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NCT Number: NCT07613476

Pregabalin Phonophoresis for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand. Oral medications for nerve pain can have significant side effects. This study tests a new, non-invasive approach. Pregabalin, a medication for neuropathic pain, will be mixed into a gel and delivered through the skin using therapeutic ultrasound, a method called phonophoresis. This avoids the digestive system and may reduce side effects. This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of pregabalin phonophoresis against standard ultrasound therapy (without the drug) in 57 patients aged 20-40 with mild to moderate CTS. Treatments will occur 4 times per week for one month. Pain will be measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and hand function using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. The study aims to determine if pregabalin phonophoresis provides superior pain relief and functional improvement compared to ultrasound alone, offering a new, safe, and cost-effective physiotherapy treatment for CTS.

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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 Neuralgia 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

The University of Faisalabad

Faisalābad, Punjab Province, 3800, Pakistan

About this study

This is a multi-center, prospective, randomized, active-controlled, parallel-group trial. After providing informed consent and meeting the inclusion criteria (positive Phalen's/Tinel's sign, symptom duration >3 months, age 20-40), participants will be randomized into two groups using a random number generator. Group A (Experimental) will receive pregabalin phonophoresis. A pregabalin gel will be applied to the affected wrist, followed by therapeutic ultrasound at 1 MHz frequency, 1.5 W/cm^² intensity in circular motion for 5 minutes. Group B (Active Comparator) will receive the same ultrasound parameters applied with a plain, non-medicated gel. Treatment for both groups will be administered 4 sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks (total 16 sessions). Outcome measures, including the NPRS and the BCTSQ, will be collected at baseline and after the final treatment session at week 4. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, with an intention-to-treat analysis. A p-value <0.05 will be considered statistically significant. The trial will be conducted at Madinah Teaching Hospital and Jafar Physiotherapy Center in Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Clinical diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome confirmed by positive Phalen's maneuver or Tinel's sign
  • Age between 20 and 40 years with no painkillers for more than a week
  • Symptom duration of more than 3 months
  • Mild to moderate CTS (no thenar muscle atrophy)
  • Willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • History of steroid injection for CTS in the past 3 months
  • Prior surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Malignancy or any contraindication to ultrasound (e.g., acute infection, bleeding disorder over the wrist)
  • Presence of cervical radiculopathy
  • Previous wrist fracture on the affected side
  • Participation in another interventional trial

Treatment and study plan

Pregabalin Phonophoresis

Other

A topical gel containing pregabalin is applied to the volar aspect of the wrist over the carpal tunnel. A therapeutic ultrasound head (1 MHz, 1.5 W/cm^²) is then moved in a circular motion over the gel for a total of 5 minutes per session. The ultrasound facilitates the transdermal delivery of pregabalin. This is administered 4 times per week for 4 weeks.

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Device

Standard ultrasonic coupling gel is applied to the volar aspect of the wrist over the carpal tunnel. A therapeutic ultrasound head (1 MHz, 1.5 W/cm^²) is then moved in a circular motion over the gel for a total of 5 minutes per session. This is administered 4 times per week for 4 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Pain Intensity as Measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)

    Time frame: Baseline and at Week 4 (immediately after the final treatment session)

    The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants will self-report their current level of pain. A higher score indicates worse pain.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Functional Status as Measured by the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ)

    Time frame: Baseline and at Week 4 (immediately after the final treatment session)

    The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) is a disease-specific, patient-reported outcome measure. It consists of the Symptom Severity Scale (11 questions, each scored 1-5) and the Functional Status Scale (8 questions, each scored 1-5). The final score for each scale is the mean of the answers, ranging from 1 (best) to 5 (worst). A higher score indicates greater disability.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Faisalabad

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Pregabalin Phonophoresis Therapy on Pain and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: PREG-CTS-USG

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 29, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 8, 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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