The effects of virtual reality-mediated tendon and nerve gliding exercises in the conservative management of carpal tunnel syndrome: a double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial.

Only 52 hands from 32 participants were analysed, and one participant did not complete post-treatment or follow-up assessments. Randomisation did not produce equivalent baseline values for the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire symptom severity score, physical component summary score, hand-grip strength, or median distal motor latency. All groups wore night splints and did tendon and nerve gliding exercises, so the study cannot show how much benefit came from virtual reality alone. Participants had long-standing symptoms, which the authors noted may have reduced the effectiveness of gliding exercises. The sample had mild-to-moderate disease without thenar weakness, so it may not apply to patients with severe nerve damage or muscle weakness. Follow-up ended at 16 weeks, and nerve conduction changes may take longer to appear.

The authors declared no financial conflicts of interest. The study was partly funded by the university's Scientific Research Projects Unit under Project Code TSA-2021-37510, and the authors alone were responsible for the study design, data collection, and analysis.

Do not conclude that virtual reality exercises improve overall carpal tunnel symptoms or function. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire did not differ significantly between groups, all groups used night splints and gliding exercises, and the significant differences were limited to nighttime symptoms and vibration perception.