ClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT07319156Updated Oct 28, 2026

Assessment of Upper Extremity Proprioception in Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy

An observational study in Cervical Radiculopathy, Proprioception and Cervical Disc Herniation, sponsored by Marmara University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 18 Years to 65 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-28.

Sponsored by Marmara University · Observational

Updated Oct 28, 2026Now CompletedPrimary completion moved+2 moreGo to Updates ↓
Study type
Observational
Model
Case-control
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Enrollment
80
Ages
18 Years to 65 Years
Sex
All
01

Where this study stands

Counted across the records on this site · 2026-11-12

Among 18 studies in Radiculopathy by Marmara University — 8 open to participants now, 10 under way, none of them phase 3. Radiculopathy · Marmara University.

Enrollment
9th of 12
80 · median 120
Started
2025
with 5 others
Observational
12 of 18
7 open now
Registered
10th of 18
by date

Among the 18 studies in Radiculopathy by Marmara University, this one is the 9th largest by enrollment of the 12 observational ones, is one of 6 that started in 2025, is one of 12 observational ones, and was the 10th registered.

By phase

18 studies; the count open now beside each. This study's row is marked.

Observationalthis study12 · 7 open
No phase6 · 1 open

By the year they started

First in 2016; this study’s year is marked. 6 started in 2025.

Size and results

Median enrollment 61 across the 6 interventional studies, 120 across the 12 observational. Of the 6 that completed or were terminated, 0 (0%) have results posted.

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02

Study summary

There is no study in the current literature that systematically investigates the extent of upper-extremity proprioceptive impairment in patients with radicular neuropathic symptoms secondary to cervical disc herniation, nor its association with clinical findings. Although existing reviews emphasize proprioceptive deficits in populations with neck pain or cervical spondylosis, no studies specifically address the subgroup of cervical disc-related radiculopathy. This gap in knowledge hinders the integration of proprioceptive assessments with upper-extremity functional outcome measures in diagnostic and rehabilitative processes, suggesting a need for more specific data to guide sensory-motor training approaches. The primary aim of the present study is to assess upper-extremity proprioception in patients with cervical radiculopathy by comparing them with a healthy control group. The secondary aim is to examine the relationship between upper-extremity proprioception and clinical outcomes, including parameters such as pain and functional status.

Read the detailed description

Cervical radicular pain is a neuropathic pain syndrome characterized by dermatomal distribution resulting from irritation of the cervical spinal nerve roots. The most common underlying causes are cervical disc herniation and cervical spinal stenosis. Motor, sensory, or reflex disturbances may accompany the condition, and it is most frequently observed in individuals aged 50-54 years.

Proprioception is a sensorimotor function that enables the perception of joint position and movement through the processing of afferent inputs originating from joints, muscles, and tendons within the central nervous system. Proprioceptive inputs from the cervical spine integrate with visual and vestibular information to play a critical role in head-trunk orientation, postural control, and upper-extremity movement coordination.

Although there is currently no gold-standard method for assessing active joint position sense-the quantifiable component of proprioception-tools such as manual and digital goniometers, inclinometers, and laser pointers are commonly used. However, these techniques measure joint position sense in a single plane and typically at a single joint. Recent studies, however, support the use of assessment methods that capture multisensory spatial representation of the entire limb and reflect the complexity of daily functional movements by incorporating multiplanar and multi-joint measurements. The PRO-Reach method developed by Ager et al. enables such multi-planar and multi-joint assessment without requiring computerized interfaces or robotic devices.

Numerous studies have demonstrated impaired cervical proprioception in cervicogenic conditions such as chronic neck pain and cervical spondylosis. The aim of the present study is to investigate the extent of upper-extremity proprioceptive impairment in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Cervical muscle fatigue or alterations in cervical sensory input may reduce the accuracy of upper-extremity joint positioning, thereby negatively affecting upper-extremity proprioception

03

Conditions studied

  • Cervical Radiculopathy
  • Proprioception
  • Cervical Disc Herniation
  • Proprioception Reaching Test
  • Pro-reach
  • Upper Extremity

Browse trials for

Keywords

  • cervical radiculopathy
  • proprioception
  • cervical disc herniation
  • proprioception reaching test
  • pro-reach
  • upper extremity
04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 65 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
Yes
Sampling method
Probability sample

Study population

Patients aged 18-65 years who are diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy based on history, physical examination, and clinical evaluation will be assessed according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two groups will be formed: the cervical radiculopathy group and a healthy volunteer group matched for age, sex, and BMI.

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • Being between 18 and 65 years of age
  • Presence of radicular pain diagnosed through clinical examination and cervical -MRI imaging Patients with cervical MRI findings demonstrating cervical disc herniation at least at one level consistent with their symptoms
  • Willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of cervical physical therapy within the past year
  • Symptoms or diagnosis of upper-extremity entrapment neuropathy
  • Patients with documented vitamin B12 or vitamin D deficiency within the last 2 years in available medical records
  • History of cervical surgery or cervical trauma
  • History of upper-extremity surgery or trauma
  • Individuals with intellectual disability
  • Presence of major psychiatric comorbidity
  • Diagnosis of polyneuropathy
  • Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus
  • Diagnosis of fibromyalgia
  • Use of medications that may impair proprioception
  • Pregnancy
  • Refusal to provide
Terms in these criteria, in plain language(1)

Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.

Informed consent

Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.

You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.

