Effect of Tendon Gliding Exercises with Grip Strengthening Exercises on Quality of Life in Patients with Unilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An Experimental Study

Background: 1 in 5 symptomatic subjects are expected to have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), which has a negative effect on grip strength. Tendon-Gliding (TG) enhances blood flow, decreases tunnel pressure, and prevents the resistance of longitudinal/transverse tensile stresses with Grip-Strengthening (GS) this study will focus on Functional benefit in terms of Quality-Of-Life (QOL) as it is an important domain in daily living. Aim: To find the combined effect of TG and GS to improve the QOL in CTS patients. Methodology: 34 patients were selected based on the inclusion criteria, and informed written consent was taken. Pre and Post-treatment all 3 outcomes were measured. Patients were given TG, GS, and conservative treatment for 5 days/week for 3 weeks. Outcome measures: Pre and Post-treatment all 3 outcome measures BCTQ, Grip Strength, and EQ-5D-5L (for QOL) measured. Results: There was a significant improvement in Functional Status Score (FSS), Symptom-Severity Score (SSS), and Grip Strength at the end of treatment (p less than 0.05). A comparison of data revealed significant improvements in the physical domain of EQ-5D-5L which might lead to a better QOL. Conclusion: The treatment combinations were significantly effective at 3 weeks of treatment duration. Overall, results suggest that a combination of TG, GS, and Ultrasound Therapy is a preferable and efficacious conservative type of treatment in CTS.