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NCT Number: NCT07741708

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Congenital Abnormalities Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Cumulative Trauma Disorders Entrapment Neuropathy Genetic Diseases, Inborn Hereditary Sensory and Motor Neuropathy Heredodegenerative Disorders, Nervous System Median Nerve Compression Median Neuropathy Mononeuropathies Nerve Compression Syndromes Nervous System Diseases Nervous System Malformations Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuromuscular Diseases Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Polyneuropathies Sprains and Strains Wounds and Injuries

Age range

25 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Gelisim University

Istanbul, 34710, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 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.

Exclusion criteria

  • 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.

Treatment and study plan

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.

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Median Nerve Anteroposterior Diameter

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

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

  2. Change in Median Nerve Transverse Diameter

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

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

  3. Change in Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area (CSA)

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

    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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pain Intensity

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

    Pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS; 0-10), where higher scores indicate greater pain.

  2. Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Score

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

    Symptom severity assessed using the Symptom Severity Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms.

  3. Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Functional Status Score

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

    Functional status assessed using the Functional Status Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Higher scores indicate greater functional impairment.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul Gelisim University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping on Median Nerve Morphology, Pain, and Quality of Life in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Aug 3, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 3, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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