Effects of kinesio taping with and without active release technique in carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Background: Kinesio taping is used as a conservative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and the active release technique is also effective.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of kinesio taping with and without the active release technique on pain, grip strength, functional disability and range of motion in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods: It was a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-two patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were randomly allocated to two groups: Group A received kinesio taping with the active release technique for 4 weeks (3 days/week); Group B received kinesio taping alone for 4 weeks (5 days/week). Outcome measures were the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire, a numeric pain rating scale, goniometry and hand-held dynamometry. SPSS software, version 25, was used for data analysis.

Results: Normal distribution was assessed on the Shapiro-Wilk test and parametric tests were applied. Independent t-test results showed that patients who received kinesio taping with the active release technique showed significantly greater improvement (p < 0.05) in pain, functional status and range of motion than the group that received kinesio taping alone. Within-group analysis (paired t-test) showed that both groups significantly improved (p < 0.05) in all outcome measures.

Conclusion: Kinesio taping with the active release technique procured significantly greater improvement in pain, range of motion and functional disability than kinesio taping alone.

Clinicaltrials: gov registration number: 789.

Keywords: Active release technique; Carpal tunnel syndrome; Grip strength; Kinesio taping.