このページは自動翻訳されたものであり、翻訳の正確性は保証されていません。を参照してください。 英語版 ソーステキスト用。

Photobiomodulation for Median Nerve Neuroplasticity in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial (PBM-CTS-RCT)

2026年7月15日 更新者：University of Lahore

Therapeutic Effects of Photobiomodulation (Low Level Laser Therapy) on Median Nerve Neuroplasticity in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy, causing pain, paresthesia, and hand dysfunction due to median nerve compression at the wrist. While physiotherapy provides symptom relief, it does not effectively address the underlying neuroplastic deficits of the median nerve. Photobiomodulation (PBM), delivered at 830 nm near-infrared wavelength, has shown potential to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration via cytochrome c oxidase activation, ATP synthesis, and upregulation of neurotrophic factors including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether 830 nm PBM (200 mW, 4 J/cm², 12 sessions over 4 weeks) combined with routine physiotherapy produces significantly greater neuroplastic recovery of the median nerve - assessed by high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) measurement of median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA), nerve conduction study parameters and serum BDNF - compared to sham PBM combined with identical physiotherapy in adults with mild-to-moderate CTS. Neuroplasticity was operationalised as a multimodal construct comprising: (1) functional recovery, indexed by nerve conduction study parameters; (2) structural remodelling, indexed by median nerve cross-sectional area on high-resolution ultrasound; and (3) molecular neuroplastic signalling, indexed by serum BDNF. This multimodal approach was adopted because no single measure captures the full construct of peripheral nerve neuroplasticity (Padua et al., 2020).

調査の概要

状態

まだ募集していません

条件

介入・治療

詳細な説明

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compressive neuropathy of the median nerve associated with focal demyelination, impaired axonal transport, intraneural oedema, pain, sensory disturbance and functional limitation. Although conservative treatments can reduce symptoms, the physiological and structural processes accompanying median nerve recovery remain insufficiently characterized.

Photobiomodulation delivers non-thermal red or near-infrared light to biological tissue. Its proposed effects include modulation of mitochondrial activity, cellular energy production, oxidative signalling and inflammatory responses. Experimental evidence also suggests potential effects on Schwann-cell activity, axonal repair and neurotrophic signalling. However, clinical studies of photobiomodulation for carpal tunnel syndrome have generally been limited by small samples, heterogeneous treatment parameters and reliance on symptomatic outcomes without integrated assessment of nerve physiology, morphology and molecular responses.

This study will investigate whether adjunctive 830-nm photobiomodulation produces greater median nerve recovery than sham photobiomodulation when both groups receive the same routine physiotherapy. The primary hypothesis is that active photobiomodulation will produce greater improvement in median nerve sensory conduction velocity at the end of the four-week intervention. Follow-up assessment will examine whether any observed effect is maintained after treatment completion.

Electrophysiological testing will characterize changes in median nerve function, while high-resolution ultrasonography will assess structural changes in the nerve. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor will be evaluated as an exploratory circulating biomarker and will not be interpreted as a specific standalone measure of median nerve neuroplasticity. Patient-reported symptoms, functional status, pain and hand strength will be assessed to determine the clinical relevance of any physiological or structural changes.

By integrating electrophysiological, ultrasonographic, clinical and exploratory molecular measurements, the study aims to clarify whether the symptomatic effects of photobiomodulation are accompanied by objective evidence of median nerve recovery. The findings may help refine outcome selection and treatment parameters for future confirmatory trials.

研究の種類

介入

入学 (推定)

70

段階

  • 適用できない

連絡先と場所

このセクションには、調査を実施する担当者の連絡先の詳細と、この調査が実施されている場所に関する情報が記載されています。

研究連絡先

研究連絡先のバックアップ

研究場所

  • パキスタン
    • Punjab Province
      • Lahore、Punjab Province、パキスタン、54000
        • University of Lahore Hospital
        • コンタクト：
        • コンタクト：
        • 主任研究者：
          • Dr Sajid Mehmood, MS (OMPT)

