Influence of Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy on Hand Function Post Flexor Tendon Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

IntroductionPurpose: The study was conducted to investigate the influence of pulsed magnetic field therapy on hand function, grip and pinch grip strength in post flexor tendon repair patients.Material and methodsMethods: Fifty male patients with flexor tendon repair took part in this research, with ages ranging from 25 to 50 years. They were assigned randomly into two groups: Group A (experimental) received pulsed magnetic therapy together with exercise, whereas Group B (control) received only exercise. Evaluation of hand grip strength with Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer, pinch strength with Baseline pinch gauge and hand function with Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, all measurements were made before and after the treatment. They were received 16 sessions for 8 weeks (2 sessions/week).ResultsResults: 2 x2 mixed design MANOVA revealed that no significant difference between both groups pre- treatment and post treatment in MHOQ total, function, aesthetic (p>0.05) and in hand grip strength while there was a significant difference across groups after treatment in the strength of pinch grip, MHOQ ADL, pain and satisfaction p <0.05), there was also a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment within groups in all outcome measures. (p <0.05).ConclusionsConclusion: PMF increases the efficiency of physical therapy treatment and it also increases the strength of both hand grip and pinches grip in patients after flexor tendon repair in zone II.