The Protective Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Functional Manipulation Combined with Kinesiology Tape Against Calf Muscle Fatigue: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: A number of studies have assessed the effect of kinesiology tape (KT) application with respect to the delayed onset of muscle fatigue. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of direction of KT application on the delayed onset of quadriceps fatigue. METHODS: An isokinetic dynamometer was used to induce concentric quadriceps fatigue in 15 healthy participants prior to applying KT. The KT was randomly applied on the muscles in two possible orientations: from origin to insertion or from insertion to origin. After the application the number of repetitions of knee extension required to induce fatigue was recorded. RESULTS: Regardless of the direction of application, the number of repetitions needed to generate muscle fatigue increased after the KT was applied. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between taping directions. CONCLUSIONS: KT application on the quadriceps delays the onset of its isokinetically-induced fatigue, irrespective of the direction of application. Therefore, using KT may be considered as a possible technique in those tasks where fatigue may seriously hamper performance.

Background:Fatigue is a common phenomenon encountered by athletes in ordinary life and sports. Fatigue results in decreased muscle strength, balance, agility, and an increased risk of injury, which together results in hampered sports performance. Several studies have examined the effects of Kinesio Tape (KT) application on muscle fatigue however, contradictory findings are reported. This study aimed to examine the effects of the application of KT on calf muscle fatigability.Methods:A three-arm parallel pretest-post-test experimental design was used. Forty-five collegiate female athletes (mean age of 20.57 years) were randomly assigned to three groups. For the experimental group, KT with 50% tension; for the sham group, KT without any tension; and for the placebo group, rigid tape without any tension was applied. The number of heel rises (HRn) was measured before and after taping in the three groups, using Haberometer and Metronome. The tapes were applied in the Y shape to the calf muscle region.Results:In the experimental group: The HRn significantly increased by 18.76 % (P = .000) after applying KT. In the sham and placebo groups: There was no change in HRn before and after Taping (P > .05).Conclusion:Y-shaped application of KT with 50% tension over the calf muscle region is effective in reducing its fatigability.

Background: Glenohumeral joint instability is associated with a proprioception deficit. Joint position sense can be improved through targeted exercises and kinesiology taping (KT). While previous studies have examined the effects of KT on proprioception, most have focused on the knee joint, with limited research on unstable shoulder joints. Most studies have used commonly available equipment (e.g., the Biodex system). An electronic goniometer, the “Propriometer”, is a useful tool for assessing proprioception in shoulder joint instability; however, its application in evaluating the effects of KT on shoulder proprioception remains unexplored. This study aimed to (1) assess the usability of the Propriometer for evaluating the effects of KT on unstable shoulders and (2) determine the impact of a single KT application on joint position sense and limb function in individuals with anterior, post-traumatic shoulder joint instability. Methods and Materials: The study included 30 individuals with anterior, unilateral, post-traumatic shoulder joint instability (8 women, 22 men, mean age 26 years). A control group consisted of 35 healthy volunteers (9 women, 26 men, mean age 24 years). Proprioception assessment (active joint position reproduction evaluation) was performed in both groups using the Propriometer, which measures joint position in real time with an accuracy of 0.1° across all axes. The study methodology was validated and used to examine shoulder proprioception. The current study focused on assessing the effects of KT, which had not been previously tested with this device Assessments were conducted before KT application and three days’ post-application. Additionally, patients completed the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) self-assessment questionnaire before and three days after the therapy. Results: Results of the mean joint position reproduction error indicate a proprioceptive deficit in patients with shoulder joint instability. However, the analyzed KT application did not show a significant change in the magnitude of the active joint position reproduction error. Conversely, KT therapy significantly improved patients’ subjective assessment of shoulder function and stability as measured by the WOSI. Conclusions: The Propriometer goniometer and testing methodology are effective tools for assessing the impact of KT on proprioception in shoulder instability. While KT application did not significantly influence shoulder proprioception, it did improve patients’ perceived joint stability and function.

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.

Kinesiology tape (KT) has been widely used in the areas of sports and rehabilitation. However, there is no gold standard for the tape tension used during a KT application. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of KT application with different tension intensities on soleus muscle Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) modulation during lying and standing postures. Fifteen healthy university students were tested with 3 tape tension intensities during separate visits with a randomized sequence: tape-on no tension (0KT), moderate (about 50% of the maximal tape tension: (ModKT), and maximal tape tension (MaxKT). During each experimental visit, the H-reflex measurements on the soleus muscle were taken before, during, and after the KT application for both lying and standing postures. The H-wave and M-wave recruitment curves were generated using surface electromyography (EMG). There was a main effect for posture (p = 0.001) for the maximal peak-to-peak amplitude of the H-wave and M-wave (Hmax/Mmax) ratio, showing the depressed Hmax/Mmax ratio during standing, when compared to the lying posture. Even though the tension factor had a large effect (ηp2 = 0.165), different tape tensions showed no significant differential effects for the Hmax/Mmax ratio. The spinal motoneuron excitability was not altered, even during the maximal tension KT application on the soleus muscle. Thus, the tension used during a KT application should not be a concern in terms of modulating the sensorimotor activity ascribed to elastic taping during lying and standing postures.

Kinesiology tape (KT) has been widely used in the areas of sports and rehabilitation. However, there is no gold standard for the tape tension used during a KT application. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of KT application with different tension intensities on soleus muscle Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) modulation during lying and standing postures. Fifteen healthy university students were tested with 3 tape tension intensities during separate visits with a randomized sequence: tape-on no tension (0KT), moderate (about 50% of the maximal tape tension: (ModKT), and maximal tape tension (MaxKT). During each experimental visit, the H-reflex measurements on the soleus muscle were taken before, during, and after the KT application for both lying and standing postures. The H-wave and M-wave recruitment curves were generated using surface electromyography (EMG). There was a main effect for posture (p = 0.001) for the maximal peak-to-peak amplitude of the H-wave and M-wave (Hmax/Mmax) ratio, showing the depressed Hmax/Mmax ratio during standing, when compared to the lying posture. Even though the tension factor had a large effect (ηp2 = 0.165), different tape tensions showed no significant differential effects for the Hmax/Mmax ratio. The spinal motoneuron excitability was not altered, even during the maximal tension KT application on the soleus muscle. Thus, the tension used during a KT application should not be a concern in terms of modulating the sensorimotor activity ascribed to elastic taping during lying and standing postures.

TThe Comparative Efficacy of Kinesiology Tape vs. Prehabilitation Training on Dynamic Stability in Uninjured Participants: A Pilot Study The epidemiology and aetiology of ankle sprain injuries has been well documented. Traditionally multi-modal exercise interventions have formed the basis of prehabilitation, however more contemporary developments in the applications of kinesiology tape warrant consideration. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of a proprioception training programme and kinesiology tape application on measures of ankle joint stability. Methods: 48 recreationally active Sports Therapy students, with no ankle joint injury history or instability were randomly assigned within three experimental conditions: a 6 week (12 sessions) training programme comprising rehabilitative exercises (R), kinesiology tape (KT) application using a joint stabilisation technique across the talocrural joint, and a control (C) condition. Overall (OSI) and directional medio-lateral (MLI) and anterio-posterior (API) stability indices were quantified during an athletic single leg stance (ASLS) on the Biodex Stability System (BSS). Results: Both the Rehabilitation (R) and Kinesiology Tape (KT) interventions produced a significant (P=0.02) improvement in OSI. Whilst the magnitude of improvement was equivalent between interventions, the mechanism was different. The R group achieved the reduction in OSI primarily through a reduction in MLI, whereas in the KT group the improvement in OSI was primarily attributable to a reduction in API. This alteration in balance strategy as a result of the interventions has implications for injury prevention. Over 6 weeks, both a training program and prolonged kinesiology tape application produced equivalent improvements in single legged balance performance. The interventions resulted in altered balance strategies, with the reduction in inversion-eversion seen in the Rehabilitation group preferable for the prevention of ankle sprain injury.

Background: The transalveolar extraction of impacted mandibular third molars creates a huge level of injury to the delicate tissues of the oral cavity, which can initiate significant inflammatory reaction. Amongst some postoperative sequelae of third molar surgeries- pain, trismus and facial oedema are the most common. Treating with taping therapy has shown acceptable outcomes in reducing pain and in managing post-operative muscle spasm.
 Objectives: The motive behind this research is to compare post-operative pain, swelling and trismus following third molar surgery in both test and control groups.
 Methodology: The research will be a prospective randomized control split-mouth non-blinded clinical study model to assess the impact of the Kinesiology Tape (KT) on post-operative sequalae following removal of mandibular third molar surgically. With the cumulative 15 patients to be allocated for operating bilaterally involved impacted mandibular third molar. The study will be done under two groups, Group A – Test group (KT) one side of patient’s face, subjected to beige tape application. Group B – Control group (No KT) other side of patient’s face, will be the controlled group without application of KT. Each patient will undergo 2 operative surgeries at 2 week-interval conducted by the same surgeon. Immediately after extraction extra-oral application of KT will be done for test group.
 Expected Results: The use of kinesiologic tape will be effective in improvement of post-operative discomfort of the patient in the conditions of reduction of swelling, pain and trismus.
 Conclusion: As kinesiologic taping originates from sports medicine, currently there are very limited evidence- based scientific studies for KT application for treatment of post-operative edema in head and neck surgeries. This study will help to evaluate the use of KT enabling patients to have a restful time after operation leading them to get a better quality of life.

Background: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) of elbow, involves tendinitis of the extensor carpi radialis brevis(ECRB). LE is characterised by superficial or deep macroscopic and microscopic tears at the tendinous origin of ECRB. Rigid taping has been proved effective in alleviating pain, improving muscle function and restoring functional movement patterns. Kinesiology taping (KT) has roughly the same thickness as the epidermis and can be stretched between 30% and 40% of its resting length longitudinally. Since KT is more user friendly and it support functions by maintaining active range of motion and without the circulation being repressed as compared to rigid taping, there is a need to study the effect of KT on grip strength and pain in subjects with LE. Aims and Objectives: 1. To report the pain pressure threshold of subjects in experimental and control groups before and after application of KT. 2. To determine the grip strength of subjects in experimental and control groups before and after treatment using KT. 3. To compare the values of pain pressure threshold and grip strength between experimental and control groups. Materials and Methods: Subjects satisfying the inclusion criteria were taken for the study by convenience sampling. The subjects of both groups were then assessed for pain and grip strength prior to the application of tape using a pain-pressure algometer and hand-held dynamometer respectively. Subjects in the experimental group were then applied with KT using muscle and space correction technique and the control group received sham taping. The outcomes were then re-assessed immediately after taping. Results: From the results obtained it was seen that there was a statistically significant difference (P Conclusion: The findings of the study indicates that, there is a significant improvement in pain pressure threshold and grip strength after the immediate application of KT in the experimental group as compared to the control group.

Numerous taping methods have been used to prevent ankle sprains in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). The effects of different taping methods on dynamic postural control in patients with CAI, however, are not fully understood. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of traditional taping (TT), fibular repositioning taping (FRT), and kinesiology taping (KT) on joint angles and modified Y-balance test (YBT) performance in participants with and without CAI. METHODS: A total of 28 subjects (14 CAI: age = 24.07 ± 4.46 yr, height = 175.16 ± 5.10 cm, weight = 82.24±10.38 kg; 14 Healthy: age = 27.57 ± 3.23 yr, height = 169.61 ± 8.33 cm, weight = 76.98 ± 17.95 kg) participated in the study. Subjects performed three trials of the modified YBT before and after receiving TT, FRT, and KT. Hip, knee, and ankle joint angles in sagittal and frontal planes at the moment of maximum reach distance in the anterior (Ant), posterolateral (PL), and posteromedial (PM) directions were collected. Each reach distance was measured and a composite score (CS) was calculated. A 2-way mixed ANOVA (2 groups * 4 conditions) was performed to examine differences across treatments (baseline [BL], TT, FRT, KT). RESULTS: Significant interactions were not found. However, a significant decrease in PM reach distance was found across all tape applications for both groups (F(1.97,51.16) = 55.58, p < .05, η2 = .68). KT and FRT resulted in significant improvement in the modified YBT CS compared with TT (Healthy: KT = 92.24 ± 5.72%, p < .05, TT = 89.76 ± 5.97%; p < .05, FRT = 91.83 ± 6.53%; p < .05; CAI: KT = 90.01 ± 6.49%; p < .05, TT = 86.63 ± 6.83%; p < .05, FRT = 87.88 ± 8.39%; p < .05). The CS was also significantly increased when comparing KT to BL (Healthy: BL = 90.91 ± 7.28%; p < .01, KT = 92.24 ± 5.72%, p < .05; CAI: BL = 87.47 ± 6.62%; p < .05, KT = 90.01 ± 6.49%). Analysis of kinematic data revealed a significant increase in dorsiflexion during the PM reach when KT was applied (F(2.26,58.66) = 3.89, p < .05, η2 = .13). CONCLUSIONS: Even though PM reach distance significantly decreased after applying any of the tape conditions, only KT significantly increased DF and an improved YBT CS compared to BL. The findings suggest KT might enhance dynamic postural control more than the other tape applications. Further research is necessary to explain the mechanism for these changes after KT application.

There is minimal published data on scar management of grafted facial areas; specifically at the ocular area for lagophthalmos. Current evidence supports early compression, facial exercises, and splinting. There is no existing literature on the use of kinesiology tape (KT) for lagophthalmos in burn patients. KT is primarily used to provide support and stability to muscles and joints and to aid in circulation. Some studies have shown a benefit to using KT for scar management to break up collagen formations. Nevertheless, there is limited research supporting scar management in the facial region to improve function. The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of using KT to promote ocular closure after full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG). This case study involves a 26 year-old female who sustained a 71% total body surface area (TBSA) burn involving her face, neck, extremities, trunk and back, the majority of which were full thickness (3rd degree). The patient had full and split thickness skin grafts performed on her face 27 days after her injury. Traditional facial exercises were implemented prior to and post autografting. Daily silicone-lined face mask was implemented on post-op day (POD) 13, and KT was initiated on POD 59, in addition to wearing the face mask. KT was applied solely by burn therapists and 100% pull was initiated at the oral commissure along the lateral side of the face, passing the lateral canthys, and continuing to the hairline. KT was re-applied every 2–3 days depending on adherence and wound care needs. KT was applied for a total of 21 applications over the course of 50 days. During intervention time the patient demonstrated complete ocular closure that subsequently resulted in decreasing the need of ointments, moisture barriers, and further opthomological interventions (See Figure 1). The patient has maintained her ocular closure since her last application of KT two months prior. In addition to facial mask compression, the use of KT was an effective and non-invasive way to treat lagophthalmos without sacrificing skin integrity. This combination actively promoted ocular closure and eliminated the need of further surgical ocular management. KT can be considered an alternative or supplemental intervention for management of lagophthalmos in facial burns.

Does current evidence support the use of kinesiology taping in people with knee osteoarthritis?

Prophylactic taping of the ankle is commonly used to prevent ankle sprains. Data supports the use of ankle taping strategies for limiting excessive range of motion often associated with ankle injuries. However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the effects of ankle taping techniques on kinematics and muscle pre-activation in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). PURPOSE: To observe the effects of traditional tape (TT), fibular repositioning tape (FRT), and kinesiology tape (KT) on kinematics and muscle pre-activation during a stop-jump task in individuals with and without CAI. METHODS: A total of 28 subjects (14 healthy: age = 27.57 ± 3.23 years, height = 169.61 ± 8.33 cm, weight = 76.98 ± 17.95 kg; 14 CAI: age = 24.07 ± 4.46 years, height = 175.06 ± 5.09 cm, weight = 82.24 ± 10.38 kg) participated in the study. After collecting EMG data of reference voluntary contraction (RVC) by maximal vertical jump, all 6 EMG signals (tibialis anterior [TA], soleus [SOL], rectus femoris [RF], peroneus longus [PL], biceps femoris [BF], gluteus medius [GM]) were normalized by RVC. % RVC and lower extremity kinematics in the frontal and sagittal planes were collected at 100 ms prior to initial contact. All participants were assigned to three different tape applications applied in a randomized order. Participants executed the stop-jump task baseline assessment without tape and then with TT, FRT, and KT respectively. To examine differences in muscle pre-activation and kinematics, a 2-way mixed ANOVA (2 groups * 4 condition) was performed. RESULTS: A significant interaction was observed in soleus pre-activation (F(3,78) = 5.913; p < .05; η2 = .185). The CAI group demonstrated significantly decreased SOL pre-activation after applying FRT and KT (baseline = 3.76 ± 2.41%; FRT = 1.40 ± 1.22 %, P< .05; KT = 1.45 ± 1.08 %, P < .05). The healthy group only displayed significantly reduced SOL pre-activation after receiving the KT application (baseline = 2.70 ± 1.47 %; KT = 1.20 ± 1.14 %, P< .05). No significant differences in joint angles were found between condition or group. CONCLUSION: In contrast to previous findings, KT application reduced SOL pre-activation. Further research is needed to examine if reduced SOL pre-activation after KT and FRT influences joint mechanics, which may affect the efficacy of the taping techniques.