参加基準

研究者は、適格基準と呼ばれる特定の説明に適合する人を探します。これらの基準のいくつかの例は、人の一般的な健康状態または以前の治療です。

適格基準

就学可能な年齢

  • 大人

健康ボランティアの受け入れ

いいえ

説明

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 18-60 years
  • Clinical diagnosis of unilateral mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome based on positive Phalen test and/or Tinel sign
  • Electrophysiological confirmation of CTS via nerve conduction study (NCS) meeting AANEM 2012 diagnostic criteria for mild-to-moderate CTS
  • No prior photobiomodulation or laser therapy to the affected wrist within the preceding 3 months
  • Ability to attend 3 treatment sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks
  • Able and willing to provide written informed consent (in Urdu or English)

Exclusion Criteria

  • Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Previous surgical release of the carpal tunnel on the affected side
  • Systemic peripheral neuropathy (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease)
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Implanted cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, or other active electronic implant
  • Active malignancy at or near the treatment site
  • Current use of photosensitising medications (e.g., tetracyclines, amiodarone, psoralens)
  • Corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel within the preceding 3 months
  • Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory joint disease affecting the wrist
  • Open wounds, acute skin infection, or tattooed skin at the treatment site
  • Inability to attend 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks
  • Severe CTS confirmed by NCS (complete sensory or motor axon loss)

研究計画

このセクションでは、研究がどのように設計され、研究が何を測定しているかなど、研究計画の詳細を提供します。

研究はどのように設計されていますか？

デザインの詳細

  • 主な目的：処理
  • 割り当て：ランダム化
  • 介入モデル：並列代入
  • マスキング：ダブル

武器と介入

参加者グループ / アーム
介入・治療
実験的：Group A - Active PBM + Routine PT
830 nm photobiomodulation (200 mW, 46-diode cluster probe, 4 J/cm², continuous wave) applied over the carpal tunnel region (volar wrist), 3 sessions/week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Combined with wrist splinting in neutral position (nocturnal) and median nerve gliding exercises (3 × 10 reps twice daily).
デバイス：Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy)
Photobiomodulation (PBM) delivered using a 46-diode cluster probe at 830 nm wavelength, 200 mW optical output power, continuous wave mode, 4 J/cm² energy density, applied in static contact technique over the carpal tunnel (volar wrist surface, 3-5 cm proximal to distal wrist crease). Application time per session: approximately 200 seconds (~3.3 minutes). Treatment schedule: 3 sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks (12 sessions total). Sham device output confirmed <1 mW by calibrated photodiode power meter.
他の名前：
  • LLLT
  • 低レベルレーザー治療
  • 低レベル光線療法
  • PBMT
他の：Routine Physiotherapy Programme
Participants will receive an 4-week routine physiotherapy programme comprising median nerve mobilization, night splinting, and tendon-gliding exercises. Median nerve mobilization will use six sequential positions progressing from wrist-neutral finger/thumb flexion to finger, wrist, and thumb extension, forearm supination, and assisted thumb stretching. Each position will be held for 5 seconds; the sequence will be repeated 10 times, three times daily. A neutral volar wrist splint allowing free finger and thumb movement will be worn nightly for 6-8 hours. Tendon-gliding exercises will include straight hand, hook fist, full fist, tabletop, and straight fist positions. Each position will be held for 5 seconds, with 10 repetitions performed three times daily. A physiotherapist will teach and monitor the programme. Participants will receive illustrated instructions and maintain an adherence diary. Exercises will be modified or stopped if symptoms worsen.
他の名前：
  • 従来の理学療法
  • Multimodal Physiotherapy Programme
  • Standard Conservative Physiotherapy
偽コンパレータ：Group B - Sham PBM + Routine PT
Identical procedure using a deactivated PBM device (confirmed output <1 mW by calibrated power meter). Same probe, contact time, and positioning as Group A. Combined with identical routine physiotherapy (wrist splinting + nerve gliding exercises).
他の：Routine Physiotherapy Programme
Participants will receive an 4-week routine physiotherapy programme comprising median nerve mobilization, night splinting, and tendon-gliding exercises. Median nerve mobilization will use six sequential positions progressing from wrist-neutral finger/thumb flexion to finger, wrist, and thumb extension, forearm supination, and assisted thumb stretching. Each position will be held for 5 seconds; the sequence will be repeated 10 times, three times daily. A neutral volar wrist splint allowing free finger and thumb movement will be worn nightly for 6-8 hours. Tendon-gliding exercises will include straight hand, hook fist, full fist, tabletop, and straight fist positions. Each position will be held for 5 seconds, with 10 repetitions performed three times daily. A physiotherapist will teach and monitor the programme. Participants will receive illustrated instructions and maintain an adherence diary. Exercises will be modified or stopped if symptoms worsen.
他の名前：
  • 従来の理学療法
  • Multimodal Physiotherapy Programme
  • Standard Conservative Physiotherapy
デバイス：Sham Photobiomodulation
Deactivated PBM device identical in external appearance to the active device. Applied using the same 46-diode cluster probe, contact technique, and duration (approximately 200 seconds) as the active arm. Output power confirmed <1 mW by calibrated photodiode power meter (LaserCheck or equivalent) at baseline, session 6, and session 12 for the first five enrolled participants. No therapeutic light emission occurs.

