Clinical Research Directory

Does the Cervical Stenosis Affect Hand Function?

The cervical spine is a complex structure that supports the weight of the head and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots. Cervical spinal stenosis (CSS), which develops as a result of degenerative processes, can cause narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of nerve structures, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. This condition can negatively affect hand function, particularly grip strength and dexterity. However, studies in the literature examining the effect of CSS on grip strength and hand function are limited. Therefore, our study will be conducted to determine the effect of the severity of cervical spinal stenosis, identified in patients who underwent MRI following their presentation with cervical problems at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic of Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital, İzmir Democracy University, on hand grip strength and functionality. Grip strength will be assessed using the Jamar hand dynamometer, and fine pinch strength will be evaluated using the Lafayette pinch meter. Additionally, hand functionality will be measured using the Nine-Hole Peg Test. The impact of neck pain on daily life will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index. The data obtained will be compared and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. This study is expected to fill a significant gap in the current literature by comprehensively elucidating the effects of cervical stenosis on hand function and grip performance, thereby contributing to the individualization of rehabilitation approaches.

Effects Of Spiral Strapping Systems On Upper Limb Function In Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy

The purpose of this clinical study is to learn whether two different spiral strapping systems can improve arm and hand use in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. These strapping systems are used to support the arm in a more functional position and to help children control their movements during daily activities. This study aims to answer the following main questions: Does spiral strapping help children use their arm and hand more effectively in daily activities? Does spiral strapping improve hand skills and grip strength? Is there a difference in effect between the two spiral strapping systems? To answer these questions, researchers will divide participants into three groups. One group will receive a standard rehabilitation program plus TheraTogs® spiral strapping. A second group will receive the same rehabilitation program plus TogRite™ spiral strapping. The third group will receive the rehabilitation program only. Participants will: Take part in rehabilitation sessions twice a week for eight weeks. Use spiral strapping during some sessions, depending on their group. Complete arm and hand assessments at the beginning and at the end of the study. The results of this study may help develop simple and practical rehabilitation approaches that support children with cerebral palsy in becoming more independent in daily life.

The Effect of an Oral Nutritional Supplement on the Nutritional and Health Outcomes of the Elderly

I am conducting this research to find out if a peanut based food that is ready to use would improve the nutritional and health outcomes of the elderly when they consume it daily for 12 weeks. Eligible participants will be assigned randomly to any of these 2 groups. 1. To consume the food once a day in between meals in addition to their usual food for 12 weeks (3 months) or 2. A control group that will not be given the food. Measurements such as weight, blood pressure and the hand grip strength will be taken at the certain points of the study. A sterile needle will be used to draw about 5 ml of venous blood (from the arm) at the beginning of the study and after 12 weeks. Analyses would be carried out on the blood to know if the food has made an impact on serum albumin, ferritin, haemoglobin and cholesterol. If the findings of the study are favourable, it would provide insights for a larger randomized controlled trial that could establish the efficacy of a locally produced peanut based food for the feeding of the elderly.

Using Strength Tests to Better Understand How Pancreatic Cancer Affects Muscle Mass and Quality of Life

The goal of this clinical trial is to measure hand grip strength in adults with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is it feasible to measure hand grip strength as part of a clinic visit? * Are changes in hand grip strength related to changes in body composition? * Is hand grip strength related to a person's well-being? * Is hand grip strength related to how a tumour responds to treatment? Participants will squeeze a device with their hand to measure their hand grip strength and complete questionnaires about their well-being when they are seen in clinic for their regular medical care for PDAC.

