Using kinesiology tape to treat carpal tunnel symptoms in esports gamers
Less Pain, More Game: Efficacy of Red Kinesiology Tape on Carpal Tunnel-Like Symptoms and Performance in Esports Gamers
This study tests if kinesiology tape can help esports gamers with carpal tunnel symptoms while still allowing them to perform well in their games.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Nevada, Las Vegas Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Las Vegas, Nevada) |
| Trial ID | NCT06757062 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of dorsally applied kinesiology tape in managing carpal tunnel syndrome-like symptoms among esports gamers. Participants will receive either red kinesiology tape or skin tone kinesiology tape on their dominant hand and wrist, and will complete assessments for pain and performance in first-person shooter games. The study employs a randomized controlled crossover design, with participants visiting the site twice for tape application and testing. The goal is to determine if the tape can alleviate symptoms without negatively impacting gaming performance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are esports gamers over 18 years old who experience numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in their hands, wrists, or fingers and play video games for more than 5 hours a week.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, pregnant individuals, or those with a history of skin or hand conditions other than carpal tunnel syndrome may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive treatment option for esports gamers suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, potentially improving their gaming performance.
How similar studies have performed: While kinesiology tape has been used in various contexts, this specific application in esports gaming is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 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
Where this trial is running
Las Vegas, Nevada
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Shadow Lane Campus — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Donnamarie Krause, Ph.D — University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Study coordinator: Sarah A Taing
- Email: taings3@unlv.nevada.edu
- Phone: 7022727855
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.