The study group (G1) consisted of 15 patients treated by neural mobilization techniques targeting the median nerve, in addition to a selected physical therapy program including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, and strengthening exercises for the wrist and hand muscles. The control group (G2) consisted of 15 patients treated only by the same selected physical therapy program as in G1, without neural mobilization. All outcome variables (median nerve cross-sectional area, flattening ratio, and flexor retinaculum bowing measured by diagnostic ultrasound; hand grip strength measured by handheld dynamometer; and symptom severity and functional status measured by the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) were assessed pre-treatment and after 6 weeks of intervention, for comparison within and between groups.
The study group (G1) consisted of 15 patients treated by neural mobilization techniques targeting the median nerve, in addition to a selected physical therapy program including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, and strengthening exercises for the wrist and hand muscles. The control group (G2) consisted of 15 patients treated only by the same selected physical therapy program as in G1, without neural mobilization. All outcome variables (median nerve cross-sectional area, flattening ratio, and flexor retinaculum bowing measured by diagnostic ultrasound; hand grip strength measured by handheld dynamometer; and symptom severity and functional status measured by the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) were assessed pre-treatment and after 6 weeks of intervention, for comparison within and between groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
30
Neuromobilization (also called Neural Mobilization or Neurodynamic Techniques) is a conservative physiotherapy intervention that aims to restore the normal mechanical movement of the median nerve through the carpal tunnel and surrounding tissues.
Physical Therapy Cairo University
Cairo, Other (Non US), Egypt
Change in pain intensity measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Pain intensity was assessed using the 0-10 cm Visual Analogue Scale (0 = no pain, 10 = worst imaginable pain). Higher scores indicate greater pain.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment
Change in symptom severity measured by the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ)
Symptom severity was assessed using the SSS of the BCTQ (11 items, each scored 1-5; higher mean score indicates more severe symptoms).
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment
Change in functional status measured by the Functional Status Scale (FSS) of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ)
Functional status was assessed using the FSS of the BCTQ (8 items, each scored 1-5; higher mean score indicates greater functional impairment).
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment
Change in hand grip strength measured by a handheld dynamometer
Maximum hand grip strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer (in kg).
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment
Change in median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) measured by diagnostic ultrasound
CSA of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel inlet was measured by diagnostic ultrasonography (in mm²).
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment
Change in median nerve flattening ratio measured by diagnostic ultrasound
The flattening ratio of the median nerve was measured by diagnostic ultrasonography.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment
Change in flexor retinaculum (palmar) bowing measured by diagnostic ultrasound
Palmar bowing of the flexor retinaculum was measured by diagnostic ultrasonography (in mm).
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.