Efficacy of Red Kinesiology Tape on Carpal Tunnel-Like Symptoms and Performance in Esports Gamers

Last updated: December 30, 2024
Sponsor: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Treatment

Kinesiology Tape

Clinical Study ID

NCT06757062
UNLV-2024-431
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study 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 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)

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • 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

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • 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

Study Design

Total Participants: 30
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Kinesiology Tape
Phase:
Study Start date:
January 01, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
April 30, 2025

Study 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.

Connect with a study center

  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Shadow Lane Campus

    Las Vegas, Nevada 89102
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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