CRPS of the hand: Contrast plus compression vs whirlpool therapy
Official title: Combined Contrast Therapy and Intermittent Compression vs Whirlpool Therapy in Post-Traumatic Hand and Wrist CRPS: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Ankara Etlik City Hospital · NCT07744269 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This randomized study tests whether a combined contrast therapy with intermittent compression helps people with CRPS-I in the hand and wrist more than whirlpool therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ankara Etlik City Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Yenimahalle) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07744269 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18-80 with subacute CRPS-I of the hand/wrist following an upper-extremity trauma, able to provide consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with CRPS-II, nerve injury, skin or systemic conditions, or intolerance to temperature therapies may not benefit from this approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial compares two non-invasive treatments for CRPS-I of the hand and wrist following upper-extremity trauma. It uses a combined contrast therapy with intermittent pneumatic compression delivered by the Game Ready device versus whirlpool therapy, and measures pain, swelling, and functional status to see which approach is more effective. Eligible participants are adults 18-80 with subacute CRPS-I per Budapest criteria, after recent hand or wrist injury. Outcomes include objective assessments of symptoms to inform future rehabilitation choices for CRPS-I of the upper extremity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience greater reduction in pain and edema and improved hand function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous reports in orthopedic and rehabilitation settings suggest some benefit from thermal and compression modalities, but direct head-to-head evidence with combined therapy in CRPS-I is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1 (CRPS-I) according to the Budapest Criteria * Age between 18 and 80 years * CRPS developed following upper extremity trauma (e.g., hand or wrist fracture, soft tissue injury) * Symptom duration less than 3 months (subacute stage) * Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent and voluntarily participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 2 (CRPS-II) or with evidence of peripheral nerve injury * History of peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud's phenomenon, or vascular circulation disorders * Presence of impaired skin integrity, open wounds, infection, or dermatological disease in the affected area * History of cold or heat intolerance, cold urticaria, or hypersensitivity to thermal modalities * Active infection or severe edema in the affected extremity * Presence of serious systemic diseases (cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, or neurological) * Receipt of similar physical therapy or modality-based treatment within the past 3 months
Where it's running
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Etlik City Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Ankara, Yenimahalle, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gizem Suna Tuncer, MD, Specialist Physician — Ankara Etlik City Hospital
- Study coordinator: Gizem Suna Tuncer, MD, Specialist Physician
- Email: sunagizem05@gmail.com
- Phone: +905347953185
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.