High-intensity laser therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome
Official title: Evaluation of the Clinical, Sonographic, and Electrophysiological Efficacy of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Run by Ankara City Hospital Bilkent · NCT07414069 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ankara City Hospital Bilkent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Ankara, Çankaya) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 2, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 5, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07414069 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–65 with clinical symptoms and electrophysiological confirmation of mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome who can attend clinic visits and provide informed consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome, prior carpal tunnel surgery, systemic causes of neuropathy (for example diabetes or hypothyroidism), recent steroid injection, or other peripheral neuropathies are unlikely to benefit or are excluded from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial comparing Nd:YAG high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) to a sham HILT procedure in adults with electrophysiologically confirmed mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. Participants aged 18–65 will be randomized to receive active or sham treatments and followed with clinical pain and function measures, grip strength testing, nerve conduction studies, and ultrasonographic measurement of median nerve cross-sectional area. The trial uses objective electrophysiological and sonographic endpoints in addition to patient-reported outcomes to determine whether HILT produces analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or biostimulatory effects. Study procedures are conducted at a single tertiary care center with blinded treatment delivery and outcome assessment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, HILT could offer a noninvasive option to reduce pain and improve hand function and nerve conduction in people with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Some small open-label and clinical reports suggest benefit from HILT, but sham-controlled, double-blind trials with objective nerve and ultrasound measures are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 65 years * Clinical symptoms consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome * Electrophysiologically confirmed mild or moderate carpal tunnel syndrome * Ability to comply with the study protocol and follow-up assessments * Provided written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Severe carpal tunnel syndrome on electrophysiological examination * Previous surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome * Local causes of carpal tunnel syndrome (e.g., mass lesions, ganglion cysts, tumors) * Systemic conditions associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, acromegaly) * History of corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome within the last 6 months * Presence of polyneuropathy, radiculopathy, or other upper extremity peripheral nerve disorders * Contraindications to electrophysiological testing or laser therapy * Inability to complete follow-up assessments
Where it's running
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Ankara Bilkent City Hospital
Ankara, Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Filiz Eser, professor — Ankara City Hospital Bilkent
- Study coordinator: Ceren FINDIK KILIÇ
- Email: crn.fndk@gmail.com
- Phone: +905312689928
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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.