Chiropractic Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
and Related Conditions in the Elderly

This section was compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:   Frankp@chiro.org

James R. Hulbert, Ph.D.

Northwestern Health Sciences University

$149,810

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Addressing the lack of appropriate chiropractic outcome studies addressed to elderly populations, this proposal is a single-group cohort study which is actually designed to do the work of four pilot projects concerning patients aged 60 years and older with carpal tunnel syndrome [CTS]. The goals of this research are to: [i] determine the feasibility [such as recruitment and treatment effect] of conducting a subsequent randomized clinical trial; [ii] examine the characteristics [such as symptoms and comorbidities] of this group, [iii] develop chiropractic treatment protocols for this condition; and [iv] evaluate the validity and psychometric properties of the proposed outcome measures.

A sample of 50 patients recruited through the media is to pass through three phases: [i] a 5-week, 3-interview natural history phase involving multiple baseline measurements; [ii] a 5-week treatment period involving 1-3 treatments per week involving manual manipulation of the joints and soft tissues extending from the wrist to the cervical and thoracic areas of the spine; and [iii] follow-up measurements at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. Primary endpoints to be tested are the Katz self-reported symptom severity and functional status scales, while secondary outcomes will be nerve conduction, digital algometry, objective hand function tests [grip and pinch strength], and general function status and quality of life assessments [SF-12 scales].

With the rise of keyboard technologies, the rationale of this research lies in the fact that CTS is likely to increase in incidence and severity in an aging population. The data obtained from this pilot, including the chiropractic protocol assessment, will provide the foundation for documenting chiropractic effectiveness for CTS in a growing cohort of patients.


From FCER's Page http://www.fcer.org/html/Research/Grants/2001.HTM

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