Adults With Habitual Knuckle Cracking
Sponsor: Borna Farhoomand
Summary
Habitual knuckle cracking is a widespread behavior caused by intra-articular pressure changes and gas release in synovial joints; however, its long-term effects on hand sensorimotor function, joint laxity, and overall biomechanics remain debated, with no structured clinical exercise interventions currently established. This prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-week targeted stabilization exercise program focusing on the radiocarpal, metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints in young adults aged 18 to 30 years with habitual knuckle cracking. Participants are randomly allocated to either an intervention group receiving twice-weekly stabilization training (8 total sessions) or an un-exercised control group. The study hypothesizes that structured joint stabilization exercises will significantly improve wrist and finger joint position sense (proprioception), enhance upper extremity functional performance, and reduce joint laxity compared to the control group.
Official title: Effects of Stabilization Exercises on Functional Performance, Proprioception, and Joint Laxity in Young Adults With Habitual Knuckle Cracking: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
42
Start Date
2026-10-01
Completion Date
2027-03-28
Last Updated
2026-09-11
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Stabilization Exercise Program
A 4-week supervised hand and wrist stabilization exercise program conducted 2 times per week (8 total sessions, 30-45 minutes per session). The protocol targets the radiocarpal (wrist), metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. Exercises focus on enhancing joint position sense (proprioception), motor control, isometric and dynamic stabilization, and balanced muscle co-activation around the digits and wrist complex. Progression is individualized based on participant tolerance, maintaining movements within non-painful ranges to prevent joint strain. All sessions are supervised by a physical therapist.