Postural Control and Balance Performance in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

November 2, 2026 updated by: Kadir Songur, Izmir Democracy University

Evaluation of Static and Dynamic Postural Control According to Electrophysiological Severity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Controlled Cross-Sectional Observational Study

This observational study aims to evaluate static and dynamic postural control in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) according to electrophysiological disease severity and to compare their balance performance with that of healthy controls.

A total of 96 participants will be recruited into four groups: healthy controls and patients with mild, moderate, or severe CTS classified according to the Bland electrophysiological grading system.

Postural control will be assessed using the TecnoBody ProKin balance system under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Additional assessments will include nerve conduction parameters, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, sensory function, handgrip strength, and pinch strength.

The primary objective is to determine whether the effect of visual condition on center-of-pressure sway area differs across the four study groups.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Detailed Description

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve characterized by sensory disturbances, pain, and motor dysfunction. Although its effects on hand sensation and motor performance are well established, the potential relationship between CTS-related sensorimotor impairment and postural control remains insufficiently understood.

Postural stability depends on the integration of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory information. Alterations in somatosensory function associated with CTS may influence postural control, particularly when visual information is unavailable.

This single-center, controlled, cross-sectional observational study will include 96 adults aged 18-65 years, distributed across four groups: healthy controls, mild CTS (Bland grades 1-2), moderate CTS (Bland grade 3), and severe CTS (Bland grades 4-6).

Static postural control will be evaluated using the TecnoBody ProKin system during 30-second bipedal standing trials under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Center-of-pressure parameters, including sway area, total path length, and anteroposterior and mediolateral sway velocity, will be recorded. Dynamic balance will be assessed using standardized platform conditions.

Additional assessments will include median nerve conduction studies, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, two-point discrimination, handgrip strength, and pinch strength.

The primary analysis will examine the interaction between study group and visual condition for log-transformed center-of-pressure sway area. Secondary analyses will investigate other posturographic parameters and their relationships with electrophysiological severity, sensory impairment, and clinical function.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
96

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 65 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Sampling Method

Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population will consist of adults aged 18-65 years recruited from the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of İzmir Democracy University, Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital, Türkiye. Participants with clinically and electrophysiologically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) will be classified into mild (Bland grades 1-2), moderate (Bland grade 3), and severe (Bland grades 4-6) groups according to electrophysiological findings. A healthy control group consisting of adults without clinical symptoms suggestive of CTS or known disorders affecting postural control will also be included. A total of 96 participants, with 24 individuals in each group, will be enrolled.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

For participants with CTS:

  • Aged 18-65 years.
  • Clinical symptoms consistent with CTS.
  • Electrophysiologically confirmed median neuropathy at the wrist.
  • CTS severity classifiable according to the Bland grading system.
  • Ability to stand independently and complete balance assessments.
  • Provision of written informed consent.

For healthy controls:

  • Aged 18-65 years.
  • No clinical symptoms suggestive of CTS.
  • No known neurological or musculoskeletal condition affecting postural control.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Central neurological disorders affecting balance.
  • Vestibular disorders or significant vertigo.
  • Diabetes mellitus.
  • Polyneuropathy or other peripheral neuropathies affecting balance.
  • Cervical radiculopathy or brachial plexopathy.
  • Significant lower-extremity neurological or musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Recent lower-extremity surgery or major trauma affecting standing or walking.
  • Inability to stand independently.
  • Visual impairment affecting balance assessment.
  • Use of medications significantly affecting balance.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Previous surgical decompression for CTS.
  • Cognitive or communication impairment preventing compliance with assessment procedures.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Observational Models: OTHER
  • Time Perspectives: CROSS_SECTIONAL

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort

Group / Cohort

A group or subgroup of participants in an observational study that is assessed for biomedical or health outcomes.
Group 1 - Healthy Controls

Adults without clinical symptoms suggestive of CTS
Group 2 - Mild CTS

Electrophysiologically confirmed CTS, Bland grades 1-2
Group 3 - Moderate CTS

Electrophysiologically confirmed CTS, Bland grade 3
Group 4 - Severe CTS

Electrophysiologically confirmed CTS, Bland grades 4-6

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in Center-of-Pressure Sway Area Between Eyes-Open and Eyes-Closed Conditions
Time Frame: Day 1

Center-of-pressure (COP) sway area will be measured in square millimeters (mm²) using the TecnoBody ProKin posturography system during 30-second bipedal static standing assessments under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. We will calculate the within-participant difference in log-transformed COP sway area between the two visual conditions. We will compare this difference across four groups: healthy controls and participants with mild, moderate, or severe carpal tunnel syndrome.
Day 1

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Center-of-Pressure Total Path Length
Time Frame: Day 1

Center-of-pressure (COP) total path length will be measured in millimeters (mm) using the TecnoBody ProKin posturography system during 30-second bipedal static standing assessments under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. Total COP path length represents the cumulative distance traveled by the COP during each assessment. Values obtained under both visual conditions will be recorded separately and compared across healthy controls and mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome groups.
Day 1
Anteroposterior Center-of-Pressure Velocity
Time Frame: Day 1

Mean anteroposterior center-of-pressure (COP) velocity will be measured in millimeters per second (mm/s) using the TecnoBody ProKin posturography system during 30-second bipedal static standing assessments under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. This parameter quantifies COP movement velocity along the anteroposterior axis. Values obtained under both visual conditions will be recorded separately and compared across healthy controls and mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome groups.
Day 1
Mediolateral Center-of-Pressure Velocity
Time Frame: Day 1

Mean mediolateral center-of-pressure (COP) velocity will be measured in millimeters per second (mm/s) using the TecnoBody ProKin posturography system during 30-second bipedal static standing assessments under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. This parameter quantifies COP movement velocity along the mediolateral axis. Values obtained under both visual conditions will be recorded separately and compared across healthy controls and mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome groups.
Day 1
Anteroposterior Stability Index
Time Frame: Day 1

The anteroposterior stability index (APSI) will be measured using the movable platform of the TecnoBody ProKin posturography system during a standardized bipedal dynamic balance assessment. The APSI quantifies postural instability in the anteroposterior direction. Values will be compared across healthy controls and participants with mild, moderate, and severe carpal tunnel syndrome.
Day 1
Mediolateral Stability Index
Time Frame: Day 1

The mediolateral stability index (MLSI) will be measured using the movable platform of the TecnoBody ProKin posturography system during a standardized bipedal dynamic balance assessment. The MLSI quantifies postural instability in the mediolateral direction. Values will be compared across healthy controls and participants with mild, moderate, and severe CTS.
Day 1
Total Stability Index
Time Frame: Day 1

The total stability index (TSI) will be measured using the movable platform of the TecnoBody ProKin posturography system during a standardized bipedal dynamic balance assessment. The TSI provides an overall measure of dynamic postural instability. Values will be compared across healthy controls and participants with mild, moderate, and severe CTS.
Day 1
Clinical Symptom Severity and Functional Status
Time Frame: Day 1

Clinical symptoms and functional impairment will be assessed using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), consisting of the Symptom Severity Scale (BCTQ-SSS; 11 items) and Functional Status Scale (BCTQ-FSS; 8 items). Each item is scored from 1 to 5, and the mean score for each subscale ranges from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity or functional impairment. Associations between BCTQ scores and postural control parameters will be evaluated in participants with CTS.
Day 1
Median Nerve Electrophysiological Parameters
Time Frame: Day 1

Median nerve function will be assessed using nerve conduction studies. Sensory nerve conduction velocity (m/s), sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude, distal motor latency (ms), and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude will be recorded. Electrophysiological CTS severity will be classified according to the Bland grading system. Associations between electrophysiological parameters and postural control measures will be examined in participants with CTS.
Day 1
Hand Sensory Function
Time Frame: Day 1

Cutaneous sensory function will be assessed using Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing and static two-point discrimination. Testing will be performed over the distal pulp of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Monofilament testing will determine the lowest reliably perceived mechanical stimulus, while two-point discrimination will measure the minimum distance (mm) at which two simultaneous tactile stimuli can be distinguished. Higher thresholds indicate greater sensory impairment. Associations with postural control parameters will be examined.
Day 1
Handgrip and Pinch Strength
Time Frame: Day 1

Handgrip strength will be measured using a hand dynamometer, and pinch strength will be assessed using a hydraulic pinch gauge. Pinch measurements will include tip-to-tip, lateral, and three-point pinch strength. Three measurements will be obtained for each hand, and the mean value will be recorded in kilograms (kg). Associations between hand strength and postural control parameters will be examined in participants with CTS.
Day 1

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Izmir Democracy University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
December 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
September 1, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
December 1, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
October 19, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
November 2, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
November 6, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
November 6, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
November 2, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
October 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • 2026/28

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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