Skip to content

Sensory and Functional Impairments in Cervical Disc Herniation

Investigation of Somatosensory Perception, Pain, Kinesiophobia, and Upper Extremity Functional Skills in Cervical Disc Herniation: A Case-Control Study

Status
Recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07282522
Enrollment
64
Registered
2025-12-15
Start date
2025-10-24
Completion date
2026-03-12
Last updated
2025-12-22

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Cervical Disc Herniation

Brief summary

The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of somatosensory perception, pain threshold and kinesiophobia in individuals with SDH, to examine their relationship with upper extremity functional skills and to compare them with healthy individuals.

Detailed description

Cervical disc herniation (SDH) occurs when nerve roots and/or spinal cord are compressed due to degeneration or displacement of the cervical intervertebral disc and can present with pain, sensory loss, muscle weakness, and functional limitations. Because the C5-T1 nerve roots provide motor and sensory innervation from the shoulder to the hand, SDH can cause not only pain but also impairments in somatosensory perception, tactile sensations, and proprioceptive awareness. Nerve root compression disrupts the integrity of sensory functions such as touch, vibration, and two-point discrimination, negatively impacting upper extremity abilities. Furthermore, pain and central sensitization processes lower the pain threshold, further limiting motor performance and activities of daily living. Therefore, the combined evaluation of somatosensory perception, pain, and functional abilities in individuals with SDH is crucial for a holistic understanding of the clinical picture.

Interventions

OTHERSomatosensory Perception Tests

Tactile Localization Test The tactile localization test assesses touch perception. Finger Recognition Test The participant is asked to point to their finger, which has been touched with a pen, while their eyes are closed. Double-Touch Stimulus Perception Test This test is based on the identification of two separate stimuli presented simultaneously.

OTHERThe Visual Analog Scale

The Visual Analog Scale evaluates the intensity of pain felt by patients in different activities and time periods (rest, activity and night) in centimeters (cm).

OTHERPain Threshold and Tolerance Assessment

Participants' pain threshold and tolerance to pressure are assessed using a digital algometer (JTech Medical Industries, ZEVEX Company).

OTHERUpper extremity functionality

Upper extremity functionality will be assessed using the DASH and Purdue Pegboard Manual Dexterity Test.

Sponsors

Inonu University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 65 Years

Inclusion criteria

for volunteers in the study: Neck pain lasting at least 3 months, Being between the ages of 18-65 with a diagnosis of cervical disc herniation, Being able to cooperate with the applied parameters, Having good cognitive function, Being literate, Agreeing to participate in the study. For the control group, having no complaints of neck pain and not having any neck-related diagnosis.

Exclusion criteria

for volunteers in the study: Neck pain intensity during activity according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) below 3, Individuals who have undergone any surgery related to neck problems, Individuals who have undergone surgery related to upper extremity problems, Individuals with cervical radiculopathy, Having a systemic malignant disease anywhere in the body, Having any disease related to connective tissue or inflammatory rheumatic diseases, Having a psychiatric diagnosis and receiving treatment, Being illiterate, Not having sufficient cognitive function, Having received any neck-related physical therapy in the last 6 months for the CBA group.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Upper extremity functionality24-48 hoursUpper extremity functionality will be assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and Purdue Pegboard Manual Dexterity Test.The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating a higher level of upper extremity disability.
Pain Threshold and Tolerance Assessment24-48 hoursParticipants' pain threshold and tolerance to pressure are assessed using a digital algometer (JTech Medical Industries, ZEVEX Company).
Pain Assessment evaluates24-48 hoursPain Assessment evaluates the intensity of pain felt by patients in centimeters (cm) during different activities and time periods (rest, activity and night).
Somatosensory Perception Tests24-48 hours

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026