title: Kinesiotaping as an alternative treatment method for carpal tunnel syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy. Conservative treatment choices are not always satisfactory. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of kinesiotaping (KT) on pain level, grip strength, and functional status compared with that of placebo KT and orthotic device (OD) in patients with CTS.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this randomized, placebo-controlled study, participants were allocated into one of three groups: an experimental KT group (Group 1), a placebo KT group (Group 2), and an OD group (Group 3). Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) scores, dynamometric grip strength measures, and the Boston CTS questionnaire (BQ) were the outcome measures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All groups significantly improved in terms of VAS scores (P < 0.05), DN4 scores (P < 0.05), and BQ scores (P < 0.05). Grip strength improved in Group 3 (P = 0.001). There was a significant difference among the groups with respect to BQ scores (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  KT application for the treatment of CTS should be an alternative treatment choice.
authors: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Haydarpaşa Numune Education and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors: Duygu
authors: D
authors: Geler Külcü
authors: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors: Canan
authors: C
authors: Bursali
authors: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors: İlknur
authors: İ
authors: Aktaş
authors: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors: Selin
authors: S
authors: Bozkurt Alp
authors: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors: Feyza
authors: F
authors: Ünlü Özkan
authors: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors: Pınar
authors: P
authors: Akpinar
mesh_terms: D055052:Athletic Tape; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D064232:Visual Analog Scale
keywords: Kinesiotaping; carpal tunnel syndrome; disability; pain