Is a Standard Hand Rehabilitation Program Sufficient in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Centra… (NCT07598240) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable
Is a Standard Hand Rehabilitation Program Sufficient in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Central Sensitization
Turkey (Türkiye)81 participantsStarted 2025-08-22
Plain-language summary
The presence of central sensitization leads to overestimation of pain sensitivity and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Central sensitization should not be overlooked in RA patients to avoid over-treatment for inflammation and to determine the need for treatment of nociplastic pain. While literature contains no studies comparing alternative programs with the standard hand rehabilitation program in the presence of central sensitization in rheumatoid arthritis patients, the objective of this study is to investigate whether desensitization exercises provide additional benefit in this patient group.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 75 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 \*Rheumatoid Arthritis Group Without Central Sensitization (Group 1):
* Being between 18-75 years of age
* Not having had upper extremity surgery within the last 1 year
* Patients without active arthritis
* No change in medical treatment in the last 3 months
* Having mild-moderate disease activity according to DAS28
\*Rheumatoid Arthritis Group with Central Sensitization (Group 2):
* Being between 18-75 years of age
* Not having had upper extremity surgery within the last 1 year
* Patients without active arthritis
* No change in medical treatment in the last 3 months
* Having mild-moderate disease activity according to DAS28
\*Rheumatoid Arthritis Group with Central Sensitization (Group 3):
* Being between 18-75 years of age
* Not having had upper extremity surgery within the last 1 year
* Patients without active arthritis
* No change in medical treatment in the last 3 months
* Having mild-moderate disease activity according to DAS28
Criteria:
\-
Exclusion Criteria:
* Having had surgery on the extremity to be treated within the last 6 months
* Patients with active arthritis
* Patients with cognitive deficit
* Patients who do not consent to participate in the study
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.
1This trial is looking at whether standard hand rehabilitation is enough for rheumatoid arthritis patients who also have central sensitization — has my doctor assessed whether I might have central sensitization on top of my RA, and how would that affect which type of hand therapy would work best for me?
2Since this trial is no longer actively enrolling, can my doctor tell me whether similar hand rehabilitation programs — ones that account for central sensitization — are available to me outside of a research setting right now?
3The trial is measuring hand grip and finger pinch strength using specific tools like a dynamometer and pinchmeter — should I ask to have my own hand strength formally tested this way so we have a baseline to guide my treatment plan?
4This study is rated Phase NA, meaning it's more of an observational or comparative study rather than a drug trial — does my doctor think the findings from this kind of research would be relevant to the specific hand exercises I'm currently doing or being recommended?
5The trial uses both a pain scale (VAS) and a central sensitization scale alongside physical strength measures — is my current hand therapy program taking into account my pain sensitivity levels, or is it focused only on physical strength and function?
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
VAS
Timeframe: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
2
CENTRAL DESENSİTİZATİON SCALE
Timeframe: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
3
DURUOZ HAND INDEX
Timeframe: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
4
Dynamometer-measured hand grip strength measurements (kg)
Timeframe: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.