Physical Therapist Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University Bangkok, Krung Thep, Thailand
Objectives: To compare the clinical effectiveness of kinesiotaping (KT) and thumb spica splint (TSS) for treatment of subacute De Quervain’s disease
Design: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial: 46 participants with subacute De Quervain’s disease were allocated by randomization into 2 groups. Both groups were instructed to avoid repetitive movements of the affected wrist. The KT group(n=23) were treated with 6 sessions of kinesiotaping. The TSS group(n=23) were treated with thumb spica splint. Both groups received intervention for 3 weeks. Participants were assessed using PRWE scores at pre-intervention, 1- and 3-week post-intervention. Pinch strength and circumference of the affected wrist were assessed pre and 3-week post-intervention and satisfaction scores were assessed at the end of intervention.
Results: Both groups exhibited a substantial reduction in patient wrist hand evaluation (PRWE) scores after the end of intervention. However, when compared together, outcome difference at 1 week were statistically significantly higher in KT group compared to TSS group (p=0.005) but no statistical difference at 3 week (p= 0.121). Lateral pinch strength was significantly increased in KT group (p = 0.046) but not in 3 jaw chuck (p = 0.05) and tip pinch (p = 0.37) strength. Circumference of the affected wrist was significantly decreased in KT group (p = 0.022) and no statistically significant difference in satisfaction score between groups(p=0.284).
Conclusions: Kinesiotaping was more effective than thumb spica splint in improving pain and function at 1-week post-intervention in patient with subacute De Quervain’s disease.
