Protective effect of glove on median nerve compression in the carpal tunnel

Objectives: To determine the protective effect of gel padded glove on media n nerve compression in the carpal tunnel. Methods: Median nerve conduction parameters, skin temperature, laser Dopple r flowmetry and pain modifications were measured during and after a 30-min carpal tunnel external compression protocol performed with and without glov e in a random order on six healthy volunteers. Results: Compression induced a rapidly reversible increase in sensory and m otor distal latencies, a decrease in sensory amplitude, finger laser Dopple r flowmetry and hand skin temperature supporting the hypothesis of a revers ible conduction block of ischemic origin. There was no statistical differen ce between the tests (with or without glove) except for pain that was signi ficantly reduced by glove protection. Conclusion: Gel padded glove does not seem to have a protective effect on t he carpal tunnel syndrome induced by compression but provides significant c omfort.