Immediate Effects Of Kinesio Taping Research Articles

Immediate Effects of Kinesio Taping on Muscle Power and Muscle Tone after Succession Eccentric Contraction in Young Adults

Immediate Effects of Kinesio Taping on Muscle Power and Muscle Tone after Succession Eccentric Contraction in Young Adults

Immediate effects of Kinesio taping and Dynamic taping on acromiohumeral distance in individuals with symptomatic rotator cuff tendinopathy

BackgroundIt has been suggested that the reduction in subacromial space during arm elevation is one of the potential mechanisms in the etiology of Rotator cuff tendinopathy. While it is known that Kinesio taping reduces the narrowing of the acromiohumeral distance (AHD) during arm elevation, the effect of Dynamic taping remains unknown. PurposeThis study aimed to compare the immediate effects of Kinesio taping and Dynamic taping on AHD in individuals with symptomatic Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy. Study DesignTwo group pre-post-test repeated measures design was used. MethodsThirty-two participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Kinesio taping group (n = 16) and Dynamic taping group (n = 16). AHD measurements were taken via ultrasound at 0° (rest) and 60° shoulder abduction both before and immediately after taping. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used for statistical analyses. ResultsThe study demonstrated that both taping methods led to a significant increase in AHD at both neutral and 60° abduction. However, the increase in AHD with Dynamic taping was statistically greater than with Kinesio taping in both neutral (p < 0.05) and 60° abduction (p < 0.001). ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that Dynamic taping techniques may be a more effective approach for improving AHD for symptomatic patients. Therefore, Dynamic taping has the potential to be clinically beneficial before engaging in exercises.

Immediate effects of kinesio taping and vibration therapy on manual dexterity in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy: a randomised controlled trial

Background/Aims In children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy, the upper extremity is usually more affected than the lower extremity. Somatosensory, functional and developmental disorders cause difficulties in hand function. The aim of this study was to assess the immediate effects of kinesio tape and vibration therapy in addition to conventional physiotherapy on gross and fine manual dexterity in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Methods A total of 45 children aged 4–18 years with mild to moderate spasticity (at levels 0, 1, 1+, 2 according to the Modified Ashworth Scale) who could grip and release an object, and those who had hand function at levels 1, 2 and 3 according to the Manual Ability Classification System and were diagnosed with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy, were included in the study. The children were randomised into three groups: vibration therapy, kinesio taping and control, with 15 children in each group. While conventional physiotherapy was regularly continued in all three groups, the kinesio taping group had kinesio tape applied to the wrist extensors, with 50% tension on the wrist and thumb and 25% tension on the fingers at the beginning of the session. The vibration therapy group received vibration to the forearm extensor muscle group at the end of the session. Vibration was applied to the widest part of the forearm extensor muscles with a 7 cm tip at a frequency of 80 Hz, amplitude of 1 mm, vibration for 10 seconds and rest for 5 seconds, for a total of 10 minutes. Gross and fine dexterity were assessed by Box and Block Test and Nine-Hole Peg Test before and after treatment. Results When the groups were compared before and after the intervention, a significant improvement was found in the Nine-Hole Peg Test scores of the kinesio taping (105.11± 66.99 vs 86.22 ± 51.88, P&lt;0.05) and vibration therapy (61.70 ± 35.54 vs 57.29 ± 38.05, P&lt;0.05) groups and in the Box and Block Test scores of all three groups: kinesio taping group (25.13 ± 14.33 vs 28.40 ± 14.23, P&lt;0.05), vibration therapy group (35.00 ± 11.69 vs 39.07 ± 12.43, P&lt;0.05), control group (34.60 ± 11.74 vs 37.80 ± 11.22, P&lt;0.05). There was no significant difference in the Nine-Hole Peg Test scores between the groups, while a significant improvement was found in the Box-Block Test scores of the kinesio taping group compared to the vibration therapy and control groups (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions Kinesio taping and vibration have positive immediate effects on gross and fine manual dexterity in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy and can be used by physiotherapists to support conventional physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes.

Immediate Effect of Kinesio Taping on Lumbopelvic Stability in Postpartum Women With Diastasis Recti: A Review.

Diastasis of abdominal muscles is defined as a gap of more than two finger breadths between two rectal abdominal muscle bellies, above or below the umbilicus. According to the literature, female diastasis recti is more common in women who have recently given birth although it also occurs in the male population. Lower back pain is the most prevalent reason for postpartum women to restrict their everyday activities. Women's mobility, discomfort, and typical activities are all concerns for postpartum women, all of which change a person's quality of life. During pregnancy, diastasis of the rectus abdominal muscles isvery common to occur. It is linked to instability of lumbar pelvic region and pelvic floor improper function. Recently, the use of Kinesio taping is gaining popularity as a technique to reduce the separation and increase stability. The review of studies revealed that Kinesio taping is highly effective for diastasis recti and in improving the stability of lumbo-pelvic spine which was evaluated by an active straight leg raise test. There are just a few studies accessible that show the need for further research.

Immediate Effects of Kinesio-taping and Joint Mobilisation on Shoulder in Over-head Athletes with Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit

The purpose of this study was to compare efficacy of kinesio taping (K-taping) and joint mobilization as immediate interventions for treating athletes with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD). Thirty-two asymptomatic players were recruited from basketball, volleyball and handball who had a loss of shoulder internal rotation range of motion (IR ROM) of 10 degrees or more on their dominant compared to non-dominant side. They were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: K-taping (n = 16) or joint mobilization (n = 16). Participants in taping group were treated with K-tape for inhibition of external rotators of shoulder and participants in joint mobilization group were treated with grade four Maitland’s mobilization technique for increasing glenohumeral internal rotation. Shoulder internal and external ROM were measured before and after the intervention with a universal goniometer. Both the methods produced significant improvement in IR ROM. The unpaired t-test showed significant change in IR ROM within both the groups (p = 0.003). No significant change was found on comparing both the groups (p = 0.373). There were no significant differences between results of the three sports (p = 0.592). K-taping and joint mobilization both are equally effective in improving the IR ROM in over-head players with GIRD.

The Immediate Effect of Kinesiotaping on Handgrip Strength in Young, Healthy Men

Introduction: Kinesiotaping is a typical method used in physical therapy. It has the potential to boost muscle strength and performance when used properly The aim of the study is to determine the immediate effect of 35% tension Kinesiotaping on handgrip strength in healthy males. Methods: The study involved 60 healthy males (physical therapy students) between the ages of 20 and 23. The participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: the tension Kinesiotaping group (tKT), undergoing taping at a 35%tension, or the control group, receiving the identical taping technique but without tension. All participants' handgrip strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometre. The measurements were taken before and after taping for 30 minutes. Results: Only in the tension Kinesiotaping group was there substantial improvement in handgrip strength (tKT). There were no significant differences in the control group before and after 30 minutes (p=0.970), but significant results were noted in the tKT group after applying kinesiotape with a 35% tension (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: In healthy males, Kinesiotaping with a 35% tension causes an immediate increase in handgrip strength.

Immediate Effect of Kinesiotaping on Non-dominant Wrist Extensor Muscles:an Alteration in Handgrip Strength of Healthy Individuals

Background: Adequate function of wrist extensor muscles is essential for handgrip strength. Handgrip strength can be used as a health problem predictor in the future. Maintaining and increasing handgrip strength to reduce the risk of future mortality is noteworthy. Aim: To investigate the immediate effect of the kinesiotaping facilitation technique on the non-dominant wrist extensor muscles on handgrip strength of healthy individuals. Material and Methods: This study was conducted in August – September 2020. Twenty-two healthy men, aged 25 – 40 years and willing to participate in this study by signing the research agreement form was recruited from Medical Rehabilitation Departement RSUD Dr. Soetomo Surabaya, and randomized into kinesiotaping group and placebo taping group. The kinesiotaping group received kinesiotaping facilitation technique Y strip 50% stretched on the non-dominant wrist extensor muscles. The placebo taping group received non-elastic adhesive tape Y strip on the non-dominant wrist extensor muscles. Handgrip strength was measured using hydraulic handgrip dynamometer before and 30 minutes after kinesiotaping facilitation technique and placebo taping applied. Results: Alteration of handgrip strength is significant increase in kinesiotaping group compared to placebo taping group (p=0.036). Conclusion: Kinesiotaping facilitation technique on non-dominant wrist extensor muscles can immediately increase handgrip strength of healthy individuals.

