Rehabilitation using plastic building-block toys was associated with early recovery following carpal tunnel release: a prospective comparative observational pilot study - 08/08/26
, Jean Baptiste de Villeneuve Bargemon c, Lorenzo Merlini dAbstract |
Background |
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) frequently requires surgical release, but optimal postoperative rehabilitation strategies remain poorly standardized. Innovative, task-oriented approaches may improve functional recovery and patient engagement. This study aimed to determine whether a structured rehabilitation program using plastic building-block toys improves outcomes after carpal tunnel release (CTR). Specifically, we asked: (1) does this program enhance sensory recovery, (2) does it improve patient-reported functional outcomes, and (3) are these effects observable early after surgery?
Hypothesis |
We hypothesized that the BRICKS rehabilitation program would result in superior sensory and functional recovery compared with non-formal therapy.
Patients and methods |
This single-centre prospective study included adult patients with severe CTS (grade 4–6) undergoing CTR between 2022 and 2025. Postoperatively, patients received either non-formal therapy (NFT group) or a structured home-based rehabilitation program using plastic building-block toys (BRICKS group). The primary endpoint was the comparison of sensory discrimination (Weber test) at 3 months postoperatively. Secondary endpoints included comparison of Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Scale [BCTQ-SS] and Functional Form [BCTQ-FF] results at 3 months postoperatively as well as as all outcome measurements obtained at 1 month postoperatively. A total of 40 patients were included (20 per group).
Results |
Both groups showed significant improvements in Weber test, BCTQ-SS, and BCTQ-FF scores between preoperative and postoperative assessments (1 and 3 months). At 1 month, the Weber test was significantly lower in the BRICKS group compared with the NFT group (3.4 ± 1.0 vs 4.5 ± 1.2), with no between-group differences in BCTQ scores. At 3 months, the BRICKS group demonstrated significantly better outcomes for all endpoints, with lower Weber test values (2.8 ± 0.6 vs 4.1 ± 1.2), BCTQ-SS scores (13.3 ± 1.8 vs 16.6 ± 3.0), and BCTQ-FF scores (9.5 ± 1.7 vs 12.0 ± 3.3) compared with the NFT group.
Discussion |
A structured, task-oriented rehabilitation program using building-block activities improved sensory discrimination and functional outcomes following CTR, with effects becoming significant at 3 months. These findings support the integration of engaging, home-based rehabilitation strategies to enhance postoperative recovery in severe CTS, in line with growing evidence favoring active, task-specific rehabilitation approaches.
Level of evidence |
III; Therapeutic
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Carpal tunnel release rehabilitation (severe CTS/ultrasound-guided CTR/home-based recovery), BRICKS program (plastic building-block toys/LEGO®/task-oriented rehabilitation/fine motor coordination), Sensory recovery (Weber test/two-point discrimination/median nerve recovery), Patient-reported outcomes (BCTQ-SS/BCTQ-FF/symptom severity/functional form), Sensorimotor rehabilitation (cortical plasticity/sensory relearning/proprioceptive training), Rehabilitation adherence (game-based therapy/patient engagement/home exercise/self-monitoring)
Plan
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