Compare the Effect of Radiofrequency (TECAR) and Ultrasound on Sensation, Hand Dexterity, and Quality of Life in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Radiofrequency: Radiofrequency (TECAR) therapy is a non-invasive, non-ablative treatment that uses electromagnetic energy to generate endogenous heat, promoting increased blood flow and tissue healing in both superficial and deep tissues. With a long wavelength and low frequency (300 KHz to 1 MHz), it can penetrate deeply into muscles, tendons, and bones, making it suitable even in acute conditions. TECAR operates in two modes: capacitive (targeting soft tissues rich in electrolytes) and resistive (targeting high-resistance tissues like bones and tendons). Transfer energy capacitive and resistive therapy promotes natural body repair by reducing motor recovery time. It uses diathermia with electromagnetic energy to raise tissue temperature, causing ion flow and micro-hyperemia. This process releases pain-relieving substances, enhances blood flow, boosts immune defenses, and stimulates tissue regeneration.

Therapeutic Ultrasound: The ultrasonic waves enhance healing by augmenting local vascularity and improving several features, including energy absorption capacity. maximum tensile rupture resistance, enhanced collagen synthesis, fibroblast proliferation, release of growth factors induced by mast cell degranulation, and better platelet and macrophage responsiveness, anticipating the proliferative and remodeling phases. Continuous ultrasound at 1 MHz, possessing a half-value depth of roughly 2.3 cm, is commonly employed for the treatment of deep tissues situated between 2.3 and 5 cm in depth

Study summary

The purpose of the current study is to:

Compare the effect of radiofrequency (TECAR) therapy and ultrasound on sensation, manual dexterity, and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The study also correlates sensation, hand dexterity, and quality of life in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing (SWMFs) is used to find mechanical sensory thresholds on the distal palmar pads of hand digits. — six weeks.
  Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament tests (SMWs): The SWM test will be evaluated as a valid and reliable instrument for determining mechanical sensory thresholds. (Touch Test Complete Hand Kit) is used to assess tactile sensory thresholds on the distal palmar pads of hand digits. Each digit and the palm are tested three times, applying sufficient force for 1.5 seconds. The monofilament kit will contain five monofilaments, each representing a specific sensory threshold: 2.83 (normal), 3.61 (diminished light touch), 4.31 (diminished protective sensation), 4.56 (loss of protective sensation), and 6.65 (loss of deep pressure sensation). The numeric value will represent the logarithm of 10 times the force in milligrams required to bend the monofilament. Testing occurs with wrists in a neutral position and again after a 5-minute wrist flexion (Phalen's maneuver)
• Handheld dynamometric (HHD) — six weeks.
  Handheld dynamometric (HHD) is a reliable and valid instrument for hand grip strength, providing a more accurate quantification of strength loss and recovery compared to traditional manual muscle testing (MMT). They assess the synergistic functions of intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles through hand grip measurements. During the evaluation, the patient exerts maximum effort while squeezing the dynamometer, and the resultant force is measured in kilograms or pounds.
• Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT): — six weeks
  The Nine-Hole Peg Test The gold standard and most used tool for assessing manual dexterity across various clinical and research settings is a well-established measure of manual dexterity using a square platform with nine holes and corresponding cylinders. The holes measure 0.71 cm in diameter, while the cylinders have a diameter of 0.64 cm and a length of 3.2 cm. Patients are instructed to get the 9 cylinders quickly from the storage box, insert them into the designated holes, and thereafter return them to the storage box. Time is recorded in seconds, and the test is recognized as an effective method for evaluating clinical and functional aspects of CTS

Trial sites (1)

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