This randomized controlled study investigated whether adding low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or median nerve mobilization after unilateral carpal tunnel release improves median nerve electrophysiological parameters compared with no adjunctive treatment. Forty-five patients were randomly assigned to receive LLLT, median nerve mobilization, or standard postoperative care. Interventions were delivered over six weeks, and nerve conduction studies were conducted before and after treatment to assess electrophysiological outcomes, with motor distal latency designated as the primary outcome measure.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is commonly managed surgically through carpal tunnel release (CTR); however, postoperative recovery may be accompanied by persistent neural dysfunction and delayed nerve conduction improvement. Adjunct rehabilitation strategies, such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and median nerve mobilization, have been proposed to enhance neural recovery, yet their electrophysiological effects following CTR remain insufficiently established. This randomized controlled study aimed to examine and compare the effects of adjunct LLLT and median nerve mobilization on median nerve electrophysiological parameters after unilateral CTR. Forty-five patients diagnosed with unilateral CTS and treated surgically with CTR were recruited. Participants (aged 25-55 years) were randomly allocated into three equal groups. Group A received adjunct gallium arsenide (GaAs) infrared LLLT, Group B underwent median nerve mobilization exercises, and Group C received standard postoperative care without adjunctive therapy. Both intervention protocols were applied three times per week for six consecutive weeks. Electrophysiological assessments were conducted at baseline (pre-intervention) and after six weeks using standardized nerve conduction studies. Measured parameters included motor distal latency (MDL), sensory distal latency (SDL), motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV), and compound motor action potential amplitude (CMAP), with MDL predefined as the primary outcome measure.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
45
Group A: GaAs diode laser, 904 nm, average power 20 mW, probe diameter 7 mm (spot size approximately 0.385 cm²), administered as 1.2 J per point at four standardized points (totaling 4.8 J per session); 60 seconds per point (totaling approximately 4 minutes per session). Over 18 sessions (3 per week for 6 weeks), the total energy administered per treatment cycle is 86.4 J. This methodology and point-based dosing method were chosen to align with prevalent CTS protocols utilizing identical device specifications and total-session dosage, while adhering to the required 904-nm dosing parameters
Patients in the group (B) were instructed to do a series of movements that included the median nerve: lateral rotation of the shoulders, depression, wrist extension, supination, shoulder abduction, elbow extension, and bending the neck laterally to the other side. They were directed to maintain the final posture for 20 seconds. Therapist-supervised median nerve mobilization was performed three sessions/week for 6 weeks; each session included three sets of 5 repetitions of the standardized sequence, with the end-position held for 20 seconds per repetition and \~10 seconds rest between repetitions (and \~60 seconds rest between sets). Total mobilization time was \~10-12 minutes per session, and all sessions were conducted under direct therapist supervision to ensure correct positioning and symptom monitoring
Group C patients served as the comparison (control) group.
Faculty of Physical Therapy
Giza, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Change in Median Nerve Motor Distal Latency
Change in motor distal latency (milliseconds) of the median nerve from baseline (pre-treatment) to 6 weeks post-intervention, assessed using standardized nerve conduction testing (Neuropack) following American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine guidelines.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Change in Median Nerve Sensory Distal Latency
Change in sensory distal latency (milliseconds) of the median nerve from baseline to 6 weeks post-intervention.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Change in Median Nerve Motor Conduction Velocity
Change in motor nerve conduction velocity (meters/second) of the median nerve from baseline to 6 weeks post-intervention.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Change in Compound Motor Action Potential Amplitude
Change in CMAP amplitude (millivolts) of the median nerve from baseline to 6 weeks post-intervention.
Time frame: 6 weeks
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