Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of neurodynamic techniques used as the sole
therapeutic component compared with sham therapy in the treatment of mild and
moderate carpal tunnel syndromes (CTS). DESIGN: Single-blinded, randomized
placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Several medical clinics. PARTICIPANTS:
Volunteer sample of patients (N=250) diagnosed with CTS (n=150). INTERVENTIONS:
Neurodynamic techniques were used in the neurodynamic techniques group, and sham
therapy was used in the sham therapy group. In the neurodynamic techniques group,
neurodynamic sequences were used, and sliding and tension techniques were also
used. In the sham therapy group, no neurodynamic sequences were used, and
therapeutic procedures were performed in an intermediate position. Therapy was
conducted twice weekly for a total of 20 therapy sessions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Symptom severity (symptom severity scale) and functional status (functional
status scale) of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. RESULTS: A baseline
assessment revealed no intergroup differences in all examined parameters (P>.05).
After therapy, there was statistically significant intragroup improvement in
nerve conduction study (sensory and motor conduction velocity and motor latency)
only for the neurodynamic techniques group (P<.01). After therapy, intragroup
statistically significant changes also occurred for the neurodynamic techniques
group in pain assessment, 2-point discrimination sense, symptom severity scale,
and functional status scale (in all cases P<.01). There were no group differences
in assessment of grip and pinch strength (P>.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The use of
neurodynamic techniques has a better therapeutic effect than sham therapy in the
treatment of mild and moderate forms of CTS.
CI - Copyright (c) 2018 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS