Kinesio Taping for Finger Injuries

NCT06988137 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: FSMEAH-2022-78-KT
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 175
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study is a prospective, randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of three conservative treatment approaches-Kinesio taping (KT), buddy taping (BT), and static splinting-for managing finger ligament injuries and non-displaced fractures. A total of 175 patients between the ages of 5 and 60 were randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups and monitored over a 3-month period. The study aims to assess outcomes including range of motion (ROM), grip strength, pain levels, and functional recovery using the QuickDASH questionnaire.

Conditions

Finger Fracture; Finger Sprain; Ligament Injury of the Finger; Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) Joint Injury

Keywords

Kinesio taping; Buddy taping; Conservative treatment; QuickDASH; Grip strength; Range of motion; Non-operative hand fracture; Randomized controlled trial

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Range of Motion (ROM) in Injured Finger

  Flexion and extension angles of the injured finger joints measured using a digital goniometer. Results expressed in degrees. Higher values indicate better mobility.

  Week 3 and Month 3

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• QuickDASH Disability Score

  Week 3 and Month 3

• Grip Strength Recovery

  Month 3

• Incidence of Skin Complications

  Up to Month 3

Study Arms (3)

Kinesio Taping Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received Kinesio taping using the ligament correction technique with 75-100% elasticity. Immediate active motion was encouraged without immobilization.

Device: Kinesio Taping

Buddy Taping

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants received buddy taping with adjacent finger stabilization and interdigital padding. Mobilization was allowed after 2 weeks.

Procedure: Buddy Taping

Splinting Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants were treated with a static volar splint immobilizing the PIP and DIP joints at 20° flexion.

Device: Splinting

Interventions

Kinesio Taping DEVICE

Elastic therapeutic tape was applied using the ligament correction technique. The tape was reapplied at Day 3 and Day 21 under supervision

Kinesio Taping Group

Buddy Taping PROCEDURE

Buddy taping involved strapping the injured finger to an adjacent digit using medical tape. Early motion was restricted.

Buddy Taping

Splinting DEVICE

A custom-molded thermoplastic splint was applied to restrict joint movement and maintain alignment. Patients remained immobilized until Week 3.

Splinting Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 5 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Age between 5 and 60 years
• Presentation within 5 days of injury
• Acute finger ligament sprain or non-displaced finger fracture (PIP or phalangeal)
• Ability to provide informed consent (or parental consent for minors)
• Availability for 3-month follow-up

You may not qualify if:

• Open fractures
• Polytrauma or systemic injury
• Delayed presentation (\>5 days post-injury)
• Need for surgical fixation
• Previous injury or deformity in the same finger
• Neurological or rheumatologic disorders affecting hand function

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Onur Gültekin: lead

Study Sites (1)

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital

Istanbul, 34752, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Splints

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

External Fixators; Orthopedic Fixation Devices; Orthopedic Equipment; Surgical Equipment; Equipment and Supplies; Surgical Fixation Devices

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Outcomes were assessed by an independent orthopedic surgeon blinded to group allocation.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Orthopaedic Surgeon

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups (Kinesio taping, buddy taping, or splinting) and followed for 3 months.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 14, 2025
• First Posted: May 23, 2025
• Study Start: March 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: June 1, 2024
• Study Completion: October 15, 2024
• Last Updated: May 23, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)