Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT07709156

Conventional, High-Intensity Laser, and Magnetic Field Therapies in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This retrospective study aims to compare the clinical effectiveness of conventional physical therapy, high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), and pulsed magnetic field therapy (PMFT) in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The study evaluates changes in pain, symptom severity, functional status, hand grip strength, and electrophysiological findings following treatment. Researchers will compare the outcomes of the three treatment approaches to determine whether HILT or PMFT provides additional clinical benefits beyond conventional therapy. The findings may help clinicians select the most appropriate conservative treatment strategy for patients with CTS.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cumulative Trauma Disorders Median Neuropathy 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

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Kto Karatay University

Konya, Karatay, 42030, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy and is characterized by pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and functional limitations resulting from compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Conservative treatment is recommended for patients with mild-to-moderate CTS and commonly includes physical therapy modalities. Although conventional physiotherapy remains a standard treatment approach, newer modalities such as high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and pulsed magnetic field therapy (PMFT) have gained increasing attention because of their potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-healing effects.

This retrospective observational study evaluates and compares the clinical outcomes of patients with CTS who received one of three conservative treatment approaches: conventional physical therapy alone, conventional physical therapy combined with HILT, or conventional physical therapy combined with PMFT. Clinical records will be reviewed to assess treatment-related changes in pain intensity, symptom severity, functional status, hand grip strength, and electrophysiological parameters before and after treatment.

The primary objective of the study is to compare the effectiveness of these treatment approaches in improving clinical outcomes in patients with CTS. The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the relative effectiveness of HILT and PMFT as adjunctive treatment options to conventional physical therapy and to support clinical decision-making in the conservative management of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
  • Mild-to-moderate CTS not requiring surgical intervention
  • Positive Tinel's sign
  • Received treatment at the participating center(s) within the past five years
  • Complete pre-treatment and post-treatment clinical assessment records
  • Completion of the prescribed treatment protocol

Exclusion criteria

  • Previous carpal tunnel surgery or indication for surgical intervention Incomplete medical records
  • Failure to complete the treatment protocol
  • Presence of concomitant upper extremity disorders that could affect study outcomes
  • Presence of neurological, orthopedic, or systemic conditions that could influence the clinical assessments

Treatment and study plan

Conventional physical therapy

Other

A standardized conservative treatment program including therapeutic ultrasound, TENS, nerve and tendon gliding exercises, and neutral wrist splinting.

High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)

Other

High-intensity laser therapy was applied according to the standard treatment protocol as an adjunct to conventional physical therapy.

Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy (PMFT)

Other

Pulsed magnetic field therapy was applied according to the standard treatment protocol as an adjunct to conventional physical therapy.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain Intensity

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of treatment (4 weeks)

    Pain intensity was assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), with higher scores indicating greater pain severity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Hand Grip Strength

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of treatment (4 weeks)

    Hand grip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer according to standardized testing procedures. Higher values indicate greater grip strength.

  2. Symptom Severity and Functional Status

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of treatment (4 weeks)

    Symptom severity and functional status were evaluated using the Symptom Severity Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

KTO Karatay University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effectiveness of Conventional, High-Intensity Laser, and Magnetic Field Therapies in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Retrospective Study

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 16, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 16, 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.