Using kinesiology tape to treat carpal tunnel symptoms in esports gamers
Official title: Less Pain, More Game: Efficacy of Red Kinesiology Tape on Carpal Tunnel-Like Symptoms and Performance in Esports Gamers
Run by University of Nevada, Las Vegas · NCT06757062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Nevada, Las Vegas Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Las Vegas, Nevada) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | January 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06757062 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Matrix Rhythm Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This study tests whether adding Matrix Rhythm Therapy to standard care helps people with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome improve symptoms, hand function, grip and pinch strength, and quality of life.
-
Carpal tunnel release vs placebo surgery in Finland
In this trial, people with carpal tunnel syndrome are randomly assigned to either standard carpal tunnel surgery or a pretend surgery to see if relief comes from the operation itself or from placebo effects.
-
High-intensity laser therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome
This trial will test whether high-intensity laser therapy helps adults 18–65 with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome reduce pain and improve nerve function and hand strength compared with a sham procedure.
-
Ultrasound-guided needle release plus dextrose (D5W) hydrodissection for carpal tunnel syndrome
This trial tests whether combining ultrasound-guided partial release of the transverse carpal ligament with dextrose (D5W) hydrodissection provides better symptom relief for adults with carpal tunnel syndrome and at least moderate symptoms.
-
A mix of vitamins to help recovery after carpal tunnel surgery
This will test whether taking alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, and B vitamins helps adults recover better after carpal tunnel release surgery.
-
Symptom spread and pain sensitivity in carpal tunnel syndrome
This test looks at whether people with carpal tunnel syndrome whose symptoms spread beyond the usual finger area have higher central pain sensitivity, using a questionnaire and pressure pain testing.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.