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Acute Effects of Warm Whirlpool Bath Therapy on Forearm and Hand Muscle Stiffness and Pain in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Sponsor: Erzurum Technical University
Summary
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy that causes pain, paresthesia and functional limitations in the hand and wrist. Hydrotherapy methods such as warm whirlpool baths are frequently used in physiotherapy practice to reduce pain and improve soft-tissue properties, but their acute effects on forearm and hand muscle stiffness in CTS have not been clearly quantified. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the acute effects of a single session of warm whirlpool bath therapy on forearm and hand muscle stiffness and pain intensity in adults with CTS. Participants diagnosed with CTS will be randomly allocated to an experimental group receiving a 20-minute warm whirlpool bath or to a resting control group. Muscle stiffness of selected forearm and hand muscles will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device, and pain intensity will be recorded with a numeric rating scale, immediately before and after the intervention. It is hypothesized that warm whirlpool bath therapy will produce a greater reduction in muscle stiffness and pain compared with rest alone.
Official title: Acute Effects of Warm Whirlpool Bath Therapy on Forearm and Hand Muscle Stiffness and Pain in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
24
Start Date
2025-11-30
Completion Date
2025-12-10
Last Updated
2025-11-28
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Warm Whirlpool Bath Therapy
The affected hand and forearm are immersed in a therapeutic whirlpool bath with gently circulating water at approximately 38-39°C for 20 minutes. Participants are positioned to ensure comfort and muscle relaxation. Skin integrity and tolerance to heat are checked before treatment and monitored throughout the session
Resting Control Condition
Participants rest in a comfortable supine or seated position with the affected forearm supported for 20 minutes. No active hydrotherapy, thermal or manual intervention is applied. Positioning and monitoring are comparable to the experimental group.
Locations (1)
Erzurum Şehir Hastanesi
Erzurum, Turkey (Türkiye)