Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)PBM-CTS-RCTNCT07714720
Photobiomodulation for Median Nerve Neuroplasticity in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
A study testing Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy) and Routine Physiotherapy Programme in people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), run by University of Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy, causing pain, paresthesia, and hand dysfunction due to median nerve compression at the wrist. While physiotherapy provides symptom relief, it does not effectively address the underlying neuroplastic deficits of the median nerve. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- What is being tested?
- Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy) and Routine Physiotherapy Programme
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Aug 2026to 15 Aug 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 18-60 years
- Clinical diagnosis of unilateral mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome based on positive Phalen test and/or Tinel sign
- Electrophysiological confirmation of CTS via nerve conduction study (NCS) meeting AANEM 2012 diagnostic criteria for mild-to-moderate CTS
- No prior photobiomodulation or laser therapy to the affected wrist within the preceding 3 months
- Ability to attend 3 treatment sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks
- Able and willing to provide written informed consent (in Urdu or English)
Who cannot join
- Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome
- Previous surgical release of the carpal tunnel on the affected side
- Systemic peripheral neuropathy (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Implanted cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, or other active electronic implant
- Active malignancy at or near the treatment site
Show all 12Show fewer
- Current use of photosensitising medications (e.g., tetracyclines, amiodarone, psoralens)
- Corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel within the preceding 3 months
- Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory joint disease affecting the wrist
- Open wounds, acute skin infection, or tattooed skin at the treatment site
- Inability to attend 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks
- Severe CTS confirmed by NCS (complete sensory or motor axon loss)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site
University of Lahore Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
umair ahmed, PhD, 00923212700817, umair.ahmed@uipt.uol.edu.pk
Dr Ishaq Ahmad, PhD, 923344066463, ishaq.ahmad@uipt.uol.edu.pk
About this study
Official title: Therapeutic Effects of Photobiomodulation (Low Level Laser Therapy) on Median Nerve Neuroplasticity in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy, causing pain, paresthesia, and hand dysfunction due to median nerve compression at the wrist. While physiotherapy provides symptom relief, it does not effectively address the underlying neuroplastic deficits of the median nerve. Photobiomodulation (PBM), delivered at 830 nm near-infrared wavelength, has shown potential to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration via cytochrome c oxidase activation, ATP synthesis, and upregulation of neurotrophic factors including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether 830 nm PBM (200 mW, 4 J/cm², 12 sessions over 4 weeks) combined with routine physiotherapy produces significantly greater neuroplastic recovery of the median nerve - assessed by high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) measurement of median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA), nerve conduction study parameters and serum BDNF - compared to sham PBM combined with identical physiotherapy in adults with mild-to-moderate CTS. Neuroplasticity was operationalised as a multimodal construct comprising: (1) functional recovery, indexed by nerve conduction study parameters; (2) structural remodelling, indexed by median nerve cross-sectional area on high-resolution ultrasound; and (3) molecular neuroplastic signalling, indexed by serum BDNF. This multimodal approach was adopted because no single measure captures the full construct of peripheral nerve neuroplasticity (Padua et al., 2020).
Read the detailed description
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compressive neuropathy of the median nerve associated with focal demyelination, impaired axonal transport, intraneural oedema, pain, sensory disturbance and functional limitation. Although conservative treatments can reduce symptoms, the physiological and structural processes accompanying median nerve recovery remain insufficiently characterized.
Photobiomodulation delivers non-thermal red or near-infrared light to biological tissue. Its proposed effects include modulation of mitochondrial activity, cellular energy production, oxidative signalling and inflammatory responses. Experimental evidence also suggests potential effects on Schwann-cell activity, axonal repair and neurotrophic signalling. However, clinical studies of photobiomodulation for carpal tunnel syndrome have generally been limited by small samples, heterogeneous treatment parameters and reliance on symptomatic outcomes without integrated assessment of nerve physiology, morphology and molecular responses.
This study will investigate whether adjunctive 830-nm photobiomodulation produces greater median nerve recovery than sham photobiomodulation when both groups receive the same routine physiotherapy. The primary hypothesis is that active photobiomodulation will produce greater improvement in median nerve sensory conduction velocity at the end of the four-week intervention. Follow-up assessment will examine whether any observed effect is maintained after treatment completion.
Electrophysiological testing will characterize changes in median nerve function, while high-resolution ultrasonography will assess structural changes in the nerve. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor will be evaluated as an exploratory circulating biomarker and will not be interpreted as a specific standalone measure of median nerve neuroplasticity. Patient-reported symptoms, functional status, pain and hand strength will be assessed to determine the clinical relevance of any physiological or structural changes.
By integrating electrophysiological, ultrasonographic, clinical and exploratory molecular measurements, the study aims to clarify whether the symptomatic effects of photobiomodulation are accompanied by objective evidence of median nerve recovery. The findings may help refine outcome selection and treatment parameters for future confirmatory trials.
- Conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Being tested
- Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy), Sham Photobiomodulation, Routine Physiotherapy Programme
- Keywords
- Photobiomodulation, Median Nerve, Randomized Controlled Trial, Low-Level Light Therapy, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Ultrasonography, Physical Therapy Modalities, Neuronal Plasticity, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Nerve Conduction Studies
- Medical subject headings
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy)Device
Also called Low-Level Laser Therapy, LLLT, Low-Level Light Therapy, PBMT
Photobiomodulation (PBM) delivered using a 46-diode cluster probe at 830 nm wavelength, 200 mW optical output power, continuous wave mode, 4 J/cm² energy density, applied in static contact technique over the carpal tunnel (volar wrist surface, 3-5 cm proximal to distal wrist crease). Application time per session: approximately 200 seconds (~3.3 minutes). Treatment schedule: 3 sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks (12 sessions total). Sham device output confirmed <1 mW by calibrated photodiode power meter.
Sham PhotobiomodulationDevice
Deactivated PBM device identical in external appearance to the active device. Applied using the same 46-diode cluster probe, contact technique, and duration (approximately 200 seconds) as the active arm. Output power confirmed <1 mW by calibrated photodiode power meter (LaserCheck or equivalent) at baseline, session 6, and session 12 for the first five enrolled participants. No therapeutic light emission occurs.
Routine Physiotherapy ProgrammeOther
Also called Multimodal Physiotherapy Programme, Conventional Physiotherapy, Standard Conservative Physiotherapy
Participants will receive an 4-week routine physiotherapy programme comprising median nerve mobilization, night splinting, and tendon-gliding exercises. Median nerve mobilization will use six sequential positions progressing from wrist-neutral finger/thumb flexion to finger, wrist, and thumb extension, forearm supination, and assisted thumb stretching. Each position will be held for 5 seconds; the sequence will be repeated 10 times, three times daily. A neutral volar wrist splint allowing free finger and thumb movement will be worn nightly for 6-8 hours. Tendon-gliding exercises will include straight hand, hook fist, full fist, tabletop, and straight fist positions. Each position will be held for 5 seconds, with 10 repetitions performed three times daily. A physiotherapist will teach and monitor the programme. Participants will receive illustrated instructions and maintain an adherence diary. Exercises will be modified or stopped if symptoms worsen.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A - Active PBM + Routine PT | Experimental | 830 nm photobiomodulation (200 mW, 46-diode cluster probe, 4 J/cm², continuous wave) applied over the carpal tunnel region (volar wrist), 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Combined with wrist splinting in neutral position (nocturnal) and median nerve gliding exercises (3 × 10 reps twice daily). Receives: Device: Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy); Other: Routine Physiotherapy Programme |
| Group B - Sham PBM + Routine PT | Sham comparator | Identical procedure using a deactivated PBM device (confirmed output <1 mW by calibrated power meter). Same probe, contact time, and positioning as Group A. Combined with identical routine physiotherapy (wrist splinting + nerve gliding exercises). Receives: Device: Sham Photobiomodulation; Other: Routine Physiotherapy Programme |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change From Baseline in Median Nerve Sensory Conduction Velocity at Week 4 and week 8
Median nerve sensory conduction velocity will be measured in metres per second (m/s) using a standardized nerve conduction study performed by a blinded neurophysiologist. Electrode placement, stimulation distance, equipment settings and skin temperature will be standardized across assessments. Change will be calculated as the Week 4 and 8 value minus the baseline value. A positive change indicates improvement in sensory conduction velocity.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4 and week 8
Secondary outcomes (8)
Change From Baseline in Median Nerve Distal Motor Latency
Median nerve distal motor latency will be measured in milliseconds (ms) using a standardized nerve conduction study, with stimulation at the wrist and recording from the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. The same stimulation distance, electrode placement, equipment settings and skin-temperature controls will be used at each assessment. Change will be calculated as the follow-up value minus the baseline value. A negative change indicates reduced latency and improved motor conduction.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Median Nerve Sensory Nerve Action Potential Amplitude
Median nerve sensory nerve action potential amplitude will be measured in microvolts (µV) using a standardized nerve conduction study performed by a blinded neurophysiologist. The same recording technique and equipment settings will be used at each assessment. Change will be calculated as the follow-up value minus the baseline value. A positive change indicates an increase in sensory response amplitude.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area
The cross-sectional area of the median nerve will be measured in square millimetres (mm²) using high-resolution ultrasonography at the carpal tunnel inlet at the level of the pisiform. The nerve will be traced within the hyperechoic epineurial border. Three measurements will be obtained and averaged at each assessment. The same anatomical level, participant position, ultrasound settings and blinded assessor will be used throughout the study. Change will be calculated as the follow-up value minus the baseline value. A negative change indicates a reduction in median nerve enlargement.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Scale Score
