The Effect of Cassava Waxes Hot Bath on Pain, Pressure Pain Threshold and Hand Function Among Patients With Trigger Finger

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Patients With Trigger Finger

• Registration Number: NCT07128043
• Lead Sponsor: University of Phayao

Brief Summary

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cassava wax hand immersion combined with ultrasound therapy on pain severity, pain threshold, finger locking frequency, and hand functional ability in patients with trigger finger. We assessed immediate, short-term, and long-term treatment outcomes.

Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-eight eligible volunteers were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group received ultrasound therapy combined with cassava wax hand immersion, while the control group received ultrasound therapy alone. Treatments were administered three times per week for four weeks.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2025-07-31
• Status Verified: 2025-08
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-08-13
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-08-13
• Study First Posted: 2025-08-17
• Last Update Posted: 2025-08-17
• Study Start: 2025-09-01
• Primary Completion: 2025-09-30
• Study Completion: 2025-10-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 40

Inclusion Criteria

• Having a diagnosis of trigger finger by a physician or a specialized physical therapist
• Present with all of the following symptoms: pain at the base of the affected finger, triggering (catching/locking) as a primary symptom (though pain often increased with it), and a palpable or audible triggering sensation during finger flexion and extension.
• Able to understand and follow the research procedures.

Exclusion Criteria

• Having a history of neurological conditions, such as stroke or diseases causing sensory impairment in the upper limbs.
• Having arthritis or infection in the upper limbs
• Having Rheumatoid Arthritis.
• Having a skin condition in the wrist or hand area, upper limb fractures within the last 6 months, or those affecting movement.
• Having musculoskeletal deformities of the upper limbs that impact movement.
• Having an inflammation (e.g., pain, swelling, redness, warmth) in the wrist and fingers
• Having a history of upper limb surgery, an allergy to cassava starch/flour.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Visual Analog Scale (VAS)	- Time 1: Baseline or Day 1 - Time 2:After treatment, the first time of immediate effect - Time 3: After treatments in 4 weeks - Time 4: 1 month after finishing treatments in 4 weeks.	This assesses the current pain severity using a 10-centimeter scale. Scores range from 0 to 10, where the far left end of the scale indicates "no pain at all" (score of 0), and the far right end indicates "worst pain imaginable" (score of 10). Participants were asked to mark an 'X' on the scale at the point corresponding to their current pain severity.
Pressure pain threshold	- Time 1: Baseline or Day 1 - Time 2:After treatment, the first time of immediate effect - Time 3: After treatments in 4 weeks - Time 4: 1 month after finishing treatments in 4 weeks.	Participants were seated, and the assessor identified the location of the myofascial trigger point. This spot was marked with a washable pen. An algometer (a device used to measure pain threshold) was then applied to the marked trigger point at a rate of approximately 1 kg/second. Participants were instructed to signal immediately upon feeling the onset of pain (pain threshold). The applied pressure ranged from 0 to 11 kg/cm. Each participant underwent three measurements, with a 3-minute rest interval between each. The average of these three measurements was then calculated.
Pain frequency	- Time 1: Baseline or Day 1 - Time 2: After treatments in 4 weeks - Time 3: 1 month after finishing treatments in 4 weeks.	Participants were interviewed regarding the frequency of finger locking symptoms and the number of finger locking episodes per day.
Disability of the arm, shoulder and hand	- Time 1: Baseline or Day 1 - Time 2: After treatments in 4 weeks - Time 3: 1 month after finishing treatments in 4 weeks.	This is a questionnaire designed to assess the level of upper extremity impairment. It evaluates the functional ability of the wrist and finger joints, comprising 30 questions related to the patient's daily life activities and work capacity.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Narongsak Khamnon; 🇹🇭 Chiang Rai, Tha sut, Thailand