Older Adults (65 Years and Older)NCT07507279
Technology-based Hand Rehabilitation in Older People
A study testing Technological hand rehabilitation exercises, Home exercises and Dual task with technological hand exercises in people with Older Adults (65 Years and Older), run by Akdeniz University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Because hand and cognitive functions decline in the elderly, intervention programs addressing these problems are necessary. In recent years, creating rehabilitation programs using technology has gained popularity. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 65 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Older Adults (65 Years and Older)
- What is being tested?
- Technological hand rehabilitation exercises, Home exercises and Dual task with technological hand exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 66 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 25 Mar 2026to 25 Sep 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 65 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 65 years of age and older
- Not receiving hand-related physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Ability to follow instructions,
- Scoring 24 points or more on the Mini Mental Test
Who cannot join
- Having a neuropsychiatric diagnosis
- Acute hand and arm injury
- Having a diagnosis of rheumatological and orthopedic diseases affecting the hand
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Akdeniz University
Antalya, Konyaaltı, 07070
Mehmet Ates, Secretary, +90 242 2496954, tbaetik@akdeniz.edu.tr
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Technology-based Hand Rehabilitation and Dual Task on Upper Extremity Functions in Older People
Because hand and cognitive functions decline in the elderly, intervention programs addressing these problems are necessary. In recent years, creating rehabilitation programs using technology has gained popularity. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of technology-based rehabilitation using LMC (Light Mood Enhancer) and dual upper extremity tasks on joint position sense, grip strength, functionality, and executive functions in elderly individuals; and to compare these effects with those of an exercise program performed solely with an LMC device and a control group consisting of a hand rehabilitation program performed with a physiotherapist. The research is a randomized controlled trial and will consist of 3 groups. After randomization, individuals' joint position sense, gross and fine grip strength, functionality, and executive functions will be evaluated. Evaluations will be performed twice, at the beginning and end of the 8-week program.
Read the detailed description
Impairment of hand muscle function reduces quality of life and independence in daily living activities in the geriatric population. In recent years, technology-based rehabilitation applications have been used in hand rehabilitation programs because, in addition to their effects similar to conventional rehabilitation, they increase patient motivation and compliance with rehabilitation. Studies have also shown that dual-task training has positive effects on upper extremity functions. In the literature, rehabilitation programs and dual-task training to improve hand functions in the elderly are applied separately. However, a study combining technology-based hand rehabilitation programs with dual-task training to increase cognitive level in elderly individuals has not been previously encountered. The unique value of our study and its difference from the existing literature is that the intervention group includes dual-task training as a cognitive task along with the Leap Motion Controller (LMC) and assessment of joint position sense. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of technology-based rehabilitation using LMC and dual-task training targeting the upper extremities on joint position sense, grip strength, functionality, and executive functions in elderly individuals; and to compare these effects with the effects of an exercise program performed only with the LMC device and a hand rehabilitation program performed with a physiotherapist as a control group. The main goal of this project is to improve the hand skills of elderly individuals through a technology-based rehabilitation program and dual-task training, enabling them to continue their daily lives independently. In the study, 75 elderly individuals will be randomly divided into three groups. The first group will receive hand exercises via computer using LMC (Leap Motion Conntroller) and dual-task training during these exercises. These exercises and training will be conducted twice a week for eight weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The second group will receive only hand exercises via LMC under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The third group, the control group, will receive a conventional hand rehabilitation program (stretching and strengthening) under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The program will be applied to all three groups for 45 minutes a day, twice a week, for eight weeks. Following randomization, individuals' joint position sense (using inclinometer), gross and fine grip strength (using dynamometer and pinchmeter), functionality (using Jebsen hand function, Purdue pegbord, 9 hole peg test), and executive functions (using stroop test) will be evaluated. Evaluations will be conducted twice, at the beginning and end of the eight-week program.
- Conditions
- Older Adults (65 Years and Older)
- Being tested
- Technological hand rehabilitation exercises, Home exercises, Dual task with technological hand exercises
- Keywords
- older adults, hand rehabilitation, technology, dual task
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Technological hand rehabilitation exercisesOther
Elderly individuals in this group will play the games mentioned above for 45 minutes a day, 2 days a week, for 8 weeks, using only their hands via a computer with an LMC device, under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The procedure will be the same as for the other group, as described above. The intervention will be carried out with ball games for the first 4 weeks, and helicopter and airplane games will be added in the following 4 weeks. The elderly individual will play these games with both their dominant and non-dominant hands. The playing time will be equal for both hands. The elderly individuals will be able to take as many breaks as they wish during the games. The number of repetitions of the games will be increased each week according to the elderly individual's progress.
