Effect of Bioptron Light Therapy on Pregnancy Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract Background: Pregnancy related carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most frequent mononeuropathy during pregnancy that means compression neuropathy of the median nerve at the level of the wrist. Physical therapy intervention can help in CTS management. Aim of Study: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of bioptron light therapy on pregnancy related CTS. Patients and Methods: 62 pregnant women with CTS were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups equal in num-ber. Group (A) included 31 women who treated with Bioptron light therapy for 10 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week, for 4 weeks and wore wrist bracein addition to advice and pa-tient education. Group (B) treated with the same program for group A excluding bioptron light therapy. Assessment of all fe-males were done before the treatment program as well was after 4 weeks of treatment through measuring the nerve conduction studies (NCS) using electromyography. Results: There was a significant improvement in mo-tor conduction velocity (MCV) post treatment in group (A) (p=0.001). While there was no statistical significant difference of MCV post-treatment in group (B) (p=0.301). There was a statistical significant decrease of distal motor latency (DML) in both groups A and B post treatment (p=0.001) and (p=0.004) respectively in favor to bioptron light therapy group. Conclusion: Using bioptron light therapy in the manage-ment of CTS during pregnancy has superior effect more than using wrist brace and advice only.