SENSORY MECHANISM OF KINESIOLOGY TAPING CLINICAL EFFECT

Abstract

The mechanisms of clinical effects of kinesiology taping (KT) remain unclear. Goals: to study the mechanisms of KT clinical effect and to compare the results with the present literature data. 23 subjects were examined for H-reflex parameters with KT classic application on m. soleus, without KT and with KT on the proximal and distal zones of the S1 dermatome. 6 subject were examined for motor response to transcranial magnetic stimulation from m. abductor pollicis brevis with/without KT application. A significant difference in the mean values of the H-reflex amplitudes was obtained for conditions with/without KT. No reliable differences in the amplitudes of the H-reflex for various types of KT applications were found (KT in the projection of the muscle, distal or proximal zone of the dermatome). A significant increase in the amplitude and the duration of motor responses from m. abductor pollicis brevis with KT application were revealed. The obtained results estimate the role of sensory activation mechanisms in the clinical effect of KT and contradict the existing hypotheses about a direct KT influence on a muscle.