Investigation of the effect of radial nerve mobilization on pain, function, and grip strength in patients with thumb osteoarthritis: A quasi-randomized controlled clinical study.

QUESTIONS: Does radial nerve mobilization reduce pain and improve hand function in individuals with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC OA)?

DESIGN

Prospective, quasi-randomized, assessor-blinded study.

SETTING

Hand Rehabilitation Unit, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye.

PATIENTS: Individuals with thumb CMC OA INTERVENTION: Participants were allocated to either a mobilization group (MG = 28) or a control group (CG = 30). Both groups received standard conservative hand therapy; the MG additionally performed gliding exercises targeting the superficial branch of the radial nerve.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain (Visual Analog Scale; 0 = no pain, 10 = worst imaginable pain), grip and pinch strength, dexterity (Nine-Hole Peg Test), hand function (Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire), and disability (Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis).

RESULTS

Resting pain decreased from a median (IQR) of 3.6 (1.7-4.7) to 0.5 (0-2.3) in the MG and from 2.8 (0-4.5) to 2.7 (0.5-4.0) in the CG, with a between-group difference in change scores (95% CI) of 1.1 (0.5-2.9). Activity pain decreased from 6.8 (5.2-9.5) to 3.5 (2-4.6) in the MG and from 7.0 (5-7.8) to 4.9 (4.4-6.6) in the CG, with a between-group difference in change scores (95% CI) of 0.7 (0.2-2.8). Improvements in grip strength, pinch strength, disability, and hand function were more significant in the MG. No between-group differences were observed for night pain or dexterity.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that radial nerve mobilization exercises combined with conventional hand therapy may provide with additional improvements in pain reduction, strength, function, and disability in individuals with thumb CMC OA.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05650970. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.