This randomized, parallel-group controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of adding cervicothoracic exercises to conventional physiotherapy on symptoms, functional status, pain, grip strength, and wrist range of motion in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Seventy adults diagnosed with CTS were randomly allocated to two groups: conventional physiotherapy (n=35) or cervicothoracic exercises combined with conventional physiotherapy (n=35).
The conventional physiotherapy program included transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, median nerve mobilization, wrist range-of-motion exercises, and strengthening exercises. The intervention group received the same conventional physiotherapy program together with cervicothoracic exercises targeting cervical mobility, cervical muscle control, scapular stabilization, and thoracic mobility. Both groups received treatment five days per week for six weeks.
Outcomes were assessed at baseline, at the end of the six-week intervention, and approximately three months after each participant completed the intervention. In this updated record, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) is designated as the primary outcome measure. Its Symptom Severity Scale and Functional Status Scale are scored and reported separately, with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity and functional limitations. The primary assessment time point is the end of the six-week intervention.
Secondary outcome measures include pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), upper extremity function assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, grip strength measured using a Jamar hand dynamometer, and wrist range of motion measured using a goniometer. All outcome measures were repeated at the three-month follow-up. The final post-intervention assessment was completed on 31 May 2026, and the final follow-up assessment was completed on 1 September 2026.