title: Effects of nerve mobilization exercise as an adjunct to the conservative treatment for patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was carried out with the aim of investigating the contribution of nerve mobilization exercises to the conservative treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this clinical trial, 28 patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups. The control group was composed of 14 patients who were treated conservatively with a program consisting of physiotherapy and supportive inserts, whereas 14 patients in the study group were given nerve mobilization exercises in addition to the same treatment. Allpatients were followed up for 6 weeks. Before treatment, subjects were evaluated for muscle strength, range of motion, pain, sensory tests, and clinical manifestations of tarsal tunnel syndrome. The evaluations were repeated after 6 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant difference in favor of posttreatment values for range of motion, muscle strength, and pain in both groups (P < .05). Intergroup comparisons showed no difference between the groups for these parameters. Significant results were attained in the study group for 2-point discrimination and light touch and Tinel sign after treatment (P < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients in both groups showed improvement from conservative treatment. The results of the study group showed that nerve mobilization exercises have a positive effect on 2-point discrimination and light touch and Tinel sign.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Prosthetics and Orthotics Unit, Health Services Vocational Schools, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey. ykavlak@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Yasemin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kavlak
authors.forename: Fatma
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Uygur
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010147:Pain Measurement; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013641:Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013979:Tibial Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology