Effects of neurodynamic techniques (ULTT1) for median nerve on the carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms

The aim of our study was to investigate sensory evaluation; light touch sensation on median nerve innervated areas of the hand and joint position sense (JPS) of wrist after by using Upper Limb Tension Test for median nerve (ULTT1) in healthy subjects who have CTS symptoms. The 32 healthy subjects aged between 21-63 years were participated to study according to higher than 11 points and lesser than 46 points from Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) included. The demographic features of subjects (age, gender, height, body weight, health problems) and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) scores were recorded. Participants were treated with ULTT1 which consisted of 12 repetitions and 15-20 seconds for each repetition after by baseline measurements which are Semmes –Weinstein Monofilament (SWM), JPS and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) are taken. Immediately after therapy and 1-week after therapy SWM, JPS and VAS evaluations were taken and values were recorded. According to the results of the study, there was a meaningful decrease in pain status both immediately and 1-week after therapy (p<0.05). In accordance with sensory evaluations; SWM was improved both thumb and index finger also JPS was improved in 45ᵒ and 20ᵒ flexion degrees and 20ᵒ extension degrees (p<0.05).