Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)NCT07410819
Investigation of the Effectiveness of Cervicothoracic Exercises in Individuals With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A study testing Conventional Physiotherapy Group and Cervicothoracal Exercise Group in people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), run by Medipol University at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This randomized, parallel-group controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of adding cervicothoracic exercises to conventional physiotherapy on symptoms, functional status, pain, grip strength, and wrist range of motion in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- What is being tested?
- Conventional Physiotherapy Group and Cervicothoracal Exercise Group
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 13 Feb 2026to 1 Sep 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)2 sites
Istanbul Medipol University Pendik Hospital
Istanbul, Pendik, 340003,4000
Istanbul Medipol University & Istanbul Medipol University Pendik Hospital
Istanbul, Pendik, 34000
About this study
Official title: Karpal Tünel Sendromu Olan Bireylerde Servikotorakal Egzersizlerin Etkinliğinin Araştırılması
This randomized, parallel-group controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of adding cervicothoracic exercises to conventional physiotherapy on symptoms, functional status, pain, grip strength, and wrist range of motion in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Seventy adults diagnosed with CTS were randomly allocated to two groups: conventional physiotherapy (n=35) or cervicothoracic exercises combined with conventional physiotherapy (n=35).
The conventional physiotherapy program included transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, median nerve mobilization, wrist range-of-motion exercises, and strengthening exercises. The intervention group received the same conventional physiotherapy program together with cervicothoracic exercises targeting cervical mobility, cervical muscle control, scapular stabilization, and thoracic mobility. Both groups received treatment five days per week for six weeks.
Read more
Outcomes were assessed at baseline, at the end of the six-week intervention, and approximately three months after each participant completed the intervention. In this updated record, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) is designated as the primary outcome measure. Its Symptom Severity Scale and Functional Status Scale are scored and reported separately, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity and functional limitations. The primary assessment time point is the end of the six-week intervention.
Secondary outcome measures include pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), upper extremity function assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, grip strength measured using a Jamar hand dynamometer, and wrist range of motion measured using a goniometer. All outcome measures were repeated at the three-month follow-up. The final post-intervention assessment was completed on 31 May 2026, and the final follow-up assessment was completed on 1 September 2026.
- Conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Being tested
- Conventional Physiotherapy Group, Cervicothoracal Exercise Group
- Keywords
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Exercise, Hand Grip Strength, Servicothoracic Exercises, Wrist Pain
- Medical subject headings
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Conventional Physiotherapy GroupOther
Also called Physical Therapy, Standard Physiotherapy, Conservative Treatment
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.
Cervicothoracal Exercise GroupOther
Also called Cervical and Thoracic Exercise Training, Cervicothoracic Stabilization Exercises, Spinal Mobility and Scapular Stabilization Exercises
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Receives: 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. Receives: Other: Conventional Physiotherapy Group; Other: Cervicothoracal Exercise Group |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).
Secondary outcomes (4)
Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH)
The questionnaire will be used to assess the upper extremity function of the participants.
The questionnaire consists of a 30-item scale, and each item is scored between 1 (no difficulty) and 5 (very great difficulty).
The total score is converted into a score between 0 and 100; higher scores indicate more functional limitations and symptoms.
Measured: Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).
Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer (Hand Grip Strength)
Hand grip strength will be measured using a Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer. Procedure: The patient will be seated upright, with shoulders in a natural position and adduction, and elbows at 90° flexion, when the measurement will be taken with the Jamar dynamometer. Three repetitions will be performed for the measurement, and the average will be taken.
Measured: 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.
Measured: Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).
Goniometer (Wrist Range of Motion)
Wrist joint range of motion (ROM) will be measured with a goniometer, assessing flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, and radial deviation. The participant will be seated with the forearm pronated and supported on a table. For flexion and extension, the pivot will be placed on the ulnar styloid process, the fixed arm aligned with the ulna, and the movable arm along the 5th metacarpal. For ulnar and radial deviation, the pivot will be positioned proximal to the third metacarpal, the fixed arm aligned with the forearm, and the movable arm parallel to the third metacarpal. The fixed arm will remain stationary, each movement will be measured three times, and the average value will be used for analysis.
Measured: Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Feb 2026
- Study start13 Feb 2026
- Primary completion31 May 2026
- Study completion1 Sep 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Medipol UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- The registered primary assessment time point was the end of the 6-week intervention. All outcome measures were also reassessed approximately 3 months after each participant completed the intervention. The final post-intervention assessment was completed on 31 May 2026, and the final follow-up assessment was completed on 1 September 2026. The 3-month follow-up time point was not included in the initial registry entry and is being documented in this update.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Medipol University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Zehranur Kaya, Medipol University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07410819
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IMU-FTR-ZK-01
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 7 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Karpal Tünel Sendromu Olan Bireylerde Servikotorakal Egzersizlerin Etkinliğinin Araştırılması
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07410819
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IMU-FTR-ZK-01
- Conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Keywords
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Exercise, Hand Grip Strength, Servicothoracic Exercises, Wrist Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Medipol UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Sep 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized, parallel-group controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of adding cervicothoracic exercises to conventional physiotherapy on symptoms, functional status, pain, grip strength, and wrist range of motion in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Seventy adults diagnosed with CTS were randomly allocated to two groups: conventional physiotherapy (n=35) or cervicothoracic exercises combined with conventional physiotherapy (n=35).
The conventional physiotherapy program included transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, median nerve mobilization, wrist range-of-motion exercises, and strengthening exercises. The intervention group received the same conventional physiotherapy program together with cervicothoracic exercises targeting cervical mobility, cervical muscle control, scapular stabilization, and thoracic mobility. Both groups received treatment five days per week for six weeks.
Outcomes were assessed at baseline, at the end of the six-week intervention, and approximately three months after each participant completed the intervention. In this updated record, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) is designated as the primary outcome measure. Its Symptom Severity Scale and Functional Status Scale are scored and reported separately, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity and functional limitations. The primary assessment time point is the end of the six-week intervention.
Secondary outcome measures include pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), upper extremity function assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, grip strength measured using a Jamar hand dynamometer, and wrist range of motion measured using a goniometer. All outcome measures were repeated at the three-month follow-up. The final post-intervention assessment was completed on 31 May 2026, and the final follow-up assessment was completed on 1 September 2026.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- The registered primary assessment time point was the end of the 6-week intervention. All outcome measures were also reassessed approximately 3 months after each participant completed the intervention. The final post-intervention assessment was completed on 31 May 2026, and the final follow-up assessment was completed on 1 September 2026. The 3-month follow-up time point was not included in the initial registry entry and is being documented in this update.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1 - Conventional Physiotherapy (Control) | Active comparator | Other: Conventional Physiotherapy GroupParticipants 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 |
| Arm 2 - Cervicothoracic Exercises + Conventional Physiotherapy | Experimental | Other: Conventional Physiotherapy Group, Other: Cervicothoracal Exercise GroupParticipants 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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 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
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Physiotherapy GroupAlso: Physical Therapy, Standard Physiotherapy, Conservative TreatmentParticipants 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. | Other | Arm 1 - Conventional Physiotherapy (Control), Arm 2 - Cervicothoracic Exercises + Conventional Physiotherapy |
| Cervicothoracal Exercise GroupAlso: Cervical and Thoracic Exercise Training, Cervicothoracic Stabilization Exercises, Spinal Mobility and Scapular Stabilization ExercisesParticipants 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. | Other | Arm 2 - Cervicothoracic Exercises + Conventional Physiotherapy |
Primary outcome
Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire
Time frame: Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).
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.
4 secondary outcomes
Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH)
Time frame: Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).
Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer (Hand Grip Strength)
Time frame: Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).
Visual Analog Scale
Time frame: Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).
Goniometer (Wrist Range of Motion)
Time frame: Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 7 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Conventional Physiotherapy Group and Cervicothoracal Exercise Group in people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), run by Medipol University at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (time frame: Assessment will be taken initially and after the intervention (for 6 weeks, 5 days a week).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 Oct 2026.