Kinesio Taping Application Research Articles

Kinesio Taping does not Enhance Jump Performance and Muscle Activity in Female Athletes.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Kinesio Taping (KT) application on the single-leg counter-movement jump (CMJ) and surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity in trained female athletes, in both resting and fatigued states. In this single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial, twenty-four healthy trained female athletes were randomly assigned to either the KT (n=12) or the sham tape group (n=12). KT was applied using an inhibition technique on rectus femoris, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, and lateral gastrocnemius muscles of the dominant leg. A single-leg CMJ test and sEMG activity were recorded at baseline (no tape), as well as at 1 hour, 24 hours, and 48 hours after taping. To induce acute neuromuscular fatigue, a 30-second repetitive CMJ test was used to evaluate KT in fatigued states. In the resting states, both groups exhibited improvements in jump height, power, mean velocity, and sEMG activity (%EMGmax) over time, with no significant between-group differences. The single-leg CMJ performance was similarly decreased after the muscle fatigue protocol in both groups, showing no between-group differences. Our findings suggest that KT treatment does not appear to influence jumping performance, sEMG activity, or muscle fatigue in female athletes.

Immediate and short-term effects of kinesio taping on deep neck flexor endurance: a randomized controlled study

Purpose. The current study investigated the immediate and short-term effects of Kinesio taping (KT) on deep neck flexor endurance in healthy adults. Methods. The endurance of the deep neck flexor muscles was measured prior to, immediately following, and three days after KT application in a randomized controlled study involving 68 healthy adults who were blindly assigned to study and control groups. The experimental group was the first group, and the control group was the second. Results. Post-application of Kinesio taping in the experimental group showed a significant difference in the endurance score of the deep neck flexor muscles compared to pre-application, while the control group showed no significant difference. Conclusion. This study demonstrates the short-term and immediate benefits of Kinesio taping on the endurance of the deep neck flexor muscles in healthy adults.

Can the effects of muscle techniques in kinesiotaping be demonstrated objectively in female healthy individuals? An electrophysiological study

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of kinesiotaping (KT) using facilitation and inhibition techniques on electrical muscle activity in the vastus medialis (VM) muscle in healthy individuals and to examine the relationship between the initial electrical activity level of the muscle and the changes in electrical activity that may occur after taping. Patients and methods: Between May 2024 and August 2024, a total of 75 healthy female volunteers (median age: 32 years; range, 21 to 56 years) were included in the study. The maximum and mean amplitude values of electrical activity in the VM muscle were recorded during a six-second maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Surface electrodes were attached to the motor point of the VM muscle on the dominant leg. Measurements were taken three times: before the KT application and 30 min after KT applications using facilitation and inhibition techniques. Results: Compared to before the KT application measurements, the maximum and mean amplitude values of electrical muscle activity significantly increased after the facilitation technique (p<0.001) and significantly decreased after the inhibition technique (p<0.001). Additionally, the maximum amplitude value recorded before KT was negatively correlated with the increase in maximum amplitude observed after facilitation, and positively correlated with the decrease in amplitude after inhibition. Conclusion: Kinesiotaping applications using muscle techniques can modulate electrical muscle activity, either increasing or decreasing it. When before the KT application muscle activity is high, the facilitation effect is less pronounced, while the inhibition effect becomes more prominent.

Immediate effects of Kinesio taping on pain, proprioception, and posture in round shoulder individuals with subacromial impingement syndrome: A randomized, double-blinded controlled trial.

Round shoulder posture (RSP), characterized by forward shoulder positioning from weakened and tense muscles, disrupts normal biomechanics and can cause Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS), resulting in pain during specific movements or positions. This study examines the immediate effects of Kinesio taping (KT) on pain, proprioception, and posture in individuals in round shoulder individuals with SIS. The study involved 114 patients diagnosed with RSP and SIS. Pain intensity was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), proprioception was measured with an inclinometer, and posture was evaluated using The New York Posture Rating Chart (NYPRC). Participants were randomly assigned to experimental group (EG) (n = 57), which received KT application, or to sham group (SG) (n = 57), which underwent a sham procedure. KT was applied to the affected shoulder and scapular regions. Assessments were conducted both before and after the application of Kinesio tape. According to the study results, the differences in VAS scores (P = .002), proprioception abduction (P = .023) and NYPRC scores (P = .04), were statistically significant in the EG compared to the SG (P < .05). However, there was no significant difference in proprioception flexion between the groups (P > .05). KT demonstrates immediate benefits in reducing pain and improving scapular alignment in individuals with RSP and chronic shoulder pain. These findings underscore its potential effectiveness as a therapeutic intervention for managing symptoms associated with RSP and impingement syndrome, particularly in terms of pain relief and posture enhancement.

Efficacy of Kinesiotaping on Functional Outcomes, Pain, and Edema in the Early Rehabilitation After Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/Objectives: The aim of our study was to verify whether the application of Kinesiotaping in addition to the usual treatment was superior to the usual treatment alone regarding functional outcome, pain, and edema in the first 13 days after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery. Methods: The study sample (n = 71) comprised 42.3% men and the mean age was 68.1 (±9) years. A 1:1 ratio randomization list was used to allocate the patient either to a Kinesiotaping Group (KT) or to a control (CON) group. The KT and CON groups received the same volume of standard post-TKA rehabilitation. KT was additionally treated with lymphatic correction applications of Kinesiotaping (Kinesio® Tex Classic, Mogliano Veneto, Italy) on day 3 (±1) and 7 (±1) post-surgery (two applications during the rehabilitation period). Each application lasted four to five days before removal. KT was removed before the patients' discharge. The main outcome measures were as follows: (1) the circumference at knee level; (2) the VAS for pain; (3) the 10 m Walking Test; (4) the Timed Up and Go Test; (5) the passive knee range of motion; (6) body composition; (7) the Functional Independence Measure; and (8) the Modified Barthel Index. Data were collected at T0 (before surgery), T1 (3 ± 1 days after surgery), T2 (7 ± 1 days after surgery), and T3 (13 ± 1 days after surgery). Results: No inter-group differences were found between KT and CON at T0, T1, T2, and T3. An effect of time was observed for all outcome measures. Conclusions: No superiority of Kinesiotaping was observed compared to the usual rehabilitation treatment.

A123: The Study of Intervention Effect of Promoting and Inhibiting Kinesio Tape on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Background/Purpose: The patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), which might be caused by weakness and delayed activation of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), as well as tightness of the vastus lateralis (VL), gravely affects daily lives and exercises. Kinesio tape (KT) are often used to prevent and treat musculoskeletal diseases. Different application directions and tension levels can produce a promoting or inhibitory effect. If KT could improve the symptoms of PFPS through coordinating imbalanced muscles, it has positive significance. This study aimed to explore the effects of three KT application methods on PFPS and compare them with placebo, to explore possible psychological effects. Method: Fourteen participants with PFPS (7 males, 7 females, Mage = 20.71) were recruited from Beijing Sport University. A repeated-measures pre-test/post-test design was used in this study. Each participant completes all four methods (VMO facilitatory, VL inhibitory, VMO facilitatory &amp; VL inhibitory, white placebo tape) with a washout period of one week considered between each two methods. Before applications of KT, participants accept tests such as EMG (Delsys), proprioception (PK254), static balance (one foot standing test), and pain (VAS), and are immediately retested after applications. MATLAB 7.13 (MathWorks Inc., Natick, MA, USA) is used to analyze EMG data, and SPSS 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis, with P &lt; 0.05 set to determine statistical significance. Results: The results manifested that after using VMO facilitatory KT, the static balance is significantly improved (18.752 ± 29.693, P = 0.002), and the mean VL activity was significantly reduced (2.837 ± 1.532, p = 0.048). After applying VL inhibitory KT, there was a great improvement in proprioception (2.666 ± 2.272, p = 0.048) and an increase in the average activation level of VMO (0.300 ± 0.070, P = 0.036). All four methods greatly reduced the VAS score of pain (PVMO = 0.002, PVL = 0.001, PVMO &amp; VL = 0.001, Pplacebo = 0.005). The improvement effect of VMO facilitatory KT was significantly superior to the other three methods (PVMO-VL &lt; 0.001, PVMO-VMO &amp; VL &lt; 0.001, PVMO-placebo &lt; 0.001). There was no distinct difference in terms of the effect of the other three methods. The difference before and after any other indicator was not obvious. Conclusion: Consistent with previous literature, our study supported that KT can enhance functional levels and alleviate symptoms, which has practical significance for the prognosis of PFPS and early return to exercises. However, the comparison with placebo also displays that some of the effects of KT may be attributable to psychological effects, rather than physiological or mechanical mechanisms. Therefore, in the future, larger sample sizes should be considered and more variables could be restricted to explore the issue.

The Effect of Kinesio Tape Application on Clinical Parameters in Postmenopausal Women With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Background With rising life expectancy, women are expected to spend a third of their lives in the postmenopausal stage. Consequently, focusing research on postmenopausal women is considered crucial. Objective This study was conducted to determine the effects of kinesiotaping (KT) and sham KT applied with exercise programs on clinical parameters such as pain, sleep, and quality of life in postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain. Methods A randomized controlled experimental design, characteristic of quantitative research, was utilized. The subjects consisted of 60 postmenopausal women. The visual analog scale (VAS), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used as data collection tools. Results At the end of the eighth week, the mean VAS score of the experimental group was 6.7±1.0, the mean PSQI score was 5.16±1.82, and the mean RMDQ score was 8.83±2.19. In contrast, the mean VAS score of the control group was 7.2±1.5, the mean PSQI score was 6.26±1.74, and the mean RMDQ score was 10.83±3.01.At the end of the eighth week, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of VAS (p=0.128), but there was a significant difference in PSQI (p=0.020) and RMDQ (p=0.005) scales. Conclusion The results of this study showed that the combination of KT and exercise therapy had ameliorative effects on pain severity, dysfunction, and sleep quality in chronic low back pain experienced during the postmenopausal period.

Biomechanical Analysis of Rectus Femoris Kinesio Taping Effects on Post-Muscle Fatigue Stop-Jump Task Performance

Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of kinesio tape (KT) on the rectus femoris muscle in athletes and novices under pre- and post-fatigue conditions. Methods: Nineteen male volunteers took part, and fatigue was assessed using the Borg CR10 Scale. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected using Vicon MX13+ infrared cameras (250 Hz) and Kistler force platforms (1500 Hz), respectively. Visual 3D v5.0 software analyzed the data, focusing on parameters like angular displacement, ground reaction forces (GRFs), impulse, and joint moments during a stop-jump task. A two-way mixed-design ANOVA was used to assess group, fatigue, and KT effects. Results: There was a significant effect after applying KT. The results showed significant differences in knee flexion range of motion (ROM), hip flexion moment, vertical impulse, and peak vertical GRFs between pre- and post-fatigue conditions (all p &lt; 0.05). The trained group exhibited less knee valgus ROM, higher hip flexion velocity at initial contact, and prolonged time to peak proximal tibia anterior shear force. Conclusions: KT application was found to reduce lower limb loading, improve force acceptance and joint stability, and alleviate fatigue-induced disparities. These findings highlight the potential of KT in enhancing lower limb strength and performance, particularly under fatigue.

Influence of different directions of the Kinesio tape application on the rectus femoris muscle on the quality of the knee flexion pattern in a prone position

Introduction: Movement patterns are sequences of movements performed automatically. Due to sedentary lifestyles, lack of physical activity, and poor posture habits, these patterns are often inappropriate. Analysis and re-education of the performance of movement patterns are the methods of preventing pain and musculoskeletal dysfunction. The research aimed to compare the effectiveness of different directions of the Kinesio tape application on knee flexion range of motion in young women. Material and methods: The study involved 40 women aged 21–25; 10 women with a normal range of active knee flexion measured in the prone position and 30 women with limited active flexion of both knee joints, who were randomly assigned to one of two groups: with the Kinesio tape application from the origin to the insertion of the rectus femoris muscle (14 women) and with the Kinesio tape application from the insertion to the origin of the rectus femoris (16 women). The active and passive knee flexion test was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Kinesio tape application. The test was performed before applying the tape, immediately after application, three days after wearing the application, and four days after removing the application. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica v.13 program and the differences and correlations were considered significant for p &lt; 0.05. Results: The Kinesio tape application increased the range of controlled active knee flexion The research showed a statistically significant increase in the range of active flexion of the knee joint after using both directions of the tape application however, in the E1 group, a difference in the range of motion was observed immediately after application, while in the E2 group after three days of wearing it. In both groups, the effect was maintained on the fourth day after removing the application. Conclusions: The Kinesio tape application may be useful in increasing the range of controlled knee flexion however, it does not improve the range of knee flexion to normal values.

Immediate Effects of Kinesio Tape and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Pain and Proprioception in Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the immediate effects of single-session Kinesio Tape (KT) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) interventions on pain and proprioception in patients with chronic neck pain (CNP). MethodsForty patients with CNP aged 21 to 44 years were included in this study. The participants were divided into 2 groups as the IASTM and KT groups. The participants in the KT group took part in one session of KT application to the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, while those in the IASTM group took part in one session of IASTM application to the same muscles. The pain levels of the participants during activity were recorded using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and their cervical region proprioception levels were assessed using the Cervical Range of Motion device. Pain severity and proprioception were assessed before and after the interventions. ResultsNo statistically significant difference was found between the pretreatment pain and proprioception values of the 2 groups (P > .05). After the treatments, there was a significant improvement in proprioception in both groups (P ≤ .001). Similarly, there was a significant improvement in VAS values in both groups after the treatments (P ≤ .001). The VAS and proprioception values of the 2 groups were not significantly different in the post-treatment measurements (P > .05). ConclusionIt was concluded that the IASTM and KT interventions had an immediate effect on pain and proprioception in the participants who had CNP, while neither intervention was superior to the other.

The effect of kinesio taping on joint range of motion and balance in total knee replacement patients.

We adopted a within-subjects quasi-experimental approach to assess the impact of kinesio taping (KT) on joint range of motion (ROM), static balance, and dynamic balance. The research subjects were 15 patients who had, within the previous 3 weeks, undergone total knee replacement (TKR) by an orthopedic surgeon in 2022. We measured the ROM, static balance, and dynamic balance of the knee joint before and after applying KT. We then compared the pre- and post-tape measurements to assess the effects of KT on joint function and balance. The ROM of the knee joint was measured using a goniometer in the supine position before the KT application. The static and dynamic balance were assessed using a balance assessment device by measuring the sway area and length of the center of gravity during the measurement period. The effects of KT on the ROM and static and dynamic balance of the knee joint were investigated. The differences in joint ROM and static and dynamic balance between pre- and post-KT applications were analyzed using a paired-sample t-test. This study found that the ROM of the knee joint was significantly increased after applying KT. For static and dynamic balance, both the sway area and length of the center of gravity decreased after applying KT, indicating a significant improvement in static and dynamic balance. KT, when combined with standard physiotherapy, can be a useful therapeutic approach for TKR patients, effectively enhancing joint ROM and balance function.

Facial Swelling and Neuritis After Internal Carotid Endarterectomy in an 81-Year-Old Woman With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report.

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) may develop carotid artery stenosis, requiring surgical intervention. Nerve injury following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a rare and often unrecognized postoperative side effect. This case report describes the diagnostic process and rehabilitation course of a patient with greater auricular and trigeminal neuritis symptoms following internal CEA. The patient is an 81-year-old woman with DM2 who underwent a left internal CEA. She subsequently developed swelling in her left neck and face, and pain along the greater auricular and trigeminal nerve pathways. Pertinent examination findings included incision placement across the path of the greater auricular nerve and cervical lymphatic vessels that drain the face, with overlying scar adhesion. A course of physical therapy was initiated 12days after surgery, and included mobilization and manual lymphatic drainage, modalities, and application of kinesiotape. The Patient-Specific Functional Scale improved from 10/30 at evaluation to 27/30 at discharge. Swelling and pain were significantly reduced, with patient reporting no difficulty with sleeping, chewing, or talking at discharge. The reported pain level consistently correlated with fluctuations in face swelling throughout treatment. Patients with DM2 may present with symptoms of cardiovascular disease, requiring invasive surgical procedures. DM2 can cause damage to neural and vascular structures, predisposing patients to nerve injuries or hypersensitivity following procedures. This case report demonstrates a likely connection between postoperative facial swelling and nerve irritation in the head and neck. Mobilization and manual lymphatic drainage, modalities, and kinesiotape were effective to reduce pain and swelling. Physical therapists are uniquely qualified to identify, evaluate, and treat postoperative swelling and nerve pain associated with CEA. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus may develop carotid artery stenosis, requiring surgical intervention. Nerve injury following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a rare and often unrecognized postoperative side effect. Physical therapists diagnose and provide treatment to patients with greater auricular and trigeminal neuritis symptoms following internal CEA.

Effect of exercise and manual therapy or kinesiotaping on sEMG and pain perception in chronic low back pain: a randomized trial

The importance of incorporating lumbo-pelvic stability core and controlling motor exercises in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) reinforces the use of strategies to improve biopsychosocial beliefs by reducing biomedical postulations. However, clinical practice guidelines recommend multimodal approaches incorporating exercise and manual therapy (MT), and instead reject the application of kinesiotape (KT) in isolation. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to analyze the effects of 12 weeks of exercises combined with MT or KT on perceived low back pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) and muscle electric activity measured with electromyography (EMG) of the rectus abdominis and multifidus in CLBP (mild disability) and to explore the relationship between the rectus abdominis and multifidus ratios and pain perception after intervention. A blinded, 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) was carried out, involving three parallel groups of patients with CLBP. The study was registered at Clinicaltrial.gov and assigned the identification number NCT05544890 (19/09/22). The trial underwent an intention-to-treat analysis. The primary outcome revealed a multimodal treatment program supplemented by additional therapies such as MT and KT, resulting in significant reductions in perceived low back pain. The subjective assessment of individuals with CLBP indicated no discernible distinction between exclusive core stability exercises and control-motor training when combined with MT or KT. Notably, our findings demonstrated positive alterations in both the mean and peak EMG values of the right rectus abdominis in the exercise group, suggesting a beneficial impact on muscle activation. This study focused on assessing the activation levels of the trunk musculature, specifically the rectus abdominis (RA) and multifidus (MF), in individuals with CLBP exhibiting mild disability according to the Oswestry Disability Index. Importantly, improvements in the VAS values were observed independently of changes in muscle electrical activity.

Clinical relevance of combined treatment with exercise in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Low back pain is a widespread public health concern owing to its high prevalence rates according to the Global Burden of Diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise alone or in combination with manual therapy and kinesiotherapy on pain sensitivity, disability, kinesiophobia, self-efficacy, and catastrophizing in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). A total of 55 participants were enrolled and randomly allocated to one of three groups: (1) exercise alone group (ET; n = 19), (2) exercise + manual therapy group (ETManual therapy; n = 18), and (3) exercise + kinesio tape group (ETkinesiotape; n = 18). The interventions consisted of core stabilization exercises (ET group), prior spinal manipulation with core exercises (ETManual therapy group), and combined application of kinesiotape plus core stabilization exercises (ETkinesiotape group). The primary outcome was disability. The secondary outcomes were pain sensitization, kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, and self-efficacy. Assessments were performed at baseline and at weeks 3, 6, and 12. All therapies applied achieved significant improvements over time after 12 weeks in all parameters analyzed. ETmanualtherapy showed the greatest changes in all variables, with significant differences from the rest of the interventions in Oswestry (ODI) (3 and 6 weeks, respectively). A clinically significant cutoff point was achieved for the ETmanualtherapy group in the ODI parameter (−54.71%, −63.16% and −87.70% at 3, 6, and 12 weeks, respectively). Manual therapy prior to the core exercise technique was the most effective approach to improve health-related functionality compared with exercise alone or exercise combined with kinesiotape in patients with CLBP.Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT05544890.

Short-Term Effects of Cold Therapy and Kinesio Taping on Pain Relief and Upper Extremity Functionality in Individuals with Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: A Randomized Study.

Background and Objectives: Rotator cuff tendonitis (RCT) is one of the most common shoulder pathologies. It causes pain, limits shoulder joint movements, and impairs function. Despite various treatment methods, there are currently no specific guidelines regarding the most effective intervention for RCT. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have compared the effects of Kinesio taping (KT) and cold therapy (CT) on individuals with RCT. To this end, this study aimed to investigate and compare the short-term effects of KT and CT on pain relief and upper extremity functionality in individuals with RCT. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fourteen individuals were assessed for eligibility. Fifty-two individuals with RCT who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate were randomly allocated into either the KT or the CT group. A standardized home exercise program was given to all the participants. Their pain intensity, upper extremity function, shoulder range of motion (ROM), and grip strength were evaluated initially and after the three days of KT or CT applications. Results: All the assessment values significantly improved in the KT group. In the CT group, only the pain scores (except for the numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score during activity) were significantly improved in the CT group at the end of the third day of application compared to the initial values (p < 0.05). For all the measurement outcomes, the effects of time × group interactions were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in favor of the KT group, except for the resting pain (p = 0.688). Conclusions: The findings suggest that KT and CT could be used as adjunctive modalities to exercise for resting and night pain relief in patients with RCT. KT also had positive effects on the activity pain, function, ROM, and grip strength. The use of KT along with an exercise program could be a more effective therapeutic choice than the use of CT for improving night pain, activity pain, and upper extremity function during the short-term rehabilitation of RCT patients.

Efficacy of plantar tactile sensation and balance in patients with subacute stroke following plantar kinesio taping: a randomized, cross-over preliminary study

ABSTRACT Background Kinesio tape (KT) is known to enhance tactile sensation. In stroke rehabilitation, KT is often used alongside conventional therapy (CT) to improve balance recovery. Objective In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of plantar KT in enhancing plantar tactile sensation (PTS) and balance ability in subacute stroke patients. Methods In this randomized crossover trial, 22 subacute stroke participants were randomly assigned to receive no taping, paretic plantar KT, or bilateral plantar KT, with a 24-h washout period between each condition. All participants underwent 30 min of CT. The primary outcome was PTS, involving tactile sensitivity in five areas on the plantar surface and the contact area with the ground of the paretic foot. The one-leg stand (OLS) time, functional reach test (FRT), and timed up-and-go test (TUG) were employed as secondary outcomes. Results Paretic plantar KT application led to significant increases in the contact area, OLS, FRT, and TUG test times. Particularly, bilateral plantar KT showed significantly greater improvement in PTS compared to paretic plantar KT. Additionally, bilateral plantar KT significantly improved OLS (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.575), FRT (p < 0.001, η2 = 781), and TUG (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.771) times compared with paretic plantar KT. Conclusions This study demonstrated that plantar KT improved PTS and balance ability in stroke rehabilitation. The findings suggest that bilateral plantar KT as an adjunct to CT may have a beneficial effect on balance recovery in patients with subacute stroke. Trial registration Clinical trial KCT0009048

The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Lumbar Kinematic After Static Lumbar Flexion in Healthy Subjects

Introduction: The application of Kinesio taping (KT) is a rehabilitation technique used to provide muscle and joint support and stability, without limiting the range of motion (ROM). No study evaluated the effects of KT on lumbar flexion relaxation phenomenon and kinematic details after static flexion. This study aims to find out the results of KT on erector spinae (ES) muscle activity, flexion relaxation pattern, and trunk, lumbar, and hip range of motion in healthy subjects during static flexion Materials and Methods: This study used a two-factor within-group design. Twenty-two healthy female students participated in this study. We used surface electromyography (EMG) to assess ES muscle activity and measured kinematic information with data from the camera. Variables related to muscle activity and angles in forward bending movement before and after creep were investigated. The test was performed in two situations with and without the use of KT. Results: KT reduced the time of muscle activity during bending. Also, KT increased trunk, and hip angles at the end of forward flexion. In the lumbar extension phase, the ES muscles were activated later Conclusion: KT can prevent the increase of lumbar spine flexion angle due to the creep effect. It can be used to protect the strained viscoelastic structures and increase the involvement of cutaneous receptors. KT can act as a protector in the dynamic stabilization system of lumbar joints in flexion positions in healthy people.

Effects of Kinesiotaping on upper limb function and daily activities in subacute or chronic stroke survivors: A randomized control study.

Impaired upper limb function in stroke survivors is characterized by muscle weakness, increased muscle tone, contracture, or impaired motor control. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Kinesio-taping application for functional recovery on the affected arm and forearm during rehabilitation. Forty-one patients eligible for this study were randomly assigned to either the Kinesio-taping group (n = 21), receiving Kinesio-taping intervention and conventional therapy, or control group (n = 20), receiving sham Kinesio-taping intervention and conventional therapy. The whole intervention lasted for 3 weeks. Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper extremity, Barthel Index, the Stroke Impact Scale, and modified Ashworth scale were measured at 3 time points: baseline, post-treatment (3rd week), and follow-up (6th week). In the Kinesio-taping group, there were significant differences in the upper extremity (p = 0.003), wrist (p = 0.000) and hand (p = 0.000) parts of the Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper extremity between the three assessment times. On the other hand, the Barthel Index showed significant differences in both groups after therapy. Combining conventional rehabilitation with Kinesio-taping intervention may improve functional motor performance of both the proximal and distal parts of the affected upper extremity in stroke survivors, with potential benefits for activity of daily living.

The impact of Kinesio Taping® on manual dexterity in Multiple Sclerosis: A double-blind, parallel-arm, pilot study

IntroductionA range of signs and symptoms that often impair up-per extremity function characterizes Multiple Sclerosis (MS). People with MS may have impairments that make some activities of daily living difficult and reduce functional independence. A multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach, combined with pharmacological treatment, can be helpful in improving hand and upper limb function in people with Multiple Sclerosis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Kinesio Taping® in addition to upper limb-specific rehabilitation on dominant hand in people with Multiple Sclerosis. MethodsIn this pilot study, patients were divided into two groups according to clinical indications: the experimental group underwent application of Kinesio Taping®, while the control group of Inelastic-Tape, 3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks. All patients were assessed at baseline (T0) and after 4 weeks (T1) with scales for manual dexterity, fine motor skills, strength and quality of life. Results: Statistical analysis showed that the hand-dominant function of the entire sample improved. Patients in experimental group achieved greater benefits in manual dexterity and the ability to perform activities of daily living. ConclusionIt would appear that Kinesio Tape® in addition to appropriate and individualized physical therapy is effective in improving some aspects of hand function.

Effects of Exercise and Kinesiotaping with and without Wedge Insole on Pain and Function in Patients with Grade 3 Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease, often resulting from wear-and-tear and articular cartilage loss. This condition frequently leads to significant pain and physical limitations, affecting the quality of life, particularly in older adults. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of exercise combined with Kinesio tape (KT) and wedge insoles on pain and physical limitations in patients with grade 3 knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on a sample of 60 participants diagnosed with grade 3 knee OA. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each using a sealed envelope method. Group A received exercise, KT, and wedge insoles, while Group B received exercise and KT only. Both groups underwent 24 sessions over eight weeks, with three sessions per week. The interventions included electrotherapeutic modalities, strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings, and KT application. Pain and physical function were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at baseline, the fourth week, and the eighth week. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with the Friedman test assessing within-group effects and the Mann-Whitney U test evaluating between-group differences. Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Group A consisted of 12 males (40%) and 18 females (60%), with a mean age of 52.33 ± 6.34 years. Group B had 10 males (33.3%) and 20 females (66.7%), with a mean age of 52.94 ± 5.75 years. Significant improvements were observed within both groups in VAS and WOMAC scores (p &lt; 0.05). Post-treatment, Group A demonstrated greater improvements in VAS (mean difference = 2.5, p = 0.000) and WOMAC (mean difference = 15.3, p = 0.000) compared to Group B. Conclusion: Both exercise combined with KT and exercise combined with KT and wedge insoles were effective in reducing pain and improving physical function in patients with grade 3 knee osteoarthritis. However, the combination of exercise and KT without wedge insoles produced superior effects. These findings suggest that KT, as an adjunct to exercise therapy, may provide additional benefits for managing knee OA. Keywords: Knee Osteoarthritis, Kinesio Tape, Wedge Insole, Pain Management, Physical Function, Randomized Clinical Trial, Non-Surgical Treatment, Electrotherapeutic Modalities, Strengthening Exercises, Visual Analogue Scale, WOMAC