This randomized controlled study will aim to investigate the effects of thumb manipulation on hand grip strength, function, and sensation in healthy individuals. A total of 60 volunteers aged between 18 and 50 years will be recruited from Ortadağ Special Education and Rehabilitation Center. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a chiropractic manipulation group (n=30) or a control group (n=30), with an equal distribution of males and females in each group. The intervention group will receive thumb manipulation twice weekly for 4 weeks, while the control group will not receive any intervention. Outcome measures will include two-point discrimination (assessed with a discriminator), hand grip strength (measured using a dynamometer), pinch strength (evaluated with a pinch meter), and hand function (measured by the Duruöz Hand Index). Statistical analyses will be performed with a significance level set at p\<0.05. It is expected that participants in the manipulation group will show greater improvements in all measured parameters compared to the control group, suggesting a positive effect of thumb manipulation on hand-related sensorimotor functions in healthy individuals.
Aged between 18 and 50
Willing to participate in the study
Have signed the informed consent form
Able to use verbal and written communication skills
Having contraindications that may prevent manipulation
Having a history of congenital or acquired orthopedic or neurological conditions affecting the upper extremity
Having a history of rheumatological diseases
Having a history of trauma or surgery affecting the upper extremity
SEFA HAKTAN HATIK
Lead sponsor
Sinop University
Sponsor institution