Effects of Neurodynamic and Carpal Bone Mobilization in Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Conservative interventions such as splinting and manual therapy are frequently used in individuals with mild-to-moderate CTS. Neurodynamic mobilization and carpal bone mobilization aim to improve neural and soft tissue mobility; however, their comparative effects on clinical outcomes and median nerve morphology are not fully understood.

This interventional, non-randomized clinical study aims to compare the clinical and ultrasonographic effects of neurodynamic mobilization plus splinting, carpal bone mobilization plus splinting, and splinting alone in patients with mild-to-moderate CTS. Ninety-three participants diagnosed with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome based on electrodiagnostic criteria will be included. Participants will be allocated into three parallel groups without randomization. All participants will receive a neutral-position wrist splint as standard conservative care.

Two intervention groups will additionally receive either neurodynamic mobilization exercises or carpal bone mobilization techniques administered by a physiotherapist for four weeks. Clinical outcomes and median nerve morphology will be evaluated at baseline and immediately after the intervention period.

The primary outcome is the change in the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire score. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity, neuropathic pain, functional disability, muscle strength, pressure pain threshold, and ultrasonographic measurements of the median nerve.