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Pain Neuroscience Education Versus Kinesio Tape on Functional Outcomes in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

NCT07539480 · Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 60

Last updated 2026-04-20

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common compressive neuropathies of the upper limb, characterized by pain, numbness, and functional impairment due to median nerve compression at the wrist. Its prevalence is estimated at approximately 4.9%, with higher incidence in populations exposed to repetitive hand movements. The resulting sensory disturbances, grip weakness, and functional limitations significantly affect daily activities and quality of life.

Conservative management remains the first line of treatment for mild to moderate CTS, with therapeutic approaches traditionally including splinting, exercise therapy, nerve mobilization, and patient education. Recent interest has grown around Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE)-an educational strategy that reframes patients' understanding of pain by emphasizing the role of the central nervous system, cognitive factors, and neurophysiological processes. Studies have shown that PNE, particularly when combined with exercise or standard rehabilitation, can reduce symptom severity, improve functional outcomes, and help patients better manage chronic pain by reducing fear and catastrophizing. However, the existing literature notes that research on PNE for CTS is still limited, with some trials suggesting positive outcomes but calling for more high-quality evidence.

In parallel, Kinesio Taping (KT) has gained popularity as a noninvasive intervention believed to enhance circulation, provide proprioceptive input, and support soft tissue mobility. Evidence from randomized controlled trials shows that KT can improve grip strength, reduce pain intensity, enhance sensory conduction velocity, and improve functional status as measured by validated clinical tools such as the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. These findings suggest that KT may serve as an effective supplementary therapy in the conservative management of CTS

Conditions

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Interventions

OTHER

group A: pain neuroscience education (PNE)

1- Education on neurobiology and neurophysiology of pain 2- How beliefs and behaviours influence pain 3- Central sensitization and pain amplification 4- Use of metaphors, visuals, and interactive discussion the frequency of the session 1- 1 session/week, 30-40 minutes 2- Duration: 6 weeks 3- Delivered by a trained physiotherapist

OTHER

group B: Patients receive Kinesio Taping

KT Application Technique 1- Elastic tape placed along flexor retinaculum and median nerve pathway 2- Tension: 10-15% 3- Reapplied twice weekly 4- Duration: 6 weeks

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Middle East University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
20 Years
Max Age
50 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-06-15
Primary Completion
2027-09-20
Completion
2027-09-20

Countries

  • Egypt

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07539480 on ClinicalTrials.gov