Combined Effects of MWM and Tendon Gliding Exercises in Smartphone Users With De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Riphah International University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis

Treatments: Other: Conventional Treatment; Other: MWM + Tendon Gliding Exercises

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07484737

REC/ Sadia Wajid 02281

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial aims to assesses the combined effects of MWM and tendon gliding exercises on hand function in smartphone users with De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, considering hand anthropometric variations.

Full description

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis (DQT) is a painful musculoskeletal condition characterized by inflammation of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons within the first dorsal compartment of the wrist. It is commonly associated with repetitive thumb and wrist movements, with smartphone overuse emerging as a significant contributing factor among young adults.

Mulligan's Mobilization with Movement (MWM) has been shown to correct minor joint malalignments and reduce compressive forces on inflamed tendons, thereby improving wrist kinematics and reducing pain. Tendon gliding exercises enhance tendon excursion, minimize adhesions, and improve synovial fluid circulation, which supports recovery of thumb and wrist function. When combined, these interventions address both mechanical and functional impairments associated with DQT.

Enrollment: 44 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 25 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patient diagnosed with De Quervain's Tenosynovitis (positive Finkelstein's test).
• Patient having persistent thumb/wrist pain and functional difficulties for a duration of at-least 2 weeks.
• Patient willing to participate and give informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Patient with history of trauma, fracture, or surgery in the affected wrist or thumb.
• Patient with neurological disorder affecting the upper limb.
• Patient with systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes affecting tendon function.
• Any other co-morbidity.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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44 participants in 2 patient groups

Mulligan's Mobilization with Movement (MWM) + Tendon Gliding Exercises (combined effect)

Experimental group

Description:

MWM: Radial glide of 1st MCP with active thumb extension (10 reps × 3 sets, progressed with resistance in weeks 3-4). 2- Tendon Gliding Exercises: Straight hand, hook fist, tabletop, full fist, straight fist (10 reps × 2 sets in weeks 1-2; 3 sets × 15 with resistance band in weeks 3

Treatment:

Other: MWM + Tendon Gliding Exercises

Conventional Treatment

Other group

Description:

Wrist ROM (flexion, extension, radial/ulnar deviation, pronation/supination). 2-Thumb ROM (abduction/adduction, flexion/extension, opposition/circumduction). 3-Isometric wrist/thumb strengthening. 4-Strengthening with soft ball, thumb abduction/adduction against resistance. 5-Postural and ergonomic education for smartphone usage.

Treatment:

Other: Conventional Treatment