A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Multimodal Interventions for Tenosynovitis (TGCT)

Zixin Deng

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: TGCT

Treatments: Behavioral: Massage and Tui Na Manipulation; Behavioral: Magnetic Bead Pressure Stimulation and Tui Na Manipulation Combined Intervention; Behavioral: Basic Manipulation Stretching; Behavioral: Blood flow restriction training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06709911

University of Leeds

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the efficacy of four treatments in patients with hand tenosynovitis. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Which treatment most effectively reduces pain and improves joint function? How do the treatments differ in improving strength and range of motion? Researchers will compare four groups-basic manipulation, tui na manipulation, blood flow restriction (BFR) training, and magnetic bead application combined with tui na-to see if there are differences in clinical outcomes.

Participants will:

Be randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups. Receive interventions twice a week for 4-8 weeks. Undergo assessments of pain, function, range of motion, and strength before, during, and after the treatment period.

Enrollment: 45 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• 18 to 60 years of age.
• Case diagnosis reporting symptoms of tenosynovitis of the hand for at least 3 months.
• Constant-Murley Shoulder Score: score less than or equal to 60.
• Dysfunction of the Upper Extremity, Shoulder, and Hand Scale (DASH Scale): DASH score less than 40.
• Mayo Wrist Score: score less than or equal to 60.
• Positive test results on 2 or more scales during pre-test screening.
• No structural lesions or congenital malformations of the hand or wrist.
• Finkelstein's Test: Positive (pain occurs when patient holds thumb and bends wrist toward little finger).
• Fist Clenching Test: Positive (pain increases when patient clenches fist and attempts to bend wrist toward little finger).
• No prior hand or wrist surgery or external injuries.
• No serious cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, or other systemic diseases.
• Sufficient exercise capacity to complete exercise loads of required intensity and duration.

Exclusion criteria

• Not between 18 and 60 years of age.
• Failed wrist function screening.
• Failed special tests.
• Presence of structural wrist lesions or congenital wrist deformities.
• History of wrist surgery, significant trauma, or wounds.
• Problems with skin irritation, infections, or open wounds.
• Conditions like anemia or low blood pressure.
• Serious cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, or other systemic diseases.
• Inability to cooperate with trial requirements or refusal to participate.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

---

45 participants in 4 patient groups

Basic Manipulation Stretching Group

Experimental group

Description:

Focuses on relieving muscle tension and tendon adhesions in the flexor and extensor muscles of the wrist and hand. The intervention aims to improve soft tissue elasticity, enhance joint mobility, and restore functional wrist and hand movement through systematic stretching techniques.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Basic Manipulation Stretching

Massage and Tui Na Manipulation

Experimental group

Description:

Uses a combination of massage and Tui Na techniques to target tendon sheaths and surrounding tissues in the wrist and hand. Specific acupoints, such as Hegu, Yangchi, and Waiguan, are stimulated to alleviate inflammation, improve blood circulation, and restore joint functionality. The intervention aims to enhance soft tissue elasticity and range of motion while reducing pain and stiffness.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Massage and Tui Na Manipulation

Blood flow restriction training group

Experimental group

Description:

Applies localized blood flow restriction using pressurized equipment on the proximal forearm, combined with low-load exercises such as wrist flexion, extension, clenching, and rotation. The goal is to stimulate muscle adaptation and strength development while minimizing mechanical stress on the joints, ultimately improving hand and wrist functionality.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Blood flow restriction training

Magnetic Bead Pressure Stimulation and Tui Na Manipulation Combined Intervention Group

Experimental group

Description:

Combines magnetic bead pressure stimulation and Tui Na manipulation to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Magnetic beads are applied to specific acupoints on the hand and wrist (e.g., Hegu, Ashi, Waiguan) to stimulate circulation and reduce tension. Tui Na techniques, including pressing, kneading, and massaging, further enhance the stimulation, alleviate inflammation, reduce tendon adhesions, and promote mobility recovery.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Magnetic Bead Pressure Stimulation and Tui Na Manipulation Combined Intervention