Does the Cervical Stenosis Affect Hand Function?

Does the Degree of Cervical Spinal Stenosis Affect Hand Function?

The cervical spine is a complex structure that supports the weight of the head and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots. Cervical spinal stenosis (CSS), which develops as a result of degenerative processes, can cause narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of nerve structures, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. This condition can negatively affect hand function, particularly grip strength and dexterity. However, studies in the literature examining the effect of CSS on grip strength and hand function are limited. Therefore, this study will be conducted to determine the effect of the severity of cervical spinal stenosis, identified in patients who underwent MRI following their presentation with cervical problems at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic of Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital, İzmir Democracy University, on hand grip strength and functionality. Grip strength will be assessed using the Jamar hand dynamometer, and fine pinch strength will be evaluated using the Lafayette pinch meter. Additionally, hand functionality will be measured using the Nine-Hole Peg Test. The impact of neck pain on daily life will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index. The data obtained will be compared and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

This study is expected to fill a significant gap in the current literature by comprehensively elucidating the effects of cervical stenosis on hand function and grip performance, thereby contributing to the individualization of rehabilitation approaches.

Study Overview

• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Conditions: Neck Pain; Spinal Stenosis Cervical; Hand Grip Strength

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 180

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Kadir Songür, Assoc. Prof.; Phone Number: +905054529231; Email: kadir.93@gmail.com

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The sample for this study will consist of individuals who presented to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic at the Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital of Izmir Democracy University due to cervical problems and underwent cervical MRI. After obtaining informed consent, the individuals included in the study will undergo evaluation. First, participants will be grouped based on their cervical stenosis scores. The degree of cervical stenosis will be determined using MRIs that were previously requested and performed during various outpatient services. The evaluation of the MRI will be scored according to the Kang grading system for spinal stenosis. The Kang grading system includes four degrees ranging from 0 to 3 based on spinal cord compression.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals aged 18-75
• Individuals who have previously undergone a cervical MRI
• Cases where the degree of stenosis can be clearly determined on MRI
• Individuals who have had neck pain for at least 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who declined to participate in the study
• Individuals who had undergone cervical surgery
• Individuals diagnosed with vertigo
• Individuals with sudden hearing loss
• Individuals with additional neurological conditions
• Individuals with psychiatric or cognitive disorders that would prevent measurement in the study

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

4

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
1; Group with Kang grade 0
2; Group with Kang grade 1
3; Group with Kang grade 2
4; Group with Kang grade 3

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Hand Grip Strength	Hand grip strength will be assessed using a Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer. Measurements will be taken while seated, with the arm positioned as follows: shoulder adduction, elbow at 90° flexion, and forearm in a neutral position. The wrist will be positioned at 0-30° extension and 0-15° ulnar deviation. The volunteer will be asked to grip the dynamometer firmly and squeeze as hard as possible. The measurements will be repeated three times, and the average value will be recorded in kilograms.	Day 1

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Neck Disability Index	The Neck Disability Index is an adaptation of the Oswestry Disability Index for the cervical region and is a widely used 10-item questionnaire for assessing cervical dysfunction and neck pain. Each item is scored between 0 (no disability) and 5 (complete disability). The total score ranges from 0 to 50; a higher score indicates greater functional limitation. The questionnaire has established validity and reliability in Turkish.	Day 1
Pinch Strength	A Lafayette brand hydraulic pinch meter will be used for this measurement. Measurements will be taken in three ways: two-point, lateral, and three-point grips. For the two-point grip measurement, the subject will be asked to squeeze the pinch meter using the tips of their thumb and index finger. For the lateral grip measurement, the volunteer will be asked to squeeze the pinch meter using the middle of the distal phalanx of the thumb and the lateral part of the middle phalanx of the index finger. For the three-point grip measurement, the subject will be instructed to squeeze the pinch meter using the distal phalanges of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Measurements will be taken in the same position as the grip strength test, in accordance with the standard; three measurements will be taken for each grip type, and the average will be recorded in pounds (lb).	Day 1
The Nine-Hole Peg Test	The participants' manual dexterity will be assessed using the Nine-Hole Peg Test, which has been proven to be valid and reliable. The test consists of nine identical holes spaced at equal intervals and nine matching pegs. The timer starts the moment the person first touches a peg to place it. The person will be asked to take the pegs from the box, place them in the holes as quickly as possible, and then remove them and return them to the box. The test will be conducted while the person is seated. The activity time will be recorded in seconds.	Day 1

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Izmir Democracy University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): September 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): September 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2027

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 30, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 30, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): April 6, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): May 15, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 13, 2026
• Last Verified: May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: neck pain; hand grip strength; cervical spinal stenosis
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms; Neck Pain
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2026/25

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO
• IPD Plan Description: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared because the data contain potentially identifiable sensitive clinical information, and sharing was not covered in the original informed consent provided to participants. Additionally, institutional and national data protection regulations limit the transfer of raw, de-identified individual-level data outside the research team.

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No