Evaluation of the effectiveness of night splints and occupational therapy in carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that can significantly affect the quality of life of patients. It affects 3% of the global population and is a major cause of absenteeism from work. Treatment can be conservative or surgical. Night splints and occupational therapy are common interventions in conservative treatment. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a combined intervention of night splints and OT in improving symptoms in patients with mild to moderate CTS. Method: Quasi-experimental study with 20 participants diagnosed with CTS without surgical intervention evaluated, over six weeks, the efficacy of using night splints combined with a treatment program led by an occupational therapist. Assessment tools were BCTQ-S, VAS and tactile discrimination between two points. Results: The data showed a marked improvement in the majority of participants, highlighting the importance of ergonomic treatment to perform Activities of Daily Living. In 40% of patients, a Minimal Clinically Significant Improvement (MCDI) was observed on the BCTQ-S scale and in 65% on the EVA scale. Conclusion: The proposed treatment can reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate CTS. The importance of changes in gestural habits to improve the symptoms of patients was highlighted. The combination of night splints and ergonomic treatment may be an effective option in the management of mild and moderate CTS, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings.