Abstract
Objective: This pilot trial explored the influence of static magnetic fields imbedded in a wrist-hand fitment on nerve conduction and symptom reports in persons with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) to determine if the active magnetic wristhand fitment would improve objective and subjective symptom measures versus the sham control. Methods: Randomized, sham-controlled, pilot trial involving participants with CTS (N=26) who wore either an active magnetic wrist-hand fitment or a sham fitment for 8 to10 hours a day for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included changes in nerve conduction and weekly symptom ratings. Results: The active magnetic fitment group showed significant improvement in motor nerve conduction latency (p=0.046) and a trend toward improvement in sensory latency (p=0.090) compared to the sham group. Objective measures of motor and sensory nerve conduction improved in the active group compared to the sham group, while there were no differences between groups for subjective reports of symptom and functional measures, with both groups showing improvement over time. Conclusion: Findings of improvement in motor distal latency, with only a trend toward improvement in sensory latency, still leave healthcare professionals without sufficient information to inform patients that static magnetic fields are either effective or ineffective in the management of symptoms related to CTS.
Highlights
Cumulative trauma disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) involve injury to soft tissue
Sixty persons with CTS were contacted for the study
Functional limitation significantly decreased (p = 0.017). These results indicate selfreported improvement in the subjective measures from baseline to post-treatment regardless of group assignment, indicating that wearing the fitment itself had a positive effect
Summary
Cumulative trauma disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) involve injury to soft tissue (i.e., nerves and/or tendons, ligaments, vascular structures). Carpal tunnel release is performed about 400,000 to 500,000 times a year and generally results in relief of symptoms and improvement; this surgical procedure may fail for several reasons, leading to recurrence of CTS and need for further surgery [5]. Conservative treatment for repetitive motion trauma includes splinting the affected joint, use of anti-inflammatory agents, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) supplementation, steroidal injections, changing duties in the workplace, and ergonomic adjustments of equipment [6]. Given that these treatment options sometimes do not provide symptom relief or return of functionality, more effective and cost-efficient treatment strategies are needed [7]
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