NCT06988137

Kinesio Taping for Finger Injuries

Comparative Evaluation of Kinesio Taping, Buddy Taping, and Splinting in Finger Injuries: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 175 (actual)
• Sponsor: Onur Gültekin · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 5 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study is a prospective, randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of three conservative treatment approaches-Kinesio taping (KT), buddy taping (BT), and static splinting-for managing finger ligament injuries and non-displaced fractures. A total of 175 patients between the ages of 5 and 60 were randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups and monitored over a 3-month period. The study aims to assess outcomes including range of motion (ROM), grip strength, pain levels, and functional recovery using the QuickDASH questionnaire.

Detailed description

Finger ligament injuries and non-displaced fractures are common conditions encountered in both pediatric and adult orthopedic populations. Conservative treatment options such as buddy taping and splinting are commonly employed in clinical practice, although each method may affect mobility and patient comfort differently. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate three conservative treatment modalities-Kinesio taping (KT), buddy taping (BT), and static volar splinting-in patients aged 5 to 60 years. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups and evaluated at three time points: Day 3, Week 3, and Month 3. The primary outcome measure was the range of motion of the injured finger. Secondary outcomes included grip strength, pain scores, QuickDASH assessments, and incidence of skin-related complications. Outcome evaluations were performed by an independent orthopedic surgeon who was blinded to group assignment. Patients were stratified into pediatric and adult subgroups to assess age-related differences in treatment response. The study followed a parallel assignment design and employed single-blind outcome assessment.

Conditions

• Finger Fracture
• Finger Sprain
• Ligament Injury of the Finger
• Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) Joint Injury

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Kinesio Taping	Elastic therapeutic tape was applied using the ligament correction technique. The tape was reapplied at Day 3 and Day 21 under supervision
PROCEDURE	Buddy Taping	Buddy taping involved strapping the injured finger to an adjacent digit using medical tape. Early motion was restricted.
DEVICE	Splinting	A custom-molded thermoplastic splint was applied to restrict joint movement and maintain alignment. Patients remained immobilized until Week 3.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-03-01
• Primary completion: 2024-06-01
• Completion: 2024-10-15
• First posted: 2025-05-23
• Last updated: 2025-05-23

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)