Symptom severity will be assessed using the 11-item Symptom Severity Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Each item is scored from 1 to 5, and the subscale score is calculated as the mean of the completed items. Total subscale scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. Change will be calculated as the follow-up score minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates improvement
Measured: Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Functional Status Scale Score
Functional status will be assessed using the 8-item Functional Status Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Each item is scored from 1 to 5, and the subscale score is calculated as the mean of the completed items. Total subscale scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater functional limitation. Change will be calculated as the follow-up score minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates improvement.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Pain Intensity Measured Using the Visual Analogue Scale
Pain intensity will be measured using a 100-mm horizontal Visual Analogue Scale, ranging from 0 mm, representing no pain, to 100 mm, representing the worst imaginable pain. Change will be calculated as the follow-up score minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates reduced pain intensity.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Handgrip Strength
Handgrip strength of the affected hand will be measured in kilograms (kg) using a Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer and standardized positioning. Three trials will be performed with a standardized rest period between trials, and the mean of the three measurements will be used for analysis. Change will be calculated as the follow-up value minus the baseline value. A positive change indicates improved grip strength.
Measured: Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Number of Participants With Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events
Treatment-emergent adverse events will be recorded from the first intervention session through the final follow-up assessment. Events will include, but will not be limited to, increased wrist or hand pain, skin irritation, erythema, burning sensation, altered sensation, headache or any other unfavorable medical occurrence. The number and percentage of participants experiencing one or more adverse events will be reported for each intervention group.
Measured: From the first intervention session through Week 8
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Jul 2026
- Study start15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion15 May 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Aug 2027 (estimated)
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 University of LahoreThe 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
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Dr Sajid Mehmood, MS (OMPT), Principal investigator, University of LahoreDr Ashfaq Ahmad, PhD, Study director, University of LahoreDr Umair Ahmed, PhD, Study chair, University of LahoreDr Ishaq Ahmed, PhD, Study chair, University of Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07714720
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/019/25/6332
- Acronym
- PBM-CTS-RCT
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 15 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 20 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data underlying the published results will be shared. These data will include coded participant identifiers, treatment allocation, baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment attendance and adherence, nerve conduction measurements, median nerve cross-sectional area, serum BDNF concentration, BCTQ symptom and functional scores, pain intensity, grip strength, adverse events and missing-data indicators at baseline, Week 4 and Week 8. Derived analysis variables and a data dictionary will also be provided. Names, contact information, exact dates, signed consent forms, biological samples and other potentially identifying information will not be shared.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Therapeutic Effects of Photobiomodulation (Low Level Laser Therapy) on Median Nerve Neuroplasticity in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07714720
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PBM-CTS-RCT / REC/019/25/6332
- Conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Keywords
- Photobiomodulation, Median Nerve, Randomized Controlled Trial, Low-Level Light Therapy, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Ultrasonography, Physical Therapy Modalities, Neuronal Plasticity
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 15 May 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Aug 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 20 Jul 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 the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy, causing pain, paresthesia, and hand dysfunction due to median nerve compression at the wrist. While physiotherapy provides symptom relief, it does not effectively address the underlying neuroplastic deficits of the median nerve. Photobiomodulation (PBM), delivered at 830 nm near-infrared wavelength, has shown potential to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration via cytochrome c oxidase activation, ATP synthesis, and upregulation of neurotrophic factors including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether 830 nm PBM (200 mW, 4 J/cm², 12 sessions over 4 weeks) combined with routine physiotherapy produces significantly greater neuroplastic recovery of the median nerve - assessed by high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) measurement of median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA), nerve conduction study parameters and serum BDNF - compared to sham PBM combined with identical physiotherapy in adults with mild-to-moderate CTS. Neuroplasticity was operationalised as a multimodal construct comprising: (1) functional recovery, indexed by nerve conduction study parameters; (2) structural remodelling, indexed by median nerve cross-sectional area on high-resolution ultrasound; and (3) molecular neuroplastic signalling, indexed by serum BDNF. This multimodal approach was adopted because no single measure captures the full construct of peripheral nerve neuroplasticity (Padua et al., 2020).
