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Pulsed US Versus SWD in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Sponsor: Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two physical therapy treatments in people with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand. The main question this study aims to answer is: Does pulsed ultrasound or pulsed shortwave diathermy lead to greater improvement in symptoms and nerve swelling when added to standard treatment? All participants will receive standard conservative treatment, including a wrist splint and nerve and tendon gliding exercises for three weeks. In addition, participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments: Pulsed therapeutic ultrasound (US) Pulsed shortwave diathermy (SWD) Researchers will measure changes in hand symptoms, pain levels, grip strength, and the size of the median nerve using ultrasound imaging. Assessments will be performed before treatment, and at 1 month and 3 months after treatment. The primary outcome of the study is the change in median nerve cross-sectional area at 3 months.
Official title: Pulsed Ultrasound Versus Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy in Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2025-03-11
Completion Date
2025-09-15
Last Updated
2026-04-22
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Pulsed Therapeutic Ultrasound
Pulsed therapeutic ultrasound was applied to the volar aspect of the wrist using a frequency of 3 MHz, an intensity of 0.8 W/cm², and a pulse ratio of 1:4 for 5 minutes per session. A total of 15 treatment sessions were administered over three weeks.
Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy
Pulsed shortwave diathermy was applied with electrodes positioned parallel to the volar and dorsal aspects of the wrist, centered at the distal palmar crease. Treatment was delivered in pulsed mode at a frequency of 80 Hz and a mean output power of 19.2 W for 15 minutes per session. A total of 15 sessions were administered over three weeks.
Locations (2)
Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University
Kahramanmaraş, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey (Türkiye)
Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University
Kahramanmaraş, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey (Türkiye)