Comparison of the efficacy of a neutral wrist splint and a wrist splint incorporating a lumbrical unit for the treatment of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Prosthet Orthot Int
; 40(5): 617-23, 2016 Oct.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26195619
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Different types of splints have been used as a conservative intervention to improve symptoms in patients with Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Although a number of studies have been undertaken to compare different splints, information and understanding of the influence of these interventions are lacking.OBJECTIVES:
The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a classic thermoplastic wrist splint or a wrist splint with an additional metacarpophalangeal unit on pain, function, grip strength, and pinch strength in patients with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. STUDYDESIGN:
Quasi experimental design.METHODS:
A total of 24 patients received conservative treatment using either the classic wrist splint or the wrist splint with the metacarpophalangeal unit for a period of 6 weeks. Primary outcome measures were pain, function, grip strength, and pinch strength. Data were collected immediately before and after using the two types of splints at baseline (0 weeks) and 6 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test and an independent t-test.RESULTS:
Compared to baseline, both the classic thermoplastic wrist splint and the wrist splint with a metacarpophalangeal unit significantly decreased pain and increased function, pinch strength, and grip strength. Comparisons of the two types of splints for grip strength (P = 0.675) and pinch strength (P = 0.650) revealed that there were no significant differences between the two after 6 weeks of wear. However, there were significant differences in pain levels (P = 0.022) and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (P = 0.027) between the two types of splints from baseline to 6 weeks.CONCLUSION:
The wrist splint with a metacarpophalangeal unit was more effective than the classic thermoplastic wrist splint in pain reduction and improvement of function. CLINICAL RELEVANCE A wrist splint with a metacarpophalangeal unit may be an appropriate conservative treatment in the rehabilitation of patients with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Splints
/
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Type of study:
Clinical_trials
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Language:
En
Journal:
Prosthet Orthot Int
Year:
2016
Document type:
Article