Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of radial nerve mobilization on pain
sensitivity and motor performance in subjects with secondary thumb
carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. Treatment
and placebo were given for 4 weeks. Measurements were taken before intervention,
after 1 month (first follow-up), and after 2 months (second follow-up). SETTING:
Patients from the Department of Physical Therapy, Azienda Sanitaria Locale 3,
Collegno (Italy). PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=60; age range, 70-90y) with
right-dominant hand secondary thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis without other
motor-related pathology. All patients completed the study. No patients were
withdrawn from the study. INTERVENTIONS: Sliding mobilization of the
proximal-distal radial nerve or intermittent ultrasound therapy, used as placebo.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We hypothesized that radial nerve mobilization induces
hypoalgesia and increases strength in secondary thumb carpometacarpal
osteoarthritis. We measured pressure pain threshold (PPT) at the
trapeziometacarpal joint, the tubercle of the scaphoid bone, and the unciform
apophysis of the hamate bone by algometry. Tip pinch strength and tripod pinch
strength were measured by a mechanical pinch gauge. RESULTS: Treatment increased
PPT by 3.33+/-.24 kg/cm(2) (P<.001) in the trapeziometacarpal joint and was
maintained until first follow-up and second follow-up. Also, PPT in the scaphoid
bone and hamate bone was increased (P<.001 and P<.02, respectively). Variables in
the placebo group remained unchanged. Tip pinch strength increased by 2.22+/-.22
kg (P<.04) and tripod pinch strength by 2.83+/-.24 kg (P<.019). CONCLUSIONS:
Radial nerve mobilization decreases pain sensitivity in the trapeziometacarpal
joint and increases tip pinch strength.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS