Comparison of the efficacy of two different kinesio taping methods on pain, function and electrophysiological findings in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve at the level of the flexor retinaculum in the wrist. The clinical picture consists of complaints such as pain, loss of skill and function, numbness and findings such as muscle atrophy and weakness. The diagnosis is made clinically and supported by electrophysiological studies. Conservative treatment methods are the first choice for moderate and mild CTS patients. Kinesio taping is a widely used method in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases in recent years. There are studies showing its effectiveness in the treatment of CTS. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two different kinesio taping methods on pain, function and electrophysiological findings in patients diagnosed with CTS. In the study, 108 patients (165 wrists) with mild or moderate carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed clinically and electrophysiologically were divided into 3 groups by closed envelope method. Kinesio taping was given for 3 sessions, 1 per week, and exercise was given for 3 weeks in all groups, totalling 21 sessions. The first group received kinesio taping with button hole technique and exercise, the second group received kinesio taping with I band technique and exercise, and the third group received exercise therapy. Pain (VAS), neuropathic pain (DN4 questionnaire), functionality and symptom severity (Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire) and grip strength (Jamar dynamometer) were evaluated before treatment, at the end of treatment (3rd week) and 12th week. Patients were also evaluated with EMG before treatment and at 12 weeks. While the decrease in VAS and DN4 scores, improvement in hand functions and decrease in symptom severity were statistically significant in the Button hole and I band group compared to the control group at the 3rd and 12th week (p<0.05), no statistically significant difference was found between the Button hole and I band groups (p>0.05). While the improvement in hand grip strength was statistically significant in the I band group compared to the control group at the 3rd and 12th week (p<0.05), there was no statistical difference between the Button hole and I band groups (p>0.05). Improvements in median nerve sensory action potentials, combined muscle action potentials and distal sensory latency measurements were statistically significant in the Button hole group compared to the I band group at week 12 (p<0.05). While the improvement in distal motor latency levels and motor conduction velocity was statistically significant in the Button hole and I band groups compared to the control group at the 12th week (p<0.05), no statistical difference was found between the Button hole and I band groups (p>0.05). The increase in sensory conduction velocity was found statistically significant in Button hole group compared to the other groups (p<0.05). As a result, both methods of kinesio taping therapy added to exercise therapy were found to be effective on pain, functionality, symptom severity, gross grip strength and EMG parameters in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The Button hole technique added to exercise therapy is superior to the I-band technique in terms of EMG parameters.