Magnetotherapy in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Study
Starting soon · Not applicable · Has a placebo group
Conditions studied: Magnetotherapy, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Median Nerve Compression
In brief
This study is designed to investigate the effectiveness of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in individuals diagnosed with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This double-blind, randomized controlled trial will randomly assign participants into three groups: Group 1: Active magnetotherapy Group 2: Placebo magnetotherapy (treatment using an identical device that does not generate a magnetic field) Group 3: Routine (conservative) treatment group All participants will receive a standard nighttime wrist splint and a standardized nerve and tendon gliding exercise protocol. Magnetic field applications will be administered five days per week for a total of 15 sessions. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (T0), at the end of treatment (T1 - Week 3), at 1 month (T2), and at 3 months (T3). The primary outcome measures include the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional status measured by QuickDASH, median nerve cross-sectional area assessed by ultrasonography, sensory function evaluated using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, grip strength measured by dynamometry, and clinical test results (Tinel and Phalen tests). Secondary outcomes include sleep quality assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and patient satisfaction. This study aims to contribute to the scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of magnetotherapy as a non-invasive treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07435961
- Run by
- Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital
- People needed
- 60
- Starts
- 2026-02-01
- Expected to finish
- 2026-11-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-02-27
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Adults aged between 18 and 65 years.
- Clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) based on physical examination findings, including positive Tinel and/or Phalen tests and hypoesthesia in the 3rd to 5th digits.
- Electrophysiologically confirmed mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome based on electromyography (EMG) findings.
You may not qualify if…
- Severe carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed electrophysiologically by electromyography (EMG).
- History of previous surgical intervention for carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Presence of other peripheral nerve entrapments (e.g., ulnar nerve entrapment, radial nerve entrapment).
- Electrophysiologically confirmed polyneuropathy or cervical radiculopathy/cervical discopathy.
- Rheumatologic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus).
- Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or Type 2).
- Pregnancy.
- Presence of electronic implants such as cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant, or implantable defibrillator.
- Active acute infection.
- History of malignancy.
- Receipt of physical therapy or rehabilitation for the wrist or surrounding area within the past 6 months.
- Corticosteroid injection to the wrist within the past 6 months.
- Hyperthyroidism or adrenal gland hyperfunction.
- Open growth plates (epiphyseal plates not closed).
- Paroxysmal neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy).
- Myasthenia gravis.
- Regular use of pain medications such as pregabalin, duloxetine, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Where it is running
- Fatih Sultan Mehmet Research and Training Hospital — Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.