Effect of nervous tissue mobilization on hand function in leprosy.

Purpose of the Study
Leprosy patients can have sensory as well as motor hand function involvement. Nervous tissue mobilisation has been reported to be an effective intervention for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome though benefits are still under research. The effect of nervous tissue mobilization in leprosy is not studied. Thus this study studies effect of nervous tissue mobilization in leprosy hand.
Objectives
Effect of nervous tissue mobilization on grip and pinch strength in leprosy.
Effect of nervous tissue mobilization on sensory hand function in leprosy.
Methodology
Subjects with only type one leprosy hand were included in the study whereas those with type II & III and with Previous history of any neurological & musculoskeletal pathology.
Outcome measures: pinch strength by using pinch meter, grip strength using Jamar hand dynamometer, tactile sensitivity using Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and pressure threshold using pressure algometre. 60 subjects were randomly assigned into two groups Experimental (Group-A), and Control group (Group-B), All patients were evaluated for baseline data of the above mentioned outcome measure. Neural tissue mobilisation given for group A 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Follow-up evaluation was done at the end of each week and one week after 9th session. Participants in control group received sham neural mobilisation.
Results
Study revealed statistically significant improvement of pinch (p-0.0006, mean difference 6.967) & grip strength (p-0.0400, mean difference=8.500) in an experimental group. Pressure sensitivity improved significantly in experimental group (p<0.001, mean difference=-3.214). tactile sensitivity of ulnar shows statistically significant improvement of experimental group (p=0.0366, mean diff=0.213).
Conclusion
Nervous tissue mobilisation is effective in improving pinch and grip strength as well as sensory hand function in leprosy.