A randomized, controlled trial of magnetic therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome. - GreenMedInfo Summary
A randomized, controlled trial of magnetic therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Muscle Nerve. 2018 Mar 7. Epub 2018 Mar 7. PMID: 29513382
Vanessa Baute
INTRODUCTION: Magnet therapy has been proposed as a treatment for neurologic conditions. In this this trial we assessed the feasibility and efficacy of a magnet inserted into a wristband for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
METHODS: Twenty-two patients with mild to moderate CTS were randomized to wear a high-dose or low-dose"sham"magnetic wristband for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Secondary measures were nerve conduction studies (NCS), median nerve ultrasound, and compliance.
RESULTS: Compliance for both groups was>90%. Improvements in the mean SSS, NCS, and median nerve ultrasound did not reach statistical significance.
DISCUSSION: Magnet therapy via wristband is well-tolerated. Further investigations in larger populations are needed to determine efficacy. Muscle Nerve, 2018.