Functional Outcomes of Long Pulse Width Stimulation and Myofascial Release Technique for Post-Leprosy Ulnar Claw Hand Correction: A Randomised Control Trial

Ulnar claw hand is the condition in which a person having difficulties in extending fingers and reduced grip strength in some leprosy cases. In this study we examine the efficacy of Long Pulse width stimulation (LPWS) and Myofascial Release (MFR) is effective with conventional treatment. 90 cases of ulnar claw hand randomly allocated to 3 groups in which First group treated with conventional treatment, second group treated with conventional therapy and MFR and Third group treated with conventional therapy and combination of MFR and LPWS. All three groups treated with 6 weeks treatment plan. Outcome measures used in this study are ROM of metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPJ) and grip strength. All groups show significant improvement following (p <0.05) but group which receive treatment combined with LPWS and MFR shows significantly highest improvement among the other groups in both grip strength and MCP joint ROM. These results indicates that conventional treatment is combined with LPWS and MFR to rehabilitation of ulnar claw hand will increase the neuromuscular activation and soft tissue mobilization resulting in best functional outcomes. In conclusion, the combined use of LPWS and MFR is a safe, non-surgical and effective combination strategy for improving hand function partial claw hand deformity.