The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of stretching and prefabricated orthoses versus orthoses alone in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) using validated condition-appropriate outcome measures such as BCTQ, pain levels, grip strength, and nerve conduction studies.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
75
Participants in this group will be provided with prefabricated wrist orthoses to wear during the day and at night to provide support and immobilization to the wrist. Participants will be instructed to wear the orthoses as directed by their healthcare provider.
Participants in this group will receive supervised general and lumbrical muscle stretching exercises for 10 minutes, three times per week, for 8 weeks. The stretching exercises will be performed under the supervision of a trained therapist and will include a series of exercises designed to stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and forearms. In addition, participants will be provided with prefabricated wrist orthoses to wear during the day and at night to provide support and immobilization to the wrist.
Outpatient clinic of faculty of physical therapy, Ahram Canadian University
Al Ḩayy Ath Thāmin, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ)
The BCTQ is a validated condition-specific questionnaire used to assess the severity of symptoms and functional limitations associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. The questionnaire consists of 11 items related to symptom severity and 8 items related to functional status. The scores for each set of items are combined to generate symptom severity and functional status scores, which will be used as the primary outcome measures for this study.
Time frame: Changes in BCTQ at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks.
Pain Levels
Pain levels will be assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). Participants will be asked to rate their pain levels at rest and during specific activities such as gripping, pinching, and typing.
Time frame: Changes in pain level at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks.
Grip Strength
Grip strength will be measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Participants will be instructed to grip the dynamometer as hard as possible, and the maximum force generated will be recorded in kilograms. Grip strength is a commonly used outcome measure in hand rehabilitation research and is a reliable and valid measure of hand function.
Time frame: Changes in grip strength at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks.
Nerve Conduction Studies
Nerve conduction studies will be used to assess the severity and extent of median nerve involvement in participants with carpal tunnel syndrome. The studies will be performed by a trained neurophysiologist using standard techniques and equipment.
Time frame: Changes in nerve conduction studies at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks.
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Participants in this group will receive placebo treatment consisting of gentle wrist and hand movements. The movements will be performed under the supervision of a trained therapist and will consist of gentle range of motion exercises designed to mobilize the joints in the hands and wrists. Participants will not be provided with any orthoses to wear during the study.