Kinesio Taping Technique Research Articles

Which kinesiotaping technique is effective? Comparision of two different techniques in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Background & Objective: Although different kinesiotaping (KT) techniques can be applied in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), to our knowledge, there is no study in the literature showing the superiority of these techniques over each other. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of KT techniques applied to the dorsal surface and palmar surface of the forearm in patients with CTS. Methods: Forty six patients (70 wrists) diagnosed with CTS were randomized into 3 groups. Fabricated night splint was applied to the first group, KT was applied to the palmar surface of the wrist to the second group, and KT was applied to the dorsal surface of the wrist to the third group. Clinical, electrophysiological and ultrasonographic evaluations before treatment and at the end of 3-week treatment were compared. Results: In the comparison pre- and post-treatment, the changes in pain evaluated with Visual Analog Scale, and median motor nerve distal latency were significant in all groups, the change in median nerve sensory conduction velocity was significant in Groups 1 and 2, the change in median motor nerve conduction velocity was significant in only Group 2, the change in The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ)-Symptom Severity Status was significant in Group 1 and Group 3, the change in BCTQ-Functional Severity Scale and median nerve cross-sectional area was significant in only group 1. When the changes in treatment between the groups were compared, no statistically significant difference was found in any of the parameters. Conclusion: While splinting and different KT methods provided various benefits in CTS patients, they were not statistically superior to each other.

Effects of kinesio taping combined with upper extremity function training home program on upper limb function and self-efficacy in stroke patients: An experimental study.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of kinesio taping and an upper extremity function home program on the upper extremity function and self-efficacy of stroke patients, and to present therapeutic evidence for home program intervention to improve upper extremity function. First, 53 stroke patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: 26 experimental subjects and 27 controls. The experimental group performed kinesio taping on the dorsal part of the hand along with upper extremity functional training home program and the control group performed only upper extremity functional training home program. The intervention was conducted for a total of 30 sessions over 6 weeks. To evaluate changes in upper extremity function, wrist extensor muscle activation via the Surface Electromyography, the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory-9 (CAHAI-9), and the motor activity log (including amount of use and quality of movement) were evaluated. In addition, the Self-Efficacy Scale (SES) was evaluated to examine the change in the self- efficacy of the study subjects. The experimental group participating in the kinesio taping and upper limb function home program showed a statistically significant improvement (P < .01) before and after the intervention in the Surface Electrography the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory-9 evaluation item in the upper limb function change. The SES evaluation, a self-esteem evaluation, also showed a statistically significant improvement (P < .01) before and after the intervention. Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory-9, motor activity log (quality of movement), and SES evaluation showed statistically significant differences (P < .05) between the experimental and control groups. It was confirmed that the upper extremity function training home program performed in parallel with the kinesio taping technique had a positive effect on the recovery of upper extremity function and self-esteem in stroke patients. The kinesio taping technique provides stability to the wrist while performing a home program that patients can perform on their own at home and appears to improve upper extremity function more effectively than when performing the upper extremity function home program alone.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of 2 Different Kinesio Taping Techniques Added to Exercises in the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Trial, Double-Blind, Parallel Groups

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of I-tape and button hole kinesio taping (KT) techniques added to exercises in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). DesignProspective randomized controlled blinded study. SettingPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic. ParticipantsA total of 108 patients (165 wrists) diagnosed with CTS (N=108). InterventionsButton hole technique (BG), I-band technique (IG), and exercises (EG). Main Outcome MeasuresVisual analog scale (VAS), Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4), Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire, and Jamar dynamometer were used. Median sensory nerve action potential (SNAP), compound muscle action potential (CMAP), median distal sensory latency (DSL), median distal motor latency (DML), sensory conduction velocity, and motor conduction velocity were recorded. Measurements were made at baseline, week 3, and week 12. ResultsThirty-six patients were in each group. Significant statistical improvements in VAS and DN4 scores were found in the BG and IG compared with EG (P<.05). Statistically significant improvements in hand grip strength were observed in the IG compared with the EG (P<.05). Significant improvements in DML levels and motor conduction velocity were observed in the BG and IG compared with the EG (P<.05). A significant increase in sensory conduction velocity was detected in the BG compared with the other groups (P<.05). ConclusionsBoth KT techniques are effective in terms of pain, functionality, symptom severity, grip strength, and electrophysiologically. The button hole technique was more effective in DSL, sensory conduction velocity, CMAP amplitude, and SNAP.

Effects of Different Taping Techniques in Individuals with Myofascial Pain Syndrome with a Trigger Point in the Trapezius Muscle: A Sham-controlled Randomized Study.

This study aimed to compare the effects of three different kinesio taping (KT) techniques in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) who have a trigger point in the trapezius muscle. The individuals included in our study were randomly divided into four groups: Group 1: Functional correlation technique, group 2: Fascia correlation technique, group 3: Star taping technique (STT), and group 4: Sham group. The visual analog scale was used to assess pain, cervical joint range of motion (ROM) with a universal goniometer, grip strength with a hand dynamometer, number of active trigger points by palpation, pressure-pain threshold with an algometer, quality of life with the Nottingham Health Profile and functional level with the Neck Disability index were evaluated before and after treatment. There was no difference between the groups in terms of demographic data and pre-treatment outcome measures (p>0.05). There was a significant difference in the pain score between the groups after treatment (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in the cervical flexion ROM of all groups after treatment (p<0.05). In pairwise comparisons, these differences were found due to group 3 (p<0.05). The three KT techniques are effective in reducing pain, increasing ROM, reducing the number of active trigger points, and increasing grip strength. Among these techniques, STT was found to be more effective in reducing pain and increasing cervical flexion ROM. KT is a method that can be used in the clinic for patients with MPS.

Acute and prolonged hip kinematic changes after three different Kinesio Taping® interventions: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract Study aim: This study aimed to compare the acute and prolonged effects of three different Kinesio Taping (KT) techniques (underactive/overactive muscle correction [UMC]/[OMC] and functional correction [FC]) on hip ROM in the sagittal plane and compare them to those of the placebo Kinesio Taping (PKT) application. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 56 young healthy participants of both genders who were randomly divided into four equal groups. Measurements were performed using Kinovea software for video analysis during the performance of an active straight leg raise and the modified Thomas test at three timepoints: before the intervention and 60 min and 48 h after the intervention. Results: Mixed-model ANOVA revealed a statistically significant interaction between group and timepoint (F = 6.210; p &lt; 0.001; ηp 2 = 0.285 for ipsilateral hip extension ROM; F = 2.064; p = 0.036; ηp 2 = 0.117 for contralateral hip flexion ROM). The results revealed acute and prolonged ROM changes after the application of three different KT techniques compared to those after the control procedure, but these changes were not significant. Conclusions: These findings support the use of KT as a modality for enhancing ROM. In muscle techniques, the factor of the anchor placement direction, with the same percentage of Kinesio tape tension, generates different effects. These effects were greater after 48 h than immediately after application. In changing the segmental posture or joint alignment, FC proved to be more intense than the KT muscle techniques, with an immediate effect that persisted even after two days.

Effects of facilitatory and inhibitory Kinesio taping on lateral gastrocnemius muscle activity, motor neuron excitability, and countermovement jump height in university athletes from multiple sports: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the temporal effects of two Kinesio Taping (KT) techniques on lateral gastrocnemius muscle activity, motor neuron excitability, and countermovement jump height in university athletes from hockey, football, basketball, and volleyball. Additionally, it investigates whether the athletes' playing positions—either attacker or defender—influence these outcomes following the KT application. MethodsForty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group A (n = 16), Group B (n = 16), and Group C (n = 16). All groups were further subdivided into attackers and defenders. Adhesive Kinesio tape was applied to the lateral gastrocnemius using the Y-shaped technique for three days. Facilitatory KT was applied from the origin to the insertion of the lateral gastrocnemius, while inhibitory KT was applied from the insertion to the origin. Motor neuron excitability, electromyographic activity, and countermovement jump height were tested at baseline, as well as after KT application, to evaluate if the dependent variables had changed. One-way ANOVA was used for baseline comparison, and mixed ANOVA was applied to assess post-interventional effects on the outcome measures. ResultsSignificant group effects for lateral gastrocnemius activation were found, measured using percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (% MVIC) average root mean square (RMS). In motor neuron excitability, maximal M-wave (Mmax) was significantly improved in group comparison. Further, there was also a significant increase in countermovement jump height. There was no significant difference in outcome measures based on playing position (attacker and defender). ConclusionBoth KT techniques effectively influenced the lateral gastrocnemius muscle's activity, motor neuron excitability, and jump height when compared with the control group. Additionally, there is no effect of playing position, specifically attacker or defender, on the examined variables following KT application.

The Effect of Kinesio Taping Combined with Virtual-Reality-Based Upper Extremity Training on Upper Extremity Function and Self-Esteem in Stroke Patients

(1) Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of virtual-reality-based hand motion training (VRT) in parallel with the Kinesio Taping (KT) technique on upper extremity function in stroke patients and to present a more effective therapeutic basis for virtual reality training intervention. (2) Methods: First, 43 stroke patients were randomly assigned to two groups: 21 experimental subjects and 22 controls. The experimental group performed Kinesio Taping (KT) on the dorsal part of the hand along with virtual-reality-based hand motion training, and the control group performed only virtual-reality-based hand motion training. The intervention was conducted for a total of 30 sessions over 6 weeks. To evaluate changes in upper extremity function, the Fugl–Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), and the Motor Activity Log (MAL) (including amount of use (AOU) and quality of movement (QOM)) were evaluated. In addition, the Self-Efficacy Scale (SEF) was evaluated to examine the change in the self-esteem of the study subjects. (3) Results: The experimental group who participated in the virtual reality training in parallel with the KT technique showed statistically significant improvement (** p &lt; 0.01) in the FMA-UE, WMFT, and MAL evaluations that investigate changes in upper extremity function. SEF evaluation also showed a statistically significant improvement (** p &lt; 0.01). A statistically significant difference between the two groups was observed in the evaluation of FMA-UE, WMFT, MAL-QOM, and SEF († p &lt; 0.05), showing that that combined intervention was more effective at improving upper extremity function than the existing VRT intervention. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the MAL-AOU item, which is an evaluation of upper extremity function (p &gt; 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the amount of change in upper limb function (†† p &lt; 0.01). (4) Conclusions: It was confirmed that virtual-reality-based hand motion training performed in parallel with the KT technique had a positive effect on the recovery of upper extremity function of stroke patients. The fact that the KT technique provided stability to the wrist by assisting the wrist extensor muscles appears to have improved the upper extremity function more effectively than VRT alone.

Comparison of 4 weeks of cupping and Kinesio-taping on clinical and ultrasound outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy

ObjectiveTo explore effect of cupping and Kinesio-taping techniques on clinical and ultrasound outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) during pregnancy. MethodsThirty pregnant women suffering from CTS were randomly assigned into Kinesio-taping (n = 15) and cupping (n = 15) groups. In Kinesio-taping group, individuals underwent Kinesio-taping for three days, one day with no treatment, and three days with Kinesio-taping, continuing this procedure for four weeks. In cupping group, cupping was moved for 5 min with pressure of 50 mm-Hg on the carpal tunnel area. This procedure continued longitudinally in forearm area for 2 min. The therapeutic intervention of cupping group continued with eight sessions, two days a week for 4 weeks. Ultrasound outcomes including median nerve cross-sectional area through ultrasonography, and clinical outcomes including pain through visual analog scale and severity of symptoms and functional status through Boston questionnaire were measured in both groups before and after therapeutic program. ResultsIn both groups, a significant reduction was observed in all variables after treatment compared to pre-treatment (P < 0.001). In inter-group comparison, a significant improvement was found in outcomes of Boston questionnaire and ultrasound results about median nerve cross-sectional area at pisiform and hook of hamate in cupping group compared to Kinesio-taping at end of four weeks (P < 0.001). ConclusionBoth cupping and Kinesio-taping improved clinical and ultrasound outcomes of CTS. However, efficacy of cupping compared to Kinesio-taping was better in improvement of median nerve cross-sectional area at hamate hook and pisiform levels, symptoms severity scale, and functional status scale, which makes the results clinically more applicable.

Comparison of Two Thoracic Kinesio-Taping Techniques on Pulmonary Function, Oxygen Saturation, and Exercise Capacity in COPD Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Context: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), though a disease of the lung, the extrapulmonary manifestations contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. Aim: This study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of two different thoracic kinesio taping techniques on pulmonary function, oxygen saturation, and exercise capacity in patients with COPD. Settings and Design: A randomized clinical trial was conducted across tertiary health-care hospitals in Belagavi, Karnataka. Subjects and Methods: A total of 42 participants aged 30–65 years (51.58 ± 10.21 years) participated in the study. All participants underwent baseline evaluations for pulmonary function, oxygen saturation, and exercise capacity, following which they were randomly allocated to one of the two intervention groups. Both groups, Group A (diaphragmatic taping) and Group B (intercostal muscle taping), were given intervention for 15 days, with the applied tape changed on every 3rd day. Postintervention evaluation was performed on the 15th day. Statistical Analysis: Mann–Whitney test was used for between-group comparison, and the Wilcoxon test was used for within-group comparison. Results: A significant improvement was noted in all parameters in Group A except forced expiratory volume in 6 s (FEV6) (P = 0.47) and FEV1/FEV6 (P = 0.301) ratio when compared with preintervention values. In Group B, all the parameters showed a significant improvement compared to preintervention values. The between-group comparison showed that only FEV1/FEV6 (P = 0.018) ratio showed a significant improvement. Conclusion: There is no significant difference between diaphragmatic taping and intercostal muscle taping technique. It was noted that both the techniques were equally effective in improving pulmonary function, oxygen saturation, and exercise capacity in COPD patients. Hence, thoracic kinesio taping, in addition to conventional physiotherapy treatment, can help in achieving better patient outcomes.

