Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT07317024

Additional Effects of Shockwave Therapy Along With Median Nerve Gliding Exercises in Patient With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a widespread condition resulting from the compression of the median nerve, causing significant pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand.This study decisively evaluates the impactful effects of integrating shockwave therapy (ESWT) with median nerve gliding exercises.The primary goals are to enhance median nerve function, improve hand performance, and achieve superior pain management.This will be a rigorous non-blinded randomized control trial involving two groups formed through purposive sampling .A total of 12 sessions of shockwave therapy with median nerve gliding exercises and 12 sessions of median nerve gliding exercises were performed in both groups, with three sessions each week over a four-week period. The experimental group were received shockwave therapy and median nerve gliding exercises while the control group were given physical therapy and median nerve gliding exercises.Outcomes will be measured using NCS BTCQ and NPRS. The study will take place over one year at FFH and FUCP, with ethical approval from ERC FUMC.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cumulative Trauma Disorders Hand Functions Median Neuropathy Mobility Mononeuropathies Nerve Compression Syndromes Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Diseases Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Signs and Symptoms Sprains and Strains Wounds and Injuries

Age range

20 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Foundation University College of Physical Therapy

Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan

About this study

OBJECTIVE:

The objectives of this study are:

  • To evaluate and compare the effects of shockwave therapy combined with nerve gliding exercises against nerve gliding exercises alone on the velocity and amplitude of the median nerve.
  • To analyze and compare the impact of shockwave therapy combined with nerve gliding exercises versus nerve gliding exercises alone on hand function in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • To assess and compare the effects of shockwave therapy combined with nerve gliding exercises with those of nerve gliding exercises alone on reported pain levels.

HYPOTHESIS

Alternate Hypothesis:

There will be statistically significant difference in effects of shockwave therapy combined with nerve gliding exercises and in comparison to nerve gliding exercises alone on hand functional strength, velocity and amplitude of the median nerve and pain. . (p<0.05).

Null Hypothesis:

There will be no statistically significant difference in effects of shockwave therapy combined with nerve gliding exercises and in comparison to nerve gliding exercises alone on hand functional strength, velocity and amplitude of the median nerve and pain. (p<0.05).

Research Design: Experimental study. Randomized Control Trial

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Gender: Both females and males were included.
  • Age: Between 20 and 40 years old.
  • Patients exhibiting positive results on the "Phalen's test and Tinel's test."
  • Presence of symptoms, including pain, tingling and numbness, affecting the first, second and third fingers.

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals with a history of wrist surgery.
  • Patients with active infections or cancer, for whom shockwave therapy is contraindicated.
  • Pregnant females.
  • Individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment and study plan

NERVE GLIDING EXERCISES

Procedure

Median nerve mobilization involves exercises aimed at relieving pressure in the carpal tunnel, making it a common treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Techniques may stretch the nerve from both ends or apply tension to one end while releasing the other. Some techniques stretch the nerve from both ends at the same time, while others apply tension to one end while allowing the other end to relax. Conservative treatment options include Neurodynamic mobilization, which utilizes neural gliding to promote nerve movement in relation to surrounding musculoskeletal tissues. This biomechanical strategy aims to decrease swelling and adhesions within the carpal tunnel, thereby restoring the nerve's mobility. Studies have also reported neuromodulatory effects from neural mobilization techniques due to the chronic nature of CTS.

SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

Procedure

Shockwave therapy is a physical intervention intended for diverse musculoskeletal disorders. There are two primary categories: targeted extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and radial shockwave therapy. The two approaches vary in their generation, characteristics, and impact. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is generated in water via electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric sources. This technique generates a concentrated pressure field that converges at a profound focal point, yielding maximum pressure. Conversely, radial shockwaves are produced by propelling a projectile through an air-compressed tube, resulting in a diverging pressure field that affects the tissue more superficially. ESWT in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) have reported enhancements in symptoms, functional scores and pain levels. Additionally, low-to-moderate intensity ESWT has been shown to have positive effects on nerve conduction studies.

Primary outcomes

  1. Perceived Pain Level

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a patient-reported measure of pain intensity, with lower scores indicating less pain.

    Scores between 0-1 indicate minimal pain, generally with little to no interference in daily life. Mild pain, characterized by scores of 2-3. A score in the 4-6 range signifies moderate pain, which is noticeable, can interfere with specific daily functions. Finally, severe pain, represented by scores of 7-10, is intense.

  2. Hand Movement and Function

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    Functional Status Scale (BCFSS) measures the difficulty patients experience with performing specific daily activities affected by CTS, also often on a 1-5 point scale, where higher scores reflect greater functional limitation. Lower scores mean better hand function. Scores around 1.0-2.0 indicate mild impact, 2.0-3.0 moderate impact, and above 3.0 severe impact.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Foundation University Islamabad

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jan 5, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 22, 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.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.