Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Entrapment Neuropathy, Median Nerve Compression
Conditions
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.
Interventions
PROCEDUREKinesio Taping
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.
BEHAVIORALNerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises
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.
Sponsors
Istanbul Gelisim University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
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.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
25 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
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.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Median Nerve Anteroposterior Diameter | 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. |
| Change in Median Nerve Transverse Diameter | 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. |
| Change in Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area (CSA) | 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
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Intensity | Baseline and Week 4 | Pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS; 0-10), where higher scores indicate greater pain. |
| Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Score | Baseline and Week 4 | Symptom severity assessed using the Symptom Severity Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms. |
| Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Functional Status Score | Baseline and Week 4 | Functional status assessed using the Functional Status Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Higher scores indicate greater functional impairment. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed