Kinesio Taping Application Research Articles

Delayed effect of Kinesio Taping on neuromuscular performance, balance, and lower limb function in healthy individuals: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACTBackgroundKinesio Taping (KT) is an elastic bandage that aims to improve neuromuscular performance, although there is no consensus as to its benefits.ObjectiveTo analyze the immediate and delayed effects of KT on the neuromuscular performance of the femoral quadriceps, on balance, and lower limb function in healthy subjects.MethodThis is a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-six women with a mean age of 22.2±3.6 years and BMI of 22.5±2.3 Kg/m2 were divided into three groups: control, with ten minutes of rest (control, n=12), application of Kinesio Taping without tension (placebo, n=12) and with tension (KT, n=12) on the quadriceps. The primary outcome was isokinetic performance, while secondary outcomes were the single-hop test, one-footed static balance, and electromyographic activity. The evaluations were carried out in five stages: 1) before application of KT, 2) immediately after the application of KT, 3) after 24h, 4) after 48h, and 5) after 72h. Mixed ANOVA was used to determine differences between groups.ResultsThere was no change in one-footed static balance, electromyographic activity of the VL in the lower limb function, nor in isokinetic performance between groups.ConclusionKT promotes neither immediate nor delayed changes in neuromuscular performance of the femoral quadriceps in healthy women.

Efficacy of kinesio tape application on pain and muscle strength in patients with myofascial pain syndrome: a placebo-controlled trial.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the short- and mid-term effects of Kinesio taping on the trapezius muscle in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-seven patients with active upper trapezius myofascial trigger points were randomly divided to 2 groups: group 1 received Kinesio taping for the upper trapezius muscle, and group 2 received a sham Kinesio taping application. Neck pain (Visual Analog Scale and pressure algometry) and trapezius muscle strength data were collected at baseline, immediately after Kinesio taping application, and at one month follow-up. [Results] The mean changes in Visual Analog Scale scores were significantly different between groups at T2 and T1, with less pain in group 1. The mean changes in algometry scores were significantly different between groups at T3 compared with T2 in favor of group 1. The mean changes in trapezius muscle strength were significantly different between the groups at T2 compared with T1 in favor of group 1. [Conclusion] Patients with myofascial pain syndrome receiving an application of Kinesio taping exhibited statistically significant improvements in pain and upper trapezius muscle strength.

Effects of proprioceptive sense-based Kinesio taping on walking imbalance.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine how application of Kinesio tape to the upper and lower limbs affects walking through stimulation of the proprioceptive sense. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve patients diagnosed with hemiplegia due to stroke were selected as the subjects of the study. To ascertain the effects of Kinesio taping on walking, all subjects performed a straight line walking test three times while barefoot. In terms of the actual taping application, elastic Kinesio tape was used on the hemiplegic side in all subjects. [Results] The results of testing showed a significant difference in the values between before and after taping. In terms of left and right deviation according to the site of the taping application, there were statistically significant differences among the groups. [Conclusion] In conclusion, application of Kinesio taping for central nerve injury was confirmed to be effective in reducing walking deviation.

COMPARISON OF KINESIO TAPING WITH MCKENZIE AND ONLY MCKENZIE TECHNIQUE IN THE TREATMENT OF MECHANICAL LOW BACK PAIN

The study is aimed to see the effect of Kinesio Taping and McKenzie technique in patients with Mechanical low back pain. Method: This study was conducted on 30 mechanical low back pain patients, 15 under each group to see the effect of Kinesio taping and McKenzie technique (group 2) and only McKenzie technique (group 1). The patients under both the groups underwent treatment for 3 weeks. The VAS and Oswestry low back disability Questioner were used as outcome measure. Result: Considerable reduction of pain is seen in group 2 in which the patients received Kinesio Taping and McKenzie than the group1 were the patients received only McKenzie technique, when both the groups were compared the p-value was 0.0361, which shows that group 2 is more effective than group 1. There was considerable reduction in disability according to Oswestry low back disability Questioner in group 2 when compared to group 1, when between groups were compared it showed group 2 is more effective than group 1 with the p value of 0.0480 . Conclusion: Individuals with mechanical low back pain experienced significant improvements in pain as well as improvement in activity after the application of Kinesio Taping with Mckenzie technique.

Short-term effects of kinesio tape on joint position sense, isokinetic measurements, and clinical parameters in patellofemoral pain syndrome.

[Purpose] To evaluate the short-term effects of kinesio tape on joint position sense, isokinetic measurements, kinesiophobia, symptoms, and functional limitations in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 90 patients (112 knees) with patellofemoral pain syndrome were randomized into a kinesio tape group (n=45) or placebo kinesio tape group (n=45). Baseline isokinetic quadriceps muscle tests and measurements of joint position sense were performed in both groups. Pain was measured with a Visual Analog Scale, kinesiophobia with the Tampa kinesiophobia scale, and symptoms and functional limitations with the Kujala pain scale. Measurements were repeated 2 days after kinesio tape application. [Results] No differences were found between baseline isokinetic muscle measurements and those taken 2 days after application. However, significant improvements were observed in the kinesio tape group, with regard to joint position sense, pain, kinesiophobia, symptoms, and functional limitations after treatment. Examination of the differences between pre- and post-treatment values in both groups revealed that the kinesio tape group demonstrated greater improvements compared to the placebo kinesio tape group. [Conclusion] Although short-term kinesio tape application did not increase hamstring muscle strength, it may have improved joint position sense, pain, kinesiophobia, symptoms, and daily limitations.

Kinesiotaping as an alternative treatment method for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy. Conservative treatment choices are not always satisfactory. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of kinesiotaping (KT) on pain level, grip strength, and functional status compared with that of placebo KT and orthotic device (OD) in patients with CTS. In this randomized, placebo-controlled study, participants were allocated into one of three groups: an experimental KT group (Group 1), a placebo KT group (Group 2), and an OD group (Group 3). Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) scores, dynamometric grip strength measures, and the Boston CTS questionnaire (BQ) were the outcome measures. All groups significantly improved in terms of VAS scores (P < 0.05), DN4 scores (P < 0.05), and BQ scores (P < 0.05). Grip strength improved in Group 3 (P = 0.001). There was a significant difference among the groups with respect to BQ scores (P < 0.05). KT application for the treatment of CTS should be an alternative treatment choice.

Effect of kinesio taping on the isokinetic muscle function in football athletes with a knee injury.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in isokinetic muscle function in football athletes with a knee injury with and without kinesio taping. [Subjects] The subjects for this study were 10 football athletes (males) with a knee injury. [Methods] Measurements were performed by using Cybex dynamometer under uniform motion before and after the application of kinesio tape to the quadriceps and hamstring muscle. Maximal concentric knee extension and flexion at three angular velocities (60°/s, 120°/s, and 180°/s) were measured. [Results] A significant difference was found in peak torque and total work of the flexion at 120°/s and 180°/s, as well as in the average power of extension at 180°/s. [Conclusion] Though it is not the main therapy for muscle function in football athletes with injury, kinesio taping was an effective adjunct therapy.

Kinesio taping effect on quadriceps strength and lower limb function of healthy individuals: A blinded, controlled, randomized, clinical trial

ObjectivesTo analyze kinesio taping (KT) effect on quadriceps strength and lower limb function over a 7-day period. DesignBlind randomized clinical trial. SettingHospital's Physical Therapy Department. ParticipantsSixty healthy individuals (30 men and 30 women) were randomly distributed into three groups: Control – without KT application; Placebo – placebo KT application and Experimental - A KT application designed to stimulate quadriceps femoris activity. Main outcome measuresThe quadriceps strength was measured using a manual dynamometer whereas lower limb function was assessed using the Single Hop Test for Distance. Evaluations occurred at five time-points: baseline; immediately, 3 and 5 days after KT application; and 72 h post KT withdrawal. ResultsThere was no significant interaction between time-points and groups for muscle strength: dominant (P = 0.13) and non-dominant (P = 0.41) and lower limb function: dominant (P = 0.09) and non-dominant (P = 0.53); but lower limb function within-group comparisons showed improvements in all groups at the evolution of all time-points analyzed for both limbs (P = 0.001). This is possibly due to a learning effect as the participants became more familiar with executing the assessment tests. ConclusionKT did not improve quadriceps strength and lower limb function of healthy individuals and its application with these objectives should be reconsidered.

Effect of Kinesiotape Applications on Ball Velocity and Accuracy in Amateur Soccer and Handball.

Evidence supporting performance enhancing effects of kinesiotape in sports is missing. The aims of this study were to evaluate effects of kinesiotape applications with regard to shooting and throwing performance in 26 amateur soccer and 32 handball players, and to further investigate if these effects were influenced by the players’ level of performance. Ball speed as the primary outcome and accuracy of soccer kicks and handball throws were analyzed with and without kinesiotape by means of radar units and video recordings. The application of kinesiotapes significantly increased ball speed in soccer by 1.4 km/h (p=0.047) and accuracy with a lesser distance from the target by −6.9 cm (p=0.039). Ball velocity in handball throws also significantly increased by 1.2 km/h (p=0.013), while accuracy was deteriorated with a greater distance from the target by 3.4 cm (p=0.005). Larger effects with respect to ball speed were found in players with a lower performance level in kicking (1.7 km/h, p=0.028) and throwing (1.8 km/h, p=0.001) compared with higher level soccer and handball players (1.2 km/h, p=0.346 and 0.5 km/h, p=0.511, respectively). In conclusion, the applications of kinesiotape used in this study might have beneficial effects on performance in amateur soccer, but the gain in ball speed in handball is counteracted by a significant deterioration of accuracy. Subgroup analyses indicate that kinesiotape may yield larger effects on ball velocity in athletes with lower kicking and throwing skills.

Comparison of concentric isokinetic torque peak in active individuals with and without the application of Kinesio Taping

Introduction: Physically active individuals constantly seek resources that can improve their muscle performance, avoid the appearance of lesions and even relapses. Kinesio Taping has been used for both treatment/prevention of injury and to improve functional performance. The isokinetic dynamometer enables rapid quantitative analysis of many parameters of muscle function, being the peak torque the most representative in research and clinical practice. Objective: To compare the concentric peak torque isokinetic in active individuals with and without the application of kinesio taping. Method: 10 male volunteers were evaluated and submitted to the IPAQ questionnaire, where they were considered actives. Then, were realized isokinetic evaluations into steps: Phase Control (without application of elastic taping) and Phase Bandage (with application of placebo and original bandage). The same protocol isokinetic repetitions of 5 to 60 ° / s knee flexion and extension was adopted in all the stages for the reliability and reproducibility of the data. Results: The application of taping in physically active individuals in isokinetic evaluation did not increase the concentric peak torque at 60 °/s. Conclusion: Was observed reliability and reproducibility of the results, however, no significant differences were observed in concentric peak torque isokinetic of the quadriceps of active individuals with and without the application of the original kinesio taping and placebo.

MRI analyses show that kinesio taping affects much more than just the targeted superficial tissues and causes heterogeneous deformations within the whole limb

Kinesio taping (KT) is widely used in the treatment of sports injuries and various neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. However, it is considered as selectively effective on targeted tissues and its mechanical effects have not been quantified objectively. Ascribed to continuity of muscular and connective tissues, mechanical loading imposed can have widespread heterogeneous effects. The aim was to characterize the mechanical effects of KT objectively and to test the hypotheses that KT causes acutely, local deformations not necessarily (I) in agreement with tape adhering direction and (II) limited to the directly targeted tissues.High-resolution 3D magnetic resonance image sets were acquired in healthy human subjects (n=5) prior to and acutely after KT application over the skin along m. tibialis anterior (TA). Hip, knee and ankle angles were kept constant. Demons image registration algorithm was used to calculate local tissue deformations within the lower leg, in vivo.Mean peak tissue strains were significantly higher than strain artifacts. Only KT-to-TA region in part shows local deformations in agreement with tape adhering direction whereas, superficial skin, the rest of KT-to-TA and TA regions show deformations (up to 51.5% length change) in other directions. Non-targeted tissues also show sizable heterogeneous deformations, but in smaller amplitudes. Inter-subject variability is notable.Magnetic resonance imaging analyses allow for a detailed assessment of local tissue deformation occurring acutely after KT application. The findings confirm our hypotheses and characterize how KT affects the underlying tissues, both immediately targeted and distant. This allows revealing mechanisms that can affect clinical outcomes of KT objectively.

Can the kinesio taping change the pelvic tilt angle in healthy young women?

Introduction: The pelvis is a key structure for the alignment of the body and its misalignment can cause pain. Weakness of the gluteusmaximus (GM) muscle can increase the pelvic tilt angle (PTA). Kinesio Taping (KT) is a technique used to stimulate muscular action,by applying a bandage over the muscle with a longitudinal tension of 25% to 35%. Objectives: To assess the immediate effects ofthe KT stimulating technique over the GM on the PTA of healthy women and verify if the 60% tension would lead to better results.Methods: Twenty-six healthy women, with a mean age of 23.3±2.8 years, had their PTA bilaterally assessed by means of computerizedphotogrammetry before and immediately after received KT application with 30 and 60% tensions. Repeated measure ANOVA (2x2) wasused to assess the main and interaction effects between the applied tensions and time. The standard error of the measurement (SEM)was also calculated to evaluate the clinical impact of the techniques. Results: The analysis revealed that both KT tensions reduced thePTA. Although no significant differences were observed between the two employed tensions, the clinical effects were higher for the60% tension. Conclusion: Both applied KT tensions reduced the PTA in the standing position of healthy young women, but the tensionof 60% led to more clinically significant results.

Acute effect of kinesiotape muscle technique on hamstring flexibility and pain during stretching

Purpose: Static stretching exercises were generally used to improve hamstring flexibility. However it is known that stretching exercises generally create pain that makes stretching uncomfortable. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of kinesiotaping on hamstring muscle flexibility and pain during stretching. Methods: Fifteen voluntary participants (age=23.53±1.55 years) who have bilateral hamst ring tightness were included in the study. Each subject’s lower extremities were randomized with random number generator software and one included in the study group, the other included in control the group. Kinesiotape® was applied to the study group with muscle te chnique. After kinesiotape application to the study group, both groups did five repetitions of hamstring stretching exercises. Before and after intervention hamstring tightness and pain during hamstring stretching exercise were evaluated. Results: Analysis of the pre and post intervention assessments showed a significant impro vement in the study group in active knee extension test and pain during hamstring stretc hing exercise (p .01). Discussion: Application of kinesiotape® muscle technique both increases muscle flexibility and decreases pain during stretching in acute condition. It could be used in subjects with hamstring tightness by physiotherapists to gain immediate effect.

Кинезиотейпирование: основные правила работы с аппликациями

Кинезиотейпирование: основные правила работы с аппликациями

Effects of Ankle Kinesio Taping on Postural Control in Stroke Patients

To investigate the effects of kinesio taping on postural control in stroke patients. Forty stroke patients aged 30 to 60 years were randomly divided into an experimental and a control group. In the experimental group, kinesio tape (KT) was applied directly on the skin over the affected ankle in the direction of dorsiflexion and eversion to correct the equinovarus deformity. The tape was kept on the ankle for 1 day. The results were measured with the forward reach test, lateral reach test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and timed up and go test. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and velocity were also measured while the patients stood on a force plate. All variables were measured on the first day immediately after taping and 24 hours later in the KT group, and on the first day and also 24 hours later in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference in BBS between the first day and 24 hours later in the KT group (P = .01). The forward reach test and mediolateral displacement of the COP differed significantly after taping in the experimental group compared to the control group (P = .04). Immediately after taping, BBS improved significantly in the KT group (P = .02). The application of KT improved forward reach test results and displacement of the COP in stroke patients.

COMPARISON OF THREE KINESIO TECHNIQUE APPLICATION ON JUMPING IN COLLEGIATE FEMALE ATHLETES

Background:&nbsp;Kinesio Tape (KT) is a somewhat new type of taping technique gaining popularity as both treatment and performance enhancement tool. Considering the fact that KT can improve muscle performance, however, limited research has been done on the different technique of strips application of KT on functional performance. Therefore purpose of this study is to compare Comparison of three kinesio technique application on jumping in collegiate female athletes.Methods:&nbsp;45 healthy collegiate female athletes were recruited based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The subjects were randomly divided into three equal groups (group I, n=15, Group II, n=15 &amp; group III, n=15). Group I received Y application of kinesio taping, Group II received I application of kinesio taping while, Group III underwent combined Y &amp; I application of kinesio tape on triceps surae. Pre and post measurement of vertical jump (in terms of power average, power peak) and horizontal distance were documented.Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the difference power average, difference power peak and difference horizontal jump in group I, II and III (p&lt;0.001). Within group comparison also revealed statistically significant differences in power average, power peak and horizontal jump in all the three groups (p&lt;0.001).Conclusion:&nbsp;Combined technique (Y and I) application of kinesio was more effective in improving vertical jump (power average, power peak) and horizontal jump as compared to Y and I application alone.