この研究は何を測定していますか？

主要な結果の測定

結果測定
メジャーの説明
時間枠
Change From Baseline in Median Nerve Sensory Conduction Velocity at Week 4 and week 8
時間枠：Baseline, Week 4 and week 8
Median nerve sensory conduction velocity will be measured in metres per second (m/s) using a standardized nerve conduction study performed by a blinded neurophysiologist. Electrode placement, stimulation distance, equipment settings and skin temperature will be standardized across assessments. Change will be calculated as the Week 4 and 8 value minus the baseline value. A positive change indicates improvement in sensory conduction velocity.
Baseline, Week 4 and week 8

二次結果の測定

結果測定
メジャーの説明
時間枠
Change From Baseline in Median Nerve Distal Motor Latency
時間枠：Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Median nerve distal motor latency will be measured in milliseconds (ms) using a standardized nerve conduction study, with stimulation at the wrist and recording from the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. The same stimulation distance, electrode placement, equipment settings and skin-temperature controls will be used at each assessment. Change will be calculated as the follow-up value minus the baseline value. A negative change indicates reduced latency and improved motor conduction.
Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Median Nerve Sensory Nerve Action Potential Amplitude
時間枠：Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Median nerve sensory nerve action potential amplitude will be measured in microvolts (µV) using a standardized nerve conduction study performed by a blinded neurophysiologist. The same recording technique and equipment settings will be used at each assessment. Change will be calculated as the follow-up value minus the baseline value. A positive change indicates an increase in sensory response amplitude.
Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area
時間枠：Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
The cross-sectional area of the median nerve will be measured in square millimetres (mm²) using high-resolution ultrasonography at the carpal tunnel inlet at the level of the pisiform. The nerve will be traced within the hyperechoic epineurial border. Three measurements will be obtained and averaged at each assessment. The same anatomical level, participant position, ultrasound settings and blinded assessor will be used throughout the study. Change will be calculated as the follow-up value minus the baseline value. A negative change indicates a reduction in median nerve enlargement.
Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Scale Score
時間枠：Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Symptom severity will be assessed using the 11-item Symptom Severity Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Each item is scored from 1 to 5, and the subscale score is calculated as the mean of the completed items. Total subscale scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. Change will be calculated as the follow-up score minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates improvement
Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Functional Status Scale Score
時間枠：Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Functional status will be assessed using the 8-item Functional Status Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Each item is scored from 1 to 5, and the subscale score is calculated as the mean of the completed items. Total subscale scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater functional limitation. Change will be calculated as the follow-up score minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates improvement.
Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Pain Intensity Measured Using the Visual Analogue Scale
時間枠：Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Pain intensity will be measured using a 100-mm horizontal Visual Analogue Scale, ranging from 0 mm, representing no pain, to 100 mm, representing the worst imaginable pain. Change will be calculated as the follow-up score minus the baseline score. A negative change indicates reduced pain intensity.
Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Change From Baseline in Handgrip Strength
時間枠：Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Handgrip strength of the affected hand will be measured in kilograms (kg) using a Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer and standardized positioning. Three trials will be performed with a standardized rest period between trials, and the mean of the three measurements will be used for analysis. Change will be calculated as the follow-up value minus the baseline value. A positive change indicates improved grip strength.
Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Number of Participants With Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events
時間枠：From the first intervention session through Week 8
Treatment-emergent adverse events will be recorded from the first intervention session through the final follow-up assessment. Events will include, but will not be limited to, increased wrist or hand pain, skin irritation, erythema, burning sensation, altered sensation, headache or any other unfavorable medical occurrence. The number and percentage of participants experiencing one or more adverse events will be reported for each intervention group.
From the first intervention session through Week 8

