Disuse AtrophyIMMO-CROSSNCT07615062
Cross-education of Skill and Strength in Healthy People Subjected to an Upper-limb Disuse Model
A study testing Contralateral Manual Dexterity Training in people with Disuse Atrophy and Immobilization, run by Universidad Catolica de Temuco at 1 site in Chile.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare manual dexterity and strength between a group undergoing a contralateral manual dexterity training program and a no-intervention control group in healthy, physically inactive individuals subjected to an induced upper-limb disuse model. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Disuse Atrophy, Immobilization
- What is being tested?
- Contralateral Manual Dexterity Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChile
- Study dates
- 25 May 2026to 30 Jan 2027
- 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 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Individuals will be eligible for inclusion if they are right-handed adults aged 18 to 35 years with a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30 kg/m².
- Individuals must be classified as physically inactive, defined as not meeting the World Health Organization criteria of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week.
Who cannot join
- Individuals who have engaged in physical training (e.g., any form of strength or aerobic exercise) or specific manual dexterity training within the past 6 months. - Individuals who regularly participate in artistic, occupational, or sporting activities requiring high levels of manual dexterity (e.g., musicians, gamers, craftspeople).
- Individuals with a history of orthopedic or traumatic injuries affecting either upper extremity. Individuals with pathologies or conditions that preclude safe training (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, or visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments [for example, dyscalculia]).
- Individuals currently using nutritional supplements or medications that interfere with the regulation of skeletal muscle mass and strength (e.g., whey protein, creatine) or the central nervous system (e.g., antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Chile1 site
UCT, Facultad de ciencias de la Salud
Temuco, Araucania, 4813302
Iván A. Cuyul-Vásquez, PhD(c), +56452205205, icuyul@uct.cl
Cuyul-Vásquez Iván Cuyul-Vásquez, PhD(C), +56452205205, icuyul@uct.cl
About this study
Official title: Cross-education of Skill and Strength Through Contralateral Manual Dexterity Training in Healthy Young Adults Subjected to an Upper-limb Disuse Model: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare manual dexterity and strength between a group undergoing a contralateral manual dexterity training program and a no-intervention control group in healthy, physically inactive individuals subjected to an induced upper-limb disuse model.
Read the detailed description
Cross-education of skill offers promising opportunities for the rehabilitation of upper-limb musculoskeletal injuries. An approach based on contralateral manual dexterity training could accelerate functional recovery, reduce motor skill loss during periods of immobilization, and optimize conventional rehabilitation protocols. However, controlled studies are needed to analyze the efficacy of specific unilateral training protocols designed to maximize cross-education before clinical translation. To date, no experimental studies have been published on healthy individuals subjected to upper-limb disuse models alongside contralateral skill training involving functional tasks. This cross-education effect could potentially prevent the loss of manual dexterity and strength that occurs during immobilization. For this research, a contralateral manual dexterity training protocol was developed based on the functional limitations commonly experienced by individuals with forearm and hand musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., distal radius fractures, wrist sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinopathies). Additionally, the protocol incorporates characteristics from training programs that have demonstrated the greatest cross-education effect.
- Conditions
- Disuse Atrophy, Immobilization
- Being tested
- Contralateral Manual Dexterity Training
- Keywords
- Cross-education, Immobilization, contralateral training, interlimb transfer
- Medical subject headings
- Muscular Disorders, Atrophic
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Contralateral Manual Dexterity TrainingOther
The subjects in the experimental group will perform contralateral manual dexterity training focused on moving cylinders of 0.5, 1 or 1.5 kilos with grips and movements in different planes on a gridded board. Participants will have to develop different grips and place the cylinders in the quadrants indicated on a smartphone screen.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Contralateral manual dexterity training | Experimental | Participants in the experimental group will perform contralateral manual dexterity training focused on moving 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 kg cylinders using different grips and movements across various planes on a gridded board. Participants will execute various grips to place the cylinders into the quadrants indicated on a smartphone screen. Receives: Other: Contralateral Manual Dexterity Training |
| Control group without intervention | No intervention | Control group without intervention |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Fine Manual Dexterity
Fine manual dexterity will be assessed using the Functional Dexterity test (FDT). Using a stopwatch, the evaluator records the total time in seconds that the participant takes to complete the task.
Measured: Baseline and day 7
Force control
In a seated position with the elbow flexed, participants will perform isometric contractions to reach a target torque guided by real-time visual feedback. The accuracy of maintaining these contractions in the wrist flexor and extensor muscles will be assessed using a Humac Norm isokinetic dynamometer (Computer Sports Medicine, Inc., Stoughton, MA, USA). Participants will perform a continuous 60-second isometric contraction exercise. During this period, participants will adjust their force level to between 10% and 30% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) at 10-second intervals. Three attempts will be performed per limb. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) will be recorded.
Measured: Baseline and day 7
Gross Manual Dexterity
This gross manual dexterity will be assessed using the same task performed during the experimental group's contralateral manual dexterity training. Specifically, participants will complete 15 trials, moving cylinders of varying weights across a gridded board following a sequence displayed on a smartphone. The time required to complete these 15 trials will be recorded.
Measured: Baseline and day 7
Secondary outcomes (3)
Handgrip strength
Maximum lumbrical and cylindrical grip strength will be assessed using a Jamar Plus+ digital hand dynamometer. The highest value from three attempts will be recorded for each assessment
Measured: Baseline and day 7
Joint Position Sense Test
Proprioception: Wrist flexion-extension joint position sense will be assessed using the Joint Position Sense Test (JPST). All measurements will be conducted with a Humac Norm isokinetic dynamometer (Computer Sports Medicine, Inc., Stoughton, MA, USA). Three attempts will be made per limb. The absolute error (difference in degrees between 30° and the angle achieved during the test) will be recorded.