Acute Effect of Kinesiotape Muscle Technique on Hamstring Flexibility and Pain During Stretching

Purpose: Static stretching exercises were generally used to improve hamstring flexibility. However it is known that stretching exercises generally create pain that makes stretching uncomfortable. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of kinesiotaping on hamstring muscle flexibility and pain during stretching. Methods: Fifteen voluntary participants (age=23.53±1.55 years) who have bilateral hamst ring tightness were included in the study. Each subject’s lower extremities were randomized with random number generator software and one included in the study group, the other included in control the group. Kinesiotape® was applied to the study group with muscle te chnique. After kinesiotape application to the study group, both groups did five repetitions of hamstring stretching exercises. Before and after intervention hamstring tightness and pain during hamstring stretching exercise were evaluated. Results: Analysis of the pre and post intervention assessments showed a significant impro vement in the study group in active knee extension test and pain during hamstring stretc hing exercise (p .01). Discussion: Application of kinesiotape® muscle technique both increases muscle flexibility and decreases pain during stretching in acute condition. It could be used in subjects with hamstring tightness by physiotherapists to gain immediate effect.

Effect of short-term application of kinesio tape on the flexion-relaxation phenomenon, trunk postural control and trunk repositioning in healthy females

This study was designed to investigate the potential effects of kinesio tape on the flexion-relaxation phenomenon, trunk postural control and trunk position sense when applied for a short period (30 min) to the low back of healthy female participants. Twenty-four participants were assigned to one of two groups: kinesio tape applied in either the recommended stretched or non-stretched (control) manner over the low back. Tests were performed at three time points (pre-tape, with tape, post-tape) to assess low-back muscle flexion-relaxation, position sense during active trunk repositioning and trunk postural control during seated balance. Results demonstrated that wearing kinesio tape did not affect the angle at which the erector spinae muscles became silent during trunk flexion (flexion-relaxation). Trunk repositioning error increased when wearing kinesio tape in both the stretched and non-stretched manner, and this increased error persisted after the tape was removed. Seated balance control improved when wearing kinesio tape in both the stretched and non-stretched manner, and these improvements persisted after the tape was removed. In conclusion, these findings do not support the general suggestions that short-term use of kinesio tape on the low-back region alter low-back muscle activation and enhance tasks related to proprioception, at least under these taping conditions in a group of healthy females.

Does correcting position and increasing sensorial input of the foot and ankle with Kinesio Taping improve balance in stroke patients?

We thought that the application of Kinesio Tape (KT) on the foot and ankle in stroke patients may improve the quality of somatosensory information and may activate ankle muscles which have an important role in postural control and that ultimately balance could be improved in stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of KT on balance in stroke patients. Nineteen stroke patients and 16 healthy controls were included in the study. The study group was evaluated with and without KT. Balance of the all subjects was evaluated Sensory Organization Tests (SOT) by using the Computerized Dynamic Posturography. Equilibrium, Strategy Analysis and Composite Equilibrium Scores were investigated in SOT. Statistically significant differences were observed in all of the SOT parameters between stroke patients and healthy controls (p < 0.05). When the results with and without KT application were compared, the Equilibrium Scores in the conditions 3,4, 6, Strategy Analysis Score in the conditions 2, 4, 6 and the Composite Equilibrium Score of the SOT were found to be improved in stroke patents (p < 0.05). The results obtained from KT application are promising in improving balance in stroke patients.

Kinesio Tape and Shoulder-Joint Position Sense

Joint position sense (JPS) is a key neuromuscular factor for developing and maintaining control of muscles around a joint. It is important when performing specialized tasks, especially at the shoulder. No researchers have studied how Kinesio Tape (KT) application affects JPS. To investigate the effects of KT application and no tape on shoulder JPS at increasing shoulder elevations in athletes. Cross-sectional study. University laboratory. A total of 27 healthy athletes who did not participate in overhead sports (age = 20.44 ± 1.05 years, height = 175.02 ± 11.67 cm, mass = 70.74 ± 9.65 kg) with no previous pathologic shoulder conditions volunteered for the study. All participants were from 1 university. Shoulder JPS was assessed at increasing elevations with and without KT application. Participants attempted to actively replicate 3 target positions with and without the KT and without visual guidance. We examined absolute and variable repositioning errors at increasing shoulder-elevation levels with and without KT application. Data revealed an interaction between tape and position for absolute error (F2,52 = 4.07, P = .02); simple effects revealed an increase in error, with KT demonstrating a 2.65° increase in error at 90° of elevation compared with no tape (t26 = 2.65, P = .01). The effect size was medium (ω(2) = .135). Variable error showed no interaction of tape and position (F2,52 = .709, P = .50). Further analysis of simple effects was not needed. However, we still calculated the effect size and observed small effect sizes for tape (ω(2) = .002), position (ω(2) = .072), and tape by position (ω(2) = .027). At 90° of elevation, shoulder JPS was impaired by the application of KT.