This study aims to evaluate the impact of a 12-week hand exercise program on pain, manual dexterity, and hand function in women experiencing hand joint pain (arthralgia) due to hormone therapy after breast cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group, where they will perform specific hand exercises, or a control group, which will not receive any exercise program. Pain levels, hand function, and manual dexterity will be assessed before and after the intervention using questionnaires and functional tests. The goal is to determine whether targeted hand exercises can improve pain and daily hand use in this population.
This is a randomized, evaluator-blinded clinical trial that aims to determine the effects of a 12-week hand exercise program on pain, manual dexterity, and functional performance in women experiencing hand arthralgia due to hormone therapy following breast cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an intervention group performing specific hand exercises or a control group with no exercise intervention. The primary outcome will be changes in hand pain levels assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and McCaffrey's Initial Pain Assessment Tool. Secondary outcomes will include functional performance measured with the DASH and ABILHAND questionnaires, as well as manual dexterity, speed, and coordination assessed through standardized tests (Purdue Pegboard Test, Box and Block Test, and Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test). The study will evaluate the potential benefits of targeted hand exercises for improving pain, dexterity, and quality of life in breast cancer survivors experiencing treatment-related hand symptoms. Detailed Description Study Design: Type: Interventional (Clinical Trial) Allocation: Randomized Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment Masking: Single-Blind (Evaluator) Primary Purpose: Treatment Duration: 12 weeks
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
32
Description: Participants assigned to the intervention group will undergo a 8-week supervised hand exercise program designed to improve pain, manual dexterity, and functionality.
Universidad Europea de Madrod
Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain
Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)
A validated tool used to assess the severity of pain and its impact on daily functioning. Participants will report pain intensity on a numeric scale and describe how pain interferes with their daily life activities.
Time frame: Pre Intervention and after the 8 weeks intervention
DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) Questionnaire
A self-reported questionnaire that measures physical function and symptoms in individuals with upper limb conditions. It evaluates the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) involving the hand, arm, and shoulder.
Time frame: Pre Intervention and after the 8 weeks intervention
McCaffrey's Initial Pain Assessment Tool
A structured assessment that includes diagrams for marking pain locations, along with descriptions of pain quality, intensity, and duration. It helps to capture a comprehensive view of pain perception.
Time frame: Pre Intervention and after the 8 weeks intervention
ABILHAND Questionnaire
A tool designed to assess manual ability and hand function in daily activities. Participants rate how easy or difficult it is to perform specific tasks requiring hand use.
Time frame: Pre Intervention and after the 8 weeks intervention
Purdue Pegboard Test
A standardized test to measure fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity. Participants are tasked with placing small pegs into holes on a board as quickly as possible, following a specified pattern.
Time frame: Pre Intervention and after the 8 weeks intervention
Box and Block Test
A test of gross manual dexterity where participants move small blocks from one compartment to another within a set time, assessing speed and motor function of the hand.
Time frame: Pre Intervention and after the 8 weeks intervention
Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test
A comprehensive assessment of fine and gross manual dexterity, involving tasks like placing, rotating, and moving objects with one or both hands. It measures speed, accuracy, and coordination in manipulative tasks.
Time frame: Pre Intervention and after the 8 weeks intervention
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