Conventional and Virtual Reality-Based Neuromuscular Rehabilitation in Scapholunate Instability (NCT07407036) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Conventional and Virtual Reality-Based Neuromuscular Rehabilitation in Scapholunate Instability
Turkey (Türkiye)36 participantsStarted 2026-03-25
Plain-language summary
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.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 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
* Willingness to participate in the study and high motivation to comply with the intervention protocol
Exclusion Criteria:
* 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
* Presence of visual or hearing impairments that may interfere with participation in the rehabilitation program
* Participation in sensory- or function-oriented rehabilitation of either hand within the past 6 months
* A score below 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
* Inability to read or write
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Wrist Proprioception
Timeframe: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention
2
Forearm Muscle Activation
Timeframe: Baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention