Effect of Mechanical Interface Mobilization Technique on Pain and Functional Status in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Riphah International University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Treatments: Other: Mechanical Interface Mobilisation Technique; Other: Exercise Therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06598748

RCRAHS-ISB/REC/MS-PT/017

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this study is to find out the influence of mechanical interface mobilization technique which consists of 5 different steps, in management of carpal tunnel syndrome and how this technique effects pain and functional status in individuals who has carpal tunnel syndrome.

Full description

The median nerve gets entrapped in the wrist, causing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the most prevalent peripheral neuropathy in the upper limb. A number of clinical findings, such as sensory issues with the first three digits of the hand sensory distribution of the median nerve, a positive Phalen test, weakness and atrophy of the thenar muscle, and electrophysiological findings (prolonged motor and sensory distal latencies of the median nerve) are used to diagnose CTS . The most frequent occupational risk factors for CTS are repetitive wrist and finger motions or holding uncomfortable wrist positions for extended periods of time. Tenosynovitis of the finger flexors, a thicker transverse carpal ligament, a fracture or dislocation of the distal radius or lunate, rheumatoid arthritis, lipoma, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism are other non-occupational causes . A combination of techniques has been used in the studies of Seradge H. et al and Sucher Benjamin M. Et al which included mechanical interface and neuro-dynamics, but the isolated effects of each method is yet to be determined by further studies as their combined effects are more focused on in the current literature. And that leads to an unclear decision about, which group of manual therapy techniques has better effects on individuals suffering from CTS .

Enrollment: 30 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 24 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Positive Phalen test and Tinel Test.
• Positive symptoms of CTS (Pain, numbness, or tingling in the first three and lateral half of the fourth finger.

Exclusion criteria

• No previous surgical treatments at the wrist joint, no fractures or open wounds at the wrist.
• Patients with thoracic outlet syndrome, and cervical radiculopathy.
• History of carpal tunnel release surgery.
• Steroid injection in the carpal tunnel.
• Pregnant females.
• Metabolic diseases such as diabetes, severe thyroid disorders and anemia.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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30 participants in 2 patient groups

Mechanical Interface Mobilisation Technique

Experimental group

Description:

In the mechanical interface group, five techniques, including; wrist distraction (3 sets for 3 minutes), rhythmic and gentle stretching of the transverse carpal ligaments, release of palmar hand fascia, gliding of the finger flexor tendons (using oscillatory flexion-extension movement of metacarpophalangeal joint), and release of the upper forearm muscle and fascia will be applied. To release the upper forearm muscle as demonstrated for pronator teres muscle in, the therapist applied a firm pressure on the origin of the muscle by one thumb and concurrently moved the forearm into extension and supination (17).

Treatment:

Other: Mechanical Interface Mobilisation Technique

Exercise Therapy

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in this group will perform myofascial stretching of the carpal ligament, 3 days per week for four weeks along with isometric exercises at wrist joint as demonstrated by the physiotherapist. The participants will be instructed to perform gentle, pain-free isometrics of the wrist and hand musculature (25). Exercise would be performed with 5-10-second hold, with 10 repetitions (26).

Treatment:

Other: Exercise Therapy