Kinesio Taping Application Research Articles

The Time-Based Effects of Kinesio Taping on Acute-Onset Muscle Soreness and Calf Muscle Extensibility among Endurance Athletes: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial.

Background: This study aims to determine the effects of kinesio tape (KT) application on acute-onset muscle soreness and the extensibility of the calf muscles in endurance athletes. Methods: A one-arm repeated-measures randomized cross-over controlled study design investigated 55 endurance athletes, including 10 cyclists, 30 badminton players, and 15 long-distance runners (mean age 16.40 ± 2.69) from different stadia in Delhi NCR, India. KT and sham tapes (ST) were applied randomly to right and left legs (prone position) in a cross-over manner with a gap of 72 h. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADFROM) and pain due to acute-onset muscle soreness were assessed immediately and 10 min and 30 min after treadmill running, using a universal goniometer and numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), respectively, along with the time to fatigue. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed for the NPRS when the mean scores obtained for the KT and ST groups were compared immediately after cessation of running; however, the difference was not statistically significant in the NPRS score that was recorded ten or thirty minutes after. The range of motion increased significantly after the application of both the KT and the ST. After running on a treadmill, the range of motion decreased significantly with both the KT and ST, and the decrease was similar. Conclusion: KT was more effective in reducing the pain intensity immediately after running and increased the time spent running on the treadmill before fatigue set in among endurance athletes. In addition, the two taping methods (KT or ST) were equally effective in enhancing calf muscle extensibility (for both right and left legs) immediately after application. However, both taping methods failed in limiting the decrease in ankle ADFROM after treadmill running.

Mid- and Long-Term Effect of Kinesio Taping on Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction: A Randomised- Controlled Trial

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the mid- and long-term effects of Kinesio-taping (KT) on individuals with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD).
 Methods: Thirty-three patients were randomly divided into two groups: group 1 is control; group 2 is KT group. KT treatment was applied in six sessions (one session/week) for 6 weeks. At 6 months, the visual analogue scale (VAS) values and range of motion of the jaw before and after the treatment were recorded.
 Results: After the treatment in both groups, a statistically significant decrease in pain VAS values of the lateral pterygoid and masseter muscles was observed at the 6th month control (p < 0.05). In the intergroup evaluation, a statistically significant difference, in favour of the study group, was noted in all clinical parameters evaluated before treatment and at week 6 after treatment (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, a statistically significant difference, in favour of the study group, in all clinical parameters evaluated except lateral pterygoids and protrusion VAS score was found at 6th months (p < 0.05). 
 Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that KT application could be a preferred treatment option in patients with TMD, pain and movement limitation. Further investigation is needed for widespread application.

The comparison of the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and dry needling in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a clinical and ultrasonographic study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the short- and long-term effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) and dry needling (DN) applications on pain, functionality, and muscle strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis by use of questionnaires and ultrasonography. Seventy-eight patients were randomized into 3 groups. Each group followed a program that consisted of 9 treatment sessions in total, with 3 sessions per week for 3 weeks. Group 1 received KT and performed exercise, group 2 received DN and performed exercise, and group 3 performed exercise alone. Pain, functional status, grip strength, and the thickness and echogenicity of the common extensor tendon were evaluated before treatment, after treatment (at the end of the third week), and after 6 months. In intragroup evaluations, KT and DN were found to be effective in the short and long term in terms of pain, functional status, muscle strength, and tendon thickness (P<.01). In intergroup evaluations, improvement in the KT and DN groups was superior to that in the control group for all parameters (P<.05). On comparison of the KT and DN groups, improvements in the clinical parameters and tendon thickness, heterogeneity, and elastography were significantly better in the DN group in the short and long term (P<.05). The ultrasonographic outcomes in our study objectively demonstrated that although DN in general is superior in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis, KT treatment is also effective.

Safety and Feasibility of a Kinesiotape Application for Secondary Hand Lymphedema: A Case Series.

Background: The safety and feasibility of using kinesiotape as a short-term alternative treatment to compression garments or gloves for hand lymphedema have not been examined. The aim of this study was to examine if kinesiotape could maintain size and extracellular fluid (ECF) volume of the hand and forearm, as well as upper limb function and quality of life for women with secondary hand lymphedema. Methods and Results: Six women with secondary hand lymphedema underwent pretreatment measurements, including hand and digit size using a tape measure; ECF volume using bioimpedance spectroscopy; and patient-reported outcome measurements of upper limb function and quality of life. Kinesiotape was then applied to the dorsum of the hand and left for 48 h, during which participants were asked not to wear compression garments. Posttreatment measurements were completed after kinesiotape removal. Changes in measurements were compared to the smallest detectable change (SDC). Hand size did not change more than the SDC; however, a single affected digit increased in circumference by more than the SDC. Changes of the whole arm ECF volume were less than the SDC. The ECF volume of the dorsum of the hand increased in one and decreased in another participant. The forearm ECF volume decreased in two participants. Upper limb function and quality of life did not change. No adverse event was reported. Conclusion: Short-term kinesiotape use appears to be safe in maintaining the physical presentation of hand lymphedema. However, these results should be examined in a larger sample. The feasibility of using kinesiotape as an alternative treatment to compression requires further investigation. Clinical Trial Registration number: ACTRN12618001232224p, July 23, 2018 retrospectively registered.

Atletizm atlama sporcularında gastrocnemius kasına uygulanan kinezyo bantlamanın sıçrama yüksekliğine akut etkisinin incelenmesi

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı atletizm atlamalar branşı sporcularında gastrocnemius kasına uygulanan kinezyo bantlama fasilitasyon ve inhibisyon kas tekniklerinin sıçrama yüksekliğine akut etkisinin incelenmesiydi.Yöntem: Araştırmaya 17 atletizm atlamalar branşı sporcusu dâhil edildi. Sporcular rastgele fasilitasyon ve inhibisyon grubuna ayrıldı ve sporcuların her iki gastrocnemius kasına kinezyo bant uygulaması yapıldı. Sporcuların squat, serbest ve aktif sıçrama yükseklikleri Microgate Optojump® ölçüm aleti ile bantlama öncesi ve bantlamadan 24 saat sonra bant çıkarılmadan değerlendirildi.Bulgular: Fasilitasyon ve inhibisyon gruplarının yaş, vücut ağırlığı, boy uzunluğu ve vücut kütle indeksi değerleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark yoktu (p&amp;gt;0,05). Fasilitasyon ve inhibisyon gruplarının bantlama öncesi ve bantlama sonrası squat, serbest ve aktif sıçrama yükseklikleri ve bu sıçramalar sırasında üretilen güç değerlerinin benzer olduğu ve gruplar arasında fark olmadığı belirlendi (p&amp;gt;0,05).Sonuç: Çalışmamızın sonucunda atletizm atlamalar branşı sporcularında gastrocnemius kasına uygulanan kinezyo bantlama fasilitasyon ve inhibisyon kas tekniklerinin dikey sıçrama performansına etkisinin olmadığı belirlendi.

Diz Osteoartritli Yaşlı Kadınlarda Kinezyo Bantlama Öncesi ve Sonrası Fonksiyon, Ağrı ve Dinamik Denge: Bir Pilot Çalışma

Objective: The study aim to establish the effect of single-session Kinesio Taping (KT) application upon the function, pain, and dynamic balance in older women with knee osteoarthritis (OA).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Thirty-women with unilateral knee (OA) were included. A single-session KT intervention was applied to the quadriceps-femoris and hamstrings muscles. All assessments were performed three times, before Kinesio taping, 30 minutes and 48 hours after taping. Functional level and pain were evaluated with the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the dynamic balance was evaluated with the libra-computerized balance device.&#x0D; Results: Symptoms (p=0.001), pain (p=0.001), function-daily life (p=0.001), quality of life (p=0.01) subscale scores of KOOS and bipedal (p=0.005) and affected side (p=0.002) dynamic balance results showed statistically significant improvements among the three time points.&#x0D; Conclusion: A single session Kinesio taping application provided a statistically significant improvement and a short-term positive effect, which did not cause clinically significant changes in the function, pain and dynamic balances of elderly women with unilateral knee osteoarthritis.

Effect of kinesio taping on shoulder maximal voluntary contraction, proprioception and upper limb reaction time in recreational badminton players: A randomized placebo controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Despite recent gain in popularity and the proposed theories of effectiveness of kinesio taping (KT), there remains a lack of sufficient literature on the effect of kinesio taping on maximal voluntary contraction, proprioception and upper limb reaction time. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of kinesio taping and fatigue on maximal voluntary contraction, proprioception of the shoulder and upper limb reaction time in recreational badminton players. PARTICIPANTS: 40 recreational badminton players were included in the study. METHODS: The subjects were randomly allocated into–1) the KT group and 2) Placebo group. Maximal voluntary contraction, proprioception and reaction time was measured before the application of KT to the shoulder and after 35 minutes of playing badminton with KT. ANALYSIS: Wilcoxin signed rank test was used for within group comparison and Mann Whitney U test was used for between group comparison. RESULTS: For proprioception within group comparison showed a significant difference at 60° of flexion and 120° of abduction in the control group. On comparison of change in effect size, a significant difference was seen at 60°, 90° of flexion and at 90° of external rotation. For maximal voluntary contraction, between group comparison showed a significant difference in all muscle groups except for the internal rotators.For reaction time, a significant difference was seen on between group comparison. (p &lt; 0.05) CONCLUSION: Kinesio taping may help in maintaining proprioception and strength of the shoulder and improving reaction time in badminton players even after a fatiguing game.

Does Application of Lymphatic Drainage with Kinesiology Taping Have Any Effect on the Extent of Edema and Range of Motion in Early Postoperative Recovery following Primary Endoprosthetics of the Knee Joint?

Background: The surgery of knee replacement due to degenerative changes is the last step of the treatment. After surgery, a major problem in patients is pain, swelling, intraarticular hematoma, and the restriction of the mobility of the joint. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of Kinesio Taping (KT) on reducing edema of the subcutaneous tissue and improving the range of motion in the joint. Methods: 82 patients were qualified for the study. After surgery, 42 patients received postoperative edema treatment with KT bands, and 40 patients did not receive the treatment. The swelling thickness and range of mobility were measured on the third and eighth days after the operation. Results: A statistical difference between the longitudinal measurements of the KT group and the group without KT application was shown at the level of the fibula head, 25 mm below the fibula neck, and 50 mm below the fibular neck. There were no statistically significant differences in the change in knee angle between the applied and non-applied patients. Conclusion: The lymphatic application technique KT influences the absorption of subcutaneous edema after primary knee joint replacement surgery but has no influence on mobility.

Kinesio taping application for rotator cuff disease: Beneficial or harmful? - A Cochrane Review summary with commentary.

Kinesio taping application for rotator cuff disease: Beneficial or harmful? - A Cochrane Review summary with commentary.

Correction of myofunctional disorders in children with special needs

The article presents myofunctional therapy in young children with special needs. The literature is analyzed and it is shown that this problem is quite rare. It is shown that the influence of anomalies in the structure and functions of the dental system on the formation and development of the musculoskeletal system of the maxillofacial region and the speech-communication mechanism in children). The reasons for the appearance of myofunctional disorders in children are presented. The causes of myofunctional disorders are: dysfunction; bad habits; genetic predisposition.&#x0D; Indications for the correction of disorders of muscle tone of masticatory and facial muscles have been established. Groups of manifestations of myofunctional disorders in children of primary school age are characterized. The following groups of manifestations of myofunctional disorders have been identified: group I – myofunctional disorders caused by biological determinants; group II – myofunctional disorders caused by social determinants; group III – myofunctional disorders caused by biosocial determinants.&#x0D; Systems of work on correction of disorders in children are presented. A comparative quantitative and qualitative analysis of the positive dynamics in overcoming the manifestations of disorders of facial expressions, oral, articulatory praxis and physiological speech breathing is given. The system of work on the correction of myofunctional disorders in children of primary school age with special educational needs. It is proved that the complex application of kinesiotaping, orofacial and articulation massage, myogymnastics and long-term wearing of special trainers in the complex rehabilitation of myofunctional disorders in primary school children with special educational needs helped regulate the tone of facial expressions, chewing gum, and strength; reduction of hypersalivation; normalization of mobility of jaw joints, lower jaw, larynx; partial qualitative improvement of chewing and swallowing processes; reduce swelling and congestion in the muscles.

The Effects of Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Taping on Postural Control in Healthy Young Adults: A Pilot Crossover Study.

Background: Postural control is a complex ability, also controlled by the somatosensory connection of the neck muscles with the vestibular nuclei. This circuit seems to be interested in maintaining head stabilization during movements. The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is the dominant source of the vestibular afferents as confirmed by neurophysiological acquisition. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the application of kinesio-tape on the SCM muscle can induce a perturbation of the standing postural control by altering the somatosensory system of the neck muscles. Methods: Thirteen healthy participants (age: 24.46 ± 3.04 yrs; 9 female) were enrolled, and the four kinesio-tape (KT) conditions were performed in a random order: without KT application (Ctrl); right KT application (R-SCM); left KT application (L-SCM); and bilateral KT application (B-SCM). All conditions were performed three times with open eyes and closed eyes. Results: There was a significant increase in the length of the centre of pressure (CoP), in the maximal oscillation, and in the anteroposterior root mean square between the three tape application conditions with respect to the Ctrl condition with open eyes. The same parameters were statistically different when the participants were blindfolded in the B-SCM condition with respect to the Ctrl condition. A statistical decrease in the difference in weight distribution between the two feet was observed in the B-SCM group with respect to the Ctrl group in both open and closed eyes conditions. Conclusions: Our results suggest that KT on the SCM muscles may involve some space-time parameters of postural control. Bilateral KT improved the weight distribution between the feet but showed a parallel increase in anteroposterior oscillations and in the length of the CoP with respect to the Ctrl condition. The perturbation seems to be greater in the somatosensory system when it is working coupled with visual afferences during an upright position.

Acute effect of inhibitory kinesio tape on range of motion, dynamic balance, and gait in athletes with hamstring shortness

ObjectiveThe goal of the present study was to investigate the acute effects of kinesio tape on range of motion (ROM), perceived stiffness, and kinetic parameters in athletes with hamstring shortness. MethodsFifteen athletes with bilateral hamstring shortness were divided randomly into intervention (inhibitory application of kinesio tape plus static stretching) and control (static stretching) groups. Outcome measures were straight leg raise (SLR), active knee extension (AKE) tests for ROM, visual analogue scale (VAS) for perceived stiffness and kinetic parameters which are recorded and calculated by Moticon SCIENCE insoles during four functional performance task of single leg stance (SLS), slow and fast walking and running. ResultsROM, stiffness, and kinetic parameters examined with insoles during SLS and walking tasks changed in both the intervention and control groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, study groups were different in some variables. The increase in ROM in SLR test and the decrease in perceived stiffness in the intervention group were more evident than in the control group (P = 0.03 and P = 0.001, respectively). There was no difference between the intervention and control groups for the variables in SLS test, slow and fast walking, and running tasks, except for the mean swing duration (MSWD) (P = 0.002) in fast walking. ConclusionThe static stretching alone and the kinesio tape plus static stretching could change many of the kinetic parameters during walking and balance tasks, but the rate of these changes were more significant with kinesio tape plus stretching compared to the stretching alone.

EFFECT OF KINESIO TAPE ON SCAPULAR KINEMATICS IN SUBJECTS WITH SCAPULAR DYSKINESIS

Introduction: Scapular dyskinesis is an abnormality in scapula static or dynamic position. There are several techniques for scapular dyskinesis conservative treatment, including Kinesio Tape application, which is used to promote and support scapula joint alignment, decrease pain and improve local muscle control. Objective. To investigate the effect of kinesio tape on scapular kinematics in subjects with scapular dyskinesis. Methods. Fourteen subjects with scapular dyskinesis performed flexion and scaption movements in two conditions: (1) without load and (2) holding a dumbbell. A scapular tape was applied over the lower trapezius (Y shaped) muscle with a 20% tension. Kinematic data were captured with 10 infrared cameras and analyzed based on Euler angles, peak values of upward rotation, internal rotation, and posterior tilt angles. To compare the situations with and without kinesio tape the repeated measures two-way ANOVAs (? = 0.05) was performed using SPSS software. Results. Scapular tape increase upward rotation and posterior tilt during flexion of the shoulder. No interaction (Load x KT) was found during flexion, suggesting that KT effect in the peak values is the same, regardless the load condition. Scapular tape decreases internal rotation during scaption and a significant interaction was found between load x KT, suggesting the effect of using KT could depend the load used during this movement. Conclusions. The results suggest that kinesio tape may can be use as assistant to increase upward rotation, posterior tilt and decrease internal rotation in scapular dyskinesis subjects.

KinesioTaping after botulinum toxin type A for cervical dystonia in adult patients.

IntroductionStudies explored physiotherapeutic approaches in cervical dystonia (CD) patients with or without botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections, however the results are varying. There are no clinical trials investigating the effects of kinesiology taping in CD patients. The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of kinesiology taping as an adjunct to the BoNT injections in patients with CD.MethodsTwenty‐five patients were enrolled to the study. Patients were randomly assigned to the experimental 1 (BoNT + KinesioTaping), experimental 2 (BoNT + ShamTaping) or control (BoNT) treatment. After 12 weeks they were moved to the next experimental group and finally every patient received all 3 proposed treatment options. The severity of CD was quantified with the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) including Torticollis severity, Disability, and Pain scales. Quality of life was evaluated using Craniocervical dystonia questionnaire (CDQ4).ResultsIn all treatment groups, there was a significant improvement in dystonia symptoms measured with TWSTRS (total score) after BoNT injection regardless of the allocation to the experimental treatment (p < .05). ANOVA analysis revealed no differences in any of the TWSTRS variables after the intervention. Quality of life was significantly improved after application of taping (p < .05, p = .03).ConclusionsApplication of KinesioTaping after BoNT injection provided no additional effect on the severity of dystonia, although the quality of life was improved in patients with CD. Further research investigating the effect of KinesioTaping prior to BoNT injection is required.

Effects of application of Kinesio Taping on the Tibialis Anterior muscle in Cerebral Palsy: case series

Justification: Cerebral palsy (CP) caused by injury to the immature Central Nervous System and causes repercussions as serious as the extent of the lesion. Equine foot is common in children with spastic CP, due to hyperactivity of the plantar flexors in relation to the main dorsoflexor, tibialis anterior. Treatment based on adaptations made to improve patients' quality of life. The Kinesio Taping® (KT®) method aims to maintain therapeutic results, being the functional correction technique widely used in neurological patients to limit unwanted or pathological movements. Objective: To observe the effects of KT® application on the tibialis anterior on spasticity levels and tibio-tarsal range of motion in CP. Methods: The descriptive observational study of the case series type, carried out from October 24th to November 31th 2014. Which seven children underwent assessment of spasticity of the right lower limb and of the right tibio-tarsal joint range of motion and intervention using the KT® method. Results: The final sample consisted of seven children aged between 7 and 14 years, one of which was female. Most children reduced or maintained the degree of spasticity, and increased plantar flexion at rest and ranges in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. Conclusion: The results suggest that, although the participants did not demonstrate affinity with the technique, there was some interference of the Kinésio Taping® method in their spasticity and in their tibio-tarsal joint mobility.

Effect of therapeutic kinesio-taping in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome: A pilot study

Kinesio-taping is widely used in sports rehabilitation for prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries. The role of Kinesio-taping has recently received renewed interest in patients with shoulder problems like shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tendinopathy.This pilot study was undertaken to check the effect of therapeutic kinesio-taping versus placebo kinesio-taping on shoulder pain, acromio-humeral distance (AHD), mobility and disability in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.8 patients diagnosed with shoulder impingement syndrome were included in the study and they were allocated into the experimental and control group. The patients in experimental group received ultrasound therapy for 8 minutes followed by application of therapeutic kinesio-taping and in control group patients received ultrasound therapy for 8 minutes followed by application of placebo kinesio-taping. Outcome measure were pain intensity by NPRS, shoulder range of motion by goniometry, acromio-humeral distance (AHD) using ultrasonography and functional disability by SPADI assessed at baseline, immediate after taping application and 3 days post intervention. Data analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis H test and p value less than 0.05 consider as significant.Therapeutic kinesio-taping group showed significant change in AHD (p=0.04), pain.(p=0.0001), shoulder range of motion including abduction (p=0.04), internal rotation (p=0.001) and functional disability (0.04), whereas placebo kinesio-taping showed no significant improvement in outcomes. Therapeutic kinesio-taping found to be effective in increasing AHD, range of motion, decreasing pain and functional disability when compare with placebo kinesio-taping. It can be used as adjunct treatment option in patient with shoulder impingement.

Effect of the kinesio taping application method for the activation and strength of gastrocnemius muscles in healthy adults

The objective of this study was to verify the effect of kinesio-taping (KT) application of the origin for muscle insertion (O&gt;I) and insertion for muscle origin (I&gt;O) in healthy participants, through surface electromyography and peak torque of gastrocnemius muscles. A total of 69 participants with an average age of 22.9±5.2 years were evaluated, 41 women with an average age of 22.0±5.1 years, BMI 25.1±4.6 kg/m2, and 28 men with an average age of 22.0±5.1 years, BMI 23.1±3.3 kg/m2, randomized under three conditions: O&gt;I, I&gt;O and no KT (control), repeated three times with five-minute rest between sessions. The peak torque of the gastrocnemius lateral (GML) and medial (GMM) muscles was evaluated at speeds 30º/s 60º/s 120º/s and muscle activity through surface electromyography. Repeated-measurement ANOVA showed effect only on the variable speed (F=767,1; p&lt;0.001) and the variables condition (F=0.010; p=0.990) and interaction (F=0.199; p=0.892) were not significant. In electromyography, Root mean Square (RMS) did not differ in the conditions evaluated, presenting standard behavior without significant differences. The KT application regardless of being O&gt;I or I&gt;O muscular, did not alter the muscle recruitment or contribute to the increase in peak torque performance during the three speeds.

The effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in improving pain and edema during early rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective, Randomized, Control Study.

Background and aim:The Kinesio Taping (KT) is being increasingly applied in physical therapy and rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of KT on an early rehabilitation program, in combination with the standard protocol after ACL reconstruction (ACLR).Methods:This study enrolled 52 male patients, aged 18 to 45 years, who underwent ACLR with doubled gracilis and semitendinosus tendon (DGST) autograft. The patients were randomized into 2 groups: Group A (the control group) which received a standard rehabilitation protocol, and Group B (the experimental group), which had the same rehabilitation protocol plus the KT application. Pain intensity, range of motion, edema, thigh circumference, Tegner-Lysholm Scale and KOOS scale were measured at the second and fourth week follow-ups.Results:Patients in the experimental group showed significant results during the second week for both pain and edema reduction compared to the control group (p< 0.05). After 4 weeks of rehabilitation, pain intensity in the two groups was similar (n.s.), while edema reduction in the experimental group showed a significant result compared to the control group (p< 0.05). Nevertheless, the other outcomes did not show significant differences.Conclusions:The application of KT after ACLR contributed to relieve pain and reduce edema in the early postoperative rehabilitation period. Other potential benefits of KT on muscle activation and strength should be investigated through a longer follow-up and a targeted test. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Effect of Kinesio Taping with Fascia Manipulation Technique on Superficial Back Line Over Hamstring Fascia to Increase the Range of Motion – An Observational Study

Superficial Back Line is one of the first lines dissected and researched over the fascia as a connective tissue. The Superficial Back Line (SBL) connects and protects the entire posterior surface of the body like a carapace from the bottom of the foot to the top of the head. Strain, tension (good and bad), trauma, and movement tend to be passed through the structure along these fascial lines of transmission leading to soft tissue mal-alignment resulting in somatic and mechanical dysfunction. A forward bend with the knee’s straight links and challenges all the tracks and stations of the Superficial Back Line. Kinesio Taping application with fascia manipulation correction technique helps in the correction and realignment of the collagen fibres found predominantly in the fascia system responsible for tensile strength and force transmission. Observational finding with clinical data collection reveals pre and post KT application over the hamstring fascia suggest its effectiveness in realigning the fascia fibres to increase the range of motion of forwarding bend movement.

The Effect of Different Taping on Balance and Strength in an Older Adult with Ankle Osteoarthritis

Background: Ankle Osteoarthritis represents an important limiter on different aspects of efficient functioning of the ankle joints. The purpose of this study was to examine if application of zinc white tape and Kinesiotape would have an immediate positive effect on balance and strength of an older adult with ankle osteoarthritis. Methods: A 44 year old male diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his right ankle was recruited. The participant was 5’10” tall and weighted 178 lbs. He performed the Single-Leg Jump-Landing Test (SLJLT), the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the Standing Heel Rise Test (SHRT) without tape, and then with Kinesio and white Zinc tape. The tests were implemented on different days to prevent fatigue. Results: The results revealed that in comparison to no-tape conditions, both taping approaches coincided with enhanced static and dynamic balance control, as inferred from the Single-Leg Jump-Landing Test (SLJLT) and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) respectively. The differences in strength, based on Standing Heel Rise Test (SHRT), were also evident but their clinical relevance is unclear. Conclusion: Overall, the results showed that taping represents a potentially enhancing, and immediate aid for someone with ankle osteoarthritis. The differences between the two tapes, in line with previous literature, warrant further exploration. Nevertheless, from the clinical and practical standpoint it appears that the application of either tape may be beneficial when the individual may engage in exercise or even simple activities of daily living.