Carpal Tunnel SyndromeNCT06757062
Efficacy of Red Kinesiology Tape on Carpal Tunnel-Like Symptoms and Performance in Esports Gamers
A study testing Kinesiology Tape in people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, run by University of Nevada, Las Vegas at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if dorsally applied kinesiology tape is an effective conservative treatment for symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and assess the potential performance effect of the tape color in first-person shooter esports games in esports gamers who exhibit symptoms that resemble carpal… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Kinesiology Tape
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2025to 30 Apr 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- over 18 years old
- can see color vision
- reports having numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hands, wrist, or fingers
- has a positive Phalen's test result
- passes Ishihara Color Vision Test with a score of at least 12
- provides written consent
- reports to play video games over 5 hours a week on average
Who cannot join
- cognitively impaired
- pregnant
- has history of skin conditions
- has history of hand conditions other than carpal tunnel syndrome
- has history of surgery to the wrist, hand, or fingers
- is currently receiving other forms of physiotherapy
- has open wounds on the kinesiology tape application site
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Shadow Lane Campus
Las Vegas, Nevada, 89102
Donnamarie Krause, OTD, Ph.D., 763-234-2532, donnamarie.krause@unlv.edu
Victoria Bernabe, 702-895-1811, mariavictoria.bernabe@unlv.edu
About this study
Official title: Less Pain, More Game: Efficacy of Red Kinesiology Tape on Carpal Tunnel-Like Symptoms and Performance in Esports Gamers
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if dorsally applied kinesiology tape is an effective conservative treatment for symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and assess the potential performance effect of the tape color in first-person shooter esports games in esports gamers who exhibit symptoms that resemble carpal tunnel syndrome. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Is dorsally applied kinesiology tape able to manage carpal tunnel syndrome-like symptoms in esports gamers? Does red kinesiology tape hinder or improve performance in first-person shooter esports games in esports gamers?
Read more
Researchers will compare red kinesiology tape to skin tone kinesiology tape. Both will be applied on the dorsal aspect of the hand and wrist of the dominant upper extremity.
Participants will visit the site 2 times to get kinesiology tape applied and complete a pre and post-test for pain and performance. Depending on randomization a participant will receive a random sequence of the study arm (ex: red then skin tone or skin tone then red tape)
Read the detailed description
Less Pain, More Game - Efficacy of Red Kinesiology Tape on Carpal Tunnel Symptoms and Performance in Esports Gamers is a clinical trial that aims to determine if dorsally applied kinesiology tape can manage or improve symptoms that resemble carpal tunnel syndrome in esports gamers. Esports gamers use their hands very differently from the average individual when participating in hours of video game play. This study first aims to test if kinesiology tape would benefit these individuals despite the frequency and intensity with which they use their hands and fingers.
Performance and competition is a major component of esports gaming participation. Despite how well kinesiology tape may improve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, it would not be a good treatment option if it hindered their ability to participate in esports. This study also aims to address performance as well. Color has been identified as a quality of kinesiology tape that may impact performance. Thus this study also seeks to assess the potential performance effect of the tape color in first-person shooter esports games in esports gamers who exhibit symptoms that resemble carpal tunnel syndrome.
Participants will visit the site 2 times to get kinesiology tape applied and complete a pre and post-test for the Short Form Mcgill Pain Questionnaire and a first-person shooter simulation to assess performance. The study design is a randomized controlled crossover trial thus depending on randomization a participant will receive a random sequence of the study arm (ex: red then skin tone or skin tone then red tape).
Results from this study would allow occupational therapists to promote health and wellness within the esports gamer population and enhance performance to give players an edge over their opponents.
- Conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Being tested
- Kinesiology Tape
- Keywords
- Esports, Gamers, Carapl Tunnel Syndrome, Performance, First Person Shooter, Red, Color Theory, Kinesio Tape, Kinesiology Tape, Dorsal Application
- Medical subject headings
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Erythema
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Kinesiology TapeDevice
The kinesiology tape (KT) is applied with the dorsal application for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This method is utilized and explained in Krause et al. (2020). This study will assess the efficacy of the application method as well as the varying effects of the color of the KT. Red KT will be compared to skin tone KT. The skin tone KT will be color-matched as closely as possible to each participant's skin tone to reduce the effect of the KT color. In this way, the study's second purpose is to understand the potential effect of color on psychological function and performance in the context of aggressive first-person shooter esports games.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Red Kinesiology Tape Applied with the Dorsal Application for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Experimental | The red kinesiology tape will be applied with the dorsal application for carpal tunnel syndrome. It is explained and utilized in Krause et al. (2020). The color red has been found in previous studies to impact motor function and performance in various activities specifically when looking at activities of an aggressive or competitive nature. Thus red was chosen when assessing the color effect of red in first-person shooter games which require outperforming the opponent with quick reaction time, accuracy, and aggression.
Each participant will receive the red KT application only once. The order of which they receive the red KT or the skin tone KT will depend on their random assignment to group X or Y.
The KT will be applied by an interventionist trained in proper KT application. Participants will be educated on self-removal specifically given by the manufacturer of the brand of KT used (Sparthos Tape). There will be a 7 day washout period between tape applications. Receives: Device: Kinesiology Tape |
| Skin Tone Kinesiology Tape Applied with the Dorsal Application for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Active comparator | The skin tone kinesiology tape will be applied with the dorsal application for carpal tunnel syndrome. It is explained and utilized in Krause et al. (2020). Sparthos KT offers skin tone KT covering multiple shades to allow the closest color to match the participant's skin. Utilizing other skin tones other than beige allows inclusion and diversity. The skin tone KT was chosen to diminish the effect of the KT color to allow better isolation and study of the effect of the color red in comparison.
Each participant will receive the skin tone KT application only once. The order in which they receive the red KT or the skin tone KT will depend on their random assignment to group X or Y.
The KT will be applied by an interventionist trained in proper KT application. Participants will be educated on self-removal specifically given by the manufacturer of the brand of KT used (Sparthos Tape). There will be a 7 day washout period between tape applications. Receives: Device: Kinesiology Tape |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
McGill Pain Questionnaire Short-Form
Short Form - McGill Pain Questionnaire - 2 will give outcomes of pain intensity and quality. It includes adjectives to describe both nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. Pain descriptors can be categorized into Continuous (throbbing pain, cramping pain, gnawing pain, aching pain, heavy pain, tender), Intermittent (shooting pain, stabbing pain, sharp pain, splitting pain, electric-shock pain, piercing), Neuropathic (hot-burning pain, cold-freezing pain, pain caused by light touch, itching, tingling or "pins and needles", numbness), and Affective (tiring-exhausting, sickening, fearful, punishing-cruel)
It will be taken 4 times by each participant: before the first application of the KT, after the first application of the KT, before the second application of the KT in the opposite color, and after the second application of the KT in the opposite color.
Measured: at intervals throughout the 3 week cycle
Secondary outcomes (1)
3D Aim Trainer Attack Bombsite Simulation
It is an esports shooting simulation on easy difficulty and is completed on a Dell PC with a keyboard and mouse setup. It will measure performance through a collection of overall scores and accuracy percentages. The participants will have to shoot at enemy targets while dodging attacks and surviving to the next stage. Each stage of the simulation will increase in difficulty. The simulation will be completed with the computer set to a grayscale display to eliminate any effect of the colors of the original simulation. Each attempt of the simulation will end after 200 seconds. It will be completed in a private room with only the student researcher present. The simulation is free and can be found here: https://www.3daimtrainer.com/. Data from this simulation will be stored under the participant ID code on a protected Google Sheets document.
It will be taken 4 times by each participant: before KT, after the KT, before the KT in the opposite color, and after KT in the opposite color.
