NCT07341594

Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Push-Off Test

Determination of the Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Push-Off Test in Distal Radius Fractures

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 109 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Pamukkale University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The aim was to determine the minimal clinically important difference of the push-off test in distal radius fractures.

Detailed description

To interpret a treatment effect and a change that is meaningful for the patient, it is important to use the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the push-off test (POT). The MCID represents the smallest numerical change that can be perceived as beneficial by the patient. A numerical change smaller than the MCID, even if statistically significant, does not represent a clinically meaningful change. Because the MCID defines a difference that is considered important for patients, it can also serve as a basis for estimating the required sample size in the design of future studies. Another important metric is the minimal detectable change (MDC). The MDC represents the smallest amount of change that exceeds the measurement error of an instrument. Therefore, any change smaller than the MDC may be the result of measurement variability. To ensure that the MDC is sufficiently small to detect the MCID, the MCID should be greater than the MDC. The MDC of the POT has been investigated in patients with wrist or elbow pathologies; however, to date, the MCID has not been established in patients with distal radius fractures. In summary, the POT is a test that objectively evaluates axial loading of the upper extremity in the presence of hand or wrist pathology. However, to ensure the reliability of preliminary findings and to support its integration into hand therapy practice, further studies are needed to evaluate its measurement properties using specific patient samples.

Conditions

• Distal Radius Fracture

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Physical therapy	For all patients treated conservatively or surgically, active range of motion exercises for the hand, wrist, and forearm will be initiated after cast removal or on the first postoperative day, respectively. To control edema, bandaging, contrast baths, and retrograde massage will be recommended. In the subsequent weeks of rehabilitation, resisted exercises for the hand, wrist, and forearm will be introduced. All patients will be followed with a home exercise program and will be scheduled for follow-up visits once a week.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-16
• Primary completion: 2026-06-05
• Completion: 2026-06-12
• First posted: 2026-01-14
• Last updated: 2026-01-14

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)