Carpal Tunnel SyndromeNCT07741708
Kinesio Taping for Pain, Median Nerve Morphology, and Quality of Life in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A study testing Kinesio Taping and Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises in people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Median Nerve Compression, run by Istanbul Gelisim University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Median Nerve Compression, Entrapment Neuropathy
- What is being tested?
- Kinesio Taping and Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 10 May 2026to 10 Jul 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 25 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Istanbul Gelisim University
Istanbul, Istanbul, 34710
About this study
Official title: Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping on Median Nerve Morphology, Pain, and Quality of Life in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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.
Read more
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.
- Being tested
- Kinesio Taping, Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises
- Medical subject headings
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Kinesio TapingProcedure or surgery
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 ExercisesBehavioural
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio Taping + Exercise | Experimental | Participants received kinesio taping combined with a standardized nerve and tendon gliding exercise program for 4 weeks. Kinesio taping was applied twice weekly by a physiotherapist, while participants performed home-based exercises daily. Receives: Procedure: Kinesio Taping; Behavioral: Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises |
| Exercise Only | Active comparator | Participants received a standardized home-based nerve and tendon gliding exercise program for 4 weeks without kinesio taping. Receives: Behavioral: Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: Baseline and Week 4
Secondary outcomes (3)
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS; 0-10), where higher scores indicate greater pain.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: Baseline and Week 4
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Aug 2026
- Study start10 May 2026
- Primary completion10 Jul 2026
- Study completion10 Jul 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Carpal Tunnel SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- 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.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Gelisim University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Görkem Açar, Istanbul Gelisim University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07741708
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Organization's Unique Protocol
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 29 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 3 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping on Median Nerve Morphology, Pain, and Quality of Life in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07741708
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Organization's Unique Protocol
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Gelisim UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Jul 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 3 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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 design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- 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.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio Taping + Exercise | Experimental | Procedure: Kinesio Taping, Behavioral: Nerve and Tendon Gliding ExercisesParticipants received kinesio taping combined with a standardized nerve and tendon gliding exercise program for 4 weeks. Kinesio taping was applied twice weekly by a physiotherapist, while participants performed home-based exercises daily. |
| Exercise Only | Active comparator | Behavioral: Nerve and Tendon Gliding ExercisesParticipants received a standardized home-based nerve and tendon gliding exercise program for 4 weeks without kinesio taping. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio TapingKinesio 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. | Procedure or surgery | Kinesio Taping + Exercise |
| Nerve and Tendon Gliding ExercisesParticipants 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. | Behavioural | Exercise Only, Kinesio Taping + Exercise |
Primary outcome
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.
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.
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.
3 secondary outcomes
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Score
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Functional Status Score
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Aug 2026.
Related trials for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Symptom Recovery Time After the Phalen Test in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Not yet recruiting
Effectiveness of Sensorimotor Proprioceptive Stimulation Combined With Conventional Physical Therapy on Symptoms, Sensory Function, Proprioception, and Hand Function in Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Recruiting
Effect of Night-time and Full-time Splinting for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Recruiting
Finnish Carpal Tunnel Surgery Study
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Measurement of Muscle Strength Using a Manual Muscle Tester in Women With Electrophysiologically Confirmed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Kinesio Taping and Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises in people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Median Nerve Compression, run by Istanbul Gelisim University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Median Nerve Anteroposterior Diameter (time frame: Baseline and Week 4). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Aug 2026.