Authors (including presenting author) :
Li FLJ (1), Chan MY (1), Pong TY (1), Chen PW (1) Yip CT (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Occupational Therapy Department, Tseung Kwan O Hospital
Introduction :
Previous studies mentioned that the wrist splints for Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) had symptomatic benefit, but the wearing compliance was one of the crucial factor. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of 3 different groups with different CTS splint design namely conventional wrist resting splint (CS), soft splint (SS), and new wrist resting splint (DS).
Objectives :
To evaluate the effectiveness of nocturnal use of the 3 different designed splints in the compliance, physical outcome and symptom relief.
Methodology :
Total 120 patients in each group were recruited in the year of 2014 to 2018. Power grip and The Boston Carpel Tunnel questionnaire (BCTQ) which included symptom severity score and functional status scale were used to evaluate the effectiveness among 3 groups. One way repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.
Result & Outcome :
One way repeated measures ANOVA suggested significant improvement in three groups in power grip (CS p < 0.05, SS p < 0.001, DS p < 0.001), symptom severity score (CS p < 0.001, SS p < 0.001, DS p < 0.001) and functional status scale (CS p < 0.001, SS p < 0.001, DS p < 0.001). There was significant interaction effect in power grip difference (p < 0.05) with the greatest improvement in DS group and symptom severity score difference (p < 0.05) also indicated both CS and DS had similar significant score improvement but they were better than SS group. There was no significant interaction effect in functional status scale difference (p=0.15). In comparison of the patients’ splint compliance, DS group had the best result among three groups.
Conclusion
All 3 splints were effective in improving symptoms, functional status and motor function of CTS patients. Result showed that DS group had better compliance and therefore it was suggested for full-time wearing regime.
