Clinical Research Directory

Placebo Effect of Immediate Kinesio Taping on Upper Extremity Performance in Healthy Adults

This study investigates whether Kinesio Taping has immediate effects on upper extremity performance in healthy adults and whether these effects may be influenced by placebo mechanisms. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: therapeutic Kinesio Taping, sham Kinesio Taping, or no intervention. All participants complete tests of hand function, including grip strength, typing performance, reaction time, and manual dexterity, before and after a short standardized waiting period. Participants also rate their perceived performance, comfort, and overall change. The purpose of this study is to determine whether improvements in performance are due to the mechanical effects of the tape or related to sensory and expectation-based (placebo) factors.

Motor Imaging, Neglect, and Upper Extremity Function in Stroke

This study aims to investigate the relationship between motor imagery skills and neglect level, upper extremity motor function, activities of daily living, quality of life, lateralization performance, and mental timer performance in individuals with stroke. Individuals with stroke who meet the inclusion criteria and voluntarily agree to participate will be evaluated. Demographic and clinical information of the participants will be recorded on an assessment form prepared by the researcher. Upper extremity motor functions will be assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Assessment Scale and the Wolf Motor Function Test; activities of daily living will be assessed using the Modified Barthel Index; and quality of life will be assessed using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale. Motor imagery skills will be measured using the Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire and a mental timer task; upper extremity lateralization performance will be assessed using the Recognise™ application. Neglect level will be assessed using the Catherine Bergego Scale, the Line Splitting Test, and the Star Erase Test. The data obtained will be statistically analyzed to examine the relationships between motor imagery skills and other clinical variables.

AI-based Customized tDCS for Finger Motor Recovery After Subacute Stroke

The goal of this clinical study is to evaluate whether AI-based customized transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) using MR images is more effective than sham stimulation in improving finger motor function in patients with finger paralysis caused by subacute stroke. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does AI-based customized tDCS improve finger motor function compared with sham stimulation? * What medical problems or adverse events occur when participants receive AI-based customized tDCS? Researchers will compare AI-based customized tDCS with sham stimulation (a look-alike stimulation that delivers no electrical current) to determine whether the intervention improves finger motor recovery in patients with subacute stroke.

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.

Investigation of The Relationship Between Upper Extremity Function in String Instrument Performers and Shoulder Proprioception, Posture, Hypermobility and Performance Anxiety

Work-related musculoskeletal problems are seen in many professions, including musicians. Musculoskeletal problems related to playing are defined as any weakness, numbness, pain, tingling, or other symptoms that affect a musician's ability to play a musical instrument at their usual level. Given the high workload on the upper extremities, it is likely that neurological and musculoskeletal changes and/or dysfunctions are more common in musicians. Prolonged static activity and overuse of the trunk and proximal upper extremity muscles in musicians also frequently affect upper extremity function. Nerve compression syndromes affecting the median and ulnar nerves or thoracic outlet affect many musicians. Focal dystonias seen in musicians can affect the muscles that make up part or all of one hand. Studies evaluating musculoskeletal problems and upper extremity function in instrumentalists are limited in the literature. The aim of our study is to investigate the factors affecting upper extremity function in stringed instrument performers within a group of musicians, to compare them with a group that does not play any musical instrument, and to contribute the results to the literature. A total of 68 participants will be included in the study on a voluntary basis, comprising a stringed instrument performer group (n=34) and a control group not playing any musical instrument (n=34). Upper extremity function will be assessed using the Health Throw Test, the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire and hand dynamometer, musculoskeletal system with the Nordic Musculoskeletal System Questionnaire, performance anxiety with the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory, pain with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), hypermobility with the Beighton Scoring System for Hypermobility and the Upper Extremity Hypermobility Questionnaire, reaction time with the Nelson Hand Reaction Test, coordination using the Touching Discs Test, posture using the Apecs-AI Posture Assessment and Correction System® (Apecs) application, shoulder proprioception using a goniometer, upper extremity balance using the Y Balance Test, and shoulder girdle endurance and stabilisation using the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test.

Evaluation of the Validity and Reliability of the '6 Minute Pegboard and Ring Test' Unsupported Arm Function Exercise Test in Patients Using Pacemakers

Recently, the use of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED) is becoming widespread due to the improvement of patients' symptoms, reduction of sudden cardiac death and improved quality of life. Although implantation of the device is considered a minor invasive procedure, possible but often underestimated dysfunction of the same side upper extremity may develop after implantation. This increase in the number of device implantations makes shoulder dysfunction after pacemaker implantation a major health problem. In the current research in the literature, arm dysfunction is evaluated by measuring range of motion with a dynamic goniometer, scales scored independently of shoulder pathology and the effect of activities of daily living. This indicates that there is no objective functional assessment method used to evaluate arm function in CIED patients. Therefore, the point of this study is to find out how reliable and valid the 6 Minute Pegboard and Ring Test (6PBRT) is for testing the functional capacity of the upper extremity in people who have had CIED implanted.