Home exercisesOther
A rehabilitation program consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises will be applied to individuals under the guidance of a physiotherapist experienced in geriatric rehabilitation. The program will include hand flexion, extension, radial and ulnar deviation, and finger movements. Therabands and resistance bands will be used for strengthening. The number of repetitions of the exercises will be increased each week. The rehabilitation program will be applied for 45 minutes a day, 2 days a week, for 8 weeks.
Dual task with technological hand exercisesOther
Hand exercises will be conducted with the guidance of a physiotherapist using the Leap Motion Controller (LMC). These exercises will be performed twice a week for eight weeks, with each session lasting 45 minutes. While the elderly are playing games on a computer using their hands via the LMC device, dual-task training will be provided by physiotherapists. The dual-task training will be implemented as follows: In the first week, while the elderly are performing hand exercises via the LMC, they will be given one verbal, one arithmetic, and one auditory task. In subsequent weeks, the number of verbal, arithmetic, and auditory tasks will be increased by one task each week. Thus, the training will be gradually made more challenging. In addition, the dual-task training can be individualized according to the elderly's initial cognitive level and progress. Technology-based hand exercises will be performed with games specific to the LMC.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Technological hand rehabilitation group | Experimental | they will take only technological hand rehabilitation Receives: Other: Technological hand rehabilitation exercises |
| Dual task group | Experimental | They will take dual task and technological hand rehabilitation Receives: Other: Dual task with technological hand exercises |
| Home exercise group | Other | They will do hand exercises at home Receives: Other: Home exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Joint sense position
Wrist joint position sense of individuals will be assessed using a digital inclinometer. In this method, the individual will be actively guided to the desired position by the physiotherapist, held in that position for 5 seconds, and asked to remember the position. The individual will then be asked to return their wrist to that position. Wrist position sense assessment will be based on the principle of actively repeating the predetermined target angle. All axes of movement of the wrist in flexion, extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation directions will be evaluated. The target angles used in the assessment will be determined as 30° for flexion and extension, 10° for radial deviation, and 15° for ulnar deviation. The angle of the participant's wrist in all axes of movement will be noted, and the absolute difference between this angle and the target angle will be recorded as the "Joint Position Sense Error Amount"
Measured: Just before the treatment begins and at the end of the 8th week
Hand function
The Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) is a standardized, timed, quantitative assessment of fine manual dexterity. The test requires placing 9 pegs into holes on a board one-by-one and then removing them, using one hand at a time, to measure hand-eye coordination and finger speed. Less time means better performance.
Measured: Just before the treatment begins and at the end of the 8th week
Hand function
Jebsen hand function tes will be used for hand function. It is a standardized, clinician-administered assessment designed to measure fine motor, gross motor, and weighted hand function using simulated activities of daily living (ADLs). Special equipment and a stopwatch are provided for the tests. Separate times are recorded for each task given for scoring purposes. It consists of seven timed subtests performed on both hands-starting with the non-dominant hand-to evaluate speed rather than movement quality, with higher times indicating lower function.
Measured: Just before the treatment begins and at the end of the 8th week
Grip strength
Dynamometer and pinchmeter will be used for gross and fine grip strength. The measurement will be repeated three times. A 15-second break will be given after each measurement. Finally, the average of the three measurements will be recorded.
Measured: Just before the treatment begins and at the end of the 8th week
Hand function
The Purdue Pegboard Test is a standardized, 5-10 minute assessment used to measure fine and gross motor dexterity of the hands, fingers, and arms. It requires individuals to place small metal pins, collars, and washers into holes on a vertical board using the right hand, left hand, and both hands simultaneously, commonly applied in rehabilitation and hiring for manual labor. The more pins that are installed within the specified time, the better the performance.
Measured: Just before the treatment begins and at the end of the 8th week
Secondary outcomes (1)
Stroop test
This test will be used to assess the executive functions of older adults. The test consists of a word, a color, and a color word attempt sheet, and five separate tests as follows: 1. Saying color names from a card written in black, 2. Saying color names from a card written in different colors, 3. Saying the colors of circles shown on a card with colored circles, 4. Saying the colors of words on a card with neutral words written in color, and 5. Saying the color names shown on a card with color names written using different colors. A stopwatch will be used to record the time during the test.
Measured: Just before the treatment begins and at the end of the 8th week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Apr 2026
- Study start25 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion25 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion25 Sep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Older Adults (65 Years and Older)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Akdeniz UniversityThe 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 N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Randomized controlled study
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 66 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Akdeniz University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Sebahat Yaprak Cetin, PT, Akdeniz University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07507279
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- TBAEK-185
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: I will plan to share IPD with other researchers via email and using SPSS program for statistic
Publications
Arman N, Oktay AB, Tarakci D, Tarakci E, Akgul YS. The validity of an objective measurement method using the Leap Motion Controller for fingers wrist, and forearm ranges of motion. Hand Surg Rehabil. 2021 Sep;40(4):394-399. doi: 10.1016/j.hansur.2021.03.007. Epub 2021 Mar 26.
PubMed 33781957
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Technology-based Hand Rehabilitation and Dual Task on Upper Extremity Functions in Older People
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07507279
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- TBAEK-185
- Conditions
- Older Adults (65 Years and Older)
- Keywords
- older adults, hand rehabilitation, technology, dual task
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 66 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Akdeniz UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 25 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 25 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 2 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Because hand and cognitive functions decline in the elderly, intervention programs addressing these problems are necessary. In recent years, creating rehabilitation programs using technology has gained popularity. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of technology-based rehabilitation using LMC (Light Mood Enhancer) and dual upper extremity tasks on joint position sense, grip strength, functionality, and executive functions in elderly individuals; and to compare these effects with those of an exercise program performed solely with an LMC device and a control group consisting of a hand rehabilitation program performed with a physiotherapist. The research is a randomized controlled trial and will consist of 3 groups. After randomization, individuals' joint position sense, gross and fine grip strength, functionality, and executive functions will be evaluated. Evaluations will be performed twice, at the beginning and end of the 8-week program.
Detailed description
Impairment of hand muscle function reduces quality of life and independence in daily living activities in the geriatric population. In recent years, technology-based rehabilitation applications have been used in hand rehabilitation programs because, in addition to their effects similar to conventional rehabilitation, they increase patient motivation and compliance with rehabilitation. Studies have also shown that dual-task training has positive effects on upper extremity functions. In the literature, rehabilitation programs and dual-task training to improve hand functions in the elderly are applied separately. However, a study combining technology-based hand rehabilitation programs with dual-task training to increase cognitive level in elderly individuals has not been previously encountered. The unique value of our study and its difference from the existing literature is that the intervention group includes dual-task training as a cognitive task along with the Leap Motion Controller (LMC) and assessment of joint position sense. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of technology-based rehabilitation using LMC and dual-task training targeting the upper extremities on joint position sense, grip strength, functionality, and executive functions in elderly individuals; and to compare these effects with the effects of an exercise program performed only with the LMC device and a hand rehabilitation program performed with a physiotherapist as a control group. The main goal of this project is to improve the hand skills of elderly individuals through a technology-based rehabilitation program and dual-task training, enabling them to continue their daily lives independently. In the study, 75 elderly individuals will be randomly divided into three groups. The first group will receive hand exercises via computer using LMC (Leap Motion Conntroller) and dual-task training during these exercises. These exercises and training will be conducted twice a week for eight weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The second group will receive only hand exercises via LMC under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The third group, the control group, will receive a conventional hand rehabilitation program (stretching and strengthening) under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The program will be applied to all three groups for 45 minutes a day, twice a week, for eight weeks. Following randomization, individuals' joint position sense (using inclinometer), gross and fine grip strength (using dynamometer and pinchmeter), functionality (using Jebsen hand function, Purdue pegbord, 9 hole peg test), and executive functions (using stroop test) will be evaluated. Evaluations will be conducted twice, at the beginning and end of the eight-week program.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Randomized controlled study
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Technological hand rehabilitation group | Experimental | Other: Technological hand rehabilitation exercisesthey will take only technological hand rehabilitation |
| Dual task group | Experimental | Other: Dual task with technological hand exercisesThey will take dual task and technological hand rehabilitation |
| Home exercise group | Other | Other: Home exercisesThey will do hand exercises at home |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 65 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 65 years of age and older
- Not receiving hand-related physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Ability to follow instructions,
- Scoring 24 points or more on the Mini Mental Test
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Having a neuropsychiatric diagnosis
- Acute hand and arm injury
- Having a diagnosis of rheumatological and orthopedic diseases affecting the hand
