The effects of neural mobilization in addition to standard care in persons with carpal tunnel syndrome from a community hospital

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether neural mobilization in addition to standard care is more effective than standard care alone in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Sixty participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group 1 received standard care, and Group 2 performed a neurodynamic mobilization exercise in addition to standard care. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at one and six months using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire, the Brigham and Woman's Hospital Carpal Tunnel Specific Questionnaire (CTSQ), and elbow extension range of motion during an upper limb median nerve tension test. There were no significant differences in the outcome measures between groups, except Group 1 had improved scores on the function status scale of the CTSQ compared to Group 2 at six months. The addition of neural mobilization to standard care did not result in improved outcomes in patients with CTS.