Hand Therapy Approach on Lumbrical Muscle Tears in Sport Climbers

Hand Therapy Approach on Lumbrical Muscle Tears in Sport Climbers

This study aimes to analyze the effectiveness of a Hand Therapy protocol in the management of patients who suffer from a tear of a lumbrical muscle, regarding on the symptoms during the clinical examination, the disability in their activities of daily living and the sports-specific function.

A prospective intervention study is performed on 50 adult climbers suffering from an injury of the 4th lumbrical muscle. They wear during 3 weeks a 5th finger extension relative motion orthosis, while pain-free sport activities are permitted using a 4th and 5th fingers buddy-taping. After three weeks, patients are told to progressively remove the splint and, after six weeks, the splint is totally removed. Symptoms in the lumbrical stress test are evaluated during the 6 weeks period using dynamometry and goniometry, Finally, Quick-Disabilities of the arm shoulder and hand questionnaire is also analyzed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult climbers suffering from an injury of the 4th lumbrical muscle

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with previous treatments.
• Patients with concomitant injuries or illness