Comparison of the effects of wrist splint and elastic splint usage on edema,pain,grip strength,and upper extremity functionally in pregnant women with carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome CTS is a common musculoskeletal problem in pregnancy. The aim of this thesis is to compare the effects of volar-assisted wrist splint and elastic splint use on edema, pain, grip strength and upper extremity functionality in pregnant women with CTS. The study was carried out in Diyarbakır province between 2022 January and 2023 April. Forty-one pregnant in the last trimester of pregnancy who were diagnosed with CTS by the physician were included in the study. The Grip strength with Jamar hand dynamometer, functionality with Q-DASH and Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaires, pain and water overflow method with Visual Analog Scale and edema consideration were evaluated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 31.71±5.78 years, body mass index was 28.85±3.63 kg/m2, duration of pain was 2.24±0.79 months, and pain intensity was 6.63±1.69 according to VAS. As a result of the study, significant reduction in pain (p=0.001), increase in functionality values (p=0.001), significant increase in grip strength (p=0.001) and decrease in edema (p=0.001) were observed in both groups after the treatment. However, there was no significant difference in pain, functionality and grip strength values between the groups after the treatment (p>0.005). In conclusion, in this study comparing the effects of volar-assisted wrist splint and elastic splint, both treatment methods for pregnant women with CTS decreased pain and edema, increased grip strength and upper extremity functionality. Considering individual needs, characteristics and living conditions, both splints can be recommended in pregnant women in case of CTS.