NIH-funded research R21 grant

New treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome in Hispanic women

Official title: Biomechanical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome for Hispanic women

Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11014617 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a new non-surgical treatment called carpal arch space augmentation (CASA) to see if it can help Hispanic women with carpal tunnel syndrome feel better and use their hands more easily, comparing it to the usual brace treatment over eight weeks.

More Carpal Tunnel Syndrome research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Arizona
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tucson, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$214,900
NIH project number3R21AR082111-01A1S1
Project IDNIH-11014617 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are Hispanic women diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not identify as Hispanic or those who do not have carpal tunnel syndrome may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel non-surgical treatment called carpal arch space augmentation (CASA) for Hispanic women suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CASA in relieving symptoms and improving hand function compared to standard brace treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the CASA intervention or the standard-of-care treatment over an 8-week period, with outcomes measured through patient-reported symptoms and functional assessments. The focus on Hispanic women addresses a significant health disparity in this population.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective non-surgical treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome, potentially reducing the need for surgery.

How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research in carpal tunnel syndrome treatments, the CASA approach is relatively novel and specifically targets the needs of Hispanic women.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Arizona
    Tucson, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Li, Zong-Ming — University of Arizona
  • Study coordinator: Li, Zong-Ming

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • How aged cells contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome

    This project tests whether clearing out aged 'senescent' cells in the wrist's connective tissue can reduce scarring and nerve pressure for people with carpal tunnel syndrome.

    NIH research Mayo Clinic Rochester · Rochester, United States · NIH-11238565

  • Understanding how aging cells contribute to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    This study is looking at how aging cells might play a part in causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which affects many people, and it aims to find ways to treat this condition by focusing on those aging cells to help improve symptoms for patients.

    NIH research Mayo Clinic Rochester · Rochester, United States · NIH-10996173

  • Using brain stimulation to improve physical therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome

    This study is exploring a new way to help people with carpal tunnel syndrome by using a special non-invasive treatment that targets how the brain processes pain, aiming to make physical therapy more effective and reduce chronic pain.

    NIH research Highland Instruments, INC. · Cambridge, United States · NIH-10706948

  • Matrix Rhythm Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    This study tests whether adding Matrix Rhythm Therapy to standard care helps people with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome improve symptoms, hand function, grip and pinch strength, and quality of life.

    Recruiting Izmir Bakircay University · Izmir · NCT07660913

  • Carpal tunnel release vs placebo surgery in Finland

    In this trial, people with carpal tunnel syndrome are randomly assigned to either standard carpal tunnel surgery or a pretend surgery to see if relief comes from the operation itself or from placebo effects.

    Recruiting at 2 sites Helsinki University Central Hospital · Helsinki and 1 other locations · NCT07614425

  • High-intensity laser therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome

    This trial will test whether high-intensity laser therapy helps adults 18–65 with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome reduce pain and improve nerve function and hand strength compared with a sham procedure.

    Recruiting Ankara City Hospital Bilkent · Ankara, Ankara, Çankaya · NCT07414069

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.