Telerehabilitation for carpal tunnel syndrome: a new treatment style with new possibilities: a randomized controlled trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v72.117333Keywords:
Carpal tunnel syndrome, function, pain, rehabilitation, telemedicineAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured telerehabilitation program compared to conventional in-clinic therapy in improving pain, function, and wrist range of motion (ROM) in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Methodology: This randomized controlled study included a total of 40 patients (16 males, 24 females) with CTS. The patients were equally randomized into two groups: Group 1 underwent conventional physical therapy (n=20). Group 2 underwent telerehabilitation program (n=20). The effectiveness of treatment was evaluated by recording data on 10-point VAS, the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), and wrist joint active range of motion (AROM) before treatment at four weeks (12 sessions).
Results: The telerehabilitation group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in DASH score compared to the control group (p > 0.001) and in extension AROM (p > 0.001) after four weeks of treatment. However, no significant improvement was observed between groups in VAS score and flexion, radial, and ulnar deviation AROM (p = 0.414, p = 0.96, p = 0.799, respectively)
Conclusions: These findings suggest that tele-rehabilitation can be a feasible and effective alternative to conventional care. Its use may be especially beneficial for patients with limited Access to in-person therapy.
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