NCT07282522

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
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 64 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Inonu University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: —

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.

Conditions

• Cervical Disc Herniation

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Somatosensory 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.
OTHER	The 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).
OTHER	Pain Threshold and Tolerance Assessment	Participants' pain threshold and tolerance to pressure are assessed using a digital algometer (JTech Medical Industries, ZEVEX Company).
OTHER	Upper extremity functionality	Upper extremity functionality will be assessed using the DASH and Purdue Pegboard Manual Dexterity Test.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-10-24
• Primary completion: 2025-12-03
• Completion: 2026-03-12
• First posted: 2025-12-15
• Last updated: 2025-12-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)