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Technological hand rehabilitation exercisesElderly individuals in this group will play the games mentioned above for 45 minutes a day, 2 days a week, for 8 weeks, using only their hands via a computer with an LMC device, under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The procedure will be the same as for the other group, as described above. The intervention will be carried out with ball games for the first 4 weeks, and helicopter and airplane games will be added in the following 4 weeks. The elderly individual will play these games with both their dominant and non-dominant hands. The playing time will be equal for both hands. The elderly individuals will be able to take as many breaks as they wish during the games. The number of repetitions of the games will be increased each week according to the elderly individual's progress. | Other | Technological hand rehabilitation group |
| Home exercisesA rehabilitation program consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises will be applied to individuals under the guidance of a physiotherapist experienced in geriatric rehabilitation. The program will include hand flexion, extension, radial and ulnar deviation, and finger movements. Therabands and resistance bands will be used for strengthening. The number of repetitions of the exercises will be increased each week. The rehabilitation program will be applied for 45 minutes a day, 2 days a week, for 8 weeks. | Other | Home exercise group |
| Dual task with technological hand exercisesHand exercises will be conducted with the guidance of a physiotherapist using the Leap Motion Controller (LMC). These exercises will be performed twice a week for eight weeks, with each session lasting 45 minutes. While the elderly are playing games on a computer using their hands via the LMC device, dual-task training will be provided by physiotherapists. The dual-task training will be implemented as follows: In the first week, while the elderly are performing hand exercises via the LMC, they will be given one verbal, one arithmetic, and one auditory task. In subsequent weeks, the number of verbal, arithmetic, and auditory tasks will be increased by one task each week. Thus, the training will be gradually made more challenging. In addition, the dual-task training can be individualized according to the elderly's initial cognitive level and progress. Technology-based hand exercises will be performed with games specific to the LMC. | Other | Dual task group |
Primary outcome
Joint sense position
Time frame: Just before the treatment begins and at the end of the 8th week
Wrist joint position sense of individuals will be assessed using a digital inclinometer. In this method, the individual will be actively guided to the desired position by the physiotherapist, held in that position for 5 seconds, and asked to remember the position. The individual will then be asked to return their wrist to that position. Wrist position sense assessment will be based on the principle of actively repeating the predetermined target angle. All axes of movement of the wrist in flexion, extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation directions will be evaluated. The target angles used in the assessment will be determined as 30° for flexion and extension, 10° for radial deviation, and 15° for ulnar deviation. The angle of the participant's wrist in all axes of movement will be noted, and the absolute difference between this angle and the target angle will be recorded as the "Joint Position Sense Error Amount"
Hand function
Time frame: Just before the treatment begins and at the end of the 8th week
The Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) is a standardized, timed, quantitative assessment of fine manual dexterity. The test requires placing 9 pegs into holes on a board one-by-one and then removing them, using one hand at a time, to measure hand-eye coordination and finger speed. Less time means better performance.
Hand function
Time frame: Just before the treatment begins and at the end of the 8th week
Jebsen hand function tes will be used for hand function. It is a standardized, clinician-administered assessment designed to measure fine motor, gross motor, and weighted hand function using simulated activities of daily living (ADLs). Special equipment and a stopwatch are provided for the tests. Separate times are recorded for each task given for scoring purposes. It consists of seven timed subtests performed on both hands-starting with the non-dominant hand-to evaluate speed rather than movement quality, with higher times indicating lower function.
Grip strength
Time frame: Just before the treatment begins and at the end of the 8th week
Dynamometer and pinchmeter will be used for gross and fine grip strength. The measurement will be repeated three times. A 15-second break will be given after each measurement. Finally, the average of the three measurements will be recorded.
Hand function
Time frame: Just before the treatment begins and at the end of the 8th week
The Purdue Pegboard Test is a standardized, 5-10 minute assessment used to measure fine and gross motor dexterity of the hands, fingers, and arms. It requires individuals to place small metal pins, collars, and washers into holes on a vertical board using the right hand, left hand, and both hands simultaneously, commonly applied in rehabilitation and hiring for manual labor. The more pins that are installed within the specified time, the better the performance.
1 secondary outcome
Stroop test
Time frame: Just before the treatment begins and at the end of the 8th week
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Apr 2026.
- Results publication: PubMed 33781957Arman N, Oktay AB, Tarakci D, Tarakci E, Akgul YS. The validity of an objective measurement method using the Leap Motion Controller for fingers wrist, and forearm ranges of motion. Hand Surg Rehabil. 2021 Sep;40(4):394-399. doi: 10.1016/j.hansur.2021.03.007. Epub 2021 Mar 26.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. I will plan to share IPD with other researchers via email and using SPSS program for statistic
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Technological hand rehabilitation exercises, Home exercises and Dual task with technological hand exercises in people with Older Adults (65 Years and Older), run by Akdeniz University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 4 inclusion and 3 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). 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.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Sebahat Yaprak Cetin, Associate Professor (+905436338030, fzt.ycetin@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Joint sense position (time frame: Just before the treatment begins and at the end of the 8th week). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. 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 NCT07507279, 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 2 Apr 2026.