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

Foundation University Islamabad

Status: Completed

Conditions: Mobility; Hand Functions; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Treatments: Procedure: NERVE GLIDING EXERCISES; Procedure: SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07317024

FUI/CTR/2025/11

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full description

OBJECTIVE:

The objectives of this study are:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Enrollment: 26 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 20 to 40 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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26 participants in 2 patient groups

INTERVENTIONAL GROUP B- SHOCKWAVE THERAPY WITH NERVE GLIDING

Experimental group

Description:

The participants will recieve 3 minutes of Shockwave therapy along with nerve gliding exercises thrice a week for 4 weeks with total 30 minutes sessions. Intensity of exercise will be incresed gradually and according to patient progress with break time to avoid fatigue. The intensity of the shock waves is set at 0.03 mJ/mm².The applied pressure is around 1.6 bar. Each session involves deliver in 2000 shocks. Shockwave therapy will targeted at the area between the thenar and hypothenar eminences on the palm

Treatment:

Procedure: SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

CONTROL GROUP A- CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY

Active Comparator group

Description:

The participants will perform nerve gliding exercises in which hand and wrist will moved through six more positions to mobilize the median nerve. Subjects will recieve protocal of 30 mins thrice a week for 4 weeks with 2 min rest in between. The exercises will focus on mobility of median nerve and reduce compression related symptoms to improve function and strength.

Treatment:

Procedure: NERVE GLIDING EXERCISES