The discrimination of the right/left side of the body is related to the integrity of the motor and somatosensory areas at the cortical and subcortical levels. Although some studies have shown that there may be an effect on the right/left representation at the cortical and subcortical levels in cases that cause severe neuropathy and neuropathic pain, this effect has not been proven in milder neuropathies. In this study, the effect on right/left side discrimination will be investigated even in cases with carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, the investigators aimed to assess the relationship between right/left discrimination and symptom severity.
The left/right discrimination is a motor imagery task that involves viewing images of a body part and determining whether each image belongs to the left or right side of the body or if it rotates towards it. Some studies have shown that there may be an effect on the right/left representation at the cortical and subcortical levels in cases that cause severe neuropathy and neuropathic pain, this effect has not been proven in milder neuropathies, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. In this study, the relationship between right/left decision accuracy will be compared with control subjects. The investigators will assess the relationship between right/left judgment and symptom severity, two-point discrimination, and handgrip force. The hypothesis of the study are: 1. The right/left discrimination accuracy is less than the control subjects. 2. Right/left discrimination is in relationship with symptom severity, two-point discrimination, and handgrip force.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
200
Participants with carpal tunnel syndrome will consist of individuals whose diagnosis has been confirmed by an electrophysiological study. Participants in the control group will consist of those who have been confirmed not to have carpal tunnel syndrome by nerve conduction study.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test evaluates eight separate cognitive functions. Thirty is the highest score. The scores equal to or above 26 are considered normal cognitive function.
University of Health Sciences Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital
Izmir, Karabaglar, Turkey (Türkiye)
Left/right judgement Task
The Recognize tablet application will be used within the scope of the 'Graded Motor Imagery' set, in the series of publications created by www.noigroup.com right/left side judgement. The application will be performed on a single tablet screen. Within the scope of the application, right and left-hand pictures will be shown to the participants in varying positions and angles at 5-second intervals. The test consists of 50 pictures. At the end of the test, the accuracy rate and the average reaction time will be calculated separately for the right and left sides.
Time frame: 3 months
Handgrip strength
The both handgrip strength of the participants will be evaluated with a JAMAR hand dynamometer.
Time frame: 3 months
Two-point discrimination test
The participants will use a 2-point disc-criminator with 2-point separation and the narrowest interval reported by the participant as two separate points with repetitive measurements from the distal volar region of both index fingers will be recorded.
Time frame: 3 months
Visual Analogue Scale
The patient will be asked to mark his/her severity of pain on a 10-cm horizontal line with number 0 one end representing 'no' and number 10 on the other end indicating 'very severe pain'.
Time frame: 3 months
PainDETECT questionnaire
The presence of neuropathic pain will be evaluated with the painDETECT questionnaire. The maximum score is 35 and a high score indicates the severity of neuropathic pain. When the painDETECT questionnaire score is more than 13, it is indicated the presence of a neuropathic pain component.
Time frame: 3 months
Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire
The questionnaire comprises two parts, the Symptom Severity (SSS) and the Functional Status Scale (FSS). In the SSS, there are 11 questions; responses may be scored one (mildest) point to five (most severe) points. In the FSS, there are eight questions assessing the difficulty in performing selected activities.
Time frame: 3 months
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