05

Study design

Observational model
Case-control
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Enrollment
80 participants (actual)
Patient registry
No

Groups and cohorts

  • Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy

    Patients aged 18-65 years who were diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy based on history, physical examination, and clinical evaluation

  • Healty Participants

    Healthy volunteers matched to the cervical radiculopathy group in terms of age, sex, and BMI.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. The Upper Limb Proprioception Reaching Test (PRO-Reach)

    PRO-Reach is a 90 × 110 cm plastic poster mounted on the wall using bilateral magnetic strips. Round stickers with a diameter of 0.6 cm, manually numbered (1-3), are used to mark the three free-reach attempts for each target. Seven targets are used and are named according to the movement direction of the dominant limb: the left side of the poster represents the dominant side for left-handed participants, while the right side corresponds to non-dominant (ND) cross-body movements. The opposite applies to right-handed participants. The targets are labeled as follows: superior (S), superior-lateral dominant (SLD) and non-dominant (SLND), lateral-dominant (LD) and non-dominant (LND), and inferior-lateral dominant (ILD) and non-dominant (ILND). The (S) target is used for evaluation in participants without limb dominance. The (S) target is also used for the three familiarization trials (three memorization and reposition attempts). The purpose is to "assess the ability to reproduce movements

    Time frame: Baseline

Secondary outcomes

  1. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

    The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is a unidimensional, self-reported measure of pain intensity that is widely used in both clinical practice and research, including studies involving patients with chronic pain. On this scale, patients rate their current level of pain on an 11-point numeric range from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents "the worst pain imaginable." Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.

    Time frame: Baseline

  2. DN-4 Quastionnaire

    The DN-4 (Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions) is a brief and reliable screening questionnaire used to determine whether a patient's pain is of neuropathic origin. It consists of a total of 10 items. Its name, DN-4, derives from the fact that it includes 4 main sections. Seven of the questions relate to patient-reported sensory symptoms, while three are based on clinical examination findings. Each "yes" response scores 1 point, yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 10. A score above 4 indicates a high likelihood of neuropathic pain.

    Time frame: Baseline

  3. SHORT FORM-12

    The Short Form-12 (SF-12) is a health-related quality of life assessment tool that summarizes an individual's physical and mental health status through 12 items. It is a shortened version of the SF-36 questionnaire and measures eight health domains: physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role emotional, and mental health. The SF-12 produces two composite scores - the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and the Mental Component Summary (MCS) - which are standardized to a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10 in the general population. Higher scores indicate better health status and quality of life.

    Time frame: Baseline

  4. Handgrip Strength Test(Jamar Hand Dynamometer)

    The Jamar hand dynamometer is a hydraulic measurement device used to assess hand grip strength in an objective and reproducible manner. It is considered the gold standard in musculoskeletal research, rehabilitation, neurological evaluation, and work capacity assessments. The patient is seated with back support, the shoulder in a neutral position, the elbow flexed at 90°, and the forearm in a neutral position. The dynamometer is placed in the patient's hand, and they are instructed to "squeeze maximally." Typically, three trials are performed for each hand, and either the highest value or the mean value is used. Measurements are generally recorded in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb). Higher scores indicate greater grip strength, whereas lower scores suggest reduced muscle strength and may reflect sarcopenia, as well as potential neurological or musculoskeletal functional impairment.

    Time frame: Baseline

  5. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH)

    The QuickDASH (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) is a brief and practical self-report questionnaire used to assess functional impairment and symptom severity of the upper extremity. It is the shortened version of the full DASH questionnaire and is widely preferred in clinical practice. The scale consists of 11 items that evaluate functional limitations and symptoms such as pain in the hand, arm, and shoulder regions. Patients respond based on their condition over the past week. Each item is scored from 1 to 5, and the final score is calculated on a 0-100 scale. A score of 0 indicates no disability related to the upper extremity, whereas higher scores reflect greater levels of disability.

    Time frame: Baseline

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Algology Department
    Istanbul, Pendik 34890, Turkey (Türkiye)
08

References and documents

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

No publications or documents are linked to this record.

09

Timeline

1 registry update since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reachedDate before it movedWhere the date was before it moved

Ran from Dec 2025 to primary completion in Jun 2026, 5 months.

Since we started tracking on Sep 25, 2026, the dates moved once, on Oct 28, 2026: primary completion Dec 2026 → Jun 2026 and completion Dec 2026 → Jun 2026.

Earlier changes are on the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
Dec 1, 2025
First posted
Jan 6, 2026
StartActual
Dec 20, 2025
Primary completionActual
Jun 3, 2026was Dec 2026
CompletionActual
Jun 20, 2026was Dec 2026
Last update
Oct 28, 2026
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
Status
Recruiting→Completed
changed Oct 28, 2026
Primary completion
Dec 10, 2026→Jun 3, 2026 (actual)
Oct 28, 2026
Study completion
Dec 20, 2026→Jun 20, 2026 (actual)
Oct 28, 2026
Enrollment
58 (estimated)→80 (actual)
Oct 28, 2026
Show all 1 update
  1. Oct 28, 2026
    Recruiting→Completed
    Primary completion Dec 10, 2026→Jun 3, 2026 (now actual)
    Study completion Dec 20, 2026→Jun 20, 2026 (now actual)
    Enrollment 58 (estimated)→80 (actual)
    + 3 other changes: verification date, contact details and site details

From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07319156
Lead sponsor
Marmara University
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Jan 6, 2026
Start date
Dec 20, 2025
Primary completion
Jun 3, 2026
Completion
Jun 20, 2026
Last update
Oct 28, 2026

Study contacts

Fatma B Akdağ, Research Assistant
principal investigator · Marmara University Faculty of Medicine ,Marmara University, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Osman H Gündüz, Professor
study director · Algology Division, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine
Serdar Kokar, Associate Professor
study director · Algology Division, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine
Savaş Şencan, Associate Professor
study director · Algology Division, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine
Gökçenur Yalçın, Medical specialist
study director · Marmara University Faculty of Medicine ,Marmara University, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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