Although various treatment modalities have been investigated for the management of stiff hand, no previous study has examined the combined use of exercise and joint mobilization. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of peripheral joint mobilization, applied in addition to conventional exercise, on functional outcomes in patients with stiff hand.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
34
Participants received conventional physiotherapy program (classical massage, scar massage, active and resistive hand-wrist exercises, adhesive bandage for edema control) in addition to joint mobilization. Joint mobilization was initiated at minimum 6 weeks post-injury or surgery. Participants were seated with forearm in neutral position. The joint proximal to the mobilized segment was stabilized. Distraction force was applied in the distal direction. Volar glides (8-12 repetitions) were applied for flexion deficits and dorsal glides for extension deficits according to the convex-concave rule, with each glide held at end range for approximately 30 seconds. Mobilization was applied for 4-6 minutes per joint. Total session duration: approximately 30 minutes. Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total).
Participants received conventional physiotherapy program consisting of classical massage, scar massage, active and resistive hand-wrist exercises, and adhesive bandage for edema control. Total session duration: approximately 30 minutes. Frequency: 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total).
Pamukkale University
Denizli, Turkey (Türkiye)
Range of Motion
Total Active Motion (TAM) assessed by metal finger goniometer.
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.
Grip Strength
Grip Strength was assessed by Jamar dynamometer (gross grip, pinch, pulp, lateral, tripod)
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.
Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire
This questionnaire evaluates the functionality of the hand and consists of 63 questions in total. Each question is scoredbetween 1-5 and the score of each section varies between 0-100. High total score indicates high satisfaction.
Time frame: Assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of treatment (4 weeks), and at the 8-week follow-up.
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