Abstract

Background: The ulnar side of the wrist has been referred to as the “black box” of the wrist because of its complex structures and sophisticated anatomy, disorders at this anatomical site have been compared to those of low back pain

Purposes: The purpose of this study was to apply the Brief International Classification of Functioning (ICF) Core Set for Hand Conditions to the physical therapy outcome measures, and to evaluate the contribution of these measures to overall health in subjects with ulnar wrist pain. A secondary purpose was to investigate the effect of wrist orthotics and strengthening exercise on subjects with ulnar wrist pain. Methods: Thirty-five subjects with ulnar wrist pain were recruited to receive orthotics and strengthening exercises. Investigators measured pain, function using the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire, grip strength using the Jamar dynamometer, at baseline, two and four weeks post randomization. Regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of these variables on overall health represented by the Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire. A mixed Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) modeling was used to investigate the effect of the intervention over time.

Results: Fifty-three percent of the variability in SF-36 physical health summary scores was explained by the studied variables with grip strength predicting 31% of the variability. There were statistical significant differences between the two intervention groups and the control group, while there were no statistical significant differences between the two intervention groups over the three measurement occasions.

Conclusions: The Brief ICF Core Set for Hand Conditions can be a useful abridged list of categories relevant to functioning and health in subjects with ulnar wrist pain. Also, orthotics intervention is as effective as orthotics plus strengthening exercises in improving pain, function, and grip strength in subjects with ulnar wrist pain.

Key words: Ulnar wrist pain, Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex, Brief International Classification of Functioning Core Set, ulnar-based orthotics, Physical Therapy.

LLU Discipline

Physical Therapy

Department

Physical Therapy

School

School of Allied Health Professions

First Advisor

Lohman, Everett B., III

Second Advisor

Daher, Noha S.

Third Advisor

Syed, Hasan M.

Degree Name

Doctor of Science (DSc)

Degree Level

D.Sc.

Year Degree Awarded

2015

Date (Title Page)

9-2015

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Triangular Fibrocartilage -- Injuries; Triquetrum Bone -- Injuries; Radius Fractures -- Complications; Ulnar Nerve -- Injuries; Physical Therapy Modalities

Subject - Local

Ulnar Wrist Pain; Ulnar-based Orthotics; Strength Exercises; Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

129

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

Download

Share

COinS