Investigation of the Effectiveness of Kinesiological Taping in Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
NCT ID: NCT07001111
Last Updated: 2025-09-12
Study Results
The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.
Basic Information
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RECRUITING
NA
36 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2025-04-21
2026-02-28
Brief Summary
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Detailed Description
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In patients with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, pain, numbness, paresthesia in the 4th and 5th fingers, and in advanced stages, muscle weakness leading to atrophy of the hypothenar muscles and claw hand deformity may be observed. The diagnosis is made through electrophysiological studies (EMG/NCS).
Treatment options include both conservative and surgical approaches. Surgical options include cubital tunnel decompression, medial epicondylectomy, and ulnar nerve transposition . Surgical treatment is generally preferred for patients with muscle weakness and atrophy, as well as those who do not respond to conservative treatments. Conservative treatment options include avoiding positions of the elbow that may exacerbate symptoms, splinting, exercise, electrotherapy, and local steroid injections .
Kinesiotaping, developed by chiropractor and acupuncturist Kenzo Kase in the late 1970s, is a commonly used conservative treatment option for musculoskeletal pathologies in physical therapy clinics. The tape is made of cotton, stretches longitudinally up to 40%, is water-resistant, and can stay on the skin for up to 7 days.
Kinesiotaping is believed to support muscles, correct joint movement, enhance blood and lymph circulation, provide proprioceptive input, and reduce pain and muscle spasms . Various physical therapy modalities, steroid injections, and dry needling have been studied for their effects on Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. Kinesiotaping has been shown to be effective in patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. However, there is no study available on the use of kinesiotaping in CuTS patients. This simple, cost-effective treatment modality, commonly used in physical therapy practice for various pathologies, will be investigated for its efficacy in patients with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.
Conditions
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Study Design
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RANDOMIZED
PARALLEL
TREATMENT
SINGLE
Study Groups
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Control
All patients will be provided with information and an exercise sheet containing pictures on ulnar nerve gliding exercises. To monitor whether patients are performing the exercises correctly, they will be asked to come to the hospital once a week, where they will perform the exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist. In the exercise program, different positions will be held for 30 seconds, with a 1-minute rest between them, and the exercises will be performed twice a day .
Ulnar nerve mobilization exercise
All patients will be provided with information and an exercise sheet containing pictures on ulnar nerve gliding exercises. To monitor whether patients are performing the exercises correctly, they will be asked to come to the hospital once a week, where they will perform the exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist. In the exercise program, different positions will be held for 30 seconds, with a 1-minute rest between them, and the exercises will be performed twice a day .
Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
Description: To demonstrate that kinesiological taping will result in a reduction of pain intensity associated with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, as measured by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) ranging from 0 to 10.
the ulnar nerve cross-sectional area measured by ultrasound
The measurements will be taken with the patient in a supine position, the affected arm in shoulder abduction and external rotation, and the elbow flexed at 70°-90°. After applying a generous amount of gel, the lateral edge of the ultrasound probe will be placed on the medial epicondyle, and the medial edge of the probe will be positioned on the olecranon; the ulnar nerve will be directly examined in the retroepicondylar groove. Once the nerve is visualized, the widest point will be identified, and cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements will be taken with the probe perpendicular to the nerve at the center of the screen . The measurements will be repeated twice, and the average will be calculated.
Neuropathic pain scale (measured using the DN-4 scale)
The DN4 questionnaire consists of two main sections and a total of ten questions. The first section includes seven questions related to pain characteristics and sensory information obtained through patient interview. These questions are about burning, electric shocks, coldness, tingling, pricking, numbness, and itching. The second section contains three statements related to physical examination (touch hypoesthesia, pinprick hypoesthesia, and allodynia). For each statement, "yes" or "no" responses are given. A score of "1" is assigned for "yes" answers and "0" for "no" answers, and the scores are summed. A total score of 4 or more out of 12 is interpreted as neuropathic pain.
SF-12 Quality of Life Scale
The SF-12 Quality of Life Scale is a short form of the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. While the SF-36 is used for chronic conditions (states), the SF-12 is used for short-term assessments (clinical findings). Similarly, it is also used to gather information about the patient's general health status. The SF-12 provides the same summary component scores as the SF-36, but with fewer items, making it a significant advantage due to its shorter application time. The scale asks the patient about their health opinions, how they feel, and how easily they can perform their usual activities. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.