Measured: at intervals throughout the 3 week cycle
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Jan 2025
- Study start1 Jan 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Mar 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Apr 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- 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
- Crossover
- Model description
- Participation in this study requires 2 visits to the UNLV Shadow Lane Campus OT Skills Lab located at 1125 Shadow Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89102. Visits will require no more than 60 minutes of the participant's time and involve kinesiology tape applications, quick performance measures, and questionnaires. This study follows a randomized controlled crossover design with 2 study arms: red KT and skin tone KT. Each intervention will be applied once and separated by a washout period which will be at least 1 week. Participants will be randomly assigned to either group X or group Y, indicating their sequence of receiving the two treatments. Group X would receive red KT then skin tone KT while group Y would receive skin tone KT then red KT. This will be done by having the participant select an envelope containing one of the two group assignments.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Donnamarie Krause, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Investigators
- Donnamarie Krause, Ph.D, Principal investigator, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06757062
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UNLV-2024-431
- Status last verified
- Dec 2024
- First submitted
- 9 Dec 2024
- Last updated
- 3 Jan 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- Yes
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Krause D, Roll SC, Javaherian-Dysinger H, Daher N. Comparative efficacy of the dorsal application of Kinesio tape and splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. J Hand Ther. 2021 Jul-Sep;34(3):351-361. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2020.03.010. Epub 2020 Sep 4.
PubMed 32893100
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Jan 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Less Pain, More Game: Efficacy of Red Kinesiology Tape on Carpal Tunnel-Like Symptoms and Performance in Esports Gamers
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06757062
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UNLV-2024-431
- Conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Keywords
- Esports, Gamers, Carapl Tunnel Syndrome, Performance, First Person Shooter, Red, Color Theory, Kinesio Tape
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Nevada, Las VegasUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Mar 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Apr 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 3 Jan 2025 (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.
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if dorsally applied kinesiology tape is an effective conservative treatment for symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and assess the potential performance effect of the tape color in first-person shooter esports games in esports gamers who exhibit symptoms that resemble carpal tunnel syndrome. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Is dorsally applied kinesiology tape able to manage carpal tunnel syndrome-like symptoms in esports gamers? Does red kinesiology tape hinder or improve performance in first-person shooter esports games in esports gamers?
Researchers will compare red kinesiology tape to skin tone kinesiology tape. Both will be applied on the dorsal aspect of the hand and wrist of the dominant upper extremity.
Participants will visit the site 2 times to get kinesiology tape applied and complete a pre and post-test for pain and performance. Depending on randomization a participant will receive a random sequence of the study arm (ex: red then skin tone or skin tone then red tape)
Detailed description
Less Pain, More Game - Efficacy of Red Kinesiology Tape on Carpal Tunnel Symptoms and Performance in Esports Gamers is a clinical trial that aims to determine if dorsally applied kinesiology tape can manage or improve symptoms that resemble carpal tunnel syndrome in esports gamers. Esports gamers use their hands very differently from the average individual when participating in hours of video game play. This study first aims to test if kinesiology tape would benefit these individuals despite the frequency and intensity with which they use their hands and fingers.
Performance and competition is a major component of esports gaming participation. Despite how well kinesiology tape may improve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, it would not be a good treatment option if it hindered their ability to participate in esports. This study also aims to address performance as well. Color has been identified as a quality of kinesiology tape that may impact performance. Thus this study also seeks to assess the potential performance effect of the tape color in first-person shooter esports games in esports gamers who exhibit symptoms that resemble carpal tunnel syndrome.
Participants will visit the site 2 times to get kinesiology tape applied and complete a pre and post-test for the Short Form Mcgill Pain Questionnaire and a first-person shooter simulation to assess performance. The study design is a randomized controlled crossover trial thus depending on randomization a participant will receive a random sequence of the study arm (ex: red then skin tone or skin tone then red tape).
