Non-surgical Intervention for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Loma Linda University (LLU)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Susceptibility to

Treatments: Device: Kinesio 4 inch Tape; Device: Kinesio 12 inch Tape; Device: Cock up Splint and Lumbrical exercises

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03360344

5170437

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial graduate student research study will explore the effect of non-surgical intervention of the dorsal application of Kinesio Tape for carpal tunnel syndrome, and forearm wrist hand pain.

Full description

This randomized controlled trial graduate student research study will explore the effect of non-surgical intervention of the dorsal application of Kinesio Tape for carpal tunnel syndrome, and forearm wrist hand pain. Little evidence exists for an effective non-surgical intervention. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted to explore changes in occupational performance and compliance in order to understand if Kinesio Tape contributed to results and if so, how the participants perceived the interventions.

Enrollment: 44 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 99 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adults > 18 years of age
• Fluent in English
• Report signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
• Pain, numbness, and tingling of the forearm, wrist, or hand, which worsen at night
• Demonstrate positive Phalen's Test or Tinel's Test of the affected extremity

Exclusion criteria

• Currently receiving treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome
• History of surgical carpal tunnel release
• Pregnant
• Diabetes not controlled by medication
• Radiculopathy ie: cervical radiculopathy, diabetic radiculopathy
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Allergy to adhesives or compromised skin integrity
• Past history of traumatic event, surgery, or congenital impairment of the forearm, wrist, or hand

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

---

44 participants in 3 patient groups

Kinesio Tape

Experimental group

Description:

Dorsal application of Kinesio Tape to the affected extremity: Approximately 12 inches of Kinesio tape will be applied from the musculotendinous junction of the participant's forearm over digits 1 and 5. Two - 2 inch strips of Kinesio Tape will be applied to the participant's wrists over the volar and dorsal aspects. The Kinesio Tape will remain in place for three days, with the participants returning for skin check by the researchers and re-application by the researchers four times during the course of the study. A tape removal form will be provided should the participants want to remove it prior to the next visit.

Treatment:

Device: Kinesio 12 inch Tape

Control group

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Approximately 4 inch strip of Kinesio Tape will be applied to the scapular spine of the same side as the affected extremity. The Kinesio Tape will remain in place for three days, with the participants returning for skin check by the researchers and re-application four times during the course of the study by the researcher. A tape removal form will be provided should the participants want to remove it prior to the next visit.

Treatment:

Device: Kinesio 4 inch Tape

Standard of Care

Active Comparator group

Description:

Currently, the standard of care is a general cock-up splint and lumbrical exercises. A general cock-up splint will be supplied, fitted, and checked on each of the four return visits by the researchers. Lumbrical exercises are also used and consist of active joint ranges for the wrist and hand. The exercises will be demonstrated by the researchers for 3-sets of 10 times each, daily, to be recorded in a log by the participants.

Treatment:

Device: Cock up Splint and Lumbrical exercises