QUICK-DASH
QUICK-DASH (Shoulder, Arm, and Hand Problems Questionnaire):
This questionnaire assesses both the ability to perform certain physical activities as well as the symptoms of the disease. Each question is answered based on the condition of the past week, and the appropriate score is marked. The answer is given based solely on the ability to perform the physical activity, without considering which hand or arm is injured.
Scoring:
1. = No difficulty
2. = Mild difficulty
3. = Moderate difficulty
4. = Severe difficulty
5. = Unable to perform
QUICK DASH DISABILITY/SYMPTOM SCORE:
(\[(n total score\] - 1) x 25; where n represents the number of questions answered. If more than one question is unanswered, the Quick DASH score cannot be calculated.
SCORE FOR OPTIONAL MODELS:
For each model, divide the total score by 4, subtract 1, and multiply by 25. If more than one question is unanswered, the score for optional models cannot be calculated.
Based on the results of the questionnaire, a score b
Grip strength measured with a hand dynamometer
Grip strength will be measured using a hand dynamometer, with the average of three measurements taken, each followed by a 30-second rest period.
Kinesio Taping
It will be applied once a week for 3 weeks to the affected elbow by an experienced practitioner. During taping, the space correction technique will be used. In this technique, the kinesiological tape is applied with a hole cut in the center, slightly larger than the area to be treated .
kinesio taping
Kinesio taping at the level of the cubital tunnel on the elbow
Ulnar nerve mobilization exercise
All patients will be provided with information and an exercise sheet containing pictures on ulnar nerve gliding exercises. To monitor whether patients are performing the exercises correctly, they will be asked to come to the hospital once a week, where they will perform the exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist. In the exercise program, different positions will be held for 30 seconds, with a 1-minute rest between them, and the exercises will be performed twice a day .
Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
Description: To demonstrate that kinesiological taping will result in a reduction of pain intensity associated with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, as measured by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) ranging from 0 to 10.
the ulnar nerve cross-sectional area measured by ultrasound
The measurements will be taken with the patient in a supine position, the affected arm in shoulder abduction and external rotation, and the elbow flexed at 70°-90°. After applying a generous amount of gel, the lateral edge of the ultrasound probe will be placed on the medial epicondyle, and the medial edge of the probe will be positioned on the olecranon; the ulnar nerve will be directly examined in the retroepicondylar groove. Once the nerve is visualized, the widest point will be identified, and cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements will be taken with the probe perpendicular to the nerve at the center of the screen . The measurements will be repeated twice, and the average will be calculated.
Neuropathic pain scale (measured using the DN-4 scale)
The DN4 questionnaire consists of two main sections and a total of ten questions. The first section includes seven questions related to pain characteristics and sensory information obtained through patient interview. These questions are about burning, electric shocks, coldness, tingling, pricking, numbness, and itching. The second section contains three statements related to physical examination (touch hypoesthesia, pinprick hypoesthesia, and allodynia). For each statement, "yes" or "no" responses are given. A score of "1" is assigned for "yes" answers and "0" for "no" answers, and the scores are summed. A total score of 4 or more out of 12 is interpreted as neuropathic pain.
SF-12 Quality of Life Scale
The SF-12 Quality of Life Scale is a short form of the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. While the SF-36 is used for chronic conditions (states), the SF-12 is used for short-term assessments (clinical findings). Similarly, it is also used to gather information about the patient's general health status. The SF-12 provides the same summary component scores as the SF-36, but with fewer items, making it a significant advantage due to its shorter application time. The scale asks the patient about their health opinions, how they feel, and how easily they can perform their usual activities. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.
QUICK-DASH
QUICK-DASH (Shoulder, Arm, and Hand Problems Questionnaire):
This questionnaire assesses both the ability to perform certain physical activities as well as the symptoms of the disease. Each question is answered based on the condition of the past week, and the appropriate score is marked. The answer is given based solely on the ability to perform the physical activity, without considering which hand or arm is injured.
Scoring:
1. = No difficulty
2. = Mild difficulty
3. = Moderate difficulty
4. = Severe difficulty
5. = Unable to perform
QUICK DASH DISABILITY/SYMPTOM SCORE:
(\[(n total score\] - 1) x 25; where n represents the number of questions answered. If more than one question is unanswered, the Quick DASH score cannot be calculated.
SCORE FOR OPTIONAL MODELS:
For each model, divide the total score by 4, subtract 1, and multiply by 25. If more than one question is unanswered, the score for optional models cannot be calculated.
Based on the results of the questionnaire, a score b
Grip strength measured with a hand dynamometer
Grip strength will be measured using a hand dynamometer, with the average of three measurements taken, each followed by a 30-second rest period.
Sham Taping
It will be applied in the same way as kinesiological taping with adhesive tape.
Ulnar nerve mobilization exercise
All patients will be provided with information and an exercise sheet containing pictures on ulnar nerve gliding exercises. To monitor whether patients are performing the exercises correctly, they will be asked to come to the hospital once a week, where they will perform the exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist. In the exercise program, different positions will be held for 30 seconds, with a 1-minute rest between them, and the exercises will be performed twice a day .
Sham (No Treatment)
It will be applied in the same way as kinesiological taping with adhesive tape.
Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
Description: To demonstrate that kinesiological taping will result in a reduction of pain intensity associated with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, as measured by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) ranging from 0 to 10.
the ulnar nerve cross-sectional area measured by ultrasound
The measurements will be taken with the patient in a supine position, the affected arm in shoulder abduction and external rotation, and the elbow flexed at 70°-90°. After applying a generous amount of gel, the lateral edge of the ultrasound probe will be placed on the medial epicondyle, and the medial edge of the probe will be positioned on the olecranon; the ulnar nerve will be directly examined in the retroepicondylar groove. Once the nerve is visualized, the widest point will be identified, and cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements will be taken with the probe perpendicular to the nerve at the center of the screen . The measurements will be repeated twice, and the average will be calculated.
Neuropathic pain scale (measured using the DN-4 scale)
The DN4 questionnaire consists of two main sections and a total of ten questions. The first section includes seven questions related to pain characteristics and sensory information obtained through patient interview. These questions are about burning, electric shocks, coldness, tingling, pricking, numbness, and itching. The second section contains three statements related to physical examination (touch hypoesthesia, pinprick hypoesthesia, and allodynia). For each statement, "yes" or "no" responses are given. A score of "1" is assigned for "yes" answers and "0" for "no" answers, and the scores are summed. A total score of 4 or more out of 12 is interpreted as neuropathic pain.
SF-12 Quality of Life Scale
The SF-12 Quality of Life Scale is a short form of the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. While the SF-36 is used for chronic conditions (states), the SF-12 is used for short-term assessments (clinical findings). Similarly, it is also used to gather information about the patient's general health status. The SF-12 provides the same summary component scores as the SF-36, but with fewer items, making it a significant advantage due to its shorter application time. The scale asks the patient about their health opinions, how they feel, and how easily they can perform their usual activities. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.
QUICK-DASH
QUICK-DASH (Shoulder, Arm, and Hand Problems Questionnaire):
This questionnaire assesses both the ability to perform certain physical activities as well as the symptoms of the disease. Each question is answered based on the condition of the past week, and the appropriate score is marked. The answer is given based solely on the ability to perform the physical activity, without considering which hand or arm is injured.
Scoring:
1. = No difficulty
2. = Mild difficulty
3. = Moderate difficulty
4. = Severe difficulty
5. = Unable to perform
QUICK DASH DISABILITY/SYMPTOM SCORE:
(\[(n total score\] - 1) x 25; where n represents the number of questions answered. If more than one question is unanswered, the Quick DASH score cannot be calculated.
SCORE FOR OPTIONAL MODELS:
For each model, divide the total score by 4, subtract 1, and multiply by 25. If more than one question is unanswered, the score for optional models cannot be calculated.
Based on the results of the questionnaire, a score b
Grip strength measured with a hand dynamometer
Grip strength will be measured using a hand dynamometer, with the average of three measurements taken, each followed by a 30-second rest period.
Interventions
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kinesio taping
Kinesio taping at the level of the cubital tunnel on the elbow
Ulnar nerve mobilization exercise
All patients will be provided with information and an exercise sheet containing pictures on ulnar nerve gliding exercises. To monitor whether patients are performing the exercises correctly, they will be asked to come to the hospital once a week, where they will perform the exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist. In the exercise program, different positions will be held for 30 seconds, with a 1-minute rest between them, and the exercises will be performed twice a day .
