NCT06981715

Investigation of the Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Kinesiotaping Applied as an Addition to Conservative Treatment in Individuals With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 54 (actual)
• Sponsor: Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of different treatment combinations in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Participants were divided into three groups: The control group received only night splinting and exercise programme, while the second group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in addition. The third group received kinesiobanding in addition to night splinting, exercise and ESWT. The study evaluates the effect of multimodal conservative treatment approaches on CTS symptoms and aims to demonstrate the additional benefits of ESWT and kinesiobanding in particular. The findings provide important clues for clinical practice.

Detailed description

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy resulting from compression of the median nerve at the wrist level, with symptoms such as paresthesia, pain and loss of muscle strength. This study comparatively evaluated the effects of different conservative treatment combinations on symptoms and functional status in individuals with CTS. Participants were divided into three groups. The control group received the standard conservative approach of night splinting and exercise programme. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) group received ESWT, which is known to increase tissue regeneration and blood flow, in addition to night splinting and exercise. In the ESWT+Taping group, in addition to night splinting, exercise and ESWT, kinesiobanding, which aims to provide proprioceptive support and reduce oedema, was applied. Pain intensity, symptom severity, functionality, hand grip strength and electrophysiological parameters were evaluated before and after treatment. This study draws attention to the importance of multidisciplinary and holistic approaches in the treatment of CTS and offers important contributions to clinical practice.

Conditions

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Conservative treatment	Night Splint Resting splint fixing the ankle in neutral position Worn every night before going to bed, used for 6-8 hours Objective: To reduce the pressure on the median nerve Exercise Programme: Applied 1-2 times a day Each exercise 10 repetitions, 2 sets Content: Nerve mobilisation exercises (median nerve sliding and stretching) Wrist stretching and flexor-extensor tendon sliding exercises Finger opening-closing, fist making exercises
OTHER	ESWT	ESWT Protocol: Device Radial ESWT device Area of application Wrist volar surface (carpal tunnel area) Parameters Frequency: 5 Hz 4 Bar Number of beats 2000 pulses/session Application time 5-10 minutes per session
OTHER	Kinesiotaping	Kinesio taping was performed with the Button hole technique described by Dr Kenzo Kase. In this technique, a kinesio tape was measured and cut from the medial and lateral epicondyle level on the palmar side of the forearm, from the base of the proximal phalanges to the epicondyles of the humerus on the dorsal side of the forearm. The tape was folded and the midpoint was found, 2 short incisions were made and 2 button holes were obtained through which the 3rd and 4th finger would pass. The paper behind the band was torn and the 3rd and 4th fingers were passed through the holes. The patient's wrist was brought to extension and radial deviation and the tape was glued with a slight (15-25%) tension towards the medial epicondyle on the palmar side of the forearm. Then the wrist was flexed and ulnar deviated and the tape was glued with a slight (15-25%) tension towards the lateral epicondyle.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-05-17
• Primary completion: 2025-06-26
• Completion: 2025-06-26
• First posted: 2025-05-21
• Last updated: 2025-07-01

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)