Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background: Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy after carpal tunnel syndrome. whether conservative or surgical treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome is most effective is still much debated. An important component of conservative treatment is physiotherapy , which aims to promote physical and psychological health for the patient. purpose of the study : the purpose of the current study was to find out the effectiveness of high intensity laser on pain intensity level and ulnar nerve motor conduction velocity across the elbow in cubital tunnel syndrome . Subjects and methods : thirty patients (18 females and 12 males)their age ranged from 20 to 40 years suffering from mild to moderate unilateral cubital tunnel syndrome were conducted in the present study. They were assigned randomly into two equal studies groups. Group A consisted of 15 patients (9 females and 6 males) with mean age and body mass index (BMI) values of 28.06±2.28 years and 23.26±0.40 kg/m2 respectively. Group B consisted of 15 patients (9 females and 6 males) with mean age and BMI values of 28.4±3.20 years and 23.11±0.44 kg/m2 respectively . Study group: group A received high intensity laser while control group: group B recieved placebo high intensity laser , 5 times\ week for 4 weeks . Both groups were received same regular medical treatment. They were assessed using visual analogue scale for pain intensity level and nerve conduction studies for ulnar nerve motor conduction velocity. The assessment was performed twice for every subject (pre and post program). Results: statistical interpretation of both groups showed significant improvement , but in case of study group(G,A) the amount of improvement was higher in reduction of pain intensity level and increase in ulnar nerve motor conduction velocity across the elbow when compared with control group(G,B)with a p value 0.0001 in group A. Conclusion : High Intensity laser represents a significant effective therapy modality on suppression of pain intensity level and increase in ulnar nerve motor conduction velocity across the elbow

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