Sham (No Treatment)
It will be applied in the same way as kinesiological taping with adhesive tape.
Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
Description: To demonstrate that kinesiological taping will result in a reduction of pain intensity associated with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, as measured by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) ranging from 0 to 10.
the ulnar nerve cross-sectional area measured by ultrasound
The measurements will be taken with the patient in a supine position, the affected arm in shoulder abduction and external rotation, and the elbow flexed at 70°-90°. After applying a generous amount of gel, the lateral edge of the ultrasound probe will be placed on the medial epicondyle, and the medial edge of the probe will be positioned on the olecranon; the ulnar nerve will be directly examined in the retroepicondylar groove. Once the nerve is visualized, the widest point will be identified, and cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements will be taken with the probe perpendicular to the nerve at the center of the screen . The measurements will be repeated twice, and the average will be calculated.
Neuropathic pain scale (measured using the DN-4 scale)
The DN4 questionnaire consists of two main sections and a total of ten questions. The first section includes seven questions related to pain characteristics and sensory information obtained through patient interview. These questions are about burning, electric shocks, coldness, tingling, pricking, numbness, and itching. The second section contains three statements related to physical examination (touch hypoesthesia, pinprick hypoesthesia, and allodynia). For each statement, "yes" or "no" responses are given. A score of "1" is assigned for "yes" answers and "0" for "no" answers, and the scores are summed. A total score of 4 or more out of 12 is interpreted as neuropathic pain.
SF-12 Quality of Life Scale
The SF-12 Quality of Life Scale is a short form of the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. While the SF-36 is used for chronic conditions (states), the SF-12 is used for short-term assessments (clinical findings). Similarly, it is also used to gather information about the patient's general health status. The SF-12 provides the same summary component scores as the SF-36, but with fewer items, making it a significant advantage due to its shorter application time. The scale asks the patient about their health opinions, how they feel, and how easily they can perform their usual activities. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.
QUICK-DASH
QUICK-DASH (Shoulder, Arm, and Hand Problems Questionnaire):
This questionnaire assesses both the ability to perform certain physical activities as well as the symptoms of the disease. Each question is answered based on the condition of the past week, and the appropriate score is marked. The answer is given based solely on the ability to perform the physical activity, without considering which hand or arm is injured.
Scoring:
1. = No difficulty
2. = Mild difficulty
3. = Moderate difficulty
4. = Severe difficulty
5. = Unable to perform
QUICK DASH DISABILITY/SYMPTOM SCORE:
(\[(n total score\] - 1) x 25; where n represents the number of questions answered. If more than one question is unanswered, the Quick DASH score cannot be calculated.
SCORE FOR OPTIONAL MODELS:
For each model, divide the total score by 4, subtract 1, and multiply by 25. If more than one question is unanswered, the score for optional models cannot be calculated.
Based on the results of the questionnaire, a score b
Grip strength measured with a hand dynamometer
Grip strength will be measured using a hand dynamometer, with the average of three measurements taken, each followed by a 30-second rest period.
Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
* Patients with at least 3 points of pain according to the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
* Patients diagnosed with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome via Electroneuromyography (ENMG)
* Literate
* Willing to consent to participate in the study
Exclusion Criteria
* Pregnancy
* Active cancer presence
* Skin infection, burns, wounds, or scars on the forearm
* History of elbow trauma
* Cervical radiculopathy or brachial plexopathy
* Polyneuropathy
* Having previously undergone Cubital Tunnel decompression surgery
* Having received a corticosteroid injection into the Cubital Tunnel within the last 3 months
* Illiterate
* Not consenting to participate in the study
18 Years
65 Years
ALL
No
Sponsors
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Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
OTHER
Responsible Party
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Feyza Nur Yucel
Principal Investigator
Locations
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Health Sciences University
Istanbul, Uskudar, Turkey (Türkiye)
Sultan 2. Abdülhamid Han Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi
Istanbul, Üsküdar, Turkey (Türkiye)
Countries
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Central Contacts
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Facility Contacts
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Aysu Girgin Güleşen
Role: primary
Sultan 2. Abdülhamid Han Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi
Role: primary
References
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Stewart JD. The variable clinical manifestations of ulnar neuropathies at the elbow. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1987 Mar;50(3):252-8. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.50.3.252.
Other Identifiers
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25-17
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id
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