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NCT Number: NCT07539480

Pain Neuroscience Education Versus Kinesio Tape on Functional Outcomes in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common compressive neuropathies of the upper limb, characterized by pain, numbness, and functional impairment due to median nerve compression at the wrist. Its prevalence is estimated at approximately 4.9%, with higher incidence in populations exposed to repetitive hand movements. The resulting sensory disturbances, grip weakness, and functional limitations significantly affect daily activities and quality of life.

Conservative management remains the first line of treatment for mild to moderate CTS, with therapeutic approaches traditionally including splinting, exercise therapy, nerve mobilization, and patient education. Recent interest has grown around Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE)-an educational strategy that reframes patients' understanding of pain by emphasizing the role of the central nervous system, cognitive factors, and neurophysiological processes. Studies have shown that PNE, particularly when combined with exercise or standard rehabilitation, can reduce symptom severity, improve functional outcomes, and help patients better manage chronic pain by reducing fear and catastrophizing. However, the existing literature notes that research on PNE for CTS is still limited, with some trials suggesting positive outcomes but calling for more high-quality evidence.

In parallel, Kinesio Taping (KT) has gained popularity as a noninvasive intervention believed to enhance circulation, provide proprioceptive input, and support soft tissue mobility. Evidence from randomized controlled trials shows that KT can improve grip strength, reduce pain intensity, enhance sensory conduction velocity, and improve functional status as measured by validated clinical tools such as the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. These findings suggest that KT may serve as an effective supplementary therapy in the conservative management of CTS

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Key information

Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cumulative Trauma Disorders Median Neuropathy Mononeuropathies Nerve Compression Syndromes Nervous System Diseases Neuromuscular Diseases Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Sprains and Strains Wounds and Injuries

Age range

20 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Bassam Ahmed Nabil

October City, Giza Governorate, 6892, Egypt

About this study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare between pain neuroscience education and Kinesio tape on functional outcomes in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome Methods: This study involved 60 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, consisting of 30 females and 20 males, ranging in age from 20 to 50 years. All participants were allocated into two groups: Group (A) patients with pain neuroscience education, Group (B) patients Kinesio tape

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • aged 18 to 60 years.
  • Clinically diagnosed unilateral or bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome based on standard diagnostic criteria (e.g., pain, numbness, or tingling in the median nerve distribution), with or without confirmation by nerve conduction studies.
  • Patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, defined by clinical assessment and electrodiagnostic findings.
  • Symptoms present for at least 3 months.
  • Reported wrist or hand pain with functional limitations affecting daily activities.

Exclusion criteria

  • Severe CTS characterised by significant thenar muscle atrophy or severe nerve conduction impairment.
  • Previous Surgery or Injection:
  • History of carpal tunnel release surgery or corticosteroid injection to the wrist within the past 6 months.
  • Presence of other conditions affecting the upper limb, such as cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, tendon rupture, or fractures.
  • Known neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis) or systemic diseases affecting nerve function (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes mellitus).
  • Skin disease, open wounds, or known allergy to adhesive materials that contraindicate kinesio taping.
  • Pregnant women, due to possible changes in fluid retention and nerve compression.
  • Participation in other physical therapy or pain education programmes targeting the upper limbs during the study period.
  • Conditions that limit comprehension of pain neuroscience education material or ability to provide reliable responses to questionnaires.

Treatment and study plan

group A: pain neuroscience education (PNE)

Other

1- Education on neurobiology and neurophysiology of pain 2- How beliefs and behaviours influence pain 3- Central sensitization and pain amplification 4- Use of metaphors, visuals, and interactive discussion the frequency of the session 1- 1 session/week, 30-40 minutes 2- Duration: 6 weeks 3- Delivered by a trained physiotherapist

group B: Patients receive Kinesio Taping

Other

KT Application Technique 1- Elastic tape placed along flexor retinaculum and median nerve pathway 2- Tension: 10-15% 3- Reapplied twice weekly 4- Duration: 6 weeks

Primary outcomes

  1. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    self-reported pain intensity scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain), assessing average hand pain over the past week.

  2. Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

    Time frame: 8 months

    The BCTQ is a tool that assesses difficulty in performing daily activities of the hand such as writing, gripping and lifting objects It consists of eight items, each scored from 1 (no difficulty) to 5 (unable to perform activity).

    Higher scores indicate greater functional disability.

  3. Jamar Hand-Held Dynamometer (kg)

    Time frame: 8 months

    Assess the maximum voluntary grip strength of the affected hand. Three trials are recorded, and the mean value is used for analysis.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Middle East University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Acronym: CP syndrome

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Apr 20, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 20, 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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