Kinesiology Tape for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Overseen By Donnamarie Krause, OTD, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Disqualifiers: Cognitively impaired, Pregnant, Skin conditions, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 3 weeks

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if dorsally applied kinesiology tape is an effective conservative treatment for symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and assess the potential performance effect of the tape color in first-person shooter esports games in esports gamers who exhibit symptoms that resemble carpal tunnel syndrome. The main questions it aims to answer are: Is dorsally applied kinesiology tape able to manage carpal tunnel syndrome-like symptoms in esports gamers? Does red kinesiology tape hinder or improve performance in first-person shooter esports games in esports gamers? Researchers will compare red kinesiology tape to skin tone kinesiology tape. Both will be applied on the dorsal aspect of the hand and wrist of the dominant upper extremity. Participants will visit the site 2 times to get kinesiology tape applied and complete a pre and post-test for pain and performance. Depending on randomization a participant will receive a random sequence of the study arm (ex: red then skin tone or skin tone then red tape)

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Red Kinesiology Tape for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Research suggests that kinesiology taping can help reduce pain and improve function in people with carpal tunnel syndrome, making it a useful complementary treatment option. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is kinesiology tape safe for use in humans?

There is no specific safety data available for kinesiology tape in the provided research articles, but kinesiology tape is generally considered safe for use on the skin in humans. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does Red Kinesiology Tape treatment differ from other treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Red Kinesiology Tape is unique because it provides support while allowing movement, unlike rigid splints, and it is used as a complementary tool to improve pain, functionality, and strength in carpal tunnel syndrome. It is a non-invasive option that can be applied directly to the skin, offering a flexible alternative to more traditional treatments. ^{1 2 3 11 12}

Research Team

Donnamarie Krause, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for esports gamers who have symptoms like those of carpal tunnel syndrome. Participants will be randomly assigned to use either red or skin-tone kinesiology tape on their dominant hand and wrist, and must visit the site twice.

Inclusion Criteria

I experience numbness or pain in my hands, wrists, or fingers.

Reports to play video games over 5 hours a week on average

Has a positive Phalen's test result

Exclusion Criteria

I have open wounds where the tape would be applied.

Pregnant

I have a history of skin conditions.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive kinesiology tape applied dorsally on the hand and wrist, with a 7-day washout period between applications of different tape colors

3 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1 week

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Red Kinesiology Tape

Trial Overview The study tests if dorsally applied kinesiology tape can manage carpal tunnel-like symptoms in esports gamers, and whether the color of the tape (red vs. skin tone) affects performance in first-person shooter games.

Participant Groups

Group I: Red Kinesiology Tape Applied with the Dorsal Application for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The red kinesiology tape will be applied with the dorsal application for carpal tunnel syndrome. It is explained and utilized in Krause et al. (2020). The color red has been found in previous studies to impact motor function and performance in various activities specifically when looking at activities of an aggressive or competitive nature. Thus red was chosen when assessing the color effect of red in first-person shooter games which require outperforming the opponent with quick reaction time, accuracy, and aggression. Each participant will receive the red KT application only once. The order of which they receive the red KT or the skin tone KT will depend on their random assignment to group X or Y. The KT will be applied by an interventionist trained in proper KT application. Participants will be educated on self-removal specifically given by the manufacturer of the brand of KT used (Sparthos Tape). There will be a 7 day washout period between tape applications.

Group II: Skin Tone Kinesiology Tape Applied with the Dorsal Application for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Active Control 1 Intervention

The skin tone kinesiology tape will be applied with the dorsal application for carpal tunnel syndrome. It is explained and utilized in Krause et al. (2020). Sparthos KT offers skin tone KT covering multiple shades to allow the closest color to match the participant's skin. Utilizing other skin tones other than beige allows inclusion and diversity. The skin tone KT was chosen to diminish the effect of the KT color to allow better isolation and study of the effect of the color red in comparison. Each participant will receive the skin tone KT application only once. The order in which they receive the red KT or the skin tone KT will depend on their random assignment to group X or Y. The KT will be applied by an interventionist trained in proper KT application. Participants will be educated on self-removal specifically given by the manufacturer of the brand of KT used (Sparthos Tape). There will be a 7 day washout period between tape applications.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Lead Sponsor

Trials

81

Recruited

14,700+

Findings from Research

Kinesiotaping (KT) significantly improved pain levels and functional status in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) compared to placebo KT and orthotic devices, suggesting it is a viable alternative treatment option.

All treatment groups showed improvement in pain and functional scores, but grip strength only significantly increased in the orthotic device group, indicating that while KT is beneficial, it may not enhance grip strength as effectively as orthotic devices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Kinesiotaping as an alternative treatment method for carpal tunnel syndrome. Geler Külcü, D., Bursali, C., Aktaş, İ., et al.[2018]

Kinesio taping has a strong short-term effect on improving distal sensory latency in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, based on a meta-analysis of 13 studies involving 665 participants.

While kinesio taping also shows weak improvements in functionality and pain, it does not significantly outperform other physical therapy techniques or untreated controls for symptom severity, strength, or neurophysiological outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Short-term effectiveness of kinesio taping as therapeutic tool in conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Tomás-Escolar, A., Merino-Andrés, J., Sánchez-Sierra, A., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 44 participants with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), Kinesio tape significantly reduced pain levels in the forearm and wrist compared to both a standard treatment protocol and a sham tape, indicating its efficacy as a conservative treatment option.

