External supports in carpal tunnel syndrome: Which works best? A double-blind randomized controlled trial

The effectiveness of conservative treatments in carpal tunnel syndrome is controversial.

Comparing the effects of rigid tape, kinesio tape, and splint on pain intensity, symptom severity, functional status, and grip strength in the patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized-controlled trial.

A total of 40 patients who were diagnosed with mild/moderate carpal tunnel syndrome were divided into four intervention groups: rigid taping group, kinesio taping group, splinting group, control group. The participants were assessed with the Visual Analog Scale, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, hand dynamometer, and pinch meter at baseline and 2 weeks later with tapes or splint removed.

All groups showed significant improvements in pain intensity (p = 0.005, ES = 0.88), symptom severity (p = 0.005, ES = 0.88), functional status (p = 0.005, ES = ranged between 0.79 and 0.88), grip strength (p = 0.005, ES = 0.88), and pinch strength (p = 0.004-0.006, ES ranged between 0.87 and 0.92). Between-group comparisons revealed greater pain reduction in the control group compared to the rigid taping group (p = 0.001, ES = 0.24). The rigid taping group showed the highest increase in grip strength, with both rigid and kinesio taping groups showing superiority over the control group (p < 0.001, ES = 0.37). Lateral and three-point pinch strengths improved significantly in the rigid taping group compared with the control group (p = 0.007, ES = 0.27; p = 0.003, ES = 0.30, respectively).

The rigid taping group demonstrated the most consistent benefits, particularly in grip strength, while the kinesio taping group improved pain intensity and grip strength. However, external supports did not show superiority in pain relief, as the control group had better outcomes. Symptom severity and functional status improvements were similar among groups.