The cervical spine is a complex structure that supports the weight of the head and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots. Cervical spinal stenosis (CSS), which develops as a result of degenerative processes, can cause narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of nerve structures, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. This condition can negatively affect hand function, particularly grip strength and dexterity. However, studies in the literature examining the effect of CSS on grip strength and hand function are limited. Therefore, this study will be conducted to determine the effect of the severity of cervical spinal stenosis, identified in patients who underwent MRI following their presentation with cervical problems at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic of Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital, İzmir Democracy University, on hand grip strength and functionality. Grip strength will be assessed using the Jamar hand dynamometer, and fine pinch strength will be evaluated using the Lafayette pinch meter. Additionally, hand functionality will be measured using the Nine-Hole Peg Test. The impact of neck pain on daily life will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index. The data obtained will be compared and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

This study is expected to fill a significant gap in the current literature by comprehensively elucidating the effects of cervical stenosis on hand function and grip performance, thereby contributing to the individualization of rehabilitation approaches.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals aged 18-75
• Individuals who have previously undergone a cervical MRI
• Cases where the degree of stenosis can be clearly determined on MRI
• Individuals who have had neck pain for at least 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who declined to participate in the study
• Individuals who had undergone cervical surgery
• Individuals diagnosed with vertigo
• Individuals with sudden hearing loss
• Individuals with additional neurological conditions
• Individuals with psychiatric or cognitive disorders that would prevent measurement in the study

The sample for this study will consist of individuals who presented to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic at the Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital of Izmir Democracy University due to cervical problems and underwent cervical MRI. After obtaining informed consent, the individuals included in the study will undergo evaluation. First, participants will be grouped based on their cervical stenosis scores. The degree of cervical stenosis will be determined using MRIs that were previously requested and performed during various outpatient services. The evaluation of the MRI will be scored according to the Kang grading system for spinal stenosis. The Kang grading system includes four degrees ranging from 0 to 3 based on spinal cord compression.

Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared because the data contain potentially identifiable sensitive clinical information, and sharing was not covered in the original informed consent provided to participants. Additionally, institutional and national data protection regulations limit the transfer of raw, de-identified individual-level data outside the research team.