Clinical Research Directory

Prevalence and Functional Impact of Hand and Wrist Symptoms in Ice Hockey Players

Ice hockey places high physical demands on the hands and wrists due to frequent shooting, passing, and physical contact. This study aims to understand how common hand and wrist pain or symptoms are among ice hockey players in Sweden, and how these symptoms affect training, participation, and performance. Players from different competitive levels (elite, junior, and amateur) and both sexes will complete a structured questionnaire based on the validated Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre (OSTRC) tool, along with questions about pain intensity, symptom characteristics, and functional impact. The goal is to describe the prevalence and severity of hand and wrist symptoms across different groups of players and to identify potential differences between sex, playing level, and position. No treatment or intervention is involved.

Comparative Effects of Sensorimotor Interventions on Hand Performance With Stroke

This randomized controlled trial investigated the comparative effects of sensory, motor, and combined sensorimotor interventions on hand motor function and behavioral performance in patients with stroke. The study focused on upper-extremity impairments, particularly deficits in hand strength, dexterity, and reaction time, which are common following stroke and substantially limit functional independence. Sensorimotor integration plays a critical role in motor recovery, as effective hand function depends on the interaction between sensory feedback and motor control mechanisms. Participants with stroke were randomly assigned to sensory, motor, or combined sensorimotor intervention groups. The interventions were designed to target tactile perception, motor coordination, and integrated sensorimotor processing through attended active and passive stimulation approaches. Outcome measures included hand grip strength, manual dexterity, and reaction time, which were evaluated before and after the intervention period. The findings demonstrated that sensorimotor-based rehabilitation approaches positively influenced upper-extremity motor performance and behavioral responses in stroke patients. In particular, combined sensorimotor interventions appeared to provide more comprehensive improvements by simultaneously enhancing sensory processing and motor execution. These results support the importance of integrating sensory-focused strategies into conventional motor rehabilitation programs to optimize neuroplasticity and functional recovery after stroke. The study contributes to the growing evidence supporting multidimensional rehabilitation approaches for improving hand function and sensorimotor performance in individuals with stroke.

Brain Stimulation Combined With Watching Hand Movements to Improve Hand Recovery in Chronic Stroke

This study investigates the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the combined use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and action observation therapy (AOT) for hand motor recovery in individuals with stroke. Background: While both tDCS and AOT have shown promise individually for stroke rehabilitation, the neural mechanisms of their combined effects remain unclear. Understanding these mechanisms could optimise rehabilitation protocols and improve functional outcomes. Intervention: Participants will receive 10 sessions of anodal tDCS over the ipsilesional motor cortex combined with AOT over two weeks in a clinical setting, followed by 8 weeks of home-based AOT practice. Control groups will receive tDCS alone or AOT alone. Neurophysiological changes will be assessed using motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to evaluate corticospinal excitability. Clinical hand function will be assessed using standardised outcome measures. Measurements: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, during intervention (week 2), and after the home practice phase (week 10) to evaluate neuroplastic changes. Significance: This study will provide mechanistic insights into how neuromodulation and observational learning interact to promote motor recovery, informing evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors in Malaysia and globally. Study Design: Randomised controlled trial with three parallel arms, recruiting 60 participants with chronic stroke from Sabah, Malaysia.

Investigation of the Effect of Combined Motor Imagery and Activity Observation Therapy on Strengthening the Non-Dominant Hand in Healthy Individuals

Introduction: Motor Imagery (MI) and Action Observation (AO) are well-established cognitive training techniques that activate neural networks similar to those involved in actual motor execution. MI involves the mental rehearsal of a movement without physically performing it, while AO relies on observing an action performed by others to stimulate motor-related brain areas. Recent studies suggest that when these methods are combined, they may enhance motor learning, cortical plasticity, and strength gains more effectively than when applied alone. The non-dominant hand, often less trained and weaker in performance compared to the dominant hand, provides an ideal model to examine the effects of these interventions. Strengthening the non-dominant upper limb has implications not only for improving functional balance between the limbs in healthy individuals but also for potential clinical applications in rehabilitation. Aim: The primary aim of this randomized controlled study is to investigate the combined effect of MI and AO on muscular strength and functional performance of the non-dominant hand in healthy university students. Specifically, the study seeks to compare the outcomes of three groups: (1) AO combined with MI, (2) MI only, and (3) a control group with no intervention. It is hypothesized that participants in the AO+MI group will demonstrate greater improvements in grip strength and functional outcomes compared to the other groups. Evaluation: To comprehensively measure the effects of the intervention, several standardized assessment tools will be employed. Motor imagery ability will be evaluated using the Motor Imagery Questionnaire-3 (MIQ-3). Hand dominance will be determined by the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. Grip strength will be objectively measured using a Hand Grip Dynamometer. The Recognise App will be used to assess laterality recognition and sensorimotor integration, while overall upper limb function will be measured through the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMMT). These evaluations will be conducted both before and after the 4-week intervention period to track changes. Treatment: The intervention will span four weeks, with participants attending 2-3 sessions per week. Training protocols will include both cognitive and physical components. In the MI group, participants will engage in guided motor imagery sessions focused on visualizing non-dominant hand exercises. The AO+MI group will observe video demonstrations of the same hand movements, followed by simultaneous motor imagery practice, thereby combining visual and cognitive engagement. Physical strengthening exercises will include dumbbell wrist flexion and handball squeeze, targeting key muscles of the non-dominant hand and forearm. The control group will not undergo any intervention during this period. By integrating AO and MI with specific strengthening exercises, the study aims to determine whether this combined approach enhances neural activation and muscular strength more effectively than MI alone.

Improving Stroke Motor Control With Non-invasive Brain Stimulation and Functional Electrical Stimulation

This pilot study for stroke patients with chronic upper limb hemiplegia will examine the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation and neuromuscular electrical stimulation on hand motor control and corticospinal excitability. Specifically, this study will investigate the effects of timing and delivery of tDCS in conjunction with contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation.