StrokeNCT07885774
UULEX Reliability in Individuals With Stroke
An observational study of Stroke and UULEX, run by Karabuk University.
Trial summary
This study was designed to determine the test-retest reliability of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) in individuals with stroke. Motor impairments following stroke, particularly reductions in upper limb muscle strength, motor control, and functional performance, may adversely affect individuals'… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 78 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Stroke, UULEX, Test-Retest Reliability
- What is being tested?
- Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test [UULEX]
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 26 Oct 2026to 26 Nov 2026
- How long will I take part?
- 1 Day
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 78 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: The study population will consist of adults aged 18-78 years with stroke-related hemiplegia who meet the eligibility criteria and voluntarily agree to participate in the study.
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosis of hemiplegia
- Age between 18 and 78 years
- Willingness to participate in the study
Who cannot join
- Presence of upper extremity or neck pain
- Cognitive impairment
- Presence of comorbidities affecting upper extremity and hand function (carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, impingement syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, lateral or medial epicondylitis)
- History of upper extremity surgery
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Test-Retest Reliability of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) in Individuals With Stroke
This study was designed to determine the test-retest reliability of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) in individuals with stroke. Motor impairments following stroke, particularly reductions in upper limb muscle strength, motor control, and functional performance, may adversely affect individuals' activities of daily living and functional independence. Therefore, the assessment of upper limb performance using reliable and feasible methods is important for planning and monitoring the rehabilitation process.
The UULEX is an incremental, performance-based, easy-to-administer, and low-cost field test developed to assess upper limb exercise capacity. Although the UULEX has been used in different clinical populations, evidence regarding its test-retest reliability in individuals with stroke is limited. In this study, the UULEX will be administered twice to individuals with stroke at a predetermined interval, and the consistency between the two measurements will be evaluated to determine its test-retest reliability. It is hypothesized that the UULEX will demonstrate high test-retest reliability in individuals with stroke. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the reliability of the UULEX as a clinical assessment tool for evaluating upper limb exercise capacity in individuals with stroke.
- Conditions
- Stroke, UULEX, Test-Retest Reliability
- Being tested
- Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test [UULEX]
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test [UULEX]Diagnostic test
The UULEX consists of eight horizontal levels positioned 15 cm apart. Participants are seated facing the chart and raise a 0.2-kg bar from hip level to progressively higher levels at a rate of 30 movements per minute using a metronome. After a 2-min warm-up, the level is increased every minute. Once the highest level is reached, the load is increased by 0.5 kg each minute up to 2 kg. The test continues until symptom limitation or a maximum of 12 min.
For reliability assessment, the UULEX will be performed three times using the same standardized protocol. The first two assessments will be conducted on the same day with a 1-h rest interval, and the third will be performed one week later.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Hemiplegia group | Individuals diagnosed with hemiplegia, aged 18-78 years, and willing to participate were included in the study, whereas those with upper extremity or neck pain, cognitive impairment, comorbidities affecting upper extremity and hand function (carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, impingement syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, or lateral or medial epicondylitis), or a history of upper extremity surgery were excluded. Receives: Diagnostic Test: Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test [UULEX] |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Test-Retest Reliability of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX)
Upper limb exercise capacity will be assessed using the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX). Participants will perform progressive unsupported upper limb exercise until symptom limitation or the maximum test duration is reached. UULEX performance will be recorded as total test duration (seconds). The test will be performed three times: twice on the same day with a 1-hour interval and once one week later. Test-retest reliability will be determined by comparing UULEX performance across assessments.
Measured: The UULEX will be administered three times to each participant: the first and second assessments will be performed with a 1-hour rest interval, and the third assessment will be conducted one week later.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 Oct 2026
- Study start26 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion20 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion26 Nov 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for StrokeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
- Target duration
- 1 Day
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Karabuk University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Nurcan Contarli, Karabuk University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07885774
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KBU-FTR-NC-13
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 13 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 23 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: De-identified individual participant data may be made available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Publications
Karazeybek ZB, Naz I. Convergent Validity and Test-Retest Reliability of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain. Percept Mot Skills. 2022 Aug;129(4):1177-1192. doi: 10.1177/00315125221096400. Epub 2022 Apr 27.
PubMed 35473433Cetin SY, Basakci Calik B, Ayan A, Cavlak U. Validity and reliability of the unsupported upper-limb exercise test in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Int J Rheum Dis. 2019 Nov;22(11):2025-2030. doi: 10.1111/1756-185X.13720. Epub 2019 Oct 9.
PubMed 31595690Fulton I, McEvoy M, Pieterse J, Williams M, Thoirs K, Petkov J. Transversus abdominis: changes in thickness during the unsupported upper limb exercise test in older adults. Physiother Theory Pract. 2009 Nov;25(8):523-32. doi: 10.3109/09593980802665023.
PubMed 19925260Lima VP, Velloso M, Almeida FD, Carmona B, Ribeiro-Samora GA, Janaudis-Ferreira T. Test-retest reliability of the unsupported upper-limb exercise test (UULEX) and 6-min peg board ring test (6PBRT) in healthy adult individuals. Physiother Theory Pract. 2018 Oct;34(10):806-812. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2018.1425786. Epub 2018 Jan 19.
PubMed 29351493Takahashi T, Jenkins SC, Strauss GR, Watson CP, Lake FR. A new unsupported upper limb exercise test for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Cardiopulm Rehabil. 2003 Nov-Dec;23(6):430-7. doi: 10.1097/00008483-200311000-00007.
PubMed 14646791
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Test-Retest Reliability of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) in Individuals With Stroke
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07885774
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KBU-FTR-NC-13
- Conditions
- Stroke, UULEX, Test-Retest Reliability
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Karabuk UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 26 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 20 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 26 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 21 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study was designed to determine the test-retest reliability of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) in individuals with stroke. Motor impairments following stroke, particularly reductions in upper limb muscle strength, motor control, and functional performance, may adversely affect individuals' activities of daily living and functional independence. Therefore, the assessment of upper limb performance using reliable and feasible methods is important for planning and monitoring the rehabilitation process.
The UULEX is an incremental, performance-based, easy-to-administer, and low-cost field test developed to assess upper limb exercise capacity. Although the UULEX has been used in different clinical populations, evidence regarding its test-retest reliability in individuals with stroke is limited. In this study, the UULEX will be administered twice to individuals with stroke at a predetermined interval, and the consistency between the two measurements will be evaluated to determine its test-retest reliability. It is hypothesized that the UULEX will demonstrate high test-retest reliability in individuals with stroke. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the reliability of the UULEX as a clinical assessment tool for evaluating upper limb exercise capacity in individuals with stroke.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Target follow-up
- 1 Day
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Hemiplegia group | – | Diagnostic Test: Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test [UULEX]Individuals diagnosed with hemiplegia, aged 18-78 years, and willing to participate were included in the study, whereas those with upper extremity or neck pain, cognitive impairment, comorbidities affecting upper extremity and hand function (carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, impingement syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, or lateral or medial epicondylitis), or a history of upper extremity surgery were excluded. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 78 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- The study population will consist of adults aged 18-78 years with stroke-related hemiplegia who meet the eligibility criteria and voluntarily agree to participate in the study.
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Diagnosis of hemiplegia
- Age between 18 and 78 years
- Willingness to participate in the study
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Presence of upper extremity or neck pain
- Cognitive impairment
- Presence of comorbidities affecting upper extremity and hand function (carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, impingement syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, lateral or medial epicondylitis)
- History of upper extremity surgery
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test [UULEX]The UULEX consists of eight horizontal levels positioned 15 cm apart. Participants are seated facing the chart and raise a 0.2-kg bar from hip level to progressively higher levels at a rate of 30 movements per minute using a metronome. After a 2-min warm-up, the level is increased every minute. Once the highest level is reached, the load is increased by 0.5 kg each minute up to 2 kg. The test continues until symptom limitation or a maximum of 12 min. For reliability assessment, the UULEX will be performed three times using the same standardized protocol. The first two assessments will be conducted on the same day with a 1-h rest interval, and the third will be performed one week later. | Diagnostic test | Hemiplegia group |
Primary outcome
Test-Retest Reliability of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX)
Time frame: The UULEX will be administered three times to each participant: the first and second assessments will be performed with a 1-hour rest interval, and the third assessment will be conducted one week later.
Upper limb exercise capacity will be assessed using the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX). Participants will perform progressive unsupported upper limb exercise until symptom limitation or the maximum test duration is reached. UULEX performance will be recorded as total test duration (seconds). The test will be performed three times: twice on the same day with a 1-hour interval and once one week later. Test-retest reliability will be determined by comparing UULEX performance across assessments.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 23 Oct 2026.
- Background: PubMed 35473433Karazeybek ZB, Naz I. Convergent Validity and Test-Retest Reliability of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain. Percept Mot Skills. 2022 Aug;129(4):1177-1192. doi: 10.1177/00315125221096400. Epub 2022 Apr 27.
- Background: PubMed 31595690Cetin SY, Basakci Calik B, Ayan A, Cavlak U. Validity and reliability of the unsupported upper-limb exercise test in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Int J Rheum Dis. 2019 Nov;22(11):2025-2030. doi: 10.1111/1756-185X.13720. Epub 2019 Oct 9.
- Background: PubMed 19925260Fulton I, McEvoy M, Pieterse J, Williams M, Thoirs K, Petkov J. Transversus abdominis: changes in thickness during the unsupported upper limb exercise test in older adults. Physiother Theory Pract. 2009 Nov;25(8):523-32. doi: 10.3109/09593980802665023.
- Background: PubMed 29351493Lima VP, Velloso M, Almeida FD, Carmona B, Ribeiro-Samora GA, Janaudis-Ferreira T. Test-retest reliability of the unsupported upper-limb exercise test (UULEX) and 6-min peg board ring test (6PBRT) in healthy adult individuals. Physiother Theory Pract. 2018 Oct;34(10):806-812. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2018.1425786. Epub 2018 Jan 19.
- Background: PubMed 14646791Takahashi T, Jenkins SC, Strauss GR, Watson CP, Lake FR. A new unsupported upper limb exercise test for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Cardiopulm Rehabil. 2003 Nov-Dec;23(6):430-7. doi: 10.1097/00008483-200311000-00007.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. De-identified individual participant data may be made available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Stroke and UULEX, run by Karabuk University.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Nurcan Contarli, Assistant Professor (03704189171, nurcancontarli@karabuk.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Test-Retest Reliability of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX) (time frame: The UULEX will be administered three times to each participant: the first and second assessments will be performed with a 1-hour rest interval, and the third assessment will be conducted one week later.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07885774, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Oct 2026.