Effects of Neurodynamic and Carpal Bone Mobilization in Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

NCT07359274 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: Neurodynamic and Carpal Mobs
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 93
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Conservative interventions such as splinting and manual therapy are frequently used in individuals with mild-to-moderate CTS. Neurodynamic mobilization and carpal bone mobilization aim to improve neural and soft tissue mobility; however, their comparative effects on clinical outcomes and median nerve morphology are not fully understood. This interventional, non-randomized clinical study aims to compare the clinical and ultrasonographic effects of neurodynamic mobilization plus splinting, carpal bone mobilization plus splinting, and splinting alone in patients with mild-to-moderate CTS. Ninety-three participants diagnosed with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome based on electrodiagnostic criteria will be included. Participants will be allocated into three parallel groups without randomization. All participants will receive a neutral-position wrist splint as standard conservative care. Two intervention groups will additionally receive either neurodynamic mobilization exercises or carpal bone mobilization techniques administered by a physiotherapist for four weeks. Clinical outcomes and median nerve morphology will be evaluated at baseline and immediately after the intervention period. The primary outcome is the change in the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire score. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity, neuropathic pain, functional disability, muscle strength, pressure pain threshold, and ultrasonographic measurements of the median nerve.

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Splints

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) Total Score

  Change in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) Total Score

  Baseline to 4 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (7)

• Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

  Baseline to 4 weeks

• Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS)

  Baseline to 4 weeks

• Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH)

  Baseline to 4 weeks

• Grip Strength

  Baseline to 4 weeks

• Pinch Strength

  Baseline to 4 weeks

Study Arms (3)

neurodynamic mobs in addition splint

EXPERIMENTAL

Median nerve neurodynamic mobilization exercises administered by a physiotherapist for 4 weeks in addition to night-time wrist splint use

Other: Neurodynamic mobilization; Other: Splint

Carpal Bone Mobilization + Splint

EXPERIMENTAL

Carpal bone mobilization techniques administered by a physiotherapist for 4 weeks in addition to night-time wrist splint use.

Other: Carpal bone mobilization; Other: Splint

Splint only

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Neutral-position wrist splint worn at night for 4 weeks.

Other: Splint

Interventions

Neurodynamic mobilization OTHER

Median nerve neurodynamic mobilization exercises performed 5 sessions per week for 4 weeks.

neurodynamic mobs in addition splint

Carpal bone mobilization OTHER

Manual carpal bone mobilization techniques applied 5 sessions per week for 4 weeks.

Carpal Bone Mobilization + Splint

Splint OTHER

Neutral-position wrist splint used during night-time for 4 weeks.

Carpal Bone Mobilization + Splint; Splint only; neurodynamic mobs in addition splint

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years - 55 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosis of mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed by electrodiagnostic testing
• CTS symptoms for at least 3 months
• Ability to provide informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Previous carpal tunnel surgery
• Diabetes mellitus or polyneuropathy
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Central nervous system disorders

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kutahya Health Sciences University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Kutahya Health Sciences University Yoncalı Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital

Kütahya, Yoncalı, 43000, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Interventions

Splints

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Median Neuropathy; Mononeuropathies; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Nerve Compression Syndromes; Cumulative Trauma Disorders; Sprains and Strains; Wounds and Injuries

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

External Fixators; Orthopedic Fixation Devices; Orthopedic Equipment; Surgical Equipment; Equipment and Supplies; Surgical Fixation Devices

Study Officials

• Merve Akdeniz Leblebicier, MD

  Kutahya Health Sciences University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Merve Akdeniz Leblebicier, MD

CONTACT

00902742600043; merve1985akdeniz@hotmail.com

Esengül Alıcı, MD

CONTACT

00902742600043; essengulalici@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: INVESTIGATOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assoc. Prof.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 13, 2026
• First Posted: January 22, 2026
• Study Start: January 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): January 15, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): March 15, 2027
• Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)