Actively Recruiting
Conditioning Electrical Stimulation Enhances Recovery Following Surgery for Severe Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by University of Alberta · Updated on 2026-02-09
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
12 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a common nerve compression condition that can have poor recovery outcomes even after surgery. Researchers are evaluating whether brief conditioning electrical stimulation before surgery can improve nerve healing and function in people with severe cubital tunnel syndrome. This study is a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial conducted to compare the effects of electrical stimulation plus surgery versus surgery alone on nerve recovery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive standard cubital tunnel surgery with sham stimulation, while the other group will receive surgery plus one hour of 20 Hz electrical stimulation applied seven days before surgery. Electrical stimulation is given as a short, well-tolerated procedure that may help speed nerve regeneration. During the three-year follow-up, participants will be assessed for nerve function using motor unit number estimation as the primary outcome. Secondary measures include grip strength and disability questionnaires focusing on arm, shoulder, and hand function. Researchers will monitor physiological and functional improvements over time to evaluate the potential benefit of the electrical stimulation treatment.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Conditioning Electrical Stimulation to Improve Outcomes in Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients aged over 18 years
- Signs and symptoms of severe cubital tunnel syndrome (McGowan-Goldberg grade 3)
- Needle EMG showing chronic motor axonal loss and reduced recruitment in ulnar-innervated hand muscles
- Electrophysiologic evidence of severe motor axonal loss with motor unit number estimation 2 standard deviations below norm
You will not qualify if you...
- Concurrent nerve injury
- Prior surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome
- Coexisting neurological conditions
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 week
Participants receive either 1 hour of 20 Hz conditioning electrical stimulation or sham stimulation 7 days prior to surgery.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to hospital discharge
Participants undergo cubital tunnel surgery followed by immediate recovery care.
1 surgery visit plus immediate post-operative care visits
Duration - Up to 3 years
Participants are monitored for physiological and functional recovery after surgery over the long term.
Periodic visits over 3 years
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E1
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Ming Chan
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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