Hand Exercises for Rheumatoid ArthritisNCT07598240
Is a Standard Hand Rehabilitation Program Sufficient in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Central Sensitization
A study testing Exercise1, Exercise2 and Exercise3 in people with Hand Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis, run by Fulya Coşkun at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The presence of central sensitization leads to overestimation of pain sensitivity and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Central sensitization should not be overlooked in RA patients to avoid over-treatment for inflammation and to determine the need for treatment of nociplastic pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Hand Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- What is being tested?
- Exercise1, Exercise2 and Exercise3
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 81 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 22 Aug 2025to 22 Jun 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 18 to 75 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
None listed.
Who cannot join
- Having had surgery on the extremity to be treated within the last 6 months
- Patients with active arthritis
- Patients with cognitive deficit
- Patients who do not consent to participate in the study
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Haydarpaşa Numune Eğitim Ve Araştirma Hastanesi Validebağ Ek Hizmet Binasi
Istanbul, ÜSKÜDAR, 34674
About this study
The presence of central sensitization leads to overestimation of pain sensitivity and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Central sensitization should not be overlooked in RA patients to avoid over-treatment for inflammation and to determine the need for treatment of nociplastic pain. While literature contains no studies comparing alternative programs with the standard hand rehabilitation program in the presence of central sensitization in rheumatoid arthritis patients, the objective of this study is to investigate whether desensitization exercises provide additional benefit in this patient group.
Read the detailed description
The study is designed prospectively and will be conducted between August 22, 2025, and June 22, 2026. Patients who are regularly followed in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation rheumatology outpatient clinic of Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital and who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be included. Demographic data such as age, height, weight, waist circumference, and diet type of participants will be recorded. At baseline, the Central Sensitization Scale, Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life Scale, RA Articular Damage Score, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Duruöz Hand Index questionnaires will be administered. DAS28 and ACR50 responses will be noted. Sedimentation and CRP values from routine follow-up files, as well as hand dynamometry and pinchmeter (lateral, palmar, and fingertip) grip strengths, will be recorded.
The study consists of one group of rheumatoid arthritis patients and two groups of rheumatoid arthritis patients with accompanying central sensitization. Group 1 (Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients) and Group 2 (Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Central Sensitization) will be taught determined strengthening and mobility exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist to ensure correct home application. The investigator will also provide recorded exercise videos and handouts for patients. Group 3 (RA Patients with Central Sensitization) will additionally perform desensitization exercises 7 days a week for 3 months, in addition to the strengthening and mobility exercises. Randomization will be conducted using the sealed envelope method. Patient compliance with the exercise program will be monitored by the investigator via telephone contact on specific days of the week.
- Conditions
- Hand Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Being tested
- Exercise1, Exercise2, Exercise3
- Keywords
- rheumatoid arthritis, central sensitization, hand exercise
- Medical subject headings
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Exercise1Other
Participants will be asked to practice home exercises every day of the week for 12 weeks. The SARAH exercise program consists of 7 mobility and 4 strengthening exercises. Progress will be made by increasing the repetitions and duration of the exercises every week.
Exercise2Other
Participants will be asked to practice home exercises every day of the week for 12 weeks. The SARAH exercise program consists of 7 mobility and 4 strengthening exercises. Progress will be made by increasing the repetitions and duration of the exercises every week.
Exercise3Other
Participants will be asked to practice home exercises every day of the week for 12 weeks. The SARAH exercise program consists of 7 mobility and 4 strengthening exercises. In addition to the strengthening and mobility exercises, participants will also perform desensitization exercises 7 days a week for 3 months. Progress will be made by increasing the repetitions and duration of the exercises every week.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients | Experimental | SARAH Exercise Receives: Other: Exercise1 |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Central Sensitization1 | Experimental | SARAH Exercise Receives: Other: Exercise2 |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Central Sensitization2 | Experimental | SARAH Exercise + Desensitization Exercises Receives: Other: Exercise3 |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
VAS
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is used to assess pain intensity. Scores range from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents "the worst possible pain." Lower scores indicate a better clinical outcome.
Measured: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
CENTRAL DESENSİTİZATİON SCALE
Participants were categorized based on their Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) scores, which range from 0 (no symptoms) to 100 (extreme symptoms). A clinical threshold was set at 40; participants scoring 40 or higher were identified as meeting the criteria for central sensitization
Measured: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
DURUOZ HAND INDEX
Participants achieved a functional response based on the Duruöz Hand Index (DHI), which ranges from 0 (best outcome) to 90 (worst outcome). A response was defined as a significant reduction in the total score from baseline, where lower scores indicate improved hand function and independence in daily activities.
Measured: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
Dynamometer-measured hand grip strength measurements (kg)
Hand grip strength was measured using a calibrated dynamometer to assess isometric muscle strength. Results are reported in kilograms (kg). On this scale, higher values indicate greater muscle strength and better physical performance (best outcome), while lower values indicate reduced grip strength (worst outcome).
