title: Effectiveness of hand therapy interventions in primary management of carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of hand therapy interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) based on the best available evidence. A qualitative systematic review was conducted. A literature search using 40 key terms was conducted from the earliest available date to January 2003 using seven databases. Articles were randomly assigned to two of five reviewers and evaluated according to predetermined criteria for inclusion at each of the title, abstract, and article levels. Included studies were independently scored by two reviewers using a structured effectiveness quality evaluation scale and also graded according to Sackett's Levels of Evidence. There were 2027 articles identified from the literature search, of which 345 met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-four studies were used to formulate 30 recommendations. Current evidence demonstrates a significant benefit (grade B recommendations) from splinting, ultrasound, nerve gliding exercises, carpal bone mobilization, magnetic therapy, and yoga for people with CTS.
authors.affiliation: School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Monique
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Muller
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tsui
authors.forename: Ronda
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schnurr
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Biddulph-Deisroth
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hard
authors.forename: Joy C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: MacDermid
mesh_terms: D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008280:Magnetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D013165:Splints; D015013:Yoga