Investigation of the effects of a short opponens splint and structured hand exercise program in computer engineers with wrist pain: a randomized controlled trial.

Objectives. This study aimed to examine the effects of a short opponens splint and hand exercise program on pain, hand functionality, daily activities, and work efficacy in computer engineers with wrist pain. Methods. Forty-five engineers were randomized into three groups: group 1 (n = 15) utilized both splints and exercises, group 2 (n = 15) engaged in exercises only and group 3 (n = 15) received no treatment, across 8 weeks, thrice weekly. Only exercises were applied to group 2 (n = 15). No treatment was applied for group 3 (n = 15). The progress of subjects was controlled periodically each week. Outcome measurements including the Jamar hand dynamometer, pinchmeter, nine-hole peg test (9-NHPT), visual analog scale, Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire and Michigan hand outcome questionnaire (MHQ) were evaluated pre and post treatment during the study period. Results. Comparing the outcome measurements of the three groups showed a statistically significant difference between them except for the 9-NHPT and MHQ pain and esthetics (p < 0.05). According to post-hoc tests, groups 1 and 2 had more significant differences than group 3. Also, there was no statistically significant difference in any parameter between group 1 and group 2 (p > 0.017). Conclusion. Non-restrictive minimal orthosis or exercise programs are advisable for individuals with wrist pain.

Investigation on the Efficiency of the Closed Kinetic Chain and Video-Based Game Exercise Programs in the Rotator Cuff Rupture: A Randomized Trial.

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of video-based game exercises and structured closed kinetic chain exercises in individuals with rotator cuff rupture. Materials and Methods: Forty-five individuals with rotator cuff rupture were included in this study. Individuals were randomly divided into three groups: a conventional exercise group (CEG), a structured closed kinetic chain exercise group (CKCEG), and a video-based game exercise group (VGEG). Interventions were performed twice a week for 6 weeks. Pain severity; pain threshold; disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire (DASH); rotator cuff quality of life index (RCQOL); range of motion (ROM); and joint position sense and approximation force of all individuals were evaluated pre- and post-treatment. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in all values of the pre- and post-treatment of the groups (P < 0.05). When the differences between the groups were compared, CKCEG and VGEG values were more significant than CEG in all parameters (P < 0.017). Improvements in pain threshold, ROM in shoulder flexion and abduction, DASH score, and all parameters of the RCQOL questionnaire in VGEG were statistically more significant than CKCEG (P < 0.017). Conclusion: Individuals with rotator cuff rupture obtained more improvements in primary and secondary outcomes after closed kinetic chain exercise and video-based game exercise, rather than conventional methods. It was considered that video-based game exercise programs would be used in rotator cuff problems.

The effect of Mulligan mobilization on pain and life quality of patients with Rotator cuff syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Mulligan mobilization techniques cause pain and affect the function in patients with Rotator cuff syndrome. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Mulligan mobilization on pain and quality of life in individuals with Rotator cuff syndrome. METHODS: This study was conducted on 30 patients with Rotator cuff syndrome. The patients were randomized into Mulligan and control group. All the patients participating in this study were treated with conventional physiotherapy. Additionally, the Mobilization with movement (MWM) technique was used in the Mulligan group. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), goniometer for the normal range of motion (ROM) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires were used for assessment. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was found in the post-treatment VAS, DASH, SF-36, and ROM values significantly improved in both groups (p< 0.05). However, the Mulligan group showed much better results when compared to the control group in ROM, VAS, DASH (p< 0.05). In the SF-36 questionnaire, significant results were obtained for both groups, except the social function parameter. For the SF-36 parameters, both groups performed equally. CONCLUSIONS: Mulligan mobilization was more effective than general treatment methods for pain as well as normal joint motion, DASH scoring and some parameters of SF-36 compared with general treatment methods.