Neural gliding techniques for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
There are discrepancies regarding the efficacy of neural gliding exercises for the management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).


OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review assessing the efficacy of neural gliding in comparison to alternative nonsurgical treatment for the management of CTS.


METHODS
A computerized search was performed in April 2008. Criteria for inclusion required that studies (1) were written in English, (2) examined the efficacy of neural gliding techniques for treatment of CTS, and (3) included at least one of the selected patient-oriented outcomes. Effect sizes, relative risk, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare neural gliding to alternative treatment.


RESULTS
Six studies met inclusion criteria. For all variables, none were consistently favorable toward neural gliding over alternative treatment. However, comparisons across studies revealed a possible trend toward improved outcomes with the use neural gliding.


CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy of neural gliding is not clear. More research is necessary to determine the population that may respond optimally to this treatment.
Medina McKeon
Jennifer M
JM
University of Kentucky, Rehabilitation Sciences Department, Lexington, KY, USA. jennifer.medina@uky.edu
Yancosek
Kathleen E
KE
D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016896:Treatment Outcome