Effects of Kinesio Taping Over Abdominal Muscles With Different Tensions on the Lumbopelvic Complex Components in Men with Increased Anterior Pelvic Tilt

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effect of kinesio taping (KT) over abdominal muscles with different tensions on the components of the lumbopelvic complex.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This is a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. Participants were 44 healthy male athletes aged 18-30 years with increased anterior pelvic tilt (PT). Three intervention groups underwent 15 minutes of KT over rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles with tensions of 100, 115, and 140%, respectively, and one group was considered as the control group with no KT. The PT and lumbar lordosis angles and iliopsoas and hamstring muscle lengths were measured before and after the KT. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the means in the study groups before and after the intervention.&#x0D; Results: The mean of right and left PT and lumbar lordosis angles in groups with 115 and 140% tensions before and after the intervention were statistically different (P&lt;0.05). Moreover, the mean of right and left PT and lumbar lordosis angles showed a significant difference between the groups after the intervention (P&lt;0.05). There was a significant difference in active and passive hamstring lengths on both sides in the group received KT with 140% tension before and after the intervention (P&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Kinesio taping with high tension on rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles can reduce their PT angle and lumbar lordosis and increase hamstring muscle length in men with increased anterior PT. This issue should be considered in lumbopelvic complex physiotherapy.

안정성 및 기능적 불안정성 발목관절의 정적 균형 능력에 대한 키네시오 테이핑의 즉각적인 효과 비교 : 예비연구

The aim of this study is to find out the immediate effect of kinesio taping on static balance for stable ankles and functional instability ankles in general adults, and whether kinesio taping affects stable ankles as well as functional instability ankles. Twenty-two healthy adults were selected and divided into two groups(stable ankle group and functional instability ankle group) according to the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). If the subject's CAIT score is 28 or higher, it is classified as a stable ankle, and if the CAIT score is 24 or lower, it is classified as a functional ankle instability. To determine the effectiveness of kinesio taping, the static balance ability(overall, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral stability index) was measured by the Biodex Balance System®. As a result, there was no significant difference on the static balance between before and after application of kinesio taping in both groups. And there was no significant difference between stable ankle and functional instability ankle groups. These results indicate that kinesio taping on stable and functional instability ankles for healthy adults has no immediate effect on static balance. In future studies, it will be necessary to examine the short-term and long-term effects of kinesio taping on elderly and subjects with ankle injuries.

Immediate Effects of Kinesio Taping on Rectus Abdominis Diastasis in Postpartum Women-Preliminary Report.

Background: Rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD) is an excessive divarication of the rectus abdominis muscle with concurrent stretching and thinning of the linea alba, which occurs due to mechanical and functional disturbances in the anterior abdominal wall and the whole body. The primary objective of this study is a palpation assessment of RAD in postpartum women before and after the application of KT tapes and a subsequent comparison of the results with those from a sham intervention group. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in the Physical Therapy Department at Wroclaw Medical University. The participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the KT group (intervention), in which KT tapes were applied (48 h intervention) and the sham KT group (control, sham intervention), in which non-stretch tapes were used (cloth surgical tape, 48 h intervention). In all participants, a palpation assessment of RAD was conducted and the inter-recti distance was measured using a digital caliper at three sites: at the umbilicus and 4.5 cm above and below it. Measurements were taken before and after the intervention. Results: The gathered results show a statistically significant reduction in rectus abdominis diastasis at each of the observed sites after the application of KT tapes in the intervention group (p < 0.05). In the intergroup comparison, a statistically significantly lower RAD (at umbilicus) was found after the intervention (p = 0.005) in KT group. Conclusions: the application of KT tapes using the corrective technique can contribute to reducing RAD in women up to 12 months after delivery.

The immediate effects of Kinesio Taping on running biomechanics, muscle activity, and perceived changes in comfort, stability and running performance in healthy runners, and the implications to the management of Iliotibial band syndrome

BackgroundKinesio Taping is frequently used in the management of lower limb injuries, and has been shown to improve pain, function, and running performance. However, little is known about the effects of Kinesio Taping on running biomechanics, muscle activity, and perceived benefits. Research questionThis study aimed to explore the immediate effects of Kinesio Taping on lower limb kinematics, joint moments, and muscle activity, as well as perceived comfort, knee joint stability, and running performance in healthy runners. MethodsTwenty healthy participants ran at a self-selected pace along a 20-metre runway under three conditions; no tape (NT), Kinesio Tape with tension (KTT), and Kinesio tape without tension (KTNT). Comparisons of peak hip, knee angles and moments, and EMG were analysed during the stance phase of running. ResultsKTT exhibited significant increases in peak hip flexion, peak hip abduction and hip external rotation compared to NT. Moreover, the KTT condition showed a trend towards a decrease in peak hip internal rotation and adduction angle compared to the NT condition. EMG results showed that Tensor Fascia Latae activity decreased with KTT compared with NT, and Gluteus Maximus activity reduced with KTNT when compared with NT. Ten of the 20 participants indicated important improvements in the comfort score, six participants in the knee stability score, and seven participants in the running performance score when using KTT. SignificanceThese results suggest that changes in running biomechanics previously associated with ITBS can be improved with the application of kinesio tape, with the greatest effect seen with the application of kinesio tape with tension. Perceived improvements were seen in comfort, stability and running performance, however these benefits were only seen in half the participants. Further work is required to explore the biomechanical effects and perceived benefits in different patient groups.

Immediate Effect of Kinesiology Tape on Functionality, Static and Dynamic Balance, Exercise Capacity, and Posture in Users of High-Heeled Shoes.

Using high-heeled shoes in daily life affects the stability of walking, body posture, and functionality. We aimed to determine the immediate effect of kinesiology taping (KT) on functionality, static and dynamic balance, exercise capacity, and posture in young women using high-heeled shoes. Thirty-seven women who wore high-heeled shoes (mean ± SD age, 20.32 ± 1.37 years) were divided into control (n = 20) and study (n = 17) groups. Both limbs of study group participants were taped medially, laterally, and dorsally with KT; no application was made to the control group. Balance (TecnoBody postural line), functionality (vertical jump and functional reach tests), exercise capacity (6-Minute Walk Test), and human body posture (New York Posture Rating Chart) were assessed. Median use of high-heeled shoes was 8 hours daily, 5 days weekly, and 3 years in the study group versus 6 hours daily, 4 days weekly, and 4 years in the control group. Significance in functional reach distance was found within the control (P = .010) and study (P = .005) groups but not between the groups. Stabilometric monopedal right foot ellipse area (P = .016) and perimeter (P = .009); left foot ellipse area (P = .016), perimeter (P = .023), and front/back standard deviation (P = .018); and dynamic balance area gap percentage (P = .030) were significant within the study group. Posture, vertical jump distance, exercise capacity, stabilometric test results, and bipedal closed-eye and opened-eye results were similar within and between groups (P > .05). Kinesiology taping has no immediate effect on exercise capacity, vertical jump function, posture, and bipedal static balance but can modulate functional reach function, static monopedal leg balance, and dynamic equilibrium. Further studies are recommended to investigate the additive effect of KT with high-heeled shoes and after 45 min, 24 hours, and 72 hours.

The Immediate Effect of Kinesio Taping on the Balance Performance of Patients with Chronic Ankle Sprains: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Lateral ankle sprain is a common injury resulting from a rapid supination moment that damages the lateral ligaments and cartilaginous surfaces and contributes to the deterioration of functional ankle stability and balance among individuals. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effect of Kinesio Taping (KT) on the balance performance of patients with chronic ankle sprains. Methods: This randomized, single-blind, parallel-group study was performed using the allocation concealment method. Sixty individuals (27 males and 33 females) with a history of ankle sprain were recruited and randomly assigned to one of the experimental (KT; n = 30) or control (non-KT; n = 30) groups. The intervention continued for two consecutive days, including four assessment sessions before and after taping on the first day and before and after removing KT on the second day. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the center of pressure (COP) displacement and the velocity and SD of COP displacement were measured in the ant-post and med-lat directions following inversion and anterior perturbations. For data analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was performed using SPSS software version 22. This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT2013110415262N1). Results: The results of repeated measures ANOVA revealed an increase in the mean changes of COP displacement, velocity of COP displacement, and SD of COP displacement in the med-lat direction during inversion perturbation immediately after KT (P = 0.031, P = 0.005, and P = 0.011, respectively) and 24 hours after KT (P = 0.019, P = 0.002, and P = 0.009, respectively), compared to the control group. Moreover, during anterior perturbation, a significant increase was observed in the SD of COP displacement immediately and 24 hours after applying KT in the med-lat direction, compared to the control group (P = 0.022 and P = 0.016, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings revealed that KT might not improve the COP sway during perturbation in individuals with ankle sprains.

Immediate effect of kinesio taping on deep cervical flexor endurance: A non-controlled, quasi-experimental pre-post quantitative study

ABSTRACT Objective Whether Kinesio taping® (KT) might change the endurance of the cervical deep flexor muscles.Methods: Healthy university students were assessed at baseline, immediately after the KT application over the posterior cervical muscles, and at a 24-h follow-up. The clinical assessment of the endurance of the deep cervical flexor muscles using the craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) was performed.Results: Sixty-two students (32 women) with a mean age of 20.4 ± 1.3 years completed the study protocol. Statistically significant pre- to post-taping differences in performance of the craniocervical flexion movement were found between baseline-immediate and baseline-24-h follow-up (p˂0.001). A statistically significant difference in the endurance of the cervical deepflexor muscles was found between baseline-immediate (for stage 2 result and cumulative endurance score), baseline-24-h follow-up (for stage 2result and cumulative endurance score), and immediate-24-h follow-up (for stage 2 result, for cumulative endurance score) p˂0.01.Conclusion: Cervical KT increased endurance for the short term.

Is Kinesio taping better than placebo taping for improving performance during unilateral vertical jump and hop tests? Protocol study for a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial

Introduction: Kinesio taping consists of the attachment of a thin elastic tape over specific muscles, the thickness of which is similar to that of the epidermis. This tape can be stretched to 140% of its original length, which demonstrates greater elasticity in comparison to conventional bandages. According to the creator of this method, Kinesio taping leads to better muscle activation or inhibition, reduces pain, swelling and muscle spasms and prevents muscle injury. Objective: The aim of the proposed study is to compare and analyze the immediate effect of Kinesio taping and placebo taping on performance during unilateral vertical jump and two hop tests by young professional soccer players. Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial will be conducted involving 100 athletes. The volunteers will be submitted to an evaluation of the dominant lower limb using the Single Leg Hop Test and Single Leg Triple Hop Test as well as the evaluation of a unilateral vertical jump on a pressure platform. The athletes will then be randomly allocated to two groups. Group A will receive Kinesio taping of the triceps surae muscle as described by Kase (2003, 2013) and Group B will receive a placebo taping of the same muscle. After 30 minutes, the volunteers will be submitted to the same evaluation tests. Analysis: Intra-group and inter-group analyses of the results will be performed. Statistical tests will be conducted considering a 5% significance level. This study is registered with Clinical Trials under protocol number: NCT02560961

넙다리네갈래근 근 피로 유발 후 키네시오 테이핑 적용이 근력과 균형에 미치는 즉각적 효과

넙다리네갈래근 근 피로 유발 후 키네시오 테이핑 적용이 근력과 균형에 미치는 즉각적 효과

Immediate Effects of Kinesio Taping on pain in Athletes with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Abstract Background Ligaments injury and anterior knee pain is the most common problem in the knee joint. In practice, there are various interventions for the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Kinesio taping is one of them, but little literature is available on the immediate effects of treating this problem. Methodology From June to September 2017, a randomized control study was conducted at the Army Sports Complex GHQ Rawalpindi to determine the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping (KT) in patellofemoral pain syndrome in athletes. Data were collected from 48 athletes who fully met the inclusion criteria and were randomly divided into 2 groups. The data collection tool was Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Kujala PFPS Score, and self-structured Questionnaire. The data was analyzed on SPSS 21. Results The overall mean age was 22.7±3.0. The immediate effects showed improved NPRS in both groups; in the control group the NPRS pre 1st visit mean was 5.36±1.2 and post 1st visit mean was 4.68±1.3 with the difference of 0.68±0.1 having p value p&lt;0.001. In the treatment group the NPRS pre 1st visit mean was 5.90±1.2 and post 1st visit mean was 5.00±1.0 with the difference of 0.90±0.1 having p value p&lt;0.001. Conclusion This study shows immediate effects of Kinesio-Taping, however there was not any significant difference between both groups but the treatment group performed well after the sessions.

Immediate Effects of Kinesio Taping of Tibialis Anterior and Ankle Joint on Mobility and Balance Ability for Chronic Hemiparesis: Randomized Controlled Cross-Sectional Design

AbstractBackground Stroke patients with hemiparesis are generally described as being slow and suffering a balance disability.Objective The purpose of this cross-sectional single-blind study was to evaluate the immediate effects of Kinesio taping of tibialis anterior and quadriceps on the mobility and balance ability in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke.Methods Thirty-three subjects participated in this study. Participants were divided into 3 groups: Ankle Kinesio taping (AKT) group, a placebo (PKT) group, and a control (NKT) group. The AKT group underwent Kinesio tapping of ankle joint and tibialis muscle, PKT group underwent placebo taping, and NKT group underwent no Kinesio taping. All participants were assessed before and after taping training using timed up and go test (TUG), timed up and down stairs test (TUDS), and balance ability.Results After taping training, the AKT group showed significant improvement in mobility and balance ability compared to the PKT group and NKT group (p &lt; 0.05). The results of this study confirmed that Kinesio taping was effective to the balance and mobility abilities of patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke.Conclusions This study suggested Kinesio taping as an effective intervention to increase the mobility and balance abilities of patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Therefore, this study are believed to provide the baseline information to effectively improve the balance and mobility abilities of patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke during the rehabilitation treatment in the future.

Immediate Effects of Kinesio Taping on Lung Functions, Chest Expansion and Dyspnoea in COPD Patients

Background: Dyspnoea is a major symptom of COPD and an independent predictor of mortality. It iscaused by mechanical alterations adapted by shortened or deconditioned musculature.There is insufficientevidenceregarding the efficacy of kinesio taping on the symptoms posed by respiratory conditions like COPD.This study investigates the immediate effects of kinesiology taping done for pectoralis major and rhomboidmajor, on chest expansion and lung functions along with dyspnoea. Methodology: By convenient sampling,30 stable COPD patients with mild to moderate stage affection as per GOLD criteria, and having complaintsof dyspnoea were randomly divided in two groups. Group A received kinesio taping along with conventionalphysiotherapy, group B was the control group where only conventional physiotherapy exercises were giventwice a day for 3 days. Eligible patients were assessed for their lung functions, chest expansion and dyspnea.Results: Data analysis within the groups as well as between the groups was done using the WINPEPI andPRIMERsoftware.Between groups comparison for lung functions showed significant improvement (p&lt;0.05)for FEV1, FVC and PEFR. Pre and post comparison ofrespiratory rate and SpO2between the groups showedsignificant improvement (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: There was a significant improvement in the experimentalgroup which suggest that kinesio tape application is beneficial in improving lung function and reducing rateof perceived exertion.

Acute effects of kinesio taping on muscular strength and endurance parameters of the finger flexors in sport climbing: A randomised, controlled crossover trial

Kinesio taping (KT) is a commonly used intervention in sports and, recently, KT has become popular among athletes competing in sport climbing and bouldering events. However, evidence on the effect of KT on grip strength and endurance is still controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate immediate effects of KT on muscular strength and endurance of the finger flexor muscles in sport climbers. Twenty recreationally-trained active sport climbers (10 men, 10 women) aged 28.5 ± 10.6 years performed one familiarisation trial and subsequently, in a randomised crossover design, two test trials either with (TAPE) or without (CONTROL) KT over the finger flexor muscles. Test trials consisted of three performance measurements (hand grip strength and endurance, finger hang, and lap climbing) at intervals of 48 h in a randomised order. We observed no significant differences in the parameters of hand grip peak force, fatigue index, finger hang time, lap climbing distance and time, or maximum blood lactate values after lap climbing between the TAPE and CONTROL trials (p > 0.05). The participants’ climbing ability was significantly correlated with the intra-individual performance changes between the TAPE and CONTROL conditions for the fatigue index (r = −0.598, p = 0.005), but not in any of the other performance-related parameters. Therefore, KT over the finger flexor muscles neither enhanced hand grip strength and endurance nor the sport climbing performance parameters of finger hang, lap climbing distance and time, and maximum blood lactate values after lap climbing.