Abstract

Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) affect worldwide working populations. CTS symptoms are problematic especially when signs and symptoms are not substantial enough to require surgical intervention. Conservative treatments have mixed effectiveness, and there is yet to be a best option for chronic low-grade CTS. Kinesio tape is an emerging modality, the dorsal application may provide biomechanical support while allowing functional movement. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine if the dorsal application of Kinesio tape applied to the wrist extensors for individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome makes a difference in occupational performance of pain and function as measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), functional grip and pinch measurements as compared to the commonly accepted lumbrical stretching exercises and nightly use of general cockup splint. Additionally, this study sought to explore the perspectives of participants wearing Kinesio tape to understand if Kinesio tape contributed to changes in occupational performance, and if so, how. A single blind randomized controlled trial with a limited phenomenological study embedded within was conducted. A significant reduction in median NPRS pain scores of forearm and wrist in Kinesio tape group (p = 0.006, and p = 0.005 respectively), but not the splint group (p = 0.11, p = 0.17), and sham group (p = 0.43, p = 0.30) with a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 1.0. MCID for VAS was 1.64. Kinesio tape and sham group had significant improvement in function, but not the splint group. Kinesio tape group improved in pain and function compared to splint group. Investigation of individuals’ experiences with the dorsal application of Kinesio tape for CTS management revealed three emerging themes: Kinesio tape was positively perceived to be effective on decreasing pain, increasing self-efficacy, and improving daily functional performance on tasks previously avoided or abandoned. Results of this study suggest that Kinesio tape is a positively perceived intervention for decreasing pain and increasing function for individuals with CTS. Based on the findings of this study, further consideration of the dorsal application of Kinesio tape as an alternative conservative intervention for CTS appears warranted.

LLU Discipline

Rehabilitation Sciences

Department

Rehabilitation Sciences

School

School of Allied Health Professions

First Advisor

Dragana Krpalek

Second Advisor

Noha Daher

Third Advisor

Shawn C. Roll

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2019

Date (Title Page)

6-2019

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Athletic Tape

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

xii, 95 p.

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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