Effect of Kinesiotaping on CTS Pain, Symptom Severity, and Function: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of Kinesiotaping on pain levels, symptom severity, and function for those with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). DESIGN Intervention systematic review. LITERATURE SEARCH Cochrane Database, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PEDro and TRIP were searched for studies evaluating the effect of Kinesiotape on CTS. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA One reviewer independently assessed studies for inclusion and quality. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included where at least 1 group received Kinesiotaping for an intervention. Studies beyond 10 years of publication were excluded. DATA SYNTHESIS The quality review was completed using the PEDro scoring scale. At least 2 raters scored each of the 5 articles and were blinded to the other's PEDro scores. Any disagreements between raters were to be resolved by a third rater's score, but no disagreements were found. Articles with PEDro scale scores of at least 7 out of 10 were included. Results of the articles passing the quality assessment were analyzed, weighted average standardized effect size (SES) was calculated for the control and intervention groups, and forest plots were generated by Evidence Partners' forest plot generator. Independent t-tests comparing the control and Kinesiotape groups were conducted for each dependent variable investigated.RESULTSFive RCTs were identified that demonstrated acceptable quality with a PEDro score of at least 7. For the pain, function and symptom severity dependent variables being measured, both the treatment and control groups demonstrated marked improvement. The Kinesiotaping group was favorable when comparing group improvements to published Minimally Clinically Important Difference scores and standard effect sizes. However, independent t-test results showed no statistically significant findings between the groups. CONCLUSION Health-professionals may consider using Kinesiotape when treating patients with CTS, but Kinesiotape may not be more superior than other conservative interventions.