Upper Extremity Skills, Trunk Control, and Body Awareness in Parkinson's Disease

June 6, 2026 updated by: Ozlem Yuruk, Baskent University

Investigation of Upper Extremity Skills, Trunk Control, and Body Awareness in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is associated with impairments in upper extremity function, postural control, and sensory-motor processing that may negatively affect daily activities and quality of life. While upper extremity dysfunction has been extensively investigated, the potential contributions of trunk control and body awareness have received less attention. This cross-sectional observational study aims to compare upper extremity skills, trunk control, and body awareness between individuals with Parkinson's disease and healthy adults, and to examine the relationships among these variables within the Parkinson's disease group. The findings may improve understanding of factors associated with upper extremity performance and support the development of more comprehensive rehabilitation approaches for individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Detailed Description

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and the presence of both motor and non-motor symptoms. In addition to the cardinal motor features of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, individuals with PD commonly experience impairments in upper extremity function that negatively affect daily activities and participation. Difficulties in hand strength, manual dexterity, reaction time, movement speed, and upper limb coordination may interfere with reaching, grasping, object manipulation, and fine motor tasks.

Upper extremity performance in PD is influenced by several factors beyond the primary motor symptoms. Trunk control provides proximal stability required for efficient upper limb movement and functional task performance. Deficits in postural control, trunk mobility, and postural alignment may therefore contribute to upper extremity limitations. In addition, body awareness, defined as the perception and interpretation of bodily sensations, movements, and physical changes, has received increasing attention in neurological rehabilitation. Altered sensory integration, impaired kinesthetic processing, and movement-related difficulties observed in PD may affect body awareness and subsequently influence motor performance.

Although upper extremity dysfunction has been widely investigated in Parkinson's disease, the combined examination of upper extremity skills, trunk control, and body awareness remains limited. Furthermore, studies investigating body awareness in individuals with PD are scarce, and the relationship between body awareness and upper extremity performance has not been sufficiently explored.

The primary aim of this study is to investigate upper extremity skills, trunk control, and body awareness in individuals with Parkinson's disease and compare these characteristics with those of healthy adults. The secondary aim is to examine the relationships among upper extremity performance, trunk control, and body awareness within the Parkinson's disease group.

This study is designed as a cross-sectional observational study and does not include any intervention. A total of 118 participants will be recruited, including 59 individuals diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and 59 age- and sex-matched healthy adults. Participants with Parkinson's disease will be evaluated during their medication "on" period. All assessments will be completed in a single session.

Data collection will include demographic and clinical characteristics, cognitive screening, disease staging, assessment of hand grip and pinch strength, upper extremity reaction time and movement speed, manual dexterity, self-reported upper extremity function, trunk control, and body awareness. Comparisons will be performed between the Parkinson's disease and healthy control groups, and associations among upper extremity skills, trunk control, and body awareness will be analyzed within the Parkinson's disease group.

The findings of this study are expected to provide a better understanding of the factors associated with upper extremity performance in Parkinson's disease and to clarify the potential contributions of trunk control and body awareness. Improved knowledge of these relationships may support the development of more comprehensive physiotherapy assessment and rehabilitation strategies for individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

118

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

  • Turkey (Türkiye)
      • Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
        • Başkent University Hospitals
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Zeynep Aybike KASAL, PT
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Zeliha Özlem YÜRÜK, Prof. Dr.
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Süleyman KORKUSUZ, PhD
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Büşra SEÇKİNOĞULLARI KORKUSUZ, PhD
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Münire KILINÇ, MD
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Emine Esra ERGÜL, MD

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of patients diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who follow up at the Neurology Department, and age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects recruited from the local community.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease
  • Age between 50 and 80 years
  • Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥21
  • Modified Hoehn and Yahr Stage 2-3
  • Stable medication regimen with no medication or dosage changes within the previous month
  • Ability to understand and follow instructions
  • Voluntary agreement to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Presence of another chronic neurological disorder
  • Orthopedic or rheumatologic conditions limiting upper extremity movement
  • Previous upper extremity or trunk surgery
  • Severe tremor or dyskinesia preventing participation in assessments
  • Significant visual or communication impairments interfering with testing

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Parkinson's Disease Group
Patient diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease by a neurologist who meet the inclusion criteria
Healthy Control Group
Age matched healthy individuals with no neurological disorders

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Manual Dexterity Measured by Purdue Pegboard Test
Time Frame: Baseline
The Purdue Pegboard Test is used to measure gross movements of the hands, fingers and arms, as well as fingertip dexterity. The assessment includes four subtests: preferred hand, non-preferred hand, both hands, and assembly. For the first three subtests, the score is the number of pins placed within a 30 second time limit (higher numbers indicate better dexterity). For the assembly subtest, the score is the number of parts assembled in 60 seconds (higher numbers indicate better dexterity).
Baseline
Hand Grip Strength Measured by Hand Dynamometer
Time Frame: Baseline
Hand grip strength of both dominant and non-dominant hands is measured using a standart digital hand dynamometer. Participants perform maximum isometric contractions in a seated position. Measurement is recorded in kilograms (kg). The average value of three trials is used. Higher scores indicate greater hand grip strength.
Baseline
Pinch Strength Measured by Pinch Gauge
Time Frame: Baseline
Pinch strength is evaluated using a standard mechanical or digital pinch gauge (pinchmeter) to assess lateral (key) pinch strength and palmar (tip-to-tip) pinch strength for both dominant and non-dominant hands. Participants perform maximum isometric contractions. Measurement is recorded in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs). Higher scores indicate greater pinch strength.
Baseline
Reaction Time Measured by Light Trainer System
Time Frame: Baseline
Visual and auditory reaction times are assessed using an electronic light trainer system. The system measures the latency between the presentation of a light stimulus and the participant's physical response (hitting or pressing the light target)while tracking the total number of successfully touched targets. The time score is recorded in milliseconds (ms). Lower time scores and higher hit counts indicate faster reaction time and better overall performance.
Baseline
Reaction Time Measured by Ruler Drop Test
Time Frame: Baseline
The ruler drop test is used to evaluate clinical reaction time based on free-fall distance. A standard metric ruler is suspended and dropped without warning, and the participant catches it as quickly as possible. The distance fallen is measured in centimeters (cm) using a standard formula. Lower distances indicate faster reaction time.
Baseline
Motor Speed and Coordination Measured by Finger Tapping Test
Time Frame: Baseline
The Finger Tapping Test is used to assess motor speed, coordination, and bradykinesia in the upper extremities. Participants are asked to tap their index finger against their thumb as rapidly and fully as possible within a specified time frame (typically 60 seconds) or for a set number of repetitions. The score is recorded as the total number of correct taps achieved within the time limit. Higher numbers of taps indicate faster motor speed and better neurological function.
Baseline
Trunk Control Measured by Trunk Impairment Scale
Time Frame: Baseline
The TIS evaluates motor impairment of the trunk through three subscales: static sitting balance, dynamic sitting balance, and coordination. Total scores range from 0 to 23. Higher scores indicate better trunk control and balance.
Baseline
Body Awareness Measured by Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ)
Time Frame: Baseline
The BAQ is a self-report scale designed to assess non-clinically invert-focused body awareness, such as sensitivity to normal bodily processes and changes. It consists of 18 items scored on a 7-point Likert scale (1 = not at all true of me, 7 = very true of me). Total scores range from 18 to 126. Higher scores indicate a higher level of subjective body awareness.
Baseline
Upper Extremity Disability Measured by Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire
Time Frame: Baseline
The DASH questionnaire is a 30-item self-report questionnaire designed to measure physical function and symptoms in patients with musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb. Items are scored on a 5-point Likert scale. The responses are used to calculate a scale score ranging from 0 (no disability) to 100 (most severe disability). Lower scores indicate better upper extremity function and less disability.
Baseline

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Baskent University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

June 15, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

October 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

October 10, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

June 1, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 6, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

June 10, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

June 10, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 6, 2026

Last Verified

June 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • KA26/04

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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