Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)NCT07317024
Additional Effects of Shockwave Therapy Along With Median Nerve Gliding Exercises in Patient With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
A study testing NERVE GLIDING EXERCISES and SHOCKWAVE THERAPY in people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Mobility, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
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… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Mobility, Hand Functions
- What is being tested?
- NERVE GLIDING EXERCISES and SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 26 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 10 Sep 2024to 30 Dec 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 20 to 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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 locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, 44000
About this study
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.
Read the detailed description
OBJECTIVE:
The objectives of this study are:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Mobility, Hand Functions
- Being tested
- NERVE GLIDING EXERCISES, SHOCKWAVE THERAPY
- Keywords
- Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Shockwave Therapy, Nerve Gliding Exercises, NCS, Nerve Velocity, Nerve Amplitude, Pain, Functional strength
- 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.
NERVE GLIDING EXERCISESProcedure or surgery
Median nerve mobilization involves exercises aimed at relieving pressure in the carpal tunnel, making it a common treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Techniques may stretch the nerve from both ends or apply tension to one end while releasing the other. Some techniques stretch the nerve from both ends at the same time, while others apply tension to one end while allowing the other end to relax. Conservative treatment options include Neurodynamic mobilization, which utilizes neural gliding to promote nerve movement in relation to surrounding musculoskeletal tissues. This biomechanical strategy aims to decrease swelling and adhesions within the carpal tunnel, thereby restoring the nerve's mobility. Studies have also reported neuromodulatory effects from neural mobilization techniques due to the chronic nature of CTS.
SHOCKWAVE THERAPYProcedure or surgery
Shockwave therapy is a physical intervention intended for diverse musculoskeletal disorders. There are two primary categories: targeted extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and radial shockwave therapy. The two approaches vary in their generation, characteristics, and impact. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is generated in water via electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric sources. This technique generates a concentrated pressure field that converges at a profound focal point, yielding maximum pressure. Conversely, radial shockwaves are produced by propelling a projectile through an air-compressed tube, resulting in a diverging pressure field that affects the tissue more superficially. ESWT in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) have reported enhancements in symptoms, functional scores and pain levels. Additionally, low-to-moderate intensity ESWT has been shown to have positive effects on nerve conduction studies.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| INTERVENTIONAL GROUP B- SHOCKWAVE THERAPY WITH NERVE GLIDING | Experimental | 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 Receives: Procedure: SHOCKWAVE THERAPY |
| CONTROL GROUP A- CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY | Active comparator | 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. Receives: Procedure: NERVE GLIDING EXERCISES |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Perceived Pain Level
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a patient-reported measure of pain intensity, with lower scores indicating less pain.
Scores between 0-1 indicate minimal pain, generally with little to no interference in daily life. Mild pain, characterized by scores of 2-3. A score in the 4-6 range signifies moderate pain, which is noticeable, can interfere with specific daily functions. Finally, severe pain, represented by scores of 7-10, is intense.
Measured: 4 weeks
Hand Movement and Function
Functional Status Scale (BCFSS) measures the difficulty patients experience with performing specific daily activities affected by CTS, also often on a 1-5 point scale, where higher scores reflect greater functional limitation. Lower scores mean better hand function. Scores around 1.0-2.0 indicate mild impact, 2.0-3.0 moderate impact, and above 3.0 severe impact.
Measured: 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Jan 2026
- Study start10 Sep 2024
- Primary completion15 May 2025
- Study completion30 Dec 2025
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 Foundation University IslamabadThe 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
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 26 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07317024
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/11
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 19 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 22 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 22 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Additional Effects of Shockwave Therapy Along With Median Nerve Gliding Exercises in Patient With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07317024
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/11
- Conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Mobility, Hand Functions
- Keywords
- Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Shockwave Therapy, Nerve Gliding Exercises, NCS, Nerve Velocity, Nerve Amplitude, Pain, Functional strength
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 26 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 May 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 5 Jan 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.
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.
Detailed description
OBJECTIVE:
The objectives of this study are:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| INTERVENTIONAL GROUP B- SHOCKWAVE THERAPY WITH NERVE GLIDING | Experimental | Procedure: SHOCKWAVE THERAPYThe 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 |
| CONTROL GROUP A- CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY | Active comparator | Procedure: NERVE GLIDING EXERCISESThe 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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| NERVE GLIDING EXERCISESMedian nerve mobilization involves exercises aimed at relieving pressure in the carpal tunnel, making it a common treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Techniques may stretch the nerve from both ends or apply tension to one end while releasing the other. Some techniques stretch the nerve from both ends at the same time, while others apply tension to one end while allowing the other end to relax. Conservative treatment options include Neurodynamic mobilization, which utilizes neural gliding to promote nerve movement in relation to surrounding musculoskeletal tissues. This biomechanical strategy aims to decrease swelling and adhesions within the carpal tunnel, thereby restoring the nerve's mobility. Studies have also reported neuromodulatory effects from neural mobilization techniques due to the chronic nature of CTS. | Procedure or surgery | CONTROL GROUP A- CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY |
| SHOCKWAVE THERAPYShockwave therapy is a physical intervention intended for diverse musculoskeletal disorders. There are two primary categories: targeted extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and radial shockwave therapy. The two approaches vary in their generation, characteristics, and impact. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is generated in water via electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric sources. This technique generates a concentrated pressure field that converges at a profound focal point, yielding maximum pressure. Conversely, radial shockwaves are produced by propelling a projectile through an air-compressed tube, resulting in a diverging pressure field that affects the tissue more superficially. ESWT in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) have reported enhancements in symptoms, functional scores and pain levels. Additionally, low-to-moderate intensity ESWT has been shown to have positive effects on nerve conduction studies. | Procedure or surgery | INTERVENTIONAL GROUP B- SHOCKWAVE THERAPY WITH NERVE GLIDING |
Primary outcome
Perceived Pain Level
Time frame: 4 weeks
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a patient-reported measure of pain intensity, with lower scores indicating less pain. Scores between 0-1 indicate minimal pain, generally with little to no interference in daily life. Mild pain, characterized by scores of 2-3. A score in the 4-6 range signifies moderate pain, which is noticeable, can interfere with specific daily functions. Finally, severe pain, represented by scores of 7-10, is intense.
Hand Movement and Function
Time frame: 4 weeks
Functional Status Scale (BCFSS) measures the difficulty patients experience with performing specific daily activities affected by CTS, also often on a 1-5 point scale, where higher scores reflect greater functional limitation. Lower scores mean better hand function. Scores around 1.0-2.0 indicate mild impact, 2.0-3.0 moderate impact, and above 3.0 severe impact.
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 22 Jan 2026.
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing NERVE GLIDING EXERCISES and SHOCKWAVE THERAPY in people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Mobility, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 4 inclusion and 4 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 22 Jan 2026. 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 Pakistan. 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?
Perceived Pain Level (time frame: 4 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. 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 22 Jan 2026.