Efficacy of Dorsal Kinesio Tape Application for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Esports Gamers: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This outcome measures the severity and frequency of carpal tunnel-like symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, wrist, and forearm. Symptom severity was assessed using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire - Symptom Severity Scale (BCTQ-SSS), a validated self-report measure. The BCTQ-SSS uses a 5-point Likert scale where 1 indicates no symptoms and 5 indicates very severe symptoms. Participants rated their symptoms at the end of each session to monitor changes across the intervention period. Higher scores reflect greater symptom burden. This measure was used to evaluate whether kinesiotape application reduced the severity of symptoms commonly associated with repetitive strain injuries in esports players.

Gaming performance was assessed using Kovaaks Aim Trainer, a validated simulation platform designed to measure key motor skills essential to first-person shooter (FPS) gameplay, including speed, accuracy, reaction time, and total task score. Participants completed two structured testing sessions-on Day 0 (baseline) and Day 3 (post-intervention)-each consisting of 15-minute gaming tasks both before and after kinesiotape application. The selected simulations targeted core esports competencies such as tracking (sustained aim on moving targets), flicking (rapid target shifts), and strafing (aiming while moving), which reflect real-world gaming demands. Performance data, including accuracy percentage and total score, were automatically recorded by the Kovaaks software and later averaged across trials to reduce variability. The purpose of this measure was to evaluate whether kinesiotape-applied to either the dorsal wrist or scapular spine, depending on group assignmet

This outcome captures participants' subjective perceptions of kinesiotape following each application session. A custom-designed feedback questionnaire was used to collect both quantitative Likert-scale ratings and open-ended qualitative responses. Quantitative items assessed sensations such as tightness, itchiness, and comfort, as well as perceived changes in speed, agility, and overall performance during gameplay. Open-ended responses allowed participants to describe in their own words how the tape influenced their motor control, posture, comfort, and focus. Thematic analysis was used to extract and categorize recurring themes across responses, including enhanced motor precision, ergonomic awareness, sensory experience, and psychological impact. Participants frequently reported improved wrist stability, increased awareness of movement patterns, postural corrections, and heightened confidence in gameplay execution. The integration of qualitative and quantitative feedback provided a ri