RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07294157

Comparison of Rest Splints vs High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Comparison of the Effects of Rest Splints and High-Intensity Laser Therapy on Pain, Function, Nerve Conduction Studies, and Grip Strength in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Sponsor

Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University

Enrollment

78 participants

Start Date

Dec 15, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Summary

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of rest splints and high-intensity laser therapy(HILT) added to physical therapy programs for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome in terms of pain, function, nerve conduction studies, and grip strength.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 75 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study compares two non-surgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome — wrist splinting (wearing a supportive brace) versus high-intensity laser therapy — to see which one better relieves pain, numbness, and nerve function. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 18 and 75 years old - You have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome based on your symptoms, physical exam, and nerve conduction test (EMG) - You are seeking physical therapy outpatient treatment - You do not have any contraindications to the treatments being studied **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have diabetes, hypothyroidism, acromegaly, rheumatic disease, or polyneuropathy - You have had a nerve injection in the carpal tunnel in the last 6 months or recent physical therapy - You are pregnant - You have a history of cancer - You have a cochlear implant - You have HIV/AIDS - You have a history of neck or upper extremity nerve injury Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICERest splint group

We routinely provide the following physical therapy program to patients with carpal tunnel syndrome in our physical therapy unit: hand wrist ROM isometric strengthening, intrinsic muscle strengthening, hand wrist stretching, desensitization exercises, tendon gliding exercises, median nerve gliding exercises, wrist flexion and extension exercises, grip strengthening exercises) will be provided to patients with carpal tunnel syndrome in our physical therapy unit, and they will be instructed to use the resting splint as much as possible during the day and maximally at night for 6 weeks. Rest splint: The WingMed brand splint is specially designed to hold the wrist in a neutral position with volar support, allowing pronation and supination of the wrist but not allowing flexion, extension, radial, or ulnar deviation.

DEVICEhigh-intensity laser therapy (HILT)

Group 2 (high-intensity laser therapy (HILT)) will undergo pulsed laser therapy using the HIRO 3 device (ASA Laser, Arcugnano, Italy) five times a week for 6 weeks (a total of 30 sessions, one session per day) in addition to the physical therapy program. During each session, a three-phase treatment program will be administered to patients once a day, accompanied by a physical therapist, consisting of nerve/tendon gliding exercises.

DEVICEsham high-intensity laser therapy (HILT)

The sham-HILT group will receive sham laser therapy using the HIRO 3 device (ASA Laser, Arcugnano, Italy) five times a week for six weeks (a total of 30 sessions, one session per day) in addition to the physical therapy program. After patients see that the device is turned on during the sham application, the same treatment will be applied to the same treatment area for the same duration without allowing laser current output from the device.