ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture and nerve and tendon gliding exercises on mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.Methods Forty patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,each of 20.Both groups were given neurotrophic drugs.The observation group was additionally provided with electroacupuncture and nerve and tendon gliding exercises,while the control group was given routine health education for 4 weeks.The Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire (BCTQ),a visual analogue scale (VAS),thumb and middle finger to wrist motor conduction velocity (MCV),sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs),median nerve distal motor latency (DML) and the amplitude of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the musculi abductor pollicis brevis were evaluated.Results There were no significant differences in any of the measurements between the two groups before the treatment.After four weeks of treatment,significantly better improvement was observed in the average SCV of the thumb and wrist,the SCV of the digitus medius and wrist,the SNAP of the thumb and wrist,the SNAP of the digitus medius and wrist,the DML of the nervus medianus and the CMAP of the abductor pollicis brevis in the observation group compared to before the treatment and compared to the control group.Moreover,there was a significant decrease in the observation group's average BCTQ symptom score and function score and in their VAS ratings.However,in the control group significant differences were only found in the average SCV of the thumb and wrist,the DML of the nervus medianus and in their VAS ratings.Conclusions Electroacupuncture and nerve and tendon gliding exercises can significantly relieve symptoms and restore hand function.They are worth applying in clinical practice.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe any effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on pul monary function,airflow obstruction,dyspnea,exercise capacity and levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the sputum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods Thirty patients with stage Ⅰ or Ⅱ COPD were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group with 15 cases in each.TENS applied at the Feishu acupuncture point (BL13) was used in the treatment group,while sham stimulation of the same point without current output was used in the control group.The treatment was administered 40 minutes once daily,5 days a week for a total of 4 weeks.The outcome measures were measured before and after 4 weeks of treatment.Results FVC,FEV1,FEV1％,and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) all improved significantly in the treatment group after 4 weeks of treatment.After treatment,the average TNF-α level in induced sputum and exercise capacity as indicated by the average BODE index had both improved significantly in the treatment group.Compared with the control group,pulmonary function,TNF-α and the BODE index in the treatment group were all significantly better.There was no significant difference in pulmonary function,BODE index or TNF-α before and after treatment in the control group.Conclusion TENS at the Feishu acupoint can reduce airway inflammation,improve pulmonary function and exercise capacity,and decrease TNF-α levels in patients with stage Ⅰ or Ⅱ COPD.This treatment should be very useful for enhancing their ability in the activities of daily living.