Measured: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
Pinchmeter-measured finger strength measurements (kg) (Tip, Lateral, Palmar)
Finger pinch strength was measured using a calibrated pinchmeter to evaluate fine motor strength in three positions: Tip pinch (thumb to index finger), Lateral pinch (thumb to the radial side of the index finger), and Palmar pinch (thumb to index and middle fingers). Measurements are recorded in kilograms (kg). Higher values indicate greater functional strength and better hand performance (best outcome), whereas lower values indicate reduced pinch force (worst outcome).
Measured: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 May 2026
- Study start22 Aug 2025
- Primary completion22 Dec 2025
- Study completion22 Jun 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Hand Exercises for Rheumatoid ArthritisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Central sensitization is a state of increased neuronal sensitivity and synaptic plasticity in central pain pathways following painful stimulation. Central sensitization causes increased sensitivity of the central nervous system to painful and non-painful stimuli. Central sensitization has been reported in 15-40% of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The presence of central sensitization leads to overestimation of pain sensitivity and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Central sensitization should not be overlooked in RA patients to avoid over-treatment for inflammation and to determine the need for treatment of nociplastic pain.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 81 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Fulya Coşkun
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Fulya Coşkun, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07598240
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2024KAEK18-5048
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 12 May 2026
- Last updated
- 20 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Mesci N, Mesci E, Kandemir EU, Kulcu DG, Celik T. Impact of central sensitization on clinical parameters in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. North Clin Istanb. 2024 Apr 22;11(2):140-146. doi: 10.14744/nci.2023.81231. eCollection 2024.
PubMed 38757102Williams MA, Srikesavan C, Heine PJ, Bruce J, Brosseau L, Hoxey-Thomas N, Lamb SE. Exercise for rheumatoid arthritis of the hand. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Jul 31;7(7):CD003832. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003832.pub3.
PubMed 30063798England BR, Smith BJ, Baker NA, Barton JL, Oatis CA, Guyatt G, Anandarajah A, Carandang K, Chan KK, Constien D, Davidson E, Dodge CV, Bemis-Dougherty A, Everett S, Fisher N, Fraenkel L, Goodman SM, Lewis J, Menzies V, Moreland LW, Navarro-Millan I, Patterson S, Phillips LR, Shah N, Singh N, White D, AlHeresh R, Barbour KE, Bye T, Guglielmo D, Haberman R, Johnson T, Kleiner A, Lane CY, Li LC, Master H, Pinto D, Poole JL, Steinbarger K, Sztubinski D, Thoma L, Tsaltskan V, Turgunbaev M, Wells C, Turner AS, Treadwell JR. 2022 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for Exercise, Rehabilitation, Diet, and Additional Integrative Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2023 Aug;75(8):1603-1615. doi: 10.1002/acr.25117. Epub 2023 May 25.
PubMed 37227116
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Is a Standard Hand Rehabilitation Program Sufficient in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Central Sensitization
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07598240
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2024KAEK18-5048
- Conditions
- Hand Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Keywords
- rheumatoid arthritis, central sensitization, hand exercise
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 81 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Fulya CoşkunUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 22 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 22 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 22 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 20 May 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.
The presence of central sensitization leads to overestimation of pain sensitivity and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Central sensitization should not be overlooked in RA patients to avoid over-treatment for inflammation and to determine the need for treatment of nociplastic pain. While literature contains no studies comparing alternative programs with the standard hand rehabilitation program in the presence of central sensitization in rheumatoid arthritis patients, the objective of this study is to investigate whether desensitization exercises provide additional benefit in this patient group.
Detailed description
The study is designed prospectively and will be conducted between August 22, 2025, and June 22, 2026. Patients who are regularly followed in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation rheumatology outpatient clinic of Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital and who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be included. Demographic data such as age, height, weight, waist circumference, and diet type of participants will be recorded. At baseline, the Central Sensitization Scale, Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life Scale, RA Articular Damage Score, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Duruöz Hand Index questionnaires will be administered. DAS28 and ACR50 responses will be noted. Sedimentation and CRP values from routine follow-up files, as well as hand dynamometry and pinchmeter (lateral, palmar, and fingertip) grip strengths, will be recorded.
The study consists of one group of rheumatoid arthritis patients and two groups of rheumatoid arthritis patients with accompanying central sensitization. Group 1 (Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients) and Group 2 (Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Central Sensitization) will be taught determined strengthening and mobility exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist to ensure correct home application. The investigator will also provide recorded exercise videos and handouts for patients. Group 3 (RA Patients with Central Sensitization) will additionally perform desensitization exercises 7 days a week for 3 months, in addition to the strengthening and mobility exercises. Randomization will be conducted using the sealed envelope method. Patient compliance with the exercise program will be monitored by the investigator via telephone contact on specific days of the week.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Central sensitization is a state of increased neuronal sensitivity and synaptic plasticity in central pain pathways following painful stimulation. Central sensitization causes increased sensitivity of the central nervous system to painful and non-painful stimuli. Central sensitization has been reported in 15-40% of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The presence of central sensitization leads to overestimation of pain sensitivity and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Central sensitization should not be overlooked in RA patients to avoid over-treatment for inflammation and to determine the need for treatment of nociplastic pain.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients | Experimental | Other: Exercise1SARAH Exercise |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Central Sensitization1 | Experimental | Other: Exercise2SARAH Exercise |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Central Sensitization2 | Experimental | Other: Exercise3SARAH Exercise + Desensitization Exercises |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (0 listed)
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Having had surgery on the extremity to be treated within the last 6 months
- Patients with active arthritis
- Patients with cognitive deficit
- Patients who do not consent to participate in the study
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise1Participants will be asked to practice home exercises every day of the week for 12 weeks. The SARAH exercise program consists of 7 mobility and 4 strengthening exercises. Progress will be made by increasing the repetitions and duration of the exercises every week. | Other | Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients |
| Exercise2Participants will be asked to practice home exercises every day of the week for 12 weeks. The SARAH exercise program consists of 7 mobility and 4 strengthening exercises. Progress will be made by increasing the repetitions and duration of the exercises every week. | Other | Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Central Sensitization1 |
| Exercise3Participants will be asked to practice home exercises every day of the week for 12 weeks. The SARAH exercise program consists of 7 mobility and 4 strengthening exercises. In addition to the strengthening and mobility exercises, participants will also perform desensitization exercises 7 days a week for 3 months. Progress will be made by increasing the repetitions and duration of the exercises every week. | Other | Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Central Sensitization2 |
Primary outcome
VAS
Time frame: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is used to assess pain intensity. Scores range from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents "the worst possible pain." Lower scores indicate a better clinical outcome.
CENTRAL DESENSİTİZATİON SCALE
Time frame: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
Participants were categorized based on their Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) scores, which range from 0 (no symptoms) to 100 (extreme symptoms). A clinical threshold was set at 40; participants scoring 40 or higher were identified as meeting the criteria for central sensitization
DURUOZ HAND INDEX
Time frame: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
Participants achieved a functional response based on the Duruöz Hand Index (DHI), which ranges from 0 (best outcome) to 90 (worst outcome). A response was defined as a significant reduction in the total score from baseline, where lower scores indicate improved hand function and independence in daily activities.
Dynamometer-measured hand grip strength measurements (kg)
Time frame: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
Hand grip strength was measured using a calibrated dynamometer to assess isometric muscle strength. Results are reported in kilograms (kg). On this scale, higher values indicate greater muscle strength and better physical performance (best outcome), while lower values indicate reduced grip strength (worst outcome).
Pinchmeter-measured finger strength measurements (kg) (Tip, Lateral, Palmar)
Time frame: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
Finger pinch strength was measured using a calibrated pinchmeter to evaluate fine motor strength in three positions: Tip pinch (thumb to index finger), Lateral pinch (thumb to the radial side of the index finger), and Palmar pinch (thumb to index and middle fingers). Measurements are recorded in kilograms (kg). Higher values indicate greater functional strength and better hand performance (best outcome), whereas lower values indicate reduced pinch force (worst outcome).
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 20 May 2026.
- Background: PubMed 38757102Mesci N, Mesci E, Kandemir EU, Kulcu DG, Celik T. Impact of central sensitization on clinical parameters in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. North Clin Istanb. 2024 Apr 22;11(2):140-146. doi: 10.14744/nci.2023.81231. eCollection 2024.
- Background: PubMed 30063798Williams MA, Srikesavan C, Heine PJ, Bruce J, Brosseau L, Hoxey-Thomas N, Lamb SE. Exercise for rheumatoid arthritis of the hand. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Jul 31;7(7):CD003832. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003832.pub3.
- Background: PubMed 37227116England BR, Smith BJ, Baker NA, Barton JL, Oatis CA, Guyatt G, Anandarajah A, Carandang K, Chan KK, Constien D, Davidson E, Dodge CV, Bemis-Dougherty A, Everett S, Fisher N, Fraenkel L, Goodman SM, Lewis J, Menzies V, Moreland LW, Navarro-Millan I, Patterson S, Phillips LR, Shah N, Singh N, White D, AlHeresh R, Barbour KE, Bye T, Guglielmo D, Haberman R, Johnson T, Kleiner A, Lane CY, Li LC, Master H, Pinto D, Poole JL, Steinbarger K, Sztubinski D, Thoma L, Tsaltskan V, Turgunbaev M, Wells C, Turner AS, Treadwell JR. 2022 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for Exercise, Rehabilitation, Diet, and Additional Integrative Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2023 Aug;75(8):1603-1615. doi: 10.1002/acr.25117. Epub 2023 May 25.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Exercise1, Exercise2 and Exercise3 in people with Hand Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis, run by Fulya Coşkun 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 0 inclusion and 4 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 May 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?
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?
VAS (time frame: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.). 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 NCT07598240, which also lists 3 linked publications.
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 20 May 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 6 Nov 2026.