The Effect of Proprioceptive Training on Hand Function and Activity Limitation After Open Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the effect of proprioceptive training on hand function and activity limitation in patients undergoing open carpal tunnel release surgery.

Design

Randomized controlled study.

Setting

A university hospital.

Participants

Thirty patients were included in the study and randomized to proprioceptive training (PT) and conventional rehabilitation (CR) groups.

Intervention

One week after surgery, both groups received CR for 6 weeks. All participants were asked to perform home-based exercises daily in 3 sets with 10 repetitions. For the PT group, a 6-step PT program was conducted starting from Week 6. Both groups received face-to-face interventions twice a week for 12 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures

The outcome measures included the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT), the joint position sense test (JPST), the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, and the Patient-Specific Functional Scale. In total, three assessments were performed (at 1, 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively).

Results

In the PT group, the results for PPT were statistically significant (p<0.05). Although there was a greater decrease in the absolute angular error value (JPST) of the PT group compared to the CR group, the difference was nonsignificant (p>0.05). Similar reductions in activity limitation were seen in both groups (PT: 176%, CR: 175%). Symptom severity decreased by 40% in the PT group versus 32% in the CR group. The effect sizes were larger for the changes between the second and third assessments in the PT group compared to the CR group in all parameters tested.

Conclusion

When applied after carpal tunnel release surgery, PT may potentially to improve hand functions, reduce activity limitation, increase participation in activities of daily living, and thus improve quality of life.