Kinesiotaping in cerebral palsy rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy is a disease caused by a perinatal lesion of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by a violation of static and dynamic functions. The combination of speech, motor, and mental disorders indicate the need for a comprehensive approach to disease treatment. Numerous studies have been devoted to functional disorder restoration and orthopedic correction in children with cerebral palsy. Among the publications devoted to the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy, there are no works with the leading role of kinesiotaping. This work is related to the need to revise the method application in cerebral palsy, considering the laws of regulatory activity of the CNS and the pathological disease physiology.&#x0D; AIM: This study aimed to demonstrate a highly effective approach to kinesiotaping application from the physiology point of view and the laws of pathological regulatory dependence of the CNS in cerebral palsy.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have observed 157 patients diagnosed with: Spastic diplegia (Little's disease), double hemiplegia, hemiparetic form of cerebral palsy, hyperkinetic form of cerebral palsy; atonic-astatic form of cerebral palsy (classification according to K.A. Semenova)". We used a clinical neurological and orthopedic examination with an assessment of motor development according to the scale of ontogenetic development, standard scales and tests for assessing the state of the muscles. Taping courses were conducted as a rehabilitation method.&#x0D; RESULTS: The study results revealed numerous improvements in the clinical picture of cerebral palsy in completely different disease forms and the pathology severity. Some regularities of the method application have been developed and formulated at the Department of Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, and Physical Culture of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (Moscow) since 2011 and its effectiveness has been confirmed by interested specialists in improving the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for cerebral palsy.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The kinesiotaping technique has a pronounced effect on many acts of physiological activity that are not related to the motor activity of the CNS. The taping method results have a long-lasting effect, fixed by changes in the work of the CNS over a subsequent long period (at least 36 months). From our point of view, teaching kinesiotaping to parents of children with cerebral palsy ensures the continuity of the rehabilitation treatment process, as well as the possibility of long-term dynamic monitoring of patients to assess the effectiveness of the method.

Comparison of Kinesiotaping and Rigid Taping on Trapezitis Induced due to Rounded Shoulder Posture in Desk Job Workers

Background and purpose: Kinesio-taping and Rigid taping technique both have been showed improvement in trapezitis induced due to rounded shoulder posture. The objective of the study was to find out the comparative effectiveness of kinesio-taping and rigid taping in trapezitis induced due to rounded shoulder posture in desk job workers. Method: This study was an Experimental study design. The samples were selected on the basis of Convenient sampling with random allocation of samples. 50 subjects were selected, in the age ranging from 20-50 years were assigned into two groups; Group A kinesio taping technique (25 subjects) and Group B rigid taping technique (25 subjects) for 2 weeks with 3 days per week, Pain was measured using Numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) and neck disability was assessed using Neck disability index (NDI). Both scales were taken pre intervention and post intervention at the end of two week. Results: Result of the present study demonstrated that both the interventions in group-A and group-B were found to be individually effective in treating subjects having Trapezitis induced due to rounded shoulder posture in reducing pain and disability. Conclusion: The present study concludes that both the interventions of Kinesio taping and rigid taping was individually effective in trapezitis induce due to rounded shoulder posture in desk job workers. It is also concluded that both the intervention techniques effective in decreasing the pain and disability. however, while compared the post test outcomes in between the groups, there was no much difference in reduction of pain and disability of the subjects. Implication: kinesio taping and rigid taping is effective in improving pain, disability in trapezitis induced due to rounded shoulder posture. Keywords: kinesio taping, rigid taping, neck disability index, numerical pain rating scale.

Comprehensive rehabilitation for injuries to the medial collateral ligament of the knee in skiers and snowkiters

BACKGROUND: The main function of the medial collateral ligament is static stabilization when the tibia is deviated outward. Medial collateral ligament damage may result from the application of a sharp force to the tibia and knee joint in a valgus position, often leading to knee instability, recurrent synovitis and posttraumatic osteoarthritis. This often results in the development of functional disorders that sharply limit the motor abilities of patients, thereby affecting the performance (support ability) of the injured limb.&#x0D; AIM: The study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of the efficiency of various current rehabilitation techniques providing a more patient-oriented approach in the conservative treatment of various degrees of medial collateral ligament injuries based on the assessment of the capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging in 38 patients.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients (27 men and 11 women, 71.05% and 28.95%, respectively) with partial medial collateral ligament injuries were followed up. The mean age was 28.5 years (1938 years). All subjects were involved in skiing and snowkiting in the alpine skiing discipline. The diagnosis was made based on clinical examination, patients complaints, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee joint. The examination was performed on a Vestra-2 magnetic resonance tomograph with a superconducting magnet and a magnetic field induction of 0.5 Tesla. Optimal for knee joint examination was a quadrature Surf-76 receiving and transmitting coil, which allowed the selection of a small field of view without artifacts or spatial distortion and increased the signal/noise ratio. The knee joints were examined twice: on the day of admission (maximum 1.5 days after injury) and at the end of the week 6 of conservative treatment.&#x0D; RESULTS: Using the rehabilitation treatment program proposed by the authors in patients with medial collateral ligament injuries, a decrease in the severity of clinical symptoms and an improvement of functional characteristics were observed. Inclusion of the kinesiotaping technique led to a reduction of the treatment recovery period.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Current noninvasive diagnostic techniques (in particular, MRI) for bone tissues, articular cartilages, and periarticular soft tissues allow to determine the degree of damage to anatomical structures, choose the optimal conservative treatment method , and set the duration and extent of artificial immobilization and the terms of the onset of rehabilitation procedures for patients with partial injuries of the medial collateral ligaments. The results of the proposed rehabilitation treatment program for injuries of the medial knee ligament include a reduction of pain, synovitis and limping, and an improvement of muscle strength and elasticity and knee stability.

Comparison of Effectiveness of Mechanical Hold Versus Kinesio Taping in Managing Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common problem of runners leading to pain and functional limitation in athletes. Patellar taping is increasingly popular method of treatment for PFPS but comparative effectiveness especially McConnell's taping (MT) and Kinesio taping (KT) techniques is unknown. Objective: The intentions of this study were to find and compare effects of McConnell's taping (MT) and Kinesio taping (KT) in management of PFPS. Methods: A quasi experimental study was conducted by recruiting 60 patients of PFPS using convenience sampling technique. Participants were randomly divided into two groups MT and KT group and received patellar taping on daily basis for MT and on alternate days for KT group. Assessment was done using numeric rating pains scale and range of motion before treatment, immediately after 1st session, after 1 week and after 2 weeks of rehabilitation. After 2 weeks data was entered on SPSS v.21 and Analysis was done. Results: Mean Age in Kinesio taping (KT) was 28.40±4.74 and in McConnell's taping (MT)group was 28.17.70± 4.684. Within the group analysis showed that both techniques were effective in reducing pain intensity, improving range of motion and improving anterior knee pain scale scores (p-value &lt; 0.05). However, independent sample t-test analysis determined that there was not any particular difference between the results of both aping techniques and p-value &gt; 0.05 that proves our null that there is no difference between the effects of KT and MT in treating PFPS. Conclusion: KT and MT both are equally effective techniques for management of PFPS and important in decreasing pain and disability. However further studies are required with control groups to measure additional effects of exercise therapy.

Comparison of Effectiveness of Mechanical Hold Versus Kinesio Taping in Managing Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common problem of runners leading to pain and functional limitation in athletes. Patellar taping is increasingly popular method of treatment for PFPS but comparative effectiveness especially McConnell's taping (MT) and Kinesio taping (KT) techniques is unknown. Objective: The intentions of this study were to find and compare effects of McConnell's taping (MT) and Kinesio taping (KT) in management of PFPS. Methods: A quasi experimental study was conducted by recruiting 60 patients of PFPS using convenience sampling technique. Participants were randomly divided into two groups MT and KT group and received patellar taping on daily basis for MT and on alternate days for KT group. Assessment was done using numeric rating pains scale and range of motion before treatment, immediately after 1st session, after 1 week and after 2 weeks of rehabilitation. After 2 weeks data was entered on SPSS v.21 and Analysis was done. Results: Mean Age in Kinesio taping (KT) was 28.40±4.74 and in McConnell's taping (MT)group was 28.17.70± 4.684. Within the group analysis showed that both techniques were effective in reducing pain intensity, improving range of motion and improving anterior knee pain scale scores (p-value &lt; 0.05). However, independent sample t-test analysis determined that there was not any particular difference between the results of both aping techniques and p-value &gt; 0.05 that proves our null that there is no difference between the effects of KT and MT in treating PFPS. Conclusion: KT and MT both are equally effective techniques for management of PFPS and important in decreasing pain and disability. However further studies are required with control groups to measure additional effects of exercise therapy.

Comparison of Kinesio Taping and Nerve Flossing Technique on Balance, Gait and Ankle Flexibility in Diabetic Neuropathy

Introduction: Diabetic Neuropathy (DN) is the most frequent neuropathy in developed countries, with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms. Kinesiology Tape (KT) is a thin, stretchy, elastic cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive almost identical to human skin in both thickness and elasticity. Nerve Flossing Technique (NFT) is an alternation of combined movements of atleast two joints. Aim: To assess and compare the effects of KT and NFT on diabetic neuropathy patients’ balance, gait and ankle flexibility. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted in Outpatient Department of Physiotherapy at SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India, from March 2021 to May 2021. Total 20 diabetic neuropathy patients were conveniently included from the hospital environment and were divided into two treatment groups. Group A (KT) included 10 patients, kinesio taping along with conventional physiotherapy and group B (NFT) included 10 patients, nerve flossing technique along with conventional physiotherapy. In both the groups, treatment was provided for three days a week for two weeks to improve their balance, gait and ankle flexibility. Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) scores were utilised to assess balance and gait, and a universal goniometer was used to assess ankle Range Of Motion (ROM). Data was analysed by using Independent and Paired t-test. Results: The mean age in group A was 55.3±5.056 years and in group B was 55±4.714 years and there was no significant difference (t=0.137, p-value=0.892). There was a significant difference in POMA score in both the groups (t=-5.344, p-value&lt;0.001) after two weeks of treatment. Ankle joint ROM was improved in group B than group A. Conclusion: The study concludes that KT improves balance and gait more than NFT, whereas NFT improves ankle range of motion more than KT in diabetic neuropathic patients.

Comparison between the Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and Stretching Exercise in Contemporary Dancers with Chronic Shin Splints

The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of kinesio taping and stretching exercises in contemporary dancers with chronic shin splints. In the present study, purposively review the published evidence regarding risk factor associated with chronic shin splints in contemporary dancers, assess the effectiveness of kinesio taping, and stretching exercises, of the 45 citations identified, we emphasised results of the nine reports that compare the effect of kinesio taping method to prevent shin splints, twenty-three reports on the effect of shin splints in contemporary dancers, seventeen reports the effect of stretching exercises in shin splints, and two reports the effect of both kinesis taping and stretching exercises on contemporary dancers with repetitive stress and overused activities. The result of the kinesio taping and stretching exercises programs in contemporary dancers with chronic shin splints have undergone assessment of controlled trials. There is no strong support for any of these interventions, and each of four control trials is limited methodologically. The most encouraging evidence for effective prevention of chronic shin splints involves the use of stretching exercise programs. However, serious flaws in study design and implementation constraints the work in this field thus far.&#x0D; Keywords: Kinesio taping technique, Stretching exercise program, Chronic Shin Splints, Contemporary dancers.

Kinesio taping – a healing and supportive method in various fields of medicine, dentistry, sport and physiotherapy

Kinesio taping (KT) is a method of elastic taping, created in the 1970s by a Japanese chiropractor, Dr. Kenzo Kase. The aim of this study was to present KT techniques and its application in various fields of medicine, sports and rehabilitation. The publications used in this paper were sourced from the PubMed and the Google Scholar databases. The keywords used to search databases included KT, Kinesio taping, medicine, dentistry and sport. Based on this study, it can be concluded that KT is the most recommendable method. Its use is being increasingly popular in many fields of medicine. It can be considered as an alternative for painkillers, especially in patients for whom the use of painkillers is not advisable or ineffective due to their condition. KT is well tolerated by patients and saves time; therefore, its use should be taken into account in various medical environments. In order to use this method, one should