The Efficacy of Exercise-Based Rehabilitation in Treating Ulnar Wrist Pain

Abstract

Background: Exercise-based rehabilitation effectively treats ulnar wrist pain, enhancing pain relief, grip strength, and mobility. Targeted exercises lead to significant pain reduction and functional recovery. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of exercise-based rehabilitation in treating ulnar wrist pain. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2023 to December 2023. This study includes 60 patients with ulnar wrist pain who were divided into two groups: Group A (30 patients) received rehabilitation therapy, and Group B (30 patients) received no therapy. Result: The mean age was 45.2 ± 10.5 years in Group A and 43.2 ± 9.7 years in Group B (P = 0.4466). Gender distribution was balanced, as were the mean pain durations (P = 0.7200). At baseline, Group A's mean VAS score was 7.8 ± 1.2 and Group B's was 7.6 ± 1.4 (P = 0.5548). After 12 weeks, Group A's pain score decreased significantly to 2.5 ± 0.7, while Group B's remained at 6.6 ± 1.2 (P < 0.0001). Group A's grip strength increased from 18.5 ± 3.5 kg to 33.0 ± 2.8 kg, compared to Group B's 20.5 ± 3.8 kg (P < 0.0001). Group A also showed greater wrist ROM and PRWE score improvements. Conclusion: This study concludes that exercise-based rehabilitation significantly reduces pain, enhances grip strength, and improves wrist range of motion in patients with ulnar wrist pain.