Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Effectiveness of Physical Therapy and Electrophysical Modalities. An Updated Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials (original) (raw)

Abstract

Objective: To review scientific literature studying the effectiveness of physical therapy and electrophysical modalities for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Key takeaways

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  1. Moderate evidence supports physical therapy and electrophysical modalities for treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
  2. The review analyzed 17 RCTs (n=730) and 22 recent RCTs (n=922) on CTS interventions.
  3. Patients demonstrated significant symptom improvement with ultrasound therapy after seven weeks.
  4. Continuous shortwave diathermy proved more effective than pulsed or placebo treatments for CTS.
  5. Further research is required to optimize treatment parameters and confirm findings for long-term effectiveness.

Figures (17)

Table 2: Methodological Quality Assessment of the RCTs Included in the Systematic Reviews Abbreviations: +, Yes; - , No; ?, unsure; +, partly met; n/a, not applicable

Table 2: Methodological Quality Assessment of the RCTs Included in the Systematic Reviews Abbreviations: +, Yes; - , No; ?, unsure; +, partly met; n/a, not applicable

Abbrevations: +, Yes; -, No; ?, unsure; ITT, intention to treat; n/a, not applicable Table 3 Methodological quality scores of the included RCTs

Abbrevations: +, Yes; -, No; ?, unsure; ITT, intention to treat; n/a, not applicable Table 3 Methodological quality scores of the included RCTs

Total amount of articles on surgical and post-surgical interventions for CTS: 563 Reviews and 2681 RCTs

Total amount of articles on surgical and post-surgical interventions for CTS: 563 Reviews and 2681 RCTs

Appendix 4 Data Extraction Systematic Reviews

Appendix 4 Data Extraction Systematic Reviews

Abbreviations: BCTQ, boston carpal tunnel questionnaire; CI, confidence interval; DASH, disabilities arm shoulder hand; ITT, intention to treat; MD, mean difference; RR, relative risk, SF-36, short form 36; VAS, visual analogue scalee WHOQOLF, world health organization quality of life; wk, week.

Abbreviations: BCTQ, boston carpal tunnel questionnaire; CI, confidence interval; DASH, disabilities arm shoulder hand; ITT, intention to treat; MD, mean difference; RR, relative risk, SF-36, short form 36; VAS, visual analogue scalee WHOQOLF, world health organization quality of life; wk, week.

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