Detailed description
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compressive neuropathy of the median nerve associated with focal demyelination, impaired axonal transport, intraneural oedema, pain, sensory disturbance and functional limitation. Although conservative treatments can reduce symptoms, the physiological and structural processes accompanying median nerve recovery remain insufficiently characterized.
Photobiomodulation delivers non-thermal red or near-infrared light to biological tissue. Its proposed effects include modulation of mitochondrial activity, cellular energy production, oxidative signalling and inflammatory responses. Experimental evidence also suggests potential effects on Schwann-cell activity, axonal repair and neurotrophic signalling. However, clinical studies of photobiomodulation for carpal tunnel syndrome have generally been limited by small samples, heterogeneous treatment parameters and reliance on symptomatic outcomes without integrated assessment of nerve physiology, morphology and molecular responses.
This study will investigate whether adjunctive 830-nm photobiomodulation produces greater median nerve recovery than sham photobiomodulation when both groups receive the same routine physiotherapy. The primary hypothesis is that active photobiomodulation will produce greater improvement in median nerve sensory conduction velocity at the end of the four-week intervention. Follow-up assessment will examine whether any observed effect is maintained after treatment completion.
Electrophysiological testing will characterize changes in median nerve function, while high-resolution ultrasonography will assess structural changes in the nerve. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor will be evaluated as an exploratory circulating biomarker and will not be interpreted as a specific standalone measure of median nerve neuroplasticity. Patient-reported symptoms, functional status, pain and hand strength will be assessed to determine the clinical relevance of any physiological or structural changes.
By integrating electrophysiological, ultrasonographic, clinical and exploratory molecular measurements, the study aims to clarify whether the symptomatic effects of photobiomodulation are accompanied by objective evidence of median nerve recovery. The findings may help refine outcome selection and treatment parameters for future confirmatory trials.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A - Active PBM + Routine PT | Experimental | Device: Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy), Other: Routine Physiotherapy Programme830 nm photobiomodulation (200 mW, 46-diode cluster probe, 4 J/cm², continuous wave) applied over the carpal tunnel region (volar wrist), 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Combined with wrist splinting in neutral position (nocturnal) and median nerve gliding exercises (3 × 10 reps twice daily). |
| Group B - Sham PBM + Routine PT | Sham comparator | Device: Sham Photobiomodulation, Other: Routine Physiotherapy ProgrammeIdentical procedure using a deactivated PBM device (confirmed output <1 mW by calibrated power meter). Same probe, contact time, and positioning as Group A. Combined with identical routine physiotherapy (wrist splinting + nerve gliding exercises). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Age 18-60 years
- Clinical diagnosis of unilateral mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome based on positive Phalen test and/or Tinel sign
- Electrophysiological confirmation of CTS via nerve conduction study (NCS) meeting AANEM 2012 diagnostic criteria for mild-to-moderate CTS
- No prior photobiomodulation or laser therapy to the affected wrist within the preceding 3 months
- Ability to attend 3 treatment sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks
Key exclusion criteria (12 listed)
- Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome
- Previous surgical release of the carpal tunnel on the affected side
- Systemic peripheral neuropathy (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Implanted cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, or other active electronic implant
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy)Also: Low-Level Laser Therapy, LLLT, Low-Level Light Therapy, PBMTPhotobiomodulation (PBM) delivered using a 46-diode cluster probe at 830 nm wavelength, 200 mW optical output power, continuous wave mode, 4 J/cm² energy density, applied in static contact technique over the carpal tunnel (volar wrist surface, 3-5 cm proximal to distal wrist crease). Application time per session: approximately 200 seconds (~3.3 minutes). Treatment schedule: 3 sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks (12 sessions total). Sham device output confirmed <1 mW by calibrated photodiode power meter. | Device | Group A - Active PBM + Routine PT |
