Effect of manual therapy and neurodynamic techniques vs ultrasound and laser on 2PD in patients with CTS: A randomized controlled trial.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


BACKGROUND
Two-point discrimination (2PD) test can be used to assess both clinical condition and the effects of therapy in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether there are specific differences in 2PD between symptomatic and asymptomatic hands in CTS patients and to evaluate the impact of 2 therapy regimes on 2PD in patients with CTS.


METHODS
Therapy for the neurodynamic mobilization group was based on manual therapy and neurodynamic techniques. Therapy for the electrophysical modalities group was based on red and infrared laser and ultrasound therapy using a contact method applied in the transverse ligament area. Therapeutic cycle consisted of 20 therapy sessions delivered at twice-weekly intervals.


RESULTS
After therapy, 2PD in the symptomatic limbs in the neurodynamic mobilization and electrophysical modalities groups significantly improved (p < .001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Both therapy programs used in this study were beneficial for improving 2PD.


METHODS
2.
Department of Kinesiotherapy and Special Physiotherapy Methods, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland; Department of Physiotherapy, The Academy of Business, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland.
Tomasz
T
Wolny
Department of Kinesiotherapy and Special Physiotherapy Methods, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland; Department of Physiotherapy, The Academy of Business, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland.
Edward
E
Saulicz
Department of Kinesiotherapy and Special Physiotherapy Methods, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland. Electronic address: linek.fizjoterapia@vp.pl.
Paweł
P
Linek
Department of Kinesiotherapy and Special Physiotherapy Methods, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland.
Andrzej
A
Myśliwiec
Department of Physiotherapy, The Academy of Business, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland; Department of Physiotherapy in Diseases of Internal Organs, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland.
Mariola
M
Saulicz
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000379:methods; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D011044:Poland; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000379:methods*
Carpal tunnel syndrome; Discrimination sense; Manual therapy; Neurodynamic techniques