The effects of the kinesio taping on the bicep myoelectric activity: An experimental study

Abstract

Kinesio Taping (KT) has become more popular in the last decade and is now used by several athletes in different sports. It was shown to be effective in pain control, muscle and joint re-education (through proprioceptive input), in the prevention of lesions or in the improvement of both blood and lymph circulation. Surface Electromyography (EMGs) is a noninvasive technique (surface electrodes are placed on the skin over the muscle or muscle group) that measures muscle activity. The aim of this study is to find the influence of different tensions of KT applications in the myoelectric activation of biceps brachii. The study design consisted in the evaluation, through the EMGs, of the myoelectric activity of the biceps brachii, in different activity states (rest and Isometric Maximal Voluntary Contraction [MVC]). The assessment was conducted with a sample of 22 participants (11 women and 11 men), ages between 18 and 32 years (mean age 23.00 ± 2.93). Each participant was tested in three different KT application tensions (0% tension, 25% tension and 50% tension). Myoelectric activity was evaluated, at each KT tension, 24 hours after the application of the KT. Significant differences were not observed in the myoelectric activity regarding the different tensions applied on KT either during rest (0% tension: 0.74 mV vs 25% tension: 0.76 mV vs 50% tension: 0.74 mV; P = 0.873) or during MVC (0% tension: 74.08 mV vs 25% tension: 71.44 mV vs 50% tension: 76.84 mV; P = 0.664). The application of KT, regardless of the tension used in its application, doesn’t appear to interfere with the in myoelectric activity of the muscle. Therefore, KT may be applied, at the ideal tension according to each clinical case, without interfering with the neuromuscular activity of the muscle.