The purpose of this study is to comprehend the association between the trigger digit and carpal tunnel syndrome based on the quantification of the tendon and nerve characteristics. It includes three parts. The first part is an observational study. The aim of the first part is to attempts to measure the gliding and morphological characteristics of the flexor tendons and median nerve in the longitudinal or cross-sectional directions via the ultrasonographical images incorporating with the motion capture experiment of the wrist and fingers. The gliding and morphological features of the tendons and nerve will be compared under different postures or movement patterns of the wrist and hand. The second part is an interventional study. The aim of the first part is to establishes a novel hybrid rehabilitation protocol which combines the tendon gliding exercise with nerve mobilization to treat either the trigger digit or the carpal tunnel syndrome. A randomized controlled trial to investigate the short-term treatment effect and the follow-up examination will be carried out as well. The third part is an observational study. The aim of the first part is to investigate the effects of carpal tunnel release on the hand performances from functional perspectives. In addition, a novel wrist orthosis will be developed to eliminate the bowstringing effect of the flexor tendons after carpal tunnel release.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
59
Hybrid rehabilitation training is modified tendon gliding exercise with median nerve mobilization.
Traditional rehabilitation training uses traditional physiotherapy, such as splint, therapeutic ultrasound and electrotherapy.
WABO is a custom-designed orthosis to restrict the bowstringing effect of the flexor tendon in the carpal tunnel.
National Cheng-Kung University
Tainan, Taiwan
Change in the gliding features of tendons
The gliding features of tendons is measured by ultrasound images of the flexor tendons
Time frame: baseline, 1 month, 6 months
Change in the gliding features of median nerve
The gliding features of median nerve is measured by ultrasound images of the flexor tendons
Time frame: baseline, 1 month, 6 months
Change in the grip strength
Grip strength is measured by a grip strength meter.
Time frame: baseline, 1 month, 6 months
Change in the pinch force
Three types of pinch force are measured by a pinch gauge.
Time frame: baseline, 1 month, 6 months
Change in the threshold value of sensitivity
Threshold value of sensitivity is examined by using Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament testing.
Time frame: baseline, 1 month, 6 months
Change in the mechanical properties of the flexor tendons
The mechanical properties are examined by measuring torque value contributed by the flexor tendons and movements of the flexor tendons
Time frame: baseline, 1 month, 6 months
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