Health TrialsbyHealthPanel

EMG-Triggered Electrical Stimulation After Median/Ulnar Nerve Repairs

ConditionsPeripheral Nerve InjuriesMedian Nerve InjuryUlnar Nerve Injury
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-65
SponsorPamukkale University

About this trial

Immobilization following median and/or ulnar nerve repairs results in strength loss in the wrist and finger extensor muscles. Given the critical importance of wrist extension for functional grip, this condition significantly restricts hand functions. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of EMG-triggered electrical stimulation applied to the wrist and finger extensors, in addition to conventional physiotherapy, on functional outcomes in patients undergoing median and/or ulnar nerve repair, with the objective of restoring extensor muscle weakness induced by immobilization.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Intact communication skills

No prior history of neurological, orthopedic, rheumatologic, or metabolic diseases affecting the involved extremity

Disqualifiers

Presence of concomitant central nervous system involvement

Pregnancy

Patients with cardiac pacemakers

Patients with cardiac arrhythmias

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

  • EMG-triggered electrical stimulation

    Other intervention

    This group will receive EMG-triggered electrical stimulation therapy in addition to conventional physiotherapy in the 5th week.The EMG-triggered electrical stimulation protocol will be conducted over 12 sessions (3 days/week for 4 weeks). Surface electrodes will be placed parallel to the fibers of the wrist and finger extensors-specifically the EDC, ECRL/B, and ECU-using anatomical landmarks and palpation. Following a baseline calibration (5s contraction/10s rest) to establish a microvolt threshold, the device will require active cognitive participation from the patient to initiate stimulation. Once the threshold is exceeded, stimulation will be delivered at 60 Hz with a 300 µS pulse width and 0.5s ramp times. The procedure involves 10 repetitions per muscle, utilizing a 10s contraction and 30s rest cycle to enhance functional recovery.

  • Conventional physiotherapy group

    Other intervention

    The conventional physiotherapy program will comprise splinting, edema control, range of motion exercises, and resistance training.

Treatment groups

26 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups
Group A: EMG-triggered electrical stimulation groupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Conventional physiotherapy groupActive comparator 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Manual muscle test

Time frame
At 12 and 24 weeks after surgery.

Secondary outcomes

1

Gross and fine grip strength measurements by hand dynamometry and pinch gauge (kg)

Time frame
At 12 and 24 weeks after surgery.
2

Assessment of hand function via Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire

The score for each domain and the total score range from min 0 to max 100. For all domains except pain, a higher score denotes better hand performance or satisfaction. For the pain domain, a higher score indicates more pain.

Time frame
At 12 and 24 weeks after surgery

Other outcomes

Locations

This trial has no locations.

Sponsors and contacts

Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.

Pamukkale University

Lead sponsor

Source ClinicalTrials.gov

This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options: