Electrophysiological Effects of Adjunct Low-Level Laser Therapy and Median Nerve Mobilization After Carpal Tunnel Release

Electrophysiological Effects of Adjunct Low-Level Laser Therapy and Median Nerve Mobilization After Carpal Tunnel Release: A Randomized Controlled Study

This randomized controlled study investigated whether adding low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or median nerve mobilization after unilateral carpal tunnel release improves median nerve electrophysiological parameters compared with no adjunctive treatment. Forty-five patients were randomly assigned to receive LLLT, median nerve mobilization, or standard postoperative care. Interventions were delivered over six weeks, and nerve conduction studies were conducted before and after treatment to assess electrophysiological outcomes, with motor distal latency designated as the primary outcome measure.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is commonly managed surgically through carpal tunnel release (CTR); however, postoperative recovery may be accompanied by persistent neural dysfunction and delayed nerve conduction improvement. Adjunct rehabilitation strategies, such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and median nerve mobilization, have been proposed to enhance neural recovery, yet their electrophysiological effects following CTR remain insufficiently established.

This randomized controlled study aimed to examine and compare the effects of adjunct LLLT and median nerve mobilization on median nerve electrophysiological parameters after unilateral CTR. Forty-five patients diagnosed with unilateral CTS and treated surgically with CTR were recruited. Participants (aged 25-55 years) were randomly allocated into three equal groups. Group A received adjunct gallium arsenide (GaAs) infrared LLLT, Group B underwent median nerve mobilization exercises, and Group C received standard postoperative care without adjunctive therapy.

Both intervention protocols were applied three times per week for six consecutive weeks. Electrophysiological assessments were conducted at baseline (pre-intervention) and after six weeks using standardized nerve conduction studies. Measured parameters included motor distal latency (MDL), sensory distal latency (SDL), motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV), and compound motor action potential amplitude (CMAP), with MDL predefined as the primary outcome measure.

Inclusion Criteria:

Age between 25 and 55 years Clinical diagnosis of unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome Underwent surgical carpal tunnel release (transverse carpal ligament release)

Exclusion Criteria:

Rheumatoid arthritis Diabetes mellitus History of wrist fracture or other wrist joint trauma Current use of anti-inflammatory medications or other interfering medications Receipt of alternative treatments (e.g., acupuncture, physical therapy modalities) Use of wrist orthoses