Stiff HandNCT07701356
The Effectiveness of Joint Mobilization in Stiff Hand Treatment
A study testing Joint Mobilization with Conventional Physiotherapy and Conventional Physiotherapy Only in people with Stiff Hand, run by Pamukkale University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Although various treatment modalities have been investigated for the management of stiff hand, no previous study has examined the combined use of exercise and joint mobilization. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Stiff Hand
- What is being tested?
- Joint Mobilization with Conventional Physiotherapy and Conventional Physiotherapy Only
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 24 Jan 2025to 11 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Hand or forearm injury managed conservatively or surgically
- Stiff hand criteria confirmed by Modified Weeks Test (0-20° difference between pre- and post-conditioning passive ROM)
- No communication impairment
- No prior neurological, orthopedic, or rheumatological condition or surgery in the affected extremity
Who cannot join
- Circulatory disorder or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Dupuytren's disease
- Acute inflammation in any finger within the last week
- Fracture due to non-traumatic causes
- Significant edema
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Joint Mobilization on Hand Function in Patients With Stiff Hand: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Although various treatment modalities have been investigated for the management of stiff hand, no previous study has examined the combined use of exercise and joint mobilization. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of peripheral joint mobilization, applied in addition to conventional exercise, on functional outcomes in patients with stiff hand.
- Conditions
- Stiff Hand
- Being tested
- Joint Mobilization with Conventional Physiotherapy, Conventional Physiotherapy Only
- Keywords
- joint mobilization, hand function
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Joint Mobilization with Conventional PhysiotherapyOther
Participants received conventional physiotherapy program (classical massage, scar massage, active and resistive hand-wrist exercises, adhesive bandage for edema control) in addition to joint mobilization. Joint mobilization was initiated at minimum 6 weeks post-injury or surgery. Participants were seated with forearm in neutral position. The joint proximal to the mobilized segment was stabilized. Distraction force was applied in the distal direction. Volar glides (8-12 repetitions) were applied for flexion deficits and dorsal glides for extension deficits according to the convex-concave rule, with each glide held at end range for approximately 30 seconds. Mobilization was applied for 4-6 minutes per joint. Total session duration: approximately 30 minutes. Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total).
Conventional Physiotherapy OnlyOther
Participants received conventional physiotherapy program consisting of classical massage, scar massage, active and resistive hand-wrist exercises, and adhesive bandage for edema control. Total session duration: approximately 30 minutes. Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Joint mobilization with conventional physiotherapy | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Joint Mobilization with Conventional Physiotherapy |
| Conventional Physiotherapy Only | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Other: Conventional Physiotherapy Only |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Range of Motion
Total Active Motion (TAM) assessed by metal finger goniometer.
Measured: Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.
Grip Strength
Grip Strength was assessed by Jamar dynamometer (gross grip, pinch, pulp, lateral, tripod)
Measured: Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.
Secondary outcomes (1)
Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire
This questionnaire evaluates the functionality of the hand and consists of 63 questions in total. Each question is scoredbetween 1-5 and the score of each section varies between 0-100. High total score indicates high satisfaction.
Measured: Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Jul 2026
- Study start24 Jan 2025
- Primary completion11 Mar 2026
- Study completion11 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Stiff HandStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Pamukkale 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
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Pamukkale University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, UMUT ERASLAN, Pamukkale University
- Investigators
- Umut Eraslan, Principal investigator, Pamukkale University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07701356
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-60116787-020-622755
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 14 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Glasgow C, Tooth LR, Fleming J. Mobilizing the stiff hand: combining theory and evidence to improve clinical outcomes. J Hand Ther. 2010 Oct-Dec;23(4):392-400; quiz 401. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2010.05.005. Epub 2010 Sep 9.
PubMed 20828988Weeks PM, Wray RC Jr, Kuxhaus M. The results of non-operative management of stiff joints in the hand. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1978 Jan;61(1):58-63. doi: 10.1097/00006534-197801000-00010.
PubMed 145602
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Joint Mobilization on Hand Function in Patients With Stiff Hand: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07701356
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- E-60116787-020-622755
- Conditions
- Stiff Hand
- Keywords
- joint mobilization, hand function
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Pamukkale UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 24 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 11 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 11 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 Jul 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.
Although various treatment modalities have been investigated for the management of stiff hand, no previous study has examined the combined use of exercise and joint mobilization. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of peripheral joint mobilization, applied in addition to conventional exercise, on functional outcomes in patients with stiff hand.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Joint mobilization with conventional physiotherapy | Experimental | Other: Joint Mobilization with Conventional Physiotherapy |
| Conventional Physiotherapy Only | Active comparator | Other: Conventional Physiotherapy Only |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Hand or forearm injury managed conservatively or surgically
- Stiff hand criteria confirmed by Modified Weeks Test (0-20° difference between pre- and post-conditioning passive ROM)
- No communication impairment
- No prior neurological, orthopedic, or rheumatological condition or surgery in the affected extremity
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Circulatory disorder or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Dupuytren's disease
- Acute inflammation in any finger within the last week
- Fracture due to non-traumatic causes
- Significant edema
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Mobilization with Conventional PhysiotherapyParticipants received conventional physiotherapy program (classical massage, scar massage, active and resistive hand-wrist exercises, adhesive bandage for edema control) in addition to joint mobilization. Joint mobilization was initiated at minimum 6 weeks post-injury or surgery. Participants were seated with forearm in neutral position. The joint proximal to the mobilized segment was stabilized. Distraction force was applied in the distal direction. Volar glides (8-12 repetitions) were applied for flexion deficits and dorsal glides for extension deficits according to the convex-concave rule, with each glide held at end range for approximately 30 seconds. Mobilization was applied for 4-6 minutes per joint. Total session duration: approximately 30 minutes. Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). | Other | Joint mobilization with conventional physiotherapy |
| Conventional Physiotherapy OnlyParticipants received conventional physiotherapy program consisting of classical massage, scar massage, active and resistive hand-wrist exercises, and adhesive bandage for edema control. Total session duration: approximately 30 minutes. Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). | Other | Conventional Physiotherapy Only |
Primary outcome
Range of Motion
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.
Total Active Motion (TAM) assessed by metal finger goniometer.
Grip Strength
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.
Grip Strength was assessed by Jamar dynamometer (gross grip, pinch, pulp, lateral, tripod)
1 secondary outcome
Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 Jul 2026.
- Background: PubMed 20828988Glasgow C, Tooth LR, Fleming J. Mobilizing the stiff hand: combining theory and evidence to improve clinical outcomes. J Hand Ther. 2010 Oct-Dec;23(4):392-400; quiz 401. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2010.05.005. Epub 2010 Sep 9.
- Background: PubMed 145602Weeks PM, Wray RC Jr, Kuxhaus M. The results of non-operative management of stiff joints in the hand. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1978 Jan;61(1):58-63. doi: 10.1097/00006534-197801000-00010.
- 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.
Umut Eraslan principal investigator
Pamukkale University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Joint Mobilization with Conventional Physiotherapy and Conventional Physiotherapy Only in people with Stiff Hand, run by Pamukkale 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 5 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 14 Jul 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
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?
Range of Motion (time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.). The study lists 2 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 NCT07701356, which also lists 2 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 14 Jul 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.