Median Nerve Injury, Peripheral Nerve Injuries, Ulnar Nerve Injury
Conditions
Keywords
peripheral nerve injuries, EMG-triggered electrical stimulation, physiotherapy, functional recovery
Brief summary
Immobilization following median and/or ulnar nerve repairs results in strength loss in the wrist and finger extensor muscles. Given the critical importance of wrist extension for functional grip, this condition significantly restricts hand functions. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of EMG-triggered electrical stimulation applied to the wrist and finger extensors, in addition to conventional physiotherapy, on functional outcomes in patients undergoing median and/or ulnar nerve repair, with the objective of restoring extensor muscle weakness induced by immobilization.
Interventions
OTHEREMG-triggered electrical stimulation
This group will receive EMG-triggered electrical stimulation therapy in addition to conventional physiotherapy in the 5th week.The EMG-triggered electrical stimulation protocol will be conducted over 12 sessions (3 days/week for 4 weeks). Surface electrodes will be placed parallel to the fibers of the wrist and finger extensors-specifically the EDC, ECRL/B, and ECU-using anatomical landmarks and palpation. Following a baseline calibration (5s contraction/10s rest) to establish a microvolt threshold, the device will require active cognitive participation from the patient to initiate stimulation. Once the threshold is exceeded, stimulation will be delivered at 60 Hz with a 300 µS pulse width and 0.5s ramp times. The procedure involves 10 repetitions per muscle, utilizing a 10s contraction and 30s rest cycle to enhance functional recovery.
The conventional physiotherapy program will comprise splinting, edema control, range of motion exercises, and resistance training.
Sponsors
Pamukkale University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Intact communication skills * No prior history of neurological, orthopedic, rheumatologic, or metabolic diseases affecting the involved extremity
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of concomitant central nervous system involvement * Pregnancy * Patients with cardiac pacemakers * Patients with cardiac arrhythmias * Patients with epilepsy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Manual muscle test | At 12 and 24 weeks after surgery. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gross and fine grip strength measurements by hand dynamometry and pinch gauge (kg) | At 12 and 24 weeks after surgery. | — |
| Assessment of hand function via Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire | At 12 and 24 weeks after surgery | The score for each domain and the total score range from min 0 to max 100. For all domains except pain, a higher score denotes better hand performance or satisfaction. For the pain domain, a higher score indicates more pain. |
Contacts
CONTACTUmut Eraslan
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORUmut Eraslan
Pamukkale University
Outcome results
None listed