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to determine the effects of application direction of the kinesiology tape on the strength of fatigued quadriceps muscles, and included 15 athletes (mean: age, 19.53 ± 2.42 years; height, 176.93 ± 6.9 cm; weight, 72.87 ± 13.02 kg). The kinesiology tape was randomly applied to the quadriceps from origin to insertion (n = 7) or from insertion to origin (n = 8) after inducing quadriceps muscle fatigue. After 1 week, the kinesiology tape was applied in the opposite direction (insertion to origin [n = 7] or origin to insertion [n = 8]) after inducing quadriceps muscle fatigue. The peak torque of the fatigued quadriceps muscles was measured before and after tape application. Increased peak torque values were observed irrespective of the direction of taping. No significant differences were noted in the peak torque of the fatigued quadriceps muscles with respect to application direction. Kinesiology tape application may improve the strength of fatigued quadriceps muscles regardless of application direction.

Kinesiology taping (KT) is a rehabilitative technique performed by the cutaneous application of a special elastic tape. We tested the safety and efficacy of KT in reducing postoperative chest pain after lung lobectomy. One-hundred and seventeen consecutive patients, both genders, age 18-85, undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer between January 2013 and July 2015 were initially considered. Lobectomies were performed by the same surgical team, with thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) access. Exclusion criteria (n = 25 patients) were: previous KT exposure, recent trauma, pre-existing chest pain, lack of informed consent, >24-h postoperative intensive care unit treatment. After surgery, the 92 eligible patients were randomized to KT experimental group (n = 46) or placebo control group (n = 46). Standard postoperative analgesia was administered in both groups (paracetamol/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, epidural analgesia including opioids), with supplemental analgesia boluses at patient request. On postoperative day 1 in addition, in experimental group patients a specialized physiotherapist applied KT, with standardized tape length, tension and shape, over three defined skin areas: at the chest access site pain trigger point; over the ipsilateral deltoid/trapezius; lower anterior chest. In control group, usual dressing tape mimicking KT was applied over the same areas, as placebo. Thoracic pain severity score [visual analogue scale (VAS) ranging 0-10] was self-assessed by all patients on postoperative days 1, 2, 5, 8, 9 and 30. The KT group and the control group had similar demographics, lung cancer clinico-pathological features and thoracotomy/VATS ratio. Postoperatively, the two groups also resulted similar in supplemental analgesia, complication rate, mean duration of chest drainage and length of stay. There were no adverse events with KT application. After tape application, KT patients reported overall less thoracic pain than the control group, the difference being significant on postoperative day 5 [median VAS, 2 (interquartile range, 1-3) vs 3 (2-5), P < 0.01] and day 8 [median VAS, 1 (0-2) vs 2 (1-3), P < 0.05]. Moreover, on postoperative day 30 persistence of chest pain (VAS ≥3) was reported less frequently by the KT group than by the control group (7 vs 24%; P = 0.03). KT after lung lobectomy is a safe and effective auxiliary technique for chest pain control. ISRCTN37253470.