title: Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: design of a randomized single-blinded controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common neuropathy in the upper extremity, resulting from the compression of the median nerve at wrist level. Clinical studies are essentials to present evidence on therapeutic resources use at early restoration on peripheral nerve functionality. Low-level laser therapy has been widely investigated in researches related to nerve regeneration. Therefore, it is suggested that the effect of low-level laser therapy associated with other conservative rehabilitation techniques may positively affect symptoms and overall hand function in compressive neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in addition to orthoses therapy and home orientations in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients older than 18 years old will be included, with clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, excluding comorbidies. A physiotherapist will conduct intervention, with a blinding evaluator. Randomization will be applied to allocate the patients in each group: with association or not to low-level laser therapy. All of them will be submitted to orthoses therapy and home orientations. Outcome will be assessed through: pain visual analogic scale, Semmes Weinstein monofilaments™ threshold sensibility test, Pinch Gauge™, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and two point discrimination test.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This paper describes the design of a randomized controlled trial, which aim to assess the effectiveness of conservative treatment added to low-level laser therapy for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBec) - 75ddtf / Universal Trial Number: U1111-1121-5184.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation and Functional Performance Program, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900 Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP 14049-900, Brasil. ribarbosa@hcrp.usp.br
authors.forename: Rafael Inácio
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Barbosa
authors.forename: Eula Katucha
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: da Silva Rodrigues
authors.forename: Guilherme
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tamanini
authors.forename: Alexandre Márcio
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Marcolino
authors.forename: Valéria Meirelles Carril
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Elui
authors.forename: Rinaldo Roberto
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: de Jesus Guirro
authors.forename: Nilton
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mazzer
authors.forename: Marisa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de Cássia Registro Fonseca
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004867:Equipment Design; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017288:Pain Threshold; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D059825:Physical Therapists; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012107:Research Design; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013165:Splints; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome