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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)NCT07233343

Effects of Fascial Mobilization Therapy in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A study testing Conventional physiotherapy and Fascial mobilization therapy in people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Fascial Mobilization, run by Hasan Kalyoncu University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The aim of this study, designed as a randomized controlled trial, is to investigate the effects of fascial mobilization treatment on pain, grip strength, and manual dexterity in patients with postpartum carpal tunnel syndrome. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 45 years, women only
What is being tested?
Conventional physiotherapy and Fascial mobilization therapy
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
30 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
10 Aug 2024to 10 Jun 2025
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 to 45 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Having been diagnosed with CTS by a physician
  • Being in the post-pregnancy period (first year)
  • Presence of pregnancy-related edema
  • Presence of pain, tenderness, and numbness in the median nerve neurodynamic test
  • Positive Tinnel and Phalen tests
  • Individuals who volunteered to participate in the study

Who cannot join

  • Having a history of CTS before pregnancy
  • Being diagnosed with a cervical disc herniation
  • Individuals with a history of upper extremity surgery within the last year

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Hasan Kalyoncu University

    Gaziantep, Gaziantep, (505) 090-5846

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Effect of Fascial Mobilization Therapy on Pain, Grip Strength and Manual Dexterity in Patients With Postpartum Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The aim of this study, designed as a randomized controlled trial, is to investigate the effects of fascial mobilization treatment on pain, grip strength, and manual dexterity in patients with postpartum carpal tunnel syndrome.

Read the detailed description

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a pathological condition characterized by symptoms resulting from compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. This syndrome is also known as compression neuropathy, the most common type of neuropathy in the upper extremities, and is reported to affect approximately 3% of the adult population. Entrapment neuropathies can affect a specific area of the nerve, but overall, this condition can lead to significant psychological, physical, and financial problems for the patient. The most common etiology of CTS is idiopathic; however, other possible causes include local (tenosynovitis, hypertrophic synovium, etc.), trauma including Colles' fracture, dislocation of the carpal bone(s), recent/malformed fracture near the wrist joint, anatomical anomalies, tumors, and regional and systemic factors. For example, occupational factors such as repetitive stress injuries to the flexor tendons of the hand, such as those seen in computer scientists, data entry clerks, typists, pianists, guitarists, sitarists, and fine art painters, may predispose to the development of CTS. Relevant literature indicates that CTS is three times more common in women than in men. It is known that the risk of CTS is significantly increased in individuals who work in repetitive and strenuous occupations. Furthermore, CTS is considered a common musculoskeletal problem during pregnancy. According to scientific data, the prevalence of CTS in the third trimester of pregnancy is approximately 63%. Approximately 53% of these cases are reported to be unilateral.

Causes of CTS during pregnancy include changes in the musculoskeletal system due to hormonal changes and edema that occur during pregnancy. Additionally, gestational diabetes can contribute to the development of CTS by causing a general slowing of nerve conduction velocity. Symptoms of CTS typically become more severe late in the day and may include pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand. The pain is usually felt along the median nerve path, but it can affect the entire hand and radiate to the arm and shoulder. Symptoms often begin with loss of sensation in the distal fingers. However, in more severe cases, muscle weakness and atrophy of the abductor pollicis brevis muscle, causing loss of palmar abduction of the thumb. CTS in pregnancy has generally been found to be less severe than non-pregnancy-related CTS. A study of both pregnant and non-pregnant women diagnosed with CTS found that pregnant patients recovered approximately 3 to 4 times faster than non-pregnant patients.

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effects of fascial mobilization therapy on pain, grip strength, and dexterity in patients with postpartum carpal tunnel syndrome.

Being tested
Conventional physiotherapy, Fascial mobilization therapy
Keywords
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), fascial mobilization, grip strength, Hand Skills, pain
Medical subject headings
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Conventional physiotherapyOther

    Conservative treatment methods such as TENS, normal joint range of motion exercises, tendon gliding exercises and nerve mobilizations will be applied twice a week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting 45 minutes.

  • Fascial mobilization therapyOther

    In addition to conservative treatment methods, the patients in the study group will receive fascial mobilization techniques, including the flexor retinacula technique, the lacertus fibrosus technique, and 90-120 seconds of application to the epimysial fascia of the wrist flexor muscles. The patients in the study group will receive the same treatment, twice a week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting 45 minutes.

Study groups in NCT07233343
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Control groupActive comparatorThis group will get conventional physiotherapy that is include range of motion exercises, electrotherapy and resistance exercise training.
Receives: Other: Conventional physiotherapy
Fascial mobilization groupExperimentalThis group will get a specific programme that combinated with conventional physiotherapy and fascial mobilization therapy
Receives: Other: Fascial mobilization therapy

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. The Pain

    Mc Gill Short Form will used to determine the type and severity of the pain. A short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) has been developed. The main component of the SF-MPQ consists of 15 descriptors (11 sensory; 4 affective) which are rated on an intensity scale as 0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate or 3 = severe.

    Measured: through of the study, average 12 weeks

  2. Pain pressure threshold

    After localizing the painful area by palpation, force will be applied with an algometer until the patient experiences pain and discomfort. The value displayed on the algometer will be recorded, and three measurements will be taken, and the average will be used for analysis. PPT measurement with an algometer is a reliable method for determining tissue nociceptive sensitivity.

    Measured: through of the study, average 12 weeks

  3. Grip strength

    A Jamar hand dynamometer will be used to measure patients' grip strength. Grip strength is measured with the Jamar hand dynamometer, recommended by the American Association of Hand Therapists (AETD) and whose validity and reliability have been confirmed in numerous studies. This device is considered the gold standard for measuring hand grip strength. Measurements will be taken before and after treatment, and three times, 10 seconds apart. Each measurement will be taken at the same difficulty level. Generally, the average of the three measurements will be taken.

    Measured: through of the study, average 12 weeks

  4. Hand skills

    The Moberg test has functional value because it reflects manual performance. It relies heavily on motor control of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. The test is administered in two stages: with eyes open and eyes closed, beginning with the dominant hand. A box, 12 small metal objects (screws, paper clips, key ring, safety pin, small nuts, coins, and a key), and a stopwatch are used to administer the test. Subjects are instructed to pick up each object one by one and place it in the box as quickly as possible without slipping. The time from the initial position until the last object is released is recorded. The test is then repeated with eyes closed. The test is repeated three times, with the best result recorded.

    Measured: through of the study, average 12 weeks

  5. Hand skills

    The Nine-Hole Peg test, used to assess manual dexterity, involves patients quickly removing nine wooden pegs from a storage box, placing them in random holes, then collecting them from the holes and returning them to the storage compartment. The time is measured in seconds using a stopwatch, and anything over 20 seconds is considered a "loss of skill."

    Measured: through of the study, average 12 weeks

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. Upper extremity functionality

    The Questionnaire for Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Disabilities (Q-DASH) will be used to assess individuals' upper extremity functions. This questionnaire is a self-administered measurement tool with validated validity and reliability in Turkish. The validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the DASH questionnaire (DASH-T) was conducted in Turkey by Düger et al. in 2006. The questionnaire, consisting of 30 questions, assesses the individual's ability to perform functional activities (21 items), pain (5 items), and psychosocial aspects of the disease (4 items). The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating better outcomes.

    Measured: through of the study, average 12 weeks

  2. Carpal tunnel symptom severity

    Specific to Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), it consists of two different scales assessing symptom severity and functional capacity. Each item is scored from 1 to 5. The mean score is obtained by dividing the total score by the number of items and ranges from 1 to 5. A high score indicates low functional capacity. Mean scores are calculated separately for symptom severity and functional capacity. The symptom score consists of 11 items, and the function score consists of 8 items.

    Measured: through of the study, average 12 weeks

  3. Wrist edema evaluation

    A water displacement vessel is used to measure wrist edema. The purpose is to measure and assess extremity volume. This involves filling a container of a predetermined volume with water to the overflow level, then slowly immersing the extremity in the container. The amount of water displaced from the container represents the extremity volume.