| Sham PhotobiomodulationDeactivated PBM device identical in external appearance to the active device. Applied using the same 46-diode cluster probe, contact technique, and duration (approximately 200 seconds) as the active arm. Output power confirmed <1 mW by calibrated photodiode power meter (LaserCheck or equivalent) at baseline, session 6, and session 12 for the first five enrolled participants. No therapeutic light emission occurs. | Device | Group B - Sham PBM + Routine PT |
| Routine Physiotherapy ProgrammeAlso: Multimodal Physiotherapy Programme, Conventional Physiotherapy, Standard Conservative PhysiotherapyParticipants will receive an 4-week routine physiotherapy programme comprising median nerve mobilization, night splinting, and tendon-gliding exercises. Median nerve mobilization will use six sequential positions progressing from wrist-neutral finger/thumb flexion to finger, wrist, and thumb extension, forearm supination, and assisted thumb stretching. Each position will be held for 5 seconds; the sequence will be repeated 10 times, three times daily. A neutral volar wrist splint allowing free finger and thumb movement will be worn nightly for 6-8 hours. Tendon-gliding exercises will include straight hand, hook fist, full fist, tabletop, and straight fist positions. Each position will be held for 5 seconds, with 10 repetitions performed three times daily. A physiotherapist will teach and monitor the programme. Participants will receive illustrated instructions and maintain an adherence diary. Exercises will be modified or stopped if symptoms worsen. | Other | Group A - Active PBM + Routine PT, Group B - Sham PBM + Routine PT |
Primary outcome
Change From Baseline in Median Nerve Sensory Conduction Velocity at Week 4 and week 8
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 and week 8
Median nerve sensory conduction velocity will be measured in metres per second (m/s) using a standardized nerve conduction study performed by a blinded neurophysiologist. Electrode placement, stimulation distance, equipment settings and skin temperature will be standardized across assessments. Change will be calculated as the Week 4 and 8 value minus the baseline value. A positive change indicates improvement in sensory conduction velocity.
8 secondary outcomes
Change From Baseline in Median Nerve Distal Motor Latency
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Median Nerve Sensory Nerve Action Potential Amplitude
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Scale Score
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Functional Status Scale Score
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Pain Intensity Measured Using the Visual Analogue Scale
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Handgrip Strength
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Number of Participants With Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events
Time frame: From the first intervention session through Week 8
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data underlying the published results will be shared. These data will include coded participant identifiers, treatment allocation, baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment attendance and adherence, nerve conduction measurements, median nerve cross-sectional area, serum BDNF concentration, BCTQ symptom and functional scores, pain intensity, grip strength, adverse events and missing-data indicators at baseline, Week 4 and Week 8. Derived analysis variables and a data dictionary will also be provided. Names, contact information, exact dates, signed consent forms, biological samples and other potentially identifying information will not be shared.
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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.
Dr Sajid Mehmood, MS (OMPT) principal investigator
University of Lahore
Dr Ashfaq Ahmad, PhD study director
University of Lahore
Dr Umair Ahmed, PhD study chair
University of Lahore
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy) and Routine Physiotherapy Programme in people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), run by University of Lahore 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 6 inclusion and 12 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Jul 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Sajid Mehmood, MS (OMPT) (923218486974, drmsajidphy@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change From Baseline in Median Nerve Sensory Conduction Velocity at Week 4 and week 8 (time frame: Baseline, Week 4 and week 8). 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 20 Jul 2026.