Clinical trial NCT06993090: Efficacy of Dorsal Kinesio Tape Application for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Esports Gamers: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Official title: Efficacy of the Dorsal Application of Kinesio Tape on Esport Gamers
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Keywords: carpal tunnel
carpal tunnel syndrome
gamers
PC gamers
Esports
First person shooter
Kinesiotape
Lead sponsor: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-05-28
Enrollment: 11
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Standard ages: ADULT
OLDER_ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Intervention model description: The intervention group will receive Kinesio Tape application to the dorsal side of the wrist while the control group will have Kinesio Tape applied to the spine of the Scapula
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Kinesio Tape (KT) in alleviating carpal tunnel-like symptoms and enhancing gaming performance among young adult PC gamers. The study aims to address two primary questions:

Does Kinesio Tape reduce wrist pain in adult PC gamers experiencing carpal tunnel-like symptoms?

Does Kinesio Tape improve gaming performance in this population?

Researchers will compare the effects of KT applied to the wrist versus the scapular spine to determine if wrist application provides greater pain relief and performance benefits.

Participants will undergo:

Screening \& Consent (Up to 30 minutes via Zoom): Informed consent and a Phalen's test to assess carpal tunnel-like symptoms.

Baseline (Day 0, 75 minutes): Completion of a demographic survey, 15 minutes of gaming on Kovaaks FPS Aim Trainer, KT application, 15 minutes of post-application gaming, and surveys (Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Severity \[BCSS\] and KT feedback).

Days 1 \& 2 (15 minutes each): KT removal and reapplication, followed by BCSS and KT feedback surveys.

Day 3 (75 minutes): Repeat gaming tests, KT application, and completion of BCSS and KT feedback surveys, mirroring Day 0 procedures.

Total Time Commitment: Approximately 210 minutes (3.5 hours) over four sessions.


Eligibility criteria: * Over 18 years of age
* Test positive for Phalen's screening
* Experience any carpal tunnel-like symptoms
* Self Identified PC gamer

Primary outcomes:
measure: Carpal Tunnel-Like Symptom Severity (Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire - Symptom Severity Scale)
timeFrame: Administered at the end of each session on Day 0 (baseline), Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 (post-intervention). Sessions were held every other day over an 8-day period.
measure: Esports Gaming Performance (Kovaaks Aim Trainer)
timeFrame: Day 0 (baseline session) and Day 3 (post-intervention session). In both sessions, performance was measured twice - once before and once after kinesiotape application. Study sessions were conducted every other day over an 8-day period.
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
measure: Perceived Effects of Kinesiotape (Custom Feedback Questionnaire and Thematic Analysis)
timeFrame: Collected at the end of each session on Day 0 (baseline), Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 (post-intervention). Sessions were held every other day over an 8-day period.
Locations:
city: Las Vegas
country: United States
facility: Musculoskeletal Lab
state: Nevada
city: Las Vegas
country: United States
facility: Black Fire Innovation
state: Nevada
city: Las Vegas
country: United States
facility: Tonopah Residence Complex
state: Nevada
Study officials:
References: