EMG-Triggered Electrical Stimulation After Median/Ulnar Nerve Repairs

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07532499

Pamukkale University26 enrolled

Overview

Immobilization following median and/or ulnar nerve repairs results in strength loss in the wrist and finger extensor muscles. Given the critical importance of wrist extension for functional grip, this condition significantly restricts hand functions. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of EMG-triggered electrical stimulation applied to the wrist and finger extensors, in addition to conventional physiotherapy, on functional outcomes in patients undergoing median and/or ulnar nerve repair, with the objective of restoring extensor muscle weakness induced by immobilization.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Peripheral Nerve Injuries Median Nerve Injury Ulnar Nerve Injury

Interventions

This group will receive EMG-triggered electrical stimulation therapy in addition to conventional physiotherapy in the 5th week.The EMG-triggered electrical stimulation protocol will be conducted over 12 sessions (3 days/week for 4 weeks). Surface electrodes will be placed parallel to the fibers of the wrist and finger extensors-specifically the EDC, ECRL/B, and ECU-using anatomical landmarks and palpation. Following a baseline calibration (5s contraction/10s rest) to establish a microvolt threshold, the device will require active cognitive participation from the patient to initiate stimulation. Once the threshold is exceeded, stimulation will be delivered at 60 Hz with a 300 µS pulse width and 0.5s ramp times. The procedure involves 10 repetitions per muscle, utilizing a 10s contraction and 30s rest cycle to enhance functional recovery.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Intact communication skills * No prior history of neurological, orthopedic, rheumatologic, or metabolic diseases affecting the involved extremity Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of concomitant central nervous system involvement * Pregnancy * Patients with cardiac pacemakers * Patients with cardiac arrhythmias * Patients with epilepsy

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Manual muscle test

Time frame: At 12 and 24 weeks after surgery.

Secondary Outcomes

Gross and fine grip strength measurements by hand dynamometry and pinch gauge (kg)

Time frame: At 12 and 24 weeks after surgery.

Assessment of hand function via Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire

The score for each domain and the total score range from min 0 to max 100. For all domains except pain, a higher score denotes better hand performance or satisfaction. For the pain domain, a higher score indicates more pain.

Time frame: At 12 and 24 weeks after surgery