Effectiveness of TECAR Therapy on Clinical Symptoms and Neurophysiological Parameters of Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most typical peripheral entrapment neuropathy. To date, various non-invasive methods have been used tomanageCTS. This study investigates the effectiveness of Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR), a new physical agent modality, on symptoms and neurophysiological parameters in patients with CTS.

In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, 29 patients with mild or moderate CTS were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 received TECAR therapy with a frequency of 500 Hz and an intensity of 30 to 50%, 2 sessions/week, in addition to wrist splints and vitamin B supplements for 4 weeks. Group 2 also received a wrist splint and vitamin B for 4 weeks without TECAR therapy. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ-SSS and FSS), as well as clinical and neurophysiological findings, were assessed before and 8 weeks after treatment. Within and between-group comparisons were made after the intervention period.

VAS and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (FSS and SSS) showed significant changes. Clinical CTS tests and electrophysiological parameters did not show significant differences before and after the study. From a clinical perspective (pain relief and functional improvement), the TECAR therapy group showed more definite changes.

TECAR can be considered an effective non-invasive treatment for patients with mild to moderate CTS.