    Measured: through of the study, average 3 weeks

  4. Anxiety

    The Beck Anxiety Inventory is used to measure the anxiety level of patients with postpartum carpal tunnel syndrome. The scale was developed by Aaron Beck. It consists of 21 questions and has international validity. The first validity and reliability study of the scale was conducted by Ulusoy (1993). The answers to the questions in the Beck Anxiety Inventory are scored. "None" is 0 points, "Mild" is 1 point, "Moderate" is 2 points, and "Severe" is 3 points. The scores are totaled at the end of the test. Scores between 8 and 15 are categorized as mild anxiety symptoms, 16-25 as moderate anxiety symptoms, and 26-63 as severe anxiety symptoms

    Measured: through of the study, average 12 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted18 Nov 2025
  2. Study start10 Aug 2024
  3. Primary completion10 Nov 2024
  4. Study completion10 Jun 2025

Resources

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
Participants were divided in two groups. One group will get intervention. One group will be the control group.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
30 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07233343
Sponsor's protocol ID
2024/90
Status last verified
Nov 2025
First submitted
14 Nov 2025
Last updated
18 Nov 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Branchini M, Lopopolo F, Andreoli E, Loreti I, Marchand AM, Stecco A. Fascial Manipulation(R) for chronic aspecific low back pain: a single blinded randomized controlled trial. F1000Res. 2015 Nov 3;4:1208. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.6890.2. eCollection 2015.

    PubMed 26834998
  • Karjalanen T, Raatikainen S, Jaatinen K, Lusa V. Update on Efficacy of Conservative Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. J Clin Med. 2022 Feb 11;11(4):950. doi: 10.3390/jcm11040950.

    PubMed 35207222
  • Abdolrazaghi HA, Khansari M, Mirshahi M, Ahmadi Pishkuhi M. Effectiveness of Tendon and Nerve Gliding Exercises in the Treatment of Patients With Mild Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Hand (N Y). 2023 Mar;18(2):222-229. doi: 10.1177/15589447211006857. Epub 2021 Apr 15.

    PubMed 33855879
  • Huisstede BM, Friden J, Coert JH, Hoogvliet P; European HANDGUIDE Group. Carpal tunnel syndrome: hand surgeons, hand therapists, and physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians agree on a multidisciplinary treatment guideline-results from the European HANDGUIDE Study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2014 Dec;95(12):2253-63. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2014.06.022. Epub 2014 Aug 12.

    PubMed 25127999
  • Kozak A, Schedlbauer G, Wirth T, Euler U, Westermann C, Nienhaus A. Association between work-related biomechanical risk factors and the occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome: an overview of systematic reviews and a meta-analysis of current research. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2015 Sep 1;16:231. doi: 10.1186/s12891-015-0685-0.

    PubMed 26323649
  • Heebner ML, Roddey TS. The effects of neural mobilization in addition to standard care in persons with carpal tunnel syndrome from a community hospital. J Hand Ther. 2008 Jul-Sep;21(3):229-40; quiz 241. doi: 10.1197/j.jht.2007.12.001.

    PubMed 18652967
  • Ng CL, Ho DD, Chow SP. The Moberg pickup test: results of testing with a standard protocol. J Hand Ther. 1999 Oct-Dec;12(4):309-12. doi: 10.1016/s0894-1130(99)80069-6.

    PubMed 10622197
  • Oxford Grice K, Vogel KA, Le V, Mitchell A, Muniz S, Vollmer MA. Adult norms for a commercially available Nine Hole Peg Test for finger dexterity. Am J Occup Ther. 2003 Sep-Oct;57(5):570-3. doi: 10.5014/ajot.57.5.570.

    PubMed 14527120
  • Yakut Y, Yakut E, Bayar K, Uygur F. Reliability and validity of the Turkish version short-form McGill pain questionnaire in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2007 Jul;26(7):1083-7. doi: 10.1007/s10067-006-0452-6. Epub 2006 Nov 15.

    PubMed 17106618
  • Sheereen FJ, Sarkar B, Sahay P, Shaphe MA, Alghadir AH, Iqbal A, Ali T, Ahmad F. Comparison of Two Manual Therapy Programs, including Tendon Gliding Exercises as a Common Adjunct, While Managing the Participants with Chronic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Pain Res Manag. 2022 Jun 8;2022:1975803. doi: 10.1155/2022/1975803. eCollection 2022.

    PubMed 35719196

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Conventional physiotherapy and Fascial mobilization therapy in people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Fascial Mobilization, run by Hasan Kalyoncu University at 1 site 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 6 inclusion and 3 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 18 Nov 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site 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?

The Pain (time frame: through of the study, average 12 weeks). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07233343, which also lists 10 linked publications.

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 18 Nov 2025.

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