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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07779096

Effect of Neural Mobilization on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The study group (G1) consisted of 15 patients treated by neural mobilization techniques targeting the median nerve, in addition to a selected physical therapy program including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, and strengthening exercises for the wrist and hand muscles. The control group (G2) consisted of 15 patients treated only by the same selected physical therapy program as in G1, without neural mobilization.

All outcome variables (median nerve cross-sectional area, flattening ratio, and flexor retinaculum bowing measured by diagnostic ultrasound; hand grip strength measured by handheld dynamometer; and symptom severity and functional status measured by the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) were assessed pre-treatment and after 6 weeks of intervention, for comparison within and between groups.

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Key information

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cumulative Trauma Disorders Median Neuropathy Mononeuropathies Nerve Compression Syndromes Nervous System Diseases Neuromuscular Diseases Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Sprains and Strains Wounds and Injuries

Age range

45 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Physical Therapy Cairo University

Cairo, Other (Non US), 12511, Egypt

About this study

The study group (G1) consisted of 15 patients treated by neural mobilization techniques targeting the median nerve, in addition to a selected physical therapy program including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, and strengthening exercises for the wrist and hand muscles. The control group (G2) consisted of 15 patients treated only by the same selected physical therapy program as in G1, without neural mobilization.

All outcome variables (median nerve cross-sectional area, flattening ratio, and flexor retinaculum bowing measured by diagnostic ultrasound; hand grip strength measured by handheld dynamometer; and symptom severity and functional status measured by the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) were assessed pre-treatment and after 6 weeks of intervention, for comparison within and between groups.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Female patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) confirmed by electrophysiological nerve conduction study Age range: 45-55years Unilateral or bilateral CTS (mild to moderate severity) Symptom duration of at least 3 months (chronic cases) No previous surgical intervention for CTS Willing to participate and sign informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Severe CTS requiring surgical intervention Previous wrist surgery or fracture history Cervical radiculopathy or thoracic outlet syndrome (double crush syndrome)

Treatment and study plan

Neuromobilization

Other

Neuromobilization (also called Neural Mobilization or Neurodynamic Techniques) is a conservative physiotherapy intervention that aims to restore the normal mechanical movement of the median nerve through the carpal tunnel and surrounding tissues.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in pain intensity measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)

    Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment

    Pain intensity was assessed using the 0-10 cm Visual Analogue Scale (0 = no pain, 10 = worst imaginable pain). Higher scores indicate greater pain.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in symptom severity measured by the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ)

    Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment

    Symptom severity was assessed using the SSS of the BCTQ (11 items, each scored 1-5; higher mean score indicates more severe symptoms).

  2. Change in functional status measured by the Functional Status Scale (FSS) of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ)

    Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment

    Functional status was assessed using the FSS of the BCTQ (8 items, each scored 1-5; higher mean score indicates greater functional impairment).

  3. Change in hand grip strength measured by a handheld dynamometer

    Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment

    Maximum hand grip strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer (in kg).

  4. Change in median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) measured by diagnostic ultrasound

    Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment

    CSA of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet was measured by diagnostic ultrasonography (in mm²).

  5. Change in median nerve flattening ratio measured by diagnostic ultrasound

    Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment

    The flattening ratio of the median nerve was measured by diagnostic ultrasonography.

  6. Change in flexor retinaculum (palmar) bowing measured by diagnostic ultrasound

    Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment

    Palmar bowing of the flexor retinaculum was measured by diagnostic ultrasonography (in mm).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Neural Mobilization on Selective Sonographic Parameters and Functional Outcome in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Acronym: CTS

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Aug 21, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 21, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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