Association of POCD With Circulating Biomarkers in Patients Undergoing TUR of Bladder Tumor

Bladder tumor is one of the most widespread tumors in the world, with increasing prevalence at the global level. One of the procedures in patients with bladder tumors is transurethral resection of the bladder (TURM) most often performed endoscopically under general anesthesia. This patient population has certain characteristics in common. One of them is exposure to common risk factors for the formation of bladder tumors, such as aniline dyes and solvents. These substances are associated with the onset of neurodegeneration and oxidative stress. Smoking is another factor that affects the formation of bladder tumor. A significant part of patients with bladder tumor are an elderly population, which is repeatedly exposed to surgical procedures, with numerous comorbidities, with a high risk of postoperative complications and the development of perioperative cognitive deficits, which can further complicate the postoperative course and further treatment. In the group of patients with a bladder tumor who will undergo TURM, no evaluation of risk factors related to perioperative cognitive deficit was performed, nor was there an examination of the perioperative cognitive deficit itself. In them, the identification of factors for postoperative cognitive disorder is essential. The concept of clinical frailty is becoming more important and relevant when providing healthcare services to patients. The use of the clinical frailty scale as a tool in clinical practice provides information on the adequate direction of care for patients. Decrease in muscle strength can lead to limitations in the functioning of a certain individuals. In recent years muscle strength has come to be a very important component of health, regardless of a person's age and clinical condition.The hand grip test is a test used to measure the maximum isometric strength of the hand and forearm muscles. The MMSE test and MoCA are the most frequently used methods in the detection of cognitive impairment in clinical and research fields. In addition to laboratory indicators of organic function, circulating indicators of neuroinflammation, like S100B and neuron-specific enolase, will be correlated with the patient's cognitive status.So far, no research has been conducted on the dynamics of indicators of organic function, circulating indicators of neuroinflammation, perioperative cognitive changes and clinical fraility in patients undergoing bladder tumor operation.

Low-Cost Handgrip Dynamometer in Healthy Adults

The gold standard device for measuring grip strength is the Jamar® Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. The Jamar® Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer is a high-priced device. It has an analog reading feature. The Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer is recommended by the American Association of Hand Therapists and is considered the gold standard because of its high validity and reliability. Due to its cost, the use of this dynamometer is quite limited in certain countries and settings. However, there is a new version, the JAMAR Plus+, which has a digital reading feature. This version is even more expensive. In recent years, the use of less expensive dynamometers for measuring grip strength has become increasingly common in clinical settings and scientific research. In particular, the Camry Dynamometer, which is ten times cheaper, is frequently used. Despite its frequent use in scientific research, a review of the current literature has shown that the validity and reliability of the Camry has not been examined in healthy populations. Our study compares the Jamar® Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer, the gold standard device for measuring grip strength, with the lower cost and lighter handheld digital Camry dynamometer.

Effects of Thumb Manipulation on Hand Grip Strength, Function, and Sensation

This randomized controlled study will aim to investigate the effects of thumb manipulation on hand grip strength, function, and sensation in healthy individuals. A total of 60 volunteers aged between 18 and 50 years will be recruited from Ortadağ Special Education and Rehabilitation Center. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a chiropractic manipulation group (n=30) or a control group (n=30), with an equal distribution of males and females in each group. The intervention group will receive thumb manipulation twice weekly for 4 weeks, while the control group will not receive any intervention. Outcome measures will include two-point discrimination (assessed with a discriminator), hand grip strength (measured using a dynamometer), pinch strength (evaluated with a pinch meter), and hand function (measured by the Duruöz Hand Index). Statistical analyses will be performed with a significance level set at p\<0.05. It is expected that participants in the manipulation group will show greater improvements in all measured parameters compared to the control group, suggesting a positive effect of thumb manipulation on hand-related sensorimotor functions in healthy individuals.

Correlation Between Shoulder Rotation Torque and Hand Grip Strength in University Teaching Staff

The aim is to reduce the incidence of hand grip weakness and shoulder rotation torque decline. this proposed study aims to suggest solutions to prevent occurring injuries

Effect of Elbow Flexors Fatigue on Hand Grip Strength

This study will be conducted to investigate the effect of elbow flexors fatigue on handgrip strength in physiotherapy students