Effects of kinesio tape on countermovement jump kinetic variables in physically active females with flat feet before and after fatigue: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction Plantar Fasciitis (PF) is a common foot disorder. Kinesio Taping (KT) and dry needling (DN) are frequently used treatment options; however, their comparative efficacy remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of KT and DN on pain, functional performance, and plantar fascia thickness in patients with PF. Methods In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 52 PF patients (30 women and 22 men; mean age 45.3 ± 8.1 years) were randomly assigned to DN, KT, and control groups. All groups received routine physiotherapy five days per week. Pain, functional performance, and plantar fascia thickness were evaluated at three time points: before, immediately, and two weeks post-intervention. Assessments included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) for performance, and ultrasonography for plantar fascia thickness. Results VAS scores decreased significantly across all groups immediately post-intervention (p < 0.05). However, no significant interaction effect was observed, indicating similar pain reduction trends among groups at the two-week follow-up. The mean VAS scores before the intervention were 6.53 ± 0.91 (DN group), 6.07 ± 1.10 (KT group), and 6.00 ± 1.51 (control group), and after the intervention were 4.20 ± 2.00 (DN group), 4.33 ± 1.87 (KT group), and 4.87 ± 2.16 (control group). Both KT and DN groups showed improvements in FAOS score (p < 0.02), with a significant time × group interaction effect favoring greater improvements in the DN group compared to the control group. A significant group effect was observed for D2 thickness, with the DN group showing a greater reduction compared to the KT and control groups (p < 0.002). Conclusion All interventions effectively reduced pain, improved performance, and decreased plantar fascia thickness in PF patients. DN demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing central plantar fascia thickness (D2) compared to KT.

Kinesio tape has been proposed to improve the muscle extensibility. However, there are contradictory results in the literature. To investigate the effect of Kinesio tape on hamstring muscle lengthening and on hamstring and quadriceps muscle strengthening in university students with hamstring muscle tightness. In this pre-post experimental study, 96 female students with hamstring muscle tightness were recruited from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and randomly assigned to Kinesio tape, sham tape, or control groups (32 in each group). The inhibition technique was used for the Kinesio tape application, with the tape being applied from the muscle insertion to the origin. Measurements were taken before and 15 min after the intervention. Outcome measurements included active knee extension test to measure the hamstring muscle length, and isometric strength measurements of hamstring and quadriceps muscles using a handheld dynamometer. A significant increase in the immediate hamstring muscle length was found in both the Kinesio (P = 0.001) and sham (P = 0.004) tape groups, while no difference was noted in the control group (P = 0.066). The muscle lengthening was significantly greater in the Kinesio tape group than the sham tape (P = 0.001) and control (P = 0.001) groups. There was no difference in the pre- and post-measurements in the quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths in all three groups. These results demonstrate that applying Kinesio tape has an immediate effect on hamstring muscle extensibility, but has no effect on the quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths. NCT03076840.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Kinesio taping (KT) on delayed onset muscle soreness. Randomized controlled study. Clinical laboratory. Fifty-four nonathletic volunteers were assigned randomly to KT (n = 27) and placebo KT (n = 27) groups. The intense exercise protocol consisted of 100 consecutive drop jumps from a 0.60-m-high platform. Kinesio tape was applied with the fan technique on the quadriceps muscles in the KT group. The placebo KT group received the Kinesio tape with no technique and tension. Muscle soreness, maximal isometric quadriceps muscle strength, vertical jump height, and blood analyses (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, myoglobin, and C-reactive protein) were measured preexercise, immediately postexercise, 48 hours postexercise, and 72 hours postexercise. There was a significant effect of time in all outcome measures (P < .05) except serum C-reactive protein level (P > .05). The intensity of muscle soreness was significantly lower in the KT group relative to the placebo KT group at 72 hours postexercise (P = .01). The serum creatine kinase level was significantly higher in the KT group compared with the placebo KT group at 72 hours postexercise (P = .01). There were no statistically significant differences between groups for the other outcome measures (P > .05). These findings indicate that KT intervention following the intense exercise protocol reduced muscle soreness. However, it had no effect on maximal quadriceps isometric strength and vertical jump height or serum lactate dehydrogenase, myoglobin, and C-reactive protein levels. Furthermore, KT application after intense exercise also increased serum creatine kinase levels.

Background: Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition affecting children and adolescents, often resulting in hemiparesis and impaired upper limb functionality. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) has shown promise in rehabilitation, and Kinesio Taping (KT) is increasingly considered for its potential benefits. This study explores the synergistic impact of CIMT and KT on upper limb function and muscle tone in this population, filling a critical gap in research. Objective: To investigate the combined effects of CIMT and KT on upper limb functionality and spasticity in children and adolescents with hemiparesis. Methods: A comprehensive randomized clinical trial adhering to CONSORT guidelines was conducted. Forty-six participants aged 6 to 17 years, diagnosed with hemiparesis due to cerebral palsy, were divided into two groups: CIMT-only and CIMT + KT. Baseline assessments included age, gender, stroke type, time since stroke, and initial upper limb function (FMA-UE, BBT, SF-36, MAS). CIMT sessions were conducted intensively over four weeks, with the CIMT + KT group additionally receiving KT application. Post-intervention assessments were conducted using the same measures. Results: Both the CIMT and CIMT + KT groups demonstrated significant improvements in the use of the affected limb for daily tasks, as indicated by the Motor Activity Log (MAL) scores. The CIMT-only Group showed a mean change in MAL score of 15.4 ± 8.1, while the CIMT + KT Group exhibited a mean change of 10.2 ± 6.5. Strong performance in upper limb functionality, assessed through the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) Functional Ability Scale (FAS), was observed in both groups. The CIMT-only Group demonstrated a mean change in WMFT FAS score of 12.3 ± 6.2, and the CIMT + KT Group had a mean change of 8.4 ± 5.1. Additionally, both groups experienced a notable reduction in muscle tone, assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). The CIMT-only Group had a mean change in MAS score of -0.6 ± 0.4, while the CIMT + KT Group had a mean change of -0.4 ± 0.5. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the quality and quantity of movement. Conclusion: Integrating Kinesio Taping with Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy effectively reduces muscular tone in the wrist and fingers, enhancing upper limb functionality in children and adolescents with hemiparesis. While Kinesio Taping alone and in combination with CIMT demonstrates efficacy, further research is warranted to optimize therapeutic applications.

BackgroundSignificant trauma and muscular tightness often result during Total Knee Artroplasty (TKA) surgery and thus act to restrict tissue fluid movement resulting with lower extremity oedema. Kinesio Taping is applied...

Objectives: To investigate the effect of kinesio taping (KT) and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on pain severity, breast engorgement, and milk volume in postpartum women. Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomized-controlled trial, we recruited 67 postpartum women who had breast engorgement and randomly assigned them to the KT, MLD, and control group. In the KT group, taping plus breast care was performed, MLD plus breast care was performed in the MLD group, and in the control group, only routine breast care was given for 10 days. Pain, breast engorgement, body temperature, and milk volume were measured. Examinations were repeated on days 1, 4, and 10. Results: The MLD group had significant reductions in pain and breast engorgement at all postintervention days compared with the control and KT group (p < 0.05). Milk volume increased among three groups, but the change in the MLD group was higher than in the KT and control groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the milk volume among the KT and control groups at all postintervention days (p > 0.05). Conclusions: MLD relieved breast pain and firmness more and increased milk volume in postpartum women compared with the KT and control groups. MLD can be recommended to postnatal mothers to better manage breast engorgement.

This study aimed to assess the effects of kinesio taping (KT) on pain, paresthesia, functional status, and overall health status in patients with symptomatic thoracic outlet syndrome (sTOS). A single-blind placebo-controlled design was employed in this study. The study duration was defined as 12 months. Analyses were performed on 60 patients with sTOS randomly assigned to KT (4 men and 26 women; mean age=33.5 years, range=20-46 years) and control groups (5 men and 25 women; mean age=26 years, range=20-43 years). KT was applied to the KT group three times. The control group received placebo taping. Pain and paresthesia were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain (10 cm) and VAS paresthesia (10 cm). The upper limb function was assessed using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire. The overall health status was evaluated based on the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Each assessment was carried out at baseline (t0), posttreatment (t1), and 8 weeks after baseline (t2). In the KT group, except the social isolation domain of the NHP, all outcome measures showed improvement from t0 to t1. At the second follow-up visit (t2), improvements remained visible compared with baseline. However, none of the variables improved from t1 to t2. Otherwise, all measures deteriorated slightly, and the deteriorations in VAS for pain, NHP pain, NHP sleep, and NHP physical abilities were statistically significant (p=0.041, p=0.048, p=0.013, and p=0.016, respectively). In the control group, only VAS for paresthesia and NHP emotional reaction showed improvement over time (p=0.002 and p=0.044, respectively). When changes in outcome measures between the two groups were compared, except NHP emotional reaction and NHP social isolation, median changes (from t0 to t1) were higher in the KT group than in the control group (p<0.05 for all variables). Regarding VAS pain, VAS paresthesia, DASH, and three NHP domains (energy level, pain, and physical abilities), changes from t0 to t2 were also higher in the KT group (p<0.05 for all variables). KT can provide benefits in terms of relieving pain and paresthesia, as well as improving the upper limb function and quality of life in patients with sTOS. Level II, Therapeutic study.

Purpose Although Kinesio Taping has been extensively used, evidence about the effect of Kinesio Taping is still insufficient. The aim is to determine the effect of Kinesio Taping on elbow joint torque and muscle activity in time and frequency domains. Materials and Methods Thirty-eight healthy subjects were (27 females and 11 males) randomly divided into control and Kinesio Taping groups. Kinesio Taping was applied over biceps brachii muscle in Kinesio Taping group, whereas no taping was applied to control group. Maximum elbow joint torque and electromyography activity in time and frequency domains were assessed during maximum isometric contraction of biceps brachii muscle at baseline, after 10 min, 30 min, and 24 h. Repeated measure ANOVA and mixed ANOVA tests were used for in-group and between-group comparisons, respectively. Results Elbow joint torques among four assessment sessions were statistically altered in Kinesio Taping group and greater in Kinesio Taping group than in control group (F(3,57)= 3.317, p = 0.026, ηp2 = 0.149; F(3,108)=3.325, p = 0.022, ηp2 = 0.085; respectively). No difference was found in time domain muscle activity among assessment sessions in each group and comparison of groups (p > 0.05). Low-gamma band activity was changed among assessment sessions in Kinesio Taping group (F(3,57)= 6.946, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.268) while group × time interaction was not determined. Conclusions Kinesio Taping may influence joint torque of elbow more than without Kinesio Taping condition in 24th hour but the interpretation of this effect as a muscle strength enhancement compared with baseline can be arguable. Even if Kinesio Taping could not affect muscle activity in time domain, low-gamma band activity which is closely related to somatosensorial input may reach highest magnitude 24 h after Kinesio Taping.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Kinesio Tape (KT) application to quadriceps muscles on isokinetic muscle strength, gait, and functional parameters in patients with stroke. Twenty-four patients were allocated into KT and control groups. All patients participated in the same conventional rehabilitation program 5 times/wk for 4 wk. In addition, KT was applied to quadriceps muscles bilaterally to the patients in the KT group. Compared with baseline, peak torque levels increased significantly in both groups (all p < 0.05). However, change levels were significantly higher in the KT group than the control group at 60 degrees/second angular velocity (AV) in extension (p = 0.04) and 60 and 180 degrees/second AV in flexion (both p = 0.02) on the paretic side. Moreover, the change levels were more prominent in the KT group at 60 and 180 degrees/second AV in extension (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively) on the nonparetic side. Gait, balance, mobility, and quality of life values improved significantly in both groups (all p < 0.05), yet the change levels between the groups did not reach significance (p > 0.05). KT application to quadriceps muscles in addition to conventional exercises for 4 wk is effective on isokinetic but not functional parameters.

Background/Aims In children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy, the upper extremity is usually more affected than the lower extremity. Somatosensory, functional and developmental disorders cause difficulties in hand function. The aim of this study was to assess the immediate effects of kinesio tape and vibration therapy in addition to conventional physiotherapy on gross and fine manual dexterity in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Methods A total of 45 children aged 4–18 years with mild to moderate spasticity (at levels 0, 1, 1+, 2 according to the Modified Ashworth Scale) who could grip and release an object, and those who had hand function at levels 1, 2 and 3 according to the Manual Ability Classification System and were diagnosed with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy, were included in the study. The children were randomised into three groups: vibration therapy, kinesio taping and control, with 15 children in each group. While conventional physiotherapy was regularly continued in all three groups, the kinesio taping group had kinesio tape applied to the wrist extensors, with 50% tension on the wrist and thumb and 25% tension on the fingers at the beginning of the session. The vibration therapy group received vibration to the forearm extensor muscle group at the end of the session. Vibration was applied to the widest part of the forearm extensor muscles with a 7 cm tip at a frequency of 80 Hz, amplitude of 1 mm, vibration for 10 seconds and rest for 5 seconds, for a total of 10 minutes. Gross and fine dexterity were assessed by Box and Block Test and Nine-Hole Peg Test before and after treatment. Results When the groups were compared before and after the intervention, a significant improvement was found in the Nine-Hole Peg Test scores of the kinesio taping (105.11± 66.99 vs 86.22 ± 51.88, P&lt;0.05) and vibration therapy (61.70 ± 35.54 vs 57.29 ± 38.05, P&lt;0.05) groups and in the Box and Block Test scores of all three groups: kinesio taping group (25.13 ± 14.33 vs 28.40 ± 14.23, P&lt;0.05), vibration therapy group (35.00 ± 11.69 vs 39.07 ± 12.43, P&lt;0.05), control group (34.60 ± 11.74 vs 37.80 ± 11.22, P&lt;0.05). There was no significant difference in the Nine-Hole Peg Test scores between the groups, while a significant improvement was found in the Box-Block Test scores of the kinesio taping group compared to the vibration therapy and control groups (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions Kinesio taping and vibration have positive immediate effects on gross and fine manual dexterity in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy and can be used by physiotherapists to support conventional physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes.

Comparative efficacy of the dorsal application of Kinesio tape and splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Effect of Kinesio taping on Y-balance test performance and the associated leg muscle activation patterns in children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAnterior cruciate ligament trauma is one of the most common knee injuries in professional athletes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of kinesio taping on kinesiophobia, balance, and functional performance in athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.MethodsThis randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 20 athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (mean age 32.3 ± 6.2 years) at the time of return to sport. The subjects were randomly assigned to the kinesio tape (KT) group (n = 10) or placebo KT group (n = 10).While subjects under taped, the following outcomes were measured at baseline, 10 minutes after the intervention, and 2 days later. Kinesiophobia, balance, strength, and functional / agility performance were assessed by the Tampa Scale, Y balance test (YBT), single-leg hops, and 10-yard extremity functional test, respectively.ResultsThe results did not show a significant difference between-group post-intervention differences in kinesiophobia (Mean between-group difference = − 6.30, 95% CI = − 4.35 to 1.42, P-value = 0.17). Likewise, no significant statistical difference was observed between two study groups in terms of YBT scores (Mean between-group difference ranged over = − 6.30, 95% CI = − 1.1 to 4.7, the effect sizes ranged over = 0.01 to 0.31), P-value > 0.05), Single Leg Hop (Mean between-group difference = − 0.48, 95% CI for difference ranged over = − 10.3 to 9.3, effect size = 0.001, P-value = 0.918), and 10 Yard test scores (Mean between-group difference = − 0.30, 95% CI = (− 1.3 to 0.75), effect size = 0.02, P-value = 0.55) at 2 days after the KT. In the KT and placebo KT groups, RMANOVA indicated that the differences in all variables scores were significant over time with large effect sizes (effect size ranged over = 0.94–0.99; all P-value < 0.001).ConclusionThis study gives no support for any beneficial effect of kinesio taping on the reduction of kinesiophobi or improvement of balance score and functional performance in athletes with post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Iranian Clinical Trial Center with the code IRCT20190130042556N1, registered 12 February 2019.

Background: Flat foot is also known as Pes planus caused by injury, prolonged stress on the foot, obesity,and faulty biomechanics. This will cause the posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, collapse of the foot archand developed flat foot (Pes planus).Objective: Many of the research studies show the prevalence of flexible flat foot is on raise in recent timesdue to any number of factors. The majority of researchers focused independently on the effectiveness ofKinesio taping and arch support. So we aim to compare the effectiveness of Kinesio taping and medial archsupport.Method: The study design is an experimental study. The study will be conducted at Aimst University, Kedah,Malaysia. Total of 30 participants of both the gender, age between 18 to 30 years, who have a limitation ofROM and pain while performing dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, will be recruited. Each participant willundergo pre-test and post-test screening for an assessment of Body Mass Index (BMI), ROM, pain, physicalexamination, and Staheli Arch Index. Later the participants will be divided into two groups by a convenientsampling method. Group A participants will undergo exercises related to strengthening of foot musclesalong with non-allergic taping technique while Group B participants will undergo exercises related to thestrengthening of foot muscles along with medial arch support.Data Analysis: Data collected is using IBM SPSS Statistics 23 for analyzing the data. For statistical analysisof the range of motion, VAS scale and Staheli Arch Index, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used. Tocompare the outcome of Kinesio Taping and Medial Arch Support, Mann-Whitney U test was used.Result: After statistical analysis, a significant improvement was found in the range of motion and VASScale. The level of improvement (p&lt;0.05) was significantly high with Kinesio Taping in flat foot.Conclusion: The present study concluded that the application of Kinesio tape to flat feet was an effectiveintervention method for immediately reducing abnormally increased foot pressure and tone and stiffness inthe lower extremities muscles and considered to be the most effective intervention for subjects with flat foot.

BackgroundBoth Kinesio Tape (KT) and Compression Sleeves (CS) can relieve Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) to a certain extent, but there is no study report on the difference in the effectiveness of the KT and CS whether the effect is better when used at the same time. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of KT and CS on the recovery of muscle soreness, isokinetic strength, and body fatigue after DOMS.MethodsIn this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 32 participants aged 18 to 24 years were randomly divided into Control group (CG), Compression Sleeves group (CSG), Kinesio Tape group (KTG), Compression Sleeves and Kinesio Tape group (CSKTG), between October 2021 and January 2022. KTG uses Kinesio Tape, CSG wears Compression Sleeves, and CSKTG uses both Compression Sleeves and Kinesio Tape. Outcomes were performed at five-time points (baseline, 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h), Primary outcome was pain level Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Secondary outcomes were Interleukin 6, Peak Torque/Body Weight, Work Fatigue. Statistical analyses were performed using the repeated measures analysis of variance method. Setting: Laboratory.ResultsAfter the intervention, VAS reached the highest at 24 h after exercise-induced muscle soreness, while the KTG and CSG at each time point were less than CG, and the scores of CSKTG at 24 h and 48 h were less than those of KTG and CSG in the same period (P < 0.05). Interleukin 6, at 24 h, CSKTG is lower than KTG 0.71(95%CI: 0.43 to 1.86) and CG 1.68(95%CI: 0.06 to 3.29). Peak Torque/Body Weight, at 24 h, CG was lower than CSKTG 0.99(95%CI: 0.42 to 1.56), KTG 0.94(95%CI: 0.37 to 1.52), and CSG 0.72(95%CI: 0.14 to 1.29); at 72 h, CG was lower than CSKTG 0.65(95%CI: 0.13 to 1.17) and KTG 0.58(95%CI: 0.06 to 1.10). Work Fatigue, at 24 h, CG was lower than KTG 0.10(95%CI: 0.02 to 1.78) and CSKTG 0.01(95%CI: -0.07 to 0.09). At 48 h, CG was lower than KTG 0.10(95%CI: 0.13 to 1.17) and CSKTG 0.11(95%CI: 0.03 to 0.18).ConclusionsKinesio Tape can significantly reduce DOMS pain, and Kinesio Tape has a better recovery effect on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness than Compression Sleeves. Kinesio Tape combined with Compression Sleeves is helpful to alleviate the Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness pain, speeding up the recovery of muscle strength, and shortening the recovery time after Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness.Trial registrationRegistration number: This study was also registered on 11/10/2021, at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100051973).