Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Frequency of Therapy, Hyperthermia
Conditions
Brief summary
This project aims to analyze the use of hyperthermia within a treatment protocol for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), as well as to determine the difference between two and three sessions per week. Study participants will be divided into four intervention groups: the first will receive two sessions per week for a period of six months, while the second will receive three sessions per week for the same period. The treatment protocol will consist of therapeutic physical exercise focused on the hand flexor muscles and neural stretching, the application of hyperthermia to the carpal tunnel and adjacent areas, and the use of a night splint. The third and fourth intervention groups will receive the same treatment as mentioned above, but without hyperthermia. The third group will receive three sessions per week, while the second group will receive two sessions per week. Two different types of measurement variables will be used: objective variables will be used to measure hand flexor muscle strength and wrist free range of motion. Subjective variables will also be used through validated questionnaires covering physical activity, perceived functional limitations, upper limb functional assessment, neuropathic pain, and a visual analogue scale for pain perception.
Interventions
RADIATIONhyperthermia
hyperthermia over the carpal tunnel area and adjacent areas
OTHERphysical exercise
Performing therapeutic physical exercise focused on the flexor muscles of the hand and neural stretching
OTHERsplint
imposition of a night splint
Sponsors
University of Malaga
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Have a diagnosis confirmed by performing an electromyography of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome * Have not yet received physiotherapy treatment.
Exclusion criteria
* Have undergone surgery. * Those who refuse to participate in this study. * Patients with muscle atrophy due to CTS. * Medical conditions that are contraindications for hyperthermia therapy.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) | Baseline and up to one year | Minimum: 19. Maximum: 95. A higher score indicates a higher degree of disability |
| Disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) | Baseline and up to one year | Minimum: 30 points. Maximum: 150 points A higher score indicates a higher intensity of symptoms |
| Neuropathic Pain Scale (DN4) | Baseline and up to one year | Minimum: 0 Maximum: 10 The diagnosis of neuropathic pain is established with a total scale of 4 out of 10 |
| International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) | Baseline and up to one year | 9 items. Minimum: 9 Maximum: 36 A higher score indicates a sedentary life |
| Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) | Baseline and up to one year | Minimum: 1 Maximum: 10 A higher score indicates a higher intensity of pain |
| Hand grip strength | Baseline and up to one year | A handheld dynamometer will be used and three consecutive measurements will be obtained with the patient sitting and the elbow flexed at 90 degrees and in a neutral position. |
| WRIST JOINT RANGE OF MOBILITY | Baseline and up to one year | With the patient seated in a relaxed position, the various free movements of the wrist joint will be assessed bilaterally using an electronic goniometer. To do this, the goniometer will be placed on the dorsal side of the wrist, with the proximal part on the midline between the radius and ulna and the distal part on the third metacarpal. Flexion, extension, and radial and ulnar deviation ranges will be assessed, both with the elbow flexed and extended. |
| WRIST FLEXION EVALUATION TEST | Baseline and up to one year | With the patient seated in a relaxed position, wrist flexion will be tested in isometric contraction, both with the hand open and closed, and with the wrist in a neutral position. The therapist will manually resist wrist flexion from the hand area. This test will be performed three times in a row with the hand open, followed by a five-minute rest and then repeating the procedure, this time with the hand open. This measurement will be taken with the elbow flexed or extended. |
Outcome results
None listed