Thumb muscle workout may reduce arthritis pain
NCT ID NCT03177577
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at whether strengthening a small thumb muscle (the first dorsal interosseous) can help people with thumb arthritis. 160 adults who already used a thumb splint were assigned to do specific exercises. Researchers measured changes in pinch strength and pain after 12 weeks. The goal was to see if this targeted exercise offers a drug-free way to ease symptoms.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
160 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Dec 2016
- Finished
-
Sep 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * At least 18 years old * English-speaking * Splint treatment for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis Exclusion Criteria: * Less than 18 years old * Rheumatoid Arthritis or post-traumatic carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis * Patients that received a corticosteroid injection during the appointment for treatment of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for First dorsal interosseous strengthening are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Could an app replace the clinic for hand arthritis relief?
- Which surgery best eases thumb arthritis pain? a Head-to-Head test
- Thumb arthritis surgery showdown: new joint implant vs. traditional bone removal
- Shorter thumb cast may speed recovery after arthritis surgery
- Laser vs. exercise: which eases thumb arthritis best?
- Thumb arthritis surgery showdown: simple removal vs. reconstruction