Effects of nerve mobilization exercise as an adjunct to the conservative treatment for patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study was carried out with the aim of investigating the contribution of nerve mobilization exercises to the conservative treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome.

METHODS:

In this clinical trial, 28 patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups. The control group was composed of 14 patients who were treated conservatively with a program consisting of physiotherapy and supportive inserts, whereas 14 patients in the study group were given nerve mobilization exercises in addition to the same treatment. Allpatients were followed up for 6 weeks. Before treatment, subjects were evaluated for muscle strength, range of motion, pain, sensory tests, and clinical manifestations of tarsal tunnel syndrome. The evaluations were repeated after 6 weeks.

RESULTS:

There was a significant difference in favor of posttreatment values for range of motion, muscle strength, and pain in both groups (P < .05). Intergroup comparisons showed no difference between the groups for these parameters. Significant results were attained in the study group for 2-point discrimination and light touch and Tinel sign after treatment (P < .05).

CONCLUSION:

Patients in both groups showed improvement from conservative treatment. The results of the study group showed that nerve mobilization exercises have a positive effect on 2-point discrimination and light touch and Tinel sign.

• Authors: Yasemin Kavlak, Fatma Uygur
• Journal: Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics (J Manipulative Physiol Ther) Vol. 34 Issue 7 Pg. 441-8 (Sep 2011) ISSN: 1532-6586 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21875518 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adult
• Exercise Therapy (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Muscle Strength
• Pain Measurement
• Physical Therapy Modalities
• Range of Motion, Articular
• Single-Blind Method
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (physiopathology, therapy)
• Tibial Nerve (physiopathology)