Conventional and Virtual Reality-Based Wrist Rehab for Scapholunate Instability
Official title: Electromyographic and Functional Analysis of Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Methods in Individuals With Scapholunate Instability: A Comparison of Conventional and Virtual Reality-Supported Interventions
Run by Yeditepe University · NCT07407036 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether standard wrist rehabilitation works as well as a virtual reality–assisted neuromuscular program for people with scapholunate instability.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Yeditepe University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 25, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | February 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07407036 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18-65 with pre-dynamic or dynamic scapholunate instability seeking conservative treatment and with Beighton score ≤6.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with prior wrist surgery, other upper-extremity orthopedic issues, significant neurological or cardiovascular conditions, or visual/hearing impairments may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, single-blind trial compares conventional physiotherapy with a virtual reality–supported neuromuscular rehabilitation approach in adults with pre-dynamic or dynamic scapholunate instability. Both groups participate in an 8-week program with two supervised sessions per week, focusing on strengthening, neuromuscular control, and wrist proprioception. Outcomes include forearm muscle activation patterns measured by surface electromyography, wrist proprioception, pain, and functional ability. The study aims to identify rehabilitation protocols that optimally improve stability and function in this population using objective neurophysiological and clinical measures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience better wrist stability, reduced pain, and improved function through targeted rehabilitation strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in musculoskeletal rehabilitation supports the potential of virtual reality to enhance motor control and proprioception, though evidence in scapholunate instability is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
-
Biruni University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zeynep HOSBAY, Professor — Biruni University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
- Study coordinator: EDA URHUN KELES, PhD Candidate
- Email: edaurhun96@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 506 693 82 78
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.