Less Pain, More Game: Efficacy of Red Kinesiology Tape on Carpal Tunnel-Like Symptoms and Performance in Esports Gamers

Less Pain, More Game - Efficacy of Red Kinesiology Tape on Carpal Tunnel Symptoms and Performance in Esports Gamers is a clinical trial that aims to determine if dorsally applied kinesiology tape can manage or improve symptoms that resemble carpal tunnel syndrome in esports gamers. Esports gamers use their hands very differently from the average individual when participating in hours of video game play. This study first aims to test if kinesiology tape would benefit these individuals despite the frequency and intensity with which they use their hands and fingers.

Performance and competition is a major component of esports gaming participation. Despite how well kinesiology tape may improve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, it would not be a good treatment option if it hindered their ability to participate in esports. This study also aims to address performance as well. Color has been identified as a quality of kinesiology tape that may impact performance. Thus this study also seeks to assess the potential performance effect of the tape color in first-person shooter esports games in esports gamers who exhibit symptoms that resemble carpal tunnel syndrome.

Participants will visit the site 2 times to get kinesiology tape applied and complete a pre and post-test for the Short Form Mcgill Pain Questionnaire and a first-person shooter simulation to assess performance. The study design is a randomized controlled crossover trial thus depending on randomization a participant will receive a random sequence of the study arm (ex: red then skin tone or skin tone then red tape).

Results from this study would allow occupational therapists to promote health and wellness within the esports gamer population and enhance performance to give players an edge over their opponents.