Measured: Baseline and day 7
Left/right judgment
Left/right judgment will be assessed using the Recognise™ application (Noigroup, Adelaide, Australia). Performance on the laterality judgment task was quantified using the Inverse Efficiency Score (IES), calculated as the average reaction time of correct responses divided by the proportion of correct responses (IES = RT / PC). 3 blocks of 20 images (60 images total). Maximum exposure time: 5 seconds per image.
Measured: Baseline and day 7
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 May 2026
- Study start25 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Jan 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Disuse AtrophyStudies 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universidad Catolica de Temuco
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- University of Valencia, Universidad de La Frontera
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Iván Alejandro Cuyul Vásquez, Universidad Catolica de Temuco
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07615062
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- INMO-CROSS-2026
- Acronym
- IMMO-CROSS
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 14 May 2026
- Last updated
- 29 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Cross-education of Skill and Strength Through Contralateral Manual Dexterity Training in Healthy Young Adults Subjected to an Upper-limb Disuse Model: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07615062
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IMMO-CROSS / INMO-CROSS-2026
- Conditions
- Disuse Atrophy, Immobilization
- Keywords
- Cross-education, Immobilization, contralateral training, interlimb transfer
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Universidad Catolica de TemucoUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- University of Valencia, Universidad de La Frontera
- Study start
- 25 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 29 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.
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare manual dexterity and strength between a group undergoing a contralateral manual dexterity training program and a no-intervention control group in healthy, physically inactive individuals subjected to an induced upper-limb disuse model.
Detailed description
Cross-education of skill offers promising opportunities for the rehabilitation of upper-limb musculoskeletal injuries. An approach based on contralateral manual dexterity training could accelerate functional recovery, reduce motor skill loss during periods of immobilization, and optimize conventional rehabilitation protocols. However, controlled studies are needed to analyze the efficacy of specific unilateral training protocols designed to maximize cross-education before clinical translation. To date, no experimental studies have been published on healthy individuals subjected to upper-limb disuse models alongside contralateral skill training involving functional tasks. This cross-education effect could potentially prevent the loss of manual dexterity and strength that occurs during immobilization. For this research, a contralateral manual dexterity training protocol was developed based on the functional limitations commonly experienced by individuals with forearm and hand musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., distal radius fractures, wrist sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinopathies). Additionally, the protocol incorporates characteristics from training programs that have demonstrated the greatest cross-education effect.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Contralateral manual dexterity training | Experimental | Other: Contralateral Manual Dexterity TrainingParticipants in the experimental group will perform contralateral manual dexterity training focused on moving 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 kg cylinders using different grips and movements across various planes on a gridded board. Participants will execute various grips to place the cylinders into the quadrants indicated on a smartphone screen. |
| Control group without intervention | No intervention | –Control group without intervention |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Individuals will be eligible for inclusion if they are right-handed adults aged 18 to 35 years with a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30 kg/m².
- Individuals must be classified as physically inactive, defined as not meeting the World Health Organization criteria of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Individuals who have engaged in physical training (e.g., any form of strength or aerobic exercise) or specific manual dexterity training within the past 6 months. - Individuals who regularly participate in artistic, occupational, or sporting activities requiring high levels of manual dexterity (e.g., musicians, gamers, craftspeople).
- Individuals with a history of orthopedic or traumatic injuries affecting either upper extremity. Individuals with pathologies or conditions that preclude safe training (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, or visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments [for example, dyscalculia]).
- Individuals currently using nutritional supplements or medications that interfere with the regulation of skeletal muscle mass and strength (e.g., whey protein, creatine) or the central nervous system (e.g., antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Contralateral Manual Dexterity TrainingThe subjects in the experimental group will perform contralateral manual dexterity training focused on moving cylinders of 0.5, 1 or 1.5 kilos with grips and movements in different planes on a gridded board. Participants will have to develop different grips and place the cylinders in the quadrants indicated on a smartphone screen. | Other | Contralateral manual dexterity training |
Primary outcome
Fine Manual Dexterity
Time frame: Baseline and day 7
Fine manual dexterity will be assessed using the Functional Dexterity test (FDT). Using a stopwatch, the evaluator records the total time in seconds that the participant takes to complete the task.
Force control
Time frame: Baseline and day 7
In a seated position with the elbow flexed, participants will perform isometric contractions to reach a target torque guided by real-time visual feedback. The accuracy of maintaining these contractions in the wrist flexor and extensor muscles will be assessed using a Humac Norm isokinetic dynamometer (Computer Sports Medicine, Inc., Stoughton, MA, USA). Participants will perform a continuous 60-second isometric contraction exercise. During this period, participants will adjust their force level to between 10% and 30% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) at 10-second intervals. Three attempts will be performed per limb. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) will be recorded.
Gross Manual Dexterity
Time frame: Baseline and day 7
This gross manual dexterity will be assessed using the same task performed during the experimental group's contralateral manual dexterity training. Specifically, participants will complete 15 trials, moving cylinders of varying weights across a gridded board following a sequence displayed on a smartphone. The time required to complete these 15 trials will be recorded.
3 secondary outcomes
Handgrip strength
Time frame: Baseline and day 7
Joint Position Sense Test
Time frame: Baseline and day 7
Left/right judgment
Time frame: Baseline and day 7
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 29 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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 Contralateral Manual Dexterity Training in people with Disuse Atrophy and Immobilization, run by Universidad Catolica de Temuco at 1 site in Chile.
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 2 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 29 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 Chile. 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 Iván A. Cuyul-Vásquez, PhD(c) (+56452205205, icuyul@uct.cl), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Fine Manual Dexterity (time frame: Baseline and day 7). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 29 May 2026.