Investigation of the Effectiveness of Cervicothoracic Exercises in Individuals With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

NCT07410819 | Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: IMU-FTR-ZK-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

This randomized, parallel-group controlled clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of adding cervicothoracic exercises to conventional physiotherapy on pain, functional status, grip strength, and range of motion in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is a common compressive neuropathy of the median nerve, characterized by pain, numbness, tingling, nocturnal symptoms, and reduced hand function. Sixty adults diagnosed with CTS will be randomly allocated into two groups (n=30 each): a conventional physiotherapy group and a cervicothoracic exercise plus conventional physiotherapy group. The conventional physiotherapy program includes transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, median nerve mobilization, wrist range-of-motion exercises, and strengthening exercises. The intervention group will receive the same conventional physiotherapy program in addition to cervicothoracic exercises targeting cervical mobility, scapular stabilization, and thoracic spine mobility. The intervention will be applied five days per week for six weeks. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and at the end of week 6. Primary outcomes include pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional status assessed using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), and grip strength measured with a Jamar hand dynamometer. Secondary outcomes include upper extremity function evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and wrist and finger range of motion measured with a goniometer. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, with statistical significance set at p\<0.05. This study aims to determine whether adding cervicothoracic exercises to conventional physiotherapy provides additional clinical benefits in CTS rehabilitation.

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Keywords

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Exercise; Hand Grip Strength; Servicothoracic Exercises; Wrist Pain

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire

  This questionnaire will be used to measure hand and wrist symptom and function scores in carpal tunnel syndrome. The scale consists of two sub-sections: Symptom Severity and Functional Status. The Symptom Severity Scale evaluates symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and nighttime awakenings, while the Functional Status Scale measures difficulties in daily living activities such as writing, grasping, and carrying objects. Each item is scored between 1 (no complaints) and 5 (very severe complaints); higher scores indicate more symptoms and functional limitations.

  Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).

• Visual Analog Scale

  The Visual Analog Scale will be used to assess pain. The Visual Analog Scale is a measurement tool that allows individuals to subjectively assess the intensity of their pain, defined by endpoints of "0 = no pain" and "10 = unbearable pain" on a 10 cm long horizontal line. Participants are asked to mark the point on this line that corresponds to the intensity of the pain they feel. A higher score indicates more severe pain.

  Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH)

  Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).

• Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer (Hand Grip Strength)

  Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).

• Goniometer (Wrist Range of Motion)

  Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).

Study Arms (2)

Arm 1 - Conventional Physiotherapy (Control)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will receive conventional physiotherapy including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, median nerve mobilization, wrist range-of-motion exercises, and strengthening exercises, five days per week for six weeks

Other: Conventional Physiotherapy Group

Arm 2 - Cervicothoracic Exercises + Conventional Physiotherapy

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive cervicothoracic exercises in addition to conventional physiotherapy. Cervicothoracic exercises will target cervical mobility, scapular stabilization, and thoracic spine mobility. Treatment will be applied five days per week for six weeks.

Other: Cervicothoracal Exercise Group

Interventions

Conventional Physiotherapy Group OTHER

Participants will receive a conventional physiotherapy program consisting of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, median nerve mobilization, wrist range-of-motion exercises, and hand strengthening exercises. TENS will be applied using sensory-level stimulation without muscle contraction. Therapeutic ultrasound will be delivered over the carpal tunnel region using standard clinical parameters. Median nerve mobilization and wrist exercises will be performed under physiotherapist supervision. The treatment will be administered five days per week for six weeks.

Also known as: Physical Therapy, Standard Physiotherapy, Conservative Treatment

Arm 1 - Conventional Physiotherapy (Control)

Cervicothoracal Exercise Group OTHER

Participants will receive cervicothoracic exercises in addition to the same conventional physiotherapy program. The cervicothoracic exercise program will include cervical mobility exercises, scapular stabilization, and thoracic spine mobility exercises designed to improve proximal neural mechanics and upper limb function. All interventions will be supervised by a physiotherapist and applied five days per week for six weeks.

Also known as: Cervical and Thoracic Exercise Training, Cervicothoracic Stabilization Exercises, Spinal Mobility and Scapular Stabilization Exercises

Arm 2 - Cervicothoracic Exercises + Conventional Physiotherapy

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Age over 18
• Symptom duration of at least 12 weeks,
• Information about carpal tunnel syndrome received from a physician,
• Positive Tinel or Phalen test in carpal compression test,
• Pain intensity, Visual Analog Scale, at least 40 mm out of 100 mm

You may not qualify if:

• Any sensory or motor deficit in the ulnar or radial nerve
• History of previous surgery or injection in the wrist
• Trauma to the neck, shoulder, or upper extremity
• Pregnancy
• Concurrent cervical radiculopathy or polyneuropathy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Medipol University: lead

Study Sites (2)

Istanbul Medipol University Pendik Hospital

Istanbul, Pendik, 340003,4000, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

Istanbul Medipol University & Istanbul Medipol University Pendik Hospital

Istanbul, Pendik, 34000, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Motor Activity

Interventions

Physical Therapy Modalities; Conservative Treatment

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; Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Therapeutics; Rehabilitation

Central Study Contacts

Zehranur Kaya, MSc Student

CONTACT

+905346240476; zehrakayax@icloud.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Physiotherapist

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 8, 2026
• First Posted: February 13, 2026
• Study Start: October 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: May 15, 2026
• Study Completion: May 15, 2026
• Last Updated: February 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Locations

TU (2)