The Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Electrodiagnostic Parameters of Median Nerve in Patients with Mild Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract

Background: According to the pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome, reducing of the pressure and tension in the carpal tunnel and improving in the nerve blood supply could decrease the patient’s signs and symptoms. Therefore, the purpose of this study was the effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression in the Electrodiagnostic parameters of the median nerve in patients with mild carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods: In this double blind randomized clinical trial, thirty subjects with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome were included. The subjects were randomly divided into Neurodynamic group and Intermittent Pneumatic Compression group. The Intermittent Pneumatic Compression group was treated with compression instrument (Model 2008 WIC) in addition to conventional therapy. The Neurodynamic group received ULTT2a for median nerve by Butler methods and conventional therapy, including TENS, Hot pack, US and free active exercises. Interventions were conducted three times per week for four weeks. Overall, subjective symptoms, score of disability and electrodiagnostic parameters of median nerve were measured before and after intervention by Boston questionnaire and electrodiagnostic device. Data were analyzed with paired and independent t tests (p<0.05).

Results: Score of Boston Questionnaire and sensory peak latency, sensory nerve conduction velocity of the median nerve significantly were changed, in the both groups (p<0.05). But there was no significant difference in Score of Boston Questionnaire and sensory peak latency and sensory nerve conduction velocity between two groups (p>0.05). The only significant difference between the two groups was in the distal motor latency of the median nerve (p<0.05).

Conclusion: According to the results of the study, Intermittent Pneumatic Compression therapy improved pain and distal motor latency of the median nerve in patients with mild carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, we suggest that in addition to routine exercises, Intermittent Pneumatic Compression could also be considered in subjects with mild Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.