A treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome: evaluation of objective and subjective measures

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of a proposed new and unique program relative to treatment and troubleshooting for diagnostic causes of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Objective measures of anthropometry, strength, range of motion, muscle activity, and task performance, together with subjective ratings of pain were observed in a group of individuals diagnosed with CTS. These measures were compared to a control population showing no symptoms of CTS prior to undergoing treatment and following completion of the treatment program. Results indicate that individuals with CTS had significantly lower values on some strength, range of motion, and slower task performance than did the control group. Ratings of pain and distress were also significantly higher than the controls, and in the literature the CTS group's values approached levels of chronic pain. Analysis of posttreatment cases revealed statistically significant improvements in several strength measures of up to 25% over pretreatment values. Significant improvement was also shown in several range of motion measures of up to 22%. Finally, a significant reduction of 15% in pain and distress ratings was demonstrated in the posttreatment cases.