Habitual Knuckle CrackingNCT07815717
Stabilization Exercises for Young Adults With Habitual Knuckle Cracking
A study testing Stabilization Exercise Program in people with Habitual Knuckle Cracking, run by Borna Farhoomand.
Trial summary
Habitual knuckle cracking is a widespread behavior caused by intra-articular pressure changes and gas release in synovial joints; however, its long-term effects on hand sensorimotor function, joint laxity, and overall biomechanics remain debated, with no structured clinical exercise interventions currently… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Habitual Knuckle Cracking
- What is being tested?
- Stabilization Exercise Program
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2026to 28 Mar 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 30 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between 18 and 30 years,
- Voluntary agreement to participate and signing the Informed Consent Form following detailed study briefing,
- Willingness to attend all assessment and intervention sessions.
Who cannot join
- Having an occupation that requires intensive or repetitive use of the upper extremities and fingers,
- History of prior musculoskeletal injury involving the upper extremity or hand,
- Presence of physical or sensory impairments (such as visual or auditory deficits) that could interfere with study procedures,
- History of congenital or acquired orthopedic, neurological, or rheumatological conditions affecting hand or wrist range of motion and function,
- History of hand or wrist trauma requiring medical, conservative, or surgical management within the past 6 months,
- Presence of active skin lesions in the intervention region, including burns, cellulitis, vesicles, bullae, psoriasis, open or closed wounds, scar tissue, active infection, or malignancy,
- Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30 or a history of morbid obesity.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Stabilization Exercises on Functional Performance, Proprioception, and Joint Laxity in Young Adults With Habitual Knuckle Cracking: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Habitual knuckle cracking is a widespread behavior caused by intra-articular pressure changes and gas release in synovial joints; however, its long-term effects on hand sensorimotor function, joint laxity, and overall biomechanics remain debated, with no structured clinical exercise interventions currently established. This prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-week targeted stabilization exercise program focusing on the radiocarpal, metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints in young adults aged 18 to 30 years with habitual knuckle cracking. Participants are randomly allocated to either an intervention group receiving twice-weekly stabilization training (8 total sessions) or an un-exercised control group. The study hypothesizes that structured joint stabilization exercises will significantly improve wrist and finger joint position sense (proprioception), enhance upper extremity functional performance, and reduce joint laxity compared to the control group.
- Conditions
- Habitual Knuckle Cracking
- Being tested
- Stabilization Exercise Program
- Keywords
- Joint Instability, Proprioception
- Medical subject headings
- Joint Instability
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Stabilization Exercise ProgramOther
A 4-week supervised hand and wrist stabilization exercise program conducted 2 times per week (8 total sessions, 30-45 minutes per session). The protocol targets the radiocarpal (wrist), metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. Exercises focus on enhancing joint position sense (proprioception), motor control, isometric and dynamic stabilization, and balanced muscle co-activation around the digits and wrist complex. Progression is individualized based on participant tolerance, maintaining movements within non-painful ranges to prevent joint strain. All sessions are supervised by a physical therapist.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Stabilization Exercise Group | Experimental | Not described Receives: Other: Stabilization Exercise Program |
| Non-Exercise Control Group | No intervention | Not described |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change from Baseline in Joint Position Sense (JPS) Absolute Error at 4 Weeks
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks
Change from Baseline in Joint Laxity
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change from Baseline in Upper Extremity Functional Performance using the QuickDASH questionnaire
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks
Change from Baseline in Pain Intensity on Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Sep 2026
- Study start1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion25 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion28 Mar 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Habitual Knuckle CrackingStudies 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
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Borna Farhoomand
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Borna Farhoomand, Pamukkale University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07815717
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-60116787-020-859086
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 11 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Stabilization Exercises on Functional Performance, Proprioception, and Joint Laxity in Young Adults With Habitual Knuckle Cracking: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07815717
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- E-60116787-020-859086
- Conditions
- Habitual Knuckle Cracking
- Keywords
- Joint Instability, Proprioception
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Borna FarhoomandUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 25 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 28 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 11 Sep 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.
Habitual knuckle cracking is a widespread behavior caused by intra-articular pressure changes and gas release in synovial joints; however, its long-term effects on hand sensorimotor function, joint laxity, and overall biomechanics remain debated, with no structured clinical exercise interventions currently established. This prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-week targeted stabilization exercise program focusing on the radiocarpal, metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints in young adults aged 18 to 30 years with habitual knuckle cracking. Participants are randomly allocated to either an intervention group receiving twice-weekly stabilization training (8 total sessions) or an un-exercised control group. The study hypothesizes that structured joint stabilization exercises will significantly improve wrist and finger joint position sense (proprioception), enhance upper extremity functional performance, and reduce joint laxity compared to the control group.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Stabilization Exercise Group | Experimental | Other: Stabilization Exercise Program |
| Non-Exercise Control Group | No intervention | – |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Age between 18 and 30 years,
- Voluntary agreement to participate and signing the Informed Consent Form following detailed study briefing,
- Willingness to attend all assessment and intervention sessions.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Having an occupation that requires intensive or repetitive use of the upper extremities and fingers,
- History of prior musculoskeletal injury involving the upper extremity or hand,
- Presence of physical or sensory impairments (such as visual or auditory deficits) that could interfere with study procedures,
- History of congenital or acquired orthopedic, neurological, or rheumatological conditions affecting hand or wrist range of motion and function,
- History of hand or wrist trauma requiring medical, conservative, or surgical management within the past 6 months,
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Stabilization Exercise ProgramA 4-week supervised hand and wrist stabilization exercise program conducted 2 times per week (8 total sessions, 30-45 minutes per session). The protocol targets the radiocarpal (wrist), metacarpophalangeal (MCP), and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. Exercises focus on enhancing joint position sense (proprioception), motor control, isometric and dynamic stabilization, and balanced muscle co-activation around the digits and wrist complex. Progression is individualized based on participant tolerance, maintaining movements within non-painful ranges to prevent joint strain. All sessions are supervised by a physical therapist. | Other | Stabilization Exercise Group |
Primary outcome
Change from Baseline in Joint Position Sense (JPS) Absolute Error at 4 Weeks
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Change from Baseline in Joint Laxity
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
2 secondary outcomes
Change from Baseline in Upper Extremity Functional Performance using the QuickDASH questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
Change from Baseline in Pain Intensity on Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks
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 11 Sep 2026.
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.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Stabilization Exercise Program in people with Habitual Knuckle Cracking, run by Borna Farhoomand.
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 7 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 11 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
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 Borna FARHOOMAND, PT, MSc (+905449033638, borna.farhoomand@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change from Baseline in Joint Position Sense (JPS) Absolute Error at 4 Weeks (time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks). 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?
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 Sep 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 31 Oct 2026.