Results from this study would allow occupational therapists to promote health and wellness within the esports gamer population and enhance performance to give players an edge over their opponents.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participation in this study requires 2 visits to the UNLV Shadow Lane Campus OT Skills Lab located at 1125 Shadow Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89102. Visits will require no more than 60 minutes of the participant's time and involve kinesiology tape applications, quick performance measures, and questionnaires. This study follows a randomized controlled crossover design with 2 study arms: red KT and skin tone KT. Each intervention will be applied once and separated by a washout period which will be at least 1 week. Participants will be randomly assigned to either group X or group Y, indicating their sequence of receiving the two treatments. Group X would receive red KT then skin tone KT while group Y would receive skin tone KT then red KT. This will be done by having the participant select an envelope containing one of the two group assignments.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Red Kinesiology Tape Applied with the Dorsal Application for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Experimental | Device: Kinesiology TapeThe red kinesiology tape will be applied with the dorsal application for carpal tunnel syndrome. It is explained and utilized in Krause et al. (2020). The color red has been found in previous studies to impact motor function and performance in various activities specifically when looking at activities of an aggressive or competitive nature. Thus red was chosen when assessing the color effect of red in first-person shooter games which require outperforming the opponent with quick reaction time, accuracy, and aggression. Each participant will receive the red KT application only once. The order of which they receive the red KT or the skin tone KT will depend on their random assignment to group X or Y. The KT will be applied by an interventionist trained in proper KT application. Participants will be educated on self-removal specifically given by the manufacturer of the brand of KT used (Sparthos Tape). There will be a 7 day washout period between tape applications. |
| Skin Tone Kinesiology Tape Applied with the Dorsal Application for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Active comparator | Device: Kinesiology TapeThe skin tone kinesiology tape will be applied with the dorsal application for carpal tunnel syndrome. It is explained and utilized in Krause et al. (2020). Sparthos KT offers skin tone KT covering multiple shades to allow the closest color to match the participant's skin. Utilizing other skin tones other than beige allows inclusion and diversity. The skin tone KT was chosen to diminish the effect of the KT color to allow better isolation and study of the effect of the color red in comparison. Each participant will receive the skin tone KT application only once. The order in which they receive the red KT or the skin tone KT will depend on their random assignment to group X or Y. The KT will be applied by an interventionist trained in proper KT application. Participants will be educated on self-removal specifically given by the manufacturer of the brand of KT used (Sparthos Tape). There will be a 7 day washout period between tape applications. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- over 18 years old
- can see color vision
- reports having numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hands, wrist, or fingers
- has a positive Phalen's test result
- passes Ishihara Color Vision Test with a score of at least 12
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- cognitively impaired
- pregnant
- has history of skin conditions
- has history of hand conditions other than carpal tunnel syndrome
- has history of surgery to the wrist, hand, or fingers
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesiology TapeThe kinesiology tape (KT) is applied with the dorsal application for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This method is utilized and explained in Krause et al. (2020). This study will assess the efficacy of the application method as well as the varying effects of the color of the KT. Red KT will be compared to skin tone KT. The skin tone KT will be color-matched as closely as possible to each participant's skin tone to reduce the effect of the KT color. In this way, the study's second purpose is to understand the potential effect of color on psychological function and performance in the context of aggressive first-person shooter esports games. | Device | Red Kinesiology Tape Applied with the Dorsal Application for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Skin Tone Kinesiology Tape Applied with the Dorsal Application for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
Primary outcome
McGill Pain Questionnaire Short-Form
Time frame: at intervals throughout the 3 week cycle
Short Form - McGill Pain Questionnaire - 2 will give outcomes of pain intensity and quality. It includes adjectives to describe both nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. Pain descriptors can be categorized into Continuous (throbbing pain, cramping pain, gnawing pain, aching pain, heavy pain, tender), Intermittent (shooting pain, stabbing pain, sharp pain, splitting pain, electric-shock pain, piercing), Neuropathic (hot-burning pain, cold-freezing pain, pain caused by light touch, itching, tingling or "pins and needles", numbness), and Affective (tiring-exhausting, sickening, fearful, punishing-cruel) It will be taken 4 times by each participant: before the first application of the KT, after the first application of the KT, before the second application of the KT in the opposite color, and after the second application of the KT in the opposite color.
1 secondary outcome
3D Aim Trainer Attack Bombsite Simulation
Time frame: at intervals throughout the 3 week cycle
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Jan 2025.
- Results publication: PubMed 32893100Krause D, Roll SC, Javaherian-Dysinger H, Daher N. Comparative efficacy of the dorsal application of Kinesio tape and splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. J Hand Ther. 2021 Jul-Sep;34(3):351-361. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2020.03.010. Epub 2020 Sep 4.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Donnamarie Krause, Ph.D principal investigator
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Kinesiology Tape in people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, run by University of Nevada, Las Vegas at 1 site in United States.
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 7 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Jan 2025. 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 United States. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Sarah A Taing (7022727855, taings3@unlv.nevada.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
McGill Pain Questionnaire Short-Form (time frame: at intervals throughout the 3 week cycle). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06757062, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 Jan 2025.