Desensitisation with or without pain neuroscience education for mixed neuropathic/nosiplastic carpal tunnel pain
Official title: Determination of the Effectiveness of Desensitisation and Pain Neuroscience Training in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome With Nosiplastic Pain Phenotype
Run by Kutahya Health Sciences University · NCT06635213 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether adding pain neuroscience education to desensitisation helps adults (18–65) with carpal tunnel syndrome who have a mixed neuropathic and nosiplastic pain pattern.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kutahya Health Sciences University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kütahya) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 25, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 25, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 10, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 12, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06635213 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–65 with clinically diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome who meet IASP criteria for the nosiplastic phenotype and show a mixed neuropathic/nosiplastic pain presentation, and who meet the study's inclusion/exclusion criteria, are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with pure neuropathic CTS, systemic inflammatory disease, conditions causing polyneuropathy (e.g., diabetes), cervical radiculopathy, prior CTS surgery or local steroid injection, pacemakers, central nervous system disease, or hypersensitivity to heat/cold are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults aged 18–65 with carpal tunnel syndrome who meet the IASP clinical criteria for a nosiplastic pain phenotype and a mixed neuropathic/nosiplastic presentation will be enrolled and randomized. One group receives desensitisation treatment alone and the other receives desensitisation plus structured pain neuroscience education. Outcomes include pain intensity (NRS), symptom severity and function (Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire), pressure pain thresholds, catastrophising and kinesiophobia, measured at baseline, immediately after treatment, and three months later. Data will be analyzed with mixed-model ANOVA and appropriate tests for categorical variables.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding pain neuroscience education to desensitisation could reduce pain, decrease hypersensitivity, and improve function and pain-related fear in patients with mixed-type carpal tunnel pain.
How similar studies have gone: Pain neuroscience education and desensitisation have shown benefits in other chronic musculoskeletal and some pain conditions, but their combined use specifically for mixed nosiplastic and neuropathic carpal tunnel syndrome is relatively novel and not well established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being diagnosed with CTS * Being suitable for the nosiplastic pain phenotype * Being between the ages of 18-65 * Volunteering to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Having systemic inflammatory disease * Having a disease that may cause polyneuropathy such as diabetes mellitus * Having a pacemaker * Having a disease affecting the central nervous system * Having cervical radiculopathy * History of previous operation or local steroid injection due to CTS * Hypersensitivity to heat and cold
Where it's running
-
Kutahya Health Science University
Kütahya, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Emrah Afsar, Phd
- Email: emrah.afsar@ksbu.edu.tr
- Phone: 5062527008
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Ultrasound-guided needle release plus dextrose (D5W) hydrodissection for carpal tunnel syndrome
This trial tests whether combining ultrasound-guided partial release of the transverse carpal ligament with dextrose (D5W) hydrodissection provides better symptom relief for adults with carpal tunnel syndrome and at least moderate symptoms.
-
A mix of vitamins to help recovery after carpal tunnel surgery
This will test whether taking alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, and B vitamins helps adults recover better after carpal tunnel release surgery.
-
Symptom spread and pain sensitivity in carpal tunnel syndrome
This test looks at whether people with carpal tunnel syndrome whose symptoms spread beyond the usual finger area have higher central pain sensitivity, using a questionnaire and pressure pain testing.
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.