Kinesio Taping for Pain, Median Nerve Morphology, and Quality of Life in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

NCT07741708 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: Organization's Unique Protocol
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. It can result in pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty performing daily activities. Conservative treatments, including therapeutic exercises and kinesio taping, are frequently used; however, evidence regarding the effects of kinesio taping on both nerve morphology and clinical outcomes remains limited. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether adding kinesio taping to a standard exercise program provides greater benefits than exercise alone in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an intervention group receiving kinesio taping plus nerve and tendon gliding exercises, or a control group receiving the exercise program alone. Outcome measures include ultrasonographic assessment of the median nerve anteroposterior and transverse diameters, pain intensity measured with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and symptom severity and functional status evaluated using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Assessments will be performed before treatment and after the 4-week intervention period. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of kinesio taping as an adjunct to conservative rehabilitation for individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome and may contribute to improving treatment strategies for this condition.

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Median Nerve Compression; Entrapment Neuropathy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Change in Median Nerve Anteroposterior Diameter

  Change in the anteroposterior diameter (mm) of the median nerve measured by ultrasonography from baseline to the end of the 4-week intervention.

  Baseline and Week 4

• Change in Median Nerve Transverse Diameter

  Change in the transverse diameter (mm) of the median nerve measured by ultrasonography from baseline to the end of the 4-week intervention.

  Baseline and Week 4

• Change in Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area (CSA)

  Change in the median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA, mm²) measured by ultrasonography at the carpal tunnel inlet from baseline to the end of the 4-week intervention.

  Baseline and Week 4

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Pain Intensity

  Baseline and Week 4

• Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Score

  Baseline and Week 4

• Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Functional Status Score

  Baseline and Week 4

Study Arms (2)

Kinesio Taping + Exercise

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received kinesio taping combined with a standardized nerve and tendon gliding exercise program for 4 weeks. Kinesio taping was applied twice weekly by a physiotherapist, while participants performed home-based exercises daily.

Procedure: Kinesio Taping; Behavioral: Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises

Exercise Only

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants received a standardized home-based nerve and tendon gliding exercise program for 4 weeks without kinesio taping.

Behavioral: Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises

Interventions

Kinesio Taping PROCEDURE

Kinesio taping was applied to reduce mechanical pressure on the median nerve and support wrist function. Tape was applied over the flexor retinaculum and forearm flexor muscles twice weekly for 4 weeks using standardized decompression and inhibition techniques.

Kinesio Taping + Exercise

Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises BEHAVIORAL

Participants performed a standardized home exercise program consisting of median nerve and tendon gliding exercises. Exercises were performed three times daily with 10 repetitions per session for 4 weeks.

Exercise Only; Kinesio Taping + Exercise

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 25 to 65 years.
• Clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed by clinical examination and ultrasonography.
• Symptoms of numbness, pain, or tingling in the affected hand for at least 3 months.
• Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score of 3 or higher.
• Functional limitation related to carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Previous wrist surgery or major trauma involving the affected wrist.
• Cervical radiculopathy, polyneuropathy, or proximal median nerve entrapment.
• Corticosteroid injection or physical therapy for the affected wrist within the previous 3 months.
• Pregnancy.
• Known allergy to kinesio tape or skin conditions preventing tape application.
• Severe systemic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus).
• Cognitive impairment affecting study participation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Gelisim University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Istanbul Gelisim University

Istanbul, Istanbul, 34710, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Median Neuropathy; Mononeuropathies; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Nerve Compression Syndromes; Cumulative Trauma Disorders; Sprains and Strains; Wounds and Injuries; Hereditary Sensory and Motor Neuropathy; Nervous System Malformations; Heredodegenerative Disorders, Nervous System; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Polyneuropathies; Congenital Abnormalities; Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities; Genetic Diseases, Inborn

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Ress. Asst

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned in a parallel-group design to receive either kinesio taping combined with nerve and tendon gliding exercises or nerve and tendon gliding exercises alone for 4 weeks.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 29, 2026
• First Posted: August 3, 2026
• Study Start: May 10, 2026
• Primary Completion: July 10, 2026
• Study Completion: July 10, 2026
• Last Updated: August 3, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Locations

TU (1)