Birth Control Pills for Hand and Wrist Injuries
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how hormone levels might affect the risk of hand and wrist injuries, particularly in females. Researchers compare muscle strength and nerve activation among females using birth control pills, females not using them, and males, all while wearing a wrist and hand splint for a week. The study aims to determine whether hormones influence injury risk. Females who have consistently used or avoided monophasic birth control pills (a type of oral contraceptive) for the past six months and right-handed males may be suitable participants. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to groundbreaking research on hormone-related injury risks.
What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for participants?
Research has shown that birth control pills, commonly used to prevent pregnancy, are generally safe for many women. These pills have been used safely for over 50 years, and most people do not experience serious problems. Some common side effects include headaches, nausea, or mood changes, but these often subside after a few months.
The FDA has approved birth control pills for various uses, indicating their safety. However, everyone is different. Concerns should be discussed with a doctor to determine if birth control pills are suitable for individual needs.
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about wrist and hand immobilization using a rigid splint because it offers a unique approach to treating hand and wrist injuries. Unlike standard treatments that often involve medication or physical therapy, this method focuses on complete immobilization to potentially promote faster healing. By restricting all movement for just 7 days, the splint may provide effective stabilization, possibly reducing the need for longer-term treatments or interventions.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for hand and wrist injuries?
Research shows that hormonal differences might explain why women experience more hand and wrist injuries than men. Studies indicate that this higher risk begins at puberty and continues throughout life, suggesting a possible link between injury risk and hormones related to the menstrual cycle or birth control. However, little research directly connects birth control pills to changes in muscle strength or injury prevention. While some believe hormonal birth control could affect injury risk, more evidence is needed to fully understand this connection.
In this trial, participants will wear a rigid splint to immobilize their wrist and hand continuously for 7 days to study the effects of immobilization on hand and wrist injuries.
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for females who are either using monophasic oral contraceptives or not, and males. It aims to understand the impact of hormones on hand/wrist injury risk by studying muscle strength and control during a week of immobilization.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Immobilization
Participants will have their wrist and hand immobilized using a rigid splint continuously for 7 days
Recovery and Monitoring
Participants' grip strength and muscle activation will be tested weekly until grip strength returns to baseline levels
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Central Florida
Lead Sponsor