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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
40
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.
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.
Istanbul Gelisim University
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in Median Nerve Anteroposterior Diameter
Change in the anteroposterior diameter (mm) of the median nerve measured by ultrasonography from baseline to the end of the 4-week intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Change in Median Nerve Transverse Diameter
Change in the transverse diameter (mm) of the median nerve measured by ultrasonography from baseline to the end of the 4-week intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Change in Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area (CSA)
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.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS; 0-10), where higher scores indicate greater pain.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Score
Symptom severity assessed using the Symptom Severity Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Functional Status Score
Functional status assessed using the Functional Status Scale of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Higher scores indicate greater functional impairment.
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
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