The association between hand disease severity and fatigue in individuals with systemic sclerosis: a scoping review.

Background: Hand disease severity in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) arises from connective tissue and vascular changes causing functional limitations, pain, and disability. Fatigue is not well-understood in SSc and reported to be highly distressing. It is not known how fatigue relates to these disease changes.

Development of a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Protocol to Examine Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Outcomes in Systemic Sclerosis.

Objectives: This study developed a musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) protocol to evaluate rehabilitation outcomes in systemic sclerosis.

Materials & Methods: Three MSUS methods (grey scale, Doppler, strain elastography) and two acquisition techniques (long versus short axis; transducer on skin versus floating on gel) were examined in the forearm before and after rehabilitation treatment. For grey-scale, tissue thickness measures, intra- and inter-rater reliability were calculated (ICCs), and paired t-tests examined differences among techniques.

Comparative efficacy of the dorsal application of Kinesio tape and splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms are problematic especially when signs and symptoms are not substantial enough to require surgical intervention. Conservative treatments have mixed effectiveness, yet are one of the best options for mild to moderate CTS. Kinesio tape is an emerging modality, as it provides biomechanical support while allowing movement.