Scapholunate instability is a common form of carpal instability that can cause wrist pain, weakness, and functional limitations during daily activities. Conservative rehabilitation approaches are frequently recommended in the early stages; however, there is no standardized rehabilitation protocol, and the effects of different neuromuscular rehabilitation methods have not been sufficiently investigated.
The primary aim of this study is to comparatively examine the effects of conventional physiotherapy approaches and virtual reality-supported neuromuscular rehabilitation on forearm muscle activation patterns assessed using surface electromyography, wrist proprioceptive function (joint position sense), pain intensity, and functional improvement in individuals with scapholunate instability, and to identify clinically applicable rehabilitation protocol approaches for this population.
In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, participants with pre-dynamic or dynamic scapholunate instability will be randomly assigned to either a conventional rehabilitation group or a virtual reality-supported rehabilitation group. Both groups will receive an 8-week rehabilitation program administered twice per week. Primary outcome measures will include electromyographically assessed forearm muscle activation and wrist proprioception. Secondary outcome measures will include pain intensity, grip strength, wrist muscle strength, and upper extremity functional outcomes assessed using validated clinical instruments. All outcome assessments will be performed before and after the intervention period by an assessor blinded to group allocation.
Aged between 18 and 65 years
Diagnosed with scapholunate instability (pre-dynamic or dynamic instability) by a physician and referred for conservative treatment
A score of ≤6 on the Beighton Hypermobility Scale
Presence of clinical instability symptoms, including pain, a sense of instability, and functional limitation
History of previous surgery involving the hand or wrist
Presence of any neurological or cardiovascular disorder
Presence of additional orthopedic pathology affecting the shoulder, elbow, or wrist other than scapholunate instability
History of surgery involving the ipsilateral upper extremity within the past 6 months
Yeditepe University
Lead sponsor
Biruni University
Collaborator
Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK)
Collaborator