The Efficacy of Hand Exercise and Splinting on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome among Pregnant Women

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome has a critical effect on the pregnant women’squality of life. Several non-pharmacological techniques have been used to relievethese symptoms. The aim of this study: was to determine the efficacy of handexercise and splinting on carpal tunnel syndrome among pregnant women. Subjectsand Method: Quasi experimental research design was used to conduct this study atantenatal outpatient clinic of Tanta University, El-Menshawy and EL-MabaraHospitals. The study sample consisted of 120 pregnant women with carpal tunnelsyndrome. Data collection was conducted using three tools, Tool I: Women'sknowledge structured interviewing questionnaire regarding carpal tunnel syndrome,Tool II: Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire and Tool III: Numeric painrating scale. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in the overallknowledge, severity of carpal tunnel syndrome, and level of pain afterimplementation of hand exercise and splinting. Additionally, there were positivecorrelation between the studied pregnant women’s total score level of knowledge andtheir total Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire pre and post intervention,also there is a negative correlation between knowledge scores and Numeric Painscores pre and post intervention. Conclusion: The findings of the present studyrevealed significant improvement in the overall knowledge, severity of carpal tunnelsyndrome, and level of pain after implementation of the intervention.Recommendation: It is recommended to develop training programs for pregnantwomen in order to improve their knowledge and practices regarding carpal tunnelsyndrome.