Predicting pain in carpal tunnel syndrome using sensory testing
Official title: Quantitative Sensory Testing to Predict Progression to Nociplastic Pain in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study
Run by Ahram Canadian University · NCT05959954 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing if a special sensory test can help predict if people with carpal tunnel syndrome will develop ongoing pain over the next year.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ahram Canadian University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Al Ḩayy Ath Thāmin, Giza) |
| Trial ID | NCT05959954 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-60 with a clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome and specific electrodiagnostic findings.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with diabetes mellitus, cervical radiculopathy, or other neuromuscular disorders may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of quantitative sensory testing (QST) in predicting the development of nociplastic pain in patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A total of 120 adults aged 18-60 will be recruited, and baseline QST measures will be taken. Participants will be monitored over a one-year period to assess the progression to nociplastic pain, thereby determining the predictive value of the QST results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify patients at risk for developing chronic pain, allowing for earlier interventions.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited data on the predictive use of QST in CTS, similar approaches in other pain conditions have shown promise, making this study a potentially novel exploration.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults ages 18-60 * Clinical diagnosis of CTS based on presence of parasthesias and/or pain in median nerve distribution, positive Phalen's test and/or Tinel's sign, and nocturnal symptoms * Electrodiagnostic evidence of median neuropathy at the wrist: 1. Prolonged median motor distal latency \>4.2 ms 2. Prolonged median sensory latency \>3.4 ms * Symptom duration between 6 months and 2 years (to exclude very early or very late stages) * Pain severity of ≥5 on 0-10 numerical rating scale * No evidence of thenar muscle atrophy on physical exam * No prior surgery or fracture of the affected wrist * No evidence of comorbid diabetes mellitus, cervical radiculopathy, polyneuropathy, or other neuromuscular disorders Exclusion Criteria: * Diabetes mellitus, as a common cause of polyneuropathy, which can confound QST measures. * Cervical radiculopathy or other upper limb neuropathies, which can cause overlapping sensory symptoms and signs. * History of wrist fracture or surgery, which may cause structural abnormalities affecting nerve function. * Pregnancy, due to physiological changes that can affect nerve function. * Patients with severe thenar muscle atrophy, indicating long-standing severe median neuropathy. * Patients unable to provide informed consent or comply with study procedures.
Where it's running
-
Outpatient clinic of faculty of physical therapy, Ahram Canadian University
Al Ḩayy Ath Thāmin, Giza, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mohamed M ElMeligie, Ph.d
- Email: mohamed.elmeligie@acu.edu.eg
- Phone: +201064442032
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Symptom spread and pain sensitivity in carpal tunnel syndrome
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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.