Kinesio tape not only improved pain but also enhanced functional outcomes for individuals with CTS, outperforming the standard cockup orthosis and lumbrical stretching exercises, suggesting it may be a beneficial alternative for managing CTS symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparative efficacy of the dorsal application of Kinesio tape and splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Krause, D., Roll, SC., Javaherian-Dysinger, H., et al.[2021]

A systematic review of eight randomized controlled trials found limited to moderate evidence that Kinesio Tex tape (KTT) is not more effective than sham or usual care tape for managing various clinical conditions, including musculoskeletal issues and lymphedema.

One moderate quality trial suggested that KTT combined with physiotherapy may help with short-term pain relief for plantar fasciitis, but concerns about the study's internal validity raise doubts about its reliability.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The clinical effects of Kinesio® Tex taping: A systematic review. Morris, D., Jones, D., Ryan, H., et al.[2022]

In a study of 45 patients with moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, Kinesio taping combined with physical therapy showed significantly better improvements in disability and symptoms compared to night splinting and control groups after 4 weeks.

Kinesio taping was more effective than night splinting in reducing symptoms, although both treatments were better than no intervention, suggesting that Kinesio taping may be a preferred option for rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and Night Splinting Along With Physical Therapy Intervention on Symptoms and Functionality: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial for Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Eraslan, L., Baltaci, G.[2023]

In a study of 9,515 corticosteroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome, only four serious complications were reported, indicating a low incidence of severe side effects.

While 33% of patients reported some side effects, the most common was temporary local pain in 13% of cases, which resolved within three weeks, suggesting that most adverse effects are mild and transient.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety of corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome. Kaile, E., Bland, JDP.[2019]

A study of 366 female participants found that conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), diabetes mellitus (DM), hypothyroidism, and pregnancy are significantly associated with increased severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms and functional limitations, as measured by the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ).

The use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) and smartphones was linked to functional limitations in CTS, but these factors did not affect symptom severity, highlighting the need for clinical confirmation of CTS to differentiate it from other potential causes of these symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Risk factors associated with the reported scores on the symptoms severity and functional limitations scales of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire: a cross-sectional study. Al-Jasim, A., Sarhan, FMA., Al-Abbasi, G., et al.[2023]

The study involved 424 patients with 567 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, aiming to improve the carpal tunnel syndrome instrument (CTSI) by converting it from an ordinal to an interval scale using Rasch analysis, which revealed that the original CTSI was not unidimensional.

The transformed interval scale provided more accurate assessments of patient outcomes compared to the original ordinal scale, highlighting the importance of using the correct measurement scale for evaluating surgical outcomes in carpal tunnel syndrome.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rasch analysis of the carpal tunnel syndrome instrument. Doi, K., Mane, SA., Hattori, Y., et al.[2023]

Steroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome are generally considered safe, but there is a risk of nerve injury, as demonstrated in two reported cases.

One case involved a mild ulnar nerve lesion that recovered well, while a more severe median nerve lesion resulted in poor response to conservative treatment, highlighting the potential complications of this intervention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nerve injury following steroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome. A report of two cases. Tavares, SP., Giddins, GE.[2019]

Limited carpal tunnel release surgery leads to better early recovery of grip and pinch strength, allowing patients to return to activities sooner compared to standard release, based on a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials involving 1020 patients.

The limited incision approach also reduces operative time and has a lower rate of adverse events compared to the standard method, although long-term outcomes after 6 months are similar for both techniques.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The comparison of limited-incision versus standard-incision in treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Li, G., Kong, L., Kou, N., et al.[2022]

Kinesio tape (KT) significantly reduces the stiffness of lumbar paraspinal muscles at the superficial depth, as shown by a decrease in shear stiffness values measured by MR elastography in a study of 66 asymptomatic volunteers.

The study found no significant differences in muscle stiffness changes based on gender or taping direction, indicating that KT's effects on muscle stiffness are consistent across different demographics.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Magnetic Resonance Elastography in the Assessment of Acute Effects of Kinesio Taping on Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles. Wang, CK., Fang, YD., Lin, LC., et al.[2020]

Kinesio taping (KT) significantly improved wrist kinematics and functional performance during dart throwing motion in a study of 72 healthy participants, showing that KT is effective regardless of the specific muscle targeted.

Both KT and placebo taping (PT) led to improvements, but KT demonstrated greater changes in wrist movement and dexterity, suggesting it may be a more beneficial treatment for enhancing wrist function.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Kinesio taping on wrist kinematics and functional performance: A randomized controlled trial. Oruk, DÖ., Karakaya, MG., Yenişehir, S., et al.[2023]

References

1. Turkey pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Kinesiotaping as an alternative treatment method for carpal tunnel syndrome. [2018]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Short-term effectiveness of kinesio taping as therapeutic tool in conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparative efficacy of the dorsal application of Kinesio tape and splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. [2021]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The clinical effects of Kinesio® Tex taping: A systematic review. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and Night Splinting Along With Physical Therapy Intervention on Symptoms and Functionality: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial for Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. [2023]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety of corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome. [2019]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Risk factors associated with the reported scores on the symptoms severity and functional limitations scales of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire: a cross-sectional study. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rasch analysis of the carpal tunnel syndrome instrument. [2023]

9. Scotland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nerve injury following steroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome. A report of two cases. [2019]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The comparison of limited-incision versus standard-incision in treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. [2022]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Magnetic Resonance Elastography in the Assessment of Acute Effects of Kinesio Taping on Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles. [2020]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Kinesio taping on wrist kinematics and functional performance: A randomized controlled trial. [2023]