Effects of tendon and nerve gliding exercises and instructions in activities of daily living following endoscopic carpal tunnel release

Abstract

The effects of postoperative therapy on psychological function following endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) have not been sufficiently investigated. This study investigated the effectiveness of instruction in tendon and nerve gliding exercises and activities of daily living (ADL) as postoperative treatment for 49 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients were randomized into 2 groups (intervention and control). After surgery, tendon and nerve gliding exercises and instruction in ADL were performed only on the experimental group on the day of the surgery. All patients were examined preoperatively and again 5-13 days postoperatively. Outcomes of pain, numbness, sensation, range of motion (ROM), anxiety, ADL and quality of life (QOL) were compared between groups. Differences were seen in pain, static 2-point discrimination, ROM, anxiety, and QOL. Tendon and nerve gliding exercises and instruction in ADL after ECTR appear likely to accelerate recovery.