その他の成果指標

結果測定
メジャーの説明
時間枠
Change From Baseline in Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentration
時間枠：Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8
Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration will be measured in picograms per millilitre (pg/mL) using a standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Blood collection time, clotting duration, centrifugation, storage temperature, freeze-thaw exposure and assay procedures will be standardized across assessments. Samples from both intervention groups will be analysed in the same assay batches where feasible. Change will be calculated as the follow-up concentration minus the baseline concentration. This outcome will be interpreted as an exploratory circulating biomarker and not as a specific standalone measure of median nerve neuroplasticity.
Baseline, Week 4 and Week 8

協力者と研究者

ここでは、この調査に関係する人々や組織を見つけることができます。

スポンサー

University of Lahore

捜査官

  • 主任研究者：Dr Sajid Mehmood, MS (OMPT)、University of Lahore
  • スタディディレクター：Dr Ashfaq Ahmad, PhD、University of Lahore
  • スタディチェア：Dr Umair Ahmed, PhD、University of Lahore
  • スタディチェア：Dr Ishaq Ahmed, PhD、University of Lahore

研究記録日

これらの日付は、ClinicalTrials.gov への研究記録と要約結果の提出の進捗状況を追跡します。研究記録と報告された結果は、国立医学図書館 (NLM) によって審査され、公開 Web サイトに掲載される前に、特定の品質管理基準を満たしていることが確認されます。

主要日程の研究

研究開始 (推定)

2026年8月15日

一次修了 (推定)

2027年5月15日

研究の完了 (推定)

2027年8月15日

試験登録日

最初に提出

2026年7月15日

QC基準を満たした最初の提出物

2026年7月15日

最初の投稿 (実際)

2026年7月20日

学習記録の更新

投稿された最後の更新 (実際)

2026年7月20日

QC基準を満たした最後の更新が送信されました

2026年7月15日

最終確認日

2026年7月1日

詳しくは

本研究に関する用語

キーワード

追加の関連 MeSH 用語

その他の研究ID番号

  • REC/019/25/6332

個々の参加者データ (IPD) の計画

個々の参加者データ (IPD) を共有する予定はありますか?

はい

IPD プランの説明

De-identified individual participant data underlying the published results will be shared. These data will include coded participant identifiers, treatment allocation, baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment attendance and adherence, nerve conduction measurements, median nerve cross-sectional area, serum BDNF concentration, BCTQ symptom and functional scores, pain intensity, grip strength, adverse events and missing-data indicators at baseline, Week 4 and Week 8. Derived analysis variables and a data dictionary will also be provided. Names, contact information, exact dates, signed consent forms, biological samples and other potentially identifying information will not be shared.

IPD 共有時間枠

The de-identified IPD and supporting information will become available beginning 6 months after publication of the primary study results and will remain available for 5 years.

IPD 共有アクセス基準

De-identified IPD and supporting materials will be available to qualified researchers submitting a methodologically sound proposal with a clearly defined scientific purpose. Requests will be reviewed by the Principal Investigator and institutional sponsor. Research ethics approval may be required depending on the proposed analysis. Approved researchers must sign a data-use agreement prohibiting participant re-identification, unauthorized redistribution and use beyond the approved purpose. Data will be provided through a secure repository or encrypted transfer. Requests should be directed to the Principal Investigator using the contact information in this ClinicalTrials.gov record.

IPD 共有サポート情報タイプ

  • STUDY_PROTOCOL
  • SAP
  • ICF
  • ANALYTIC_CODE

医薬品およびデバイス情報、研究文書

米国FDA規制医薬品の研究

いいえ

米国FDA規制機器製品の研究

いいえ

この情報は、Web サイト clinicaltrials.gov から変更なしで直接取得したものです。研究の詳細を変更、削除、または更新するリクエストがある場合は、register@clinicaltrials.gov。 までご連絡ください。 clinicaltrials.gov に変更が加えられるとすぐに、ウェブサイトでも自動的に更新されます。

購読する