OsteoarthritisPhase 2NCT00705146
CMC (Carpometacarpal) OA (Osteoarthritis) Thumb Splint Study
A Phase 2 study testing Comfort Cool thumb splint by North Coast Medical and Custom made thermoplastic & neoprene splint in people with Osteoarthritis, run by University of British Columbia at 3 sites in Canada.
Trial summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a common condition that is seen regularly in outpatient occupational therapy and physiotherapy departments. Prevalence rates of symptomatic thumb OA have been found to be as high as 25%. The conservative treatment of choice consists of splinting. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 45 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Osteoarthritis
- What is being tested?
- Comfort Cool thumb splint by North Coast Medical and Custom made thermoplastic & neoprene splint
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 56 participants
- Where
- 3 sitesCanada
- Study dates
- Apr 2008to Jun 2009
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 45 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- physician diagnosis of CMC OA
- 45 years or older
- able to read and write in English
Who cannot join
- previous thumb surgery
Trial locations and contacts
3 sites in 1 country.
Canada3 sites
Campbell River Hospital
Campbell River, British Columbia, V9W 3V1
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9S 2B7
Victoria Island Hand Clinic
Victoria, British Columbia, V8R 4R2
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Two Carpometacarpal Stabilizing Splints for People With Thumb Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a common condition that is seen regularly in outpatient occupational therapy and physiotherapy departments. Prevalence rates of symptomatic thumb OA have been found to be as high as 25%. The conservative treatment of choice consists of splinting. There are many different types of thumb splints available, but no specific guidelines as to which is preferred. There is limited evidence to support the benefits of splinting.
The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two different thumb splints: the Comfort Cool, a prefabricated neoprene splint and a custom made neoprene and thermoplastic thumb splint. These are two of the most commonly prescribed splints in local occupational therapy departments.
Read the detailed description
Thumb (CMC) osteoarthritis is treated conservatively with splinting. The objectives of splinting the CMC joint include stabilizing the joint, reducing pain symptoms as well as enhancing performance of everyday activities. There is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of splinting in reducing pain and very little evidence to support the effectiveness of thumb splints to enhance function.
This CMC splint comparison study is a cross-over community based study of the effect of two different types of CMC stabilizing splints on patients with thumb OA. The objectives include measuring clients' OA symptoms and function using the Australian Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN-HI 3.1), grip strength, pinch strength and client's personal splint preference on 4 separate occasions in order to compare the two thumb splints. The two splints differ in material and design. One splint is softer and incorporates more of the hand. The evidence gathered will support the effectiveness of specific splint design. It will also provide best practice guidelines for splint selection in clients with CMC OA.
We are using a one group own control cross-over design where outcome measures will be taken at week 1, week 4, week 5 and week 9. Each client will wear both splints for a 4 week period separated by a 1 week wash out period.
Procedure:
First appointment: At the initial visit the client will be randomly assigned to splint order. The client will complete the AUSCAN-HI 3.1, and a grip and pinch strength measurement. The first CMC stabilizing splint will be fabricated and fitted as per normal splinting treatment for clients with CMC OA. The client will be instructed how to wear and care for their splint. General instructions will include wearing the splint for symptomatic use as well as heavy activities.
Second visit: The second visit will take place 4 weeks after the first unless the client needs to come in earlier for a splint adjustment. At this time the AUSCAN-HI 3.1 will be administered again. Grip and pinch strength will also be re-measured.
Third visit: After a one week wash-out period where the client does not wear any splint, they will attend the OT Outpatient department and complete the AUSCAN-HI 3.1, perform a grip and pinch strength measurement. They will be provided with the second CMC stabilizing splint and instructed in a wearing regime and the care of it.
Fourth visit: This will take place at approximately 9 weeks, 4 weeks after wearing the second splint. The AUSCAN-HI 3.1 will be completed for the last time as well as a grip and pinch strength measurement. The client will also be asked their personal splint preference at this time.
Data will be collected and input into the computer.
Note: The procedures for grip and pinch strength measurement will follow the guidelines set out in the ASHT Clinical Assessment Recommendations.
Data Analysis: Data will be analyzed using ANOVA, to determine if there is a significant difference between the 2 splints for OA pain, function, grip strength and personal preference.
- Conditions
- Osteoarthritis
- Being tested
- Comfort Cool thumb splint by North Coast Medical, Custom made thermoplastic & neoprene splint
- Keywords
- Osteoarthritis, carpometacarpal joint, Thumb splints, AUSCAN-HI 3.1, Grip and pinch strength
- Medical subject headings
- Osteoarthritis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Comfort Cool thumb splint by North Coast MedicalDevice
Comfort Cool(TM) splint, a prefabricated neoprene splint, fit according to the participant's size (S, M, M+, L). Participants instructed to wear the splint when symptomatic, during manual tasks, and at night if desired. Used for 4 weeks. Treating therapists did not provide exercises or joint protection education until the final outcome measurement session at 9 weeks.
Custom made thermoplastic & neoprene splintDevice
The Hybrid splint was based on Pat McKee's custom-made splint design, fabricated from neoprene and 1.6 mm Rolyan Aquaplast Watercolors (Bollingbrook, IL). Participants were instructed to wear the splint when symptomatic, during manual tasks, and at night if desired. Splint was worn for 4 weeks. Treating therapists did not provide exercises or joint protection education until the final outcome measurement session at 9 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Cool Splint | Active comparator | Comfort Cool(TM) splint, a prefabricated neoprene splint, fit according to the participant's size (S, M, M+, L). Participants instructed to wear the splint when symptomatic, during manual tasks, and at night if desired. Used for 4 weeks. Receives: Device: Comfort Cool thumb splint by North Coast Medical |
| Hybrid Custom-made splint | Active comparator | The Hybrid splint was based on Pat McKee's custom-made splint design, fabricated from neoprene and 1.6 mm Rolyan Aquaplast Watercolors (Bollingbrook, IL). Participants were instructed to wear the splint when symptomatic, during manual tasks, and at night if desired. Splint was worn for 4 weeks. Receives: Device: Custom made thermoplastic & neoprene splint |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Hand Function
Hand Function was measured with the Australian Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index 3.1 (AUSCAN). The AUSCAN is a self-report tool with 15 questions in 3 subscales: pain, function, joint stiffness, and uses an 11-point (0-10) numerical rating scale. The AUSCAN function subscale has 9 items regarding level of difficulty in performing daily tasks such as opening a jar, turning a doorknob, wringing out a washcloth. Possible scores range from 0 to 90. Mean change scores are reported (baseline compared to 4 weeks splint use). Higher scores indicate worse function.
Measured: 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
Pain
AUSCAN 3.1 pain subscale. Possible score range is 0 to 50. Lower scores indicate less pain. Change scores are reported (baseline to 4 weeks splint wear) for each of the two splints.
Measured: 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Jun 2008 (estimated)
- Study startApr 2008
- Primary completionJun 2009
- Study completionJun 2009
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for OsteoarthritisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of British ColumbiaThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of British Columbia
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Vancouver Foundation
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Catherine Backman, Ph.D, Principal investigator, University of British ColumbiaPeter Kirk, Ph.D, Study director, University of British Columbia
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT00705146
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- H07-03133
- Status last verified
- Dec 2014
- First submitted
- 23 Jun 2008
- Last updated
- 11 Dec 2014
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- No
Publications
Sillem H, Backman CL, Miller WC, Li LC. Comparison of two carpometacarpal stabilizing splints for individuals with thumb osteoarthritis. J Hand Ther. 2011 Jul-Sep;24(3):216-25; quiz 126; discussion 227-30. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2010.12.004. Epub 2011 Mar 21.
PubMed 21420278
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 Dec 2014. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Two Carpometacarpal Stabilizing Splints for People With Thumb Osteoarthritis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT00705146
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- H07-03133
- Conditions
- Osteoarthritis
- Keywords
- Osteoarthritis, carpometacarpal joint, Thumb splints, AUSCAN-HI 3.1, Grip and pinch strength
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of British ColumbiaUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Vancouver Foundation
- Study start
- Apr 2008
- Primary completion
- Jun 2009 (actual)
- Study completion
- Jun 2009 (actual)
- First posted
- 25 Jun 2008 (estimated)
- Results
- Posted 11 Dec 2014
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a common condition that is seen regularly in outpatient occupational therapy and physiotherapy departments. Prevalence rates of symptomatic thumb OA have been found to be as high as 25%. The conservative treatment of choice consists of splinting. There are many different types of thumb splints available, but no specific guidelines as to which is preferred. There is limited evidence to support the benefits of splinting.
The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two different thumb splints: the Comfort Cool, a prefabricated neoprene splint and a custom made neoprene and thermoplastic thumb splint. These are two of the most commonly prescribed splints in local occupational therapy departments.
Detailed description
Thumb (CMC) osteoarthritis is treated conservatively with splinting. The objectives of splinting the CMC joint include stabilizing the joint, reducing pain symptoms as well as enhancing performance of everyday activities. There is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of splinting in reducing pain and very little evidence to support the effectiveness of thumb splints to enhance function.
This CMC splint comparison study is a cross-over community based study of the effect of two different types of CMC stabilizing splints on patients with thumb OA. The objectives include measuring clients' OA symptoms and function using the Australian Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN-HI 3.1), grip strength, pinch strength and client's personal splint preference on 4 separate occasions in order to compare the two thumb splints. The two splints differ in material and design. One splint is softer and incorporates more of the hand. The evidence gathered will support the effectiveness of specific splint design. It will also provide best practice guidelines for splint selection in clients with CMC OA.
We are using a one group own control cross-over design where outcome measures will be taken at week 1, week 4, week 5 and week 9. Each client will wear both splints for a 4 week period separated by a 1 week wash out period.
Procedure:
First appointment: At the initial visit the client will be randomly assigned to splint order. The client will complete the AUSCAN-HI 3.1, and a grip and pinch strength measurement. The first CMC stabilizing splint will be fabricated and fitted as per normal splinting treatment for clients with CMC OA. The client will be instructed how to wear and care for their splint. General instructions will include wearing the splint for symptomatic use as well as heavy activities.
Second visit: The second visit will take place 4 weeks after the first unless the client needs to come in earlier for a splint adjustment. At this time the AUSCAN-HI 3.1 will be administered again. Grip and pinch strength will also be re-measured.
Third visit: After a one week wash-out period where the client does not wear any splint, they will attend the OT Outpatient department and complete the AUSCAN-HI 3.1, perform a grip and pinch strength measurement. They will be provided with the second CMC stabilizing splint and instructed in a wearing regime and the care of it.
Fourth visit: This will take place at approximately 9 weeks, 4 weeks after wearing the second splint. The AUSCAN-HI 3.1 will be completed for the last time as well as a grip and pinch strength measurement. The client will also be asked their personal splint preference at this time.
Data will be collected and input into the computer.
Note: The procedures for grip and pinch strength measurement will follow the guidelines set out in the ASHT Clinical Assessment Recommendations.
Data Analysis: Data will be analyzed using ANOVA, to determine if there is a significant difference between the 2 splints for OA pain, function, grip strength and personal preference.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Cool Splint | Active comparator | Device: Comfort Cool thumb splint by North Coast MedicalComfort Cool(TM) splint, a prefabricated neoprene splint, fit according to the participant's size (S, M, M+, L). Participants instructed to wear the splint when symptomatic, during manual tasks, and at night if desired. Used for 4 weeks. |
| Hybrid Custom-made splint | Active comparator | Device: Custom made thermoplastic & neoprene splintThe Hybrid splint was based on Pat McKee's custom-made splint design, fabricated from neoprene and 1.6 mm Rolyan Aquaplast Watercolors (Bollingbrook, IL). Participants were instructed to wear the splint when symptomatic, during manual tasks, and at night if desired. Splint was worn for 4 weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 45 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- physician diagnosis of CMC OA
- 45 years or older
- able to read and write in English
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- previous thumb surgery
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Cool thumb splint by North Coast MedicalComfort Cool(TM) splint, a prefabricated neoprene splint, fit according to the participant's size (S, M, M+, L). Participants instructed to wear the splint when symptomatic, during manual tasks, and at night if desired. Used for 4 weeks. Treating therapists did not provide exercises or joint protection education until the final outcome measurement session at 9 weeks. | Device | Comfort Cool Splint |
| Custom made thermoplastic & neoprene splintThe Hybrid splint was based on Pat McKee's custom-made splint design, fabricated from neoprene and 1.6 mm Rolyan Aquaplast Watercolors (Bollingbrook, IL). Participants were instructed to wear the splint when symptomatic, during manual tasks, and at night if desired. Splint was worn for 4 weeks. Treating therapists did not provide exercises or joint protection education until the final outcome measurement session at 9 weeks. | Device | Hybrid Custom-made splint |
Primary outcome
Hand Function
Time frame: 4 weeks
Hand Function was measured with the Australian Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index 3.1 (AUSCAN). The AUSCAN is a self-report tool with 15 questions in 3 subscales: pain, function, joint stiffness, and uses an 11-point (0-10) numerical rating scale. The AUSCAN function subscale has 9 items regarding level of difficulty in performing daily tasks such as opening a jar, turning a doorknob, wringing out a washcloth. Possible scores range from 0 to 90. Mean change scores are reported (baseline compared to 4 weeks splint use). Higher scores indicate worse function.
1 secondary outcome
Pain
Time frame: 4 weeks
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 11 Dec 2014.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Results publication: PubMed 21420278Sillem H, Backman CL, Miller WC, Li LC. Comparison of two carpometacarpal stabilizing splints for individuals with thumb osteoarthritis. J Hand Ther. 2011 Jul-Sep;24(3):216-25; quiz 126; discussion 227-30. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2010.12.004. Epub 2011 Mar 21.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Catherine Backman, Ph.D principal investigator
University of British Columbia
Peter Kirk, Ph.D study director
University of British Columbia
3 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 2 study testing Comfort Cool thumb splint by North Coast Medical and Custom made thermoplastic & neoprene splint in people with Osteoarthritis, run by University of British Columbia at 3 sites in Canada.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Dec 2014. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 3 sites in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 11 Dec 2014). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Hand Function (time frame: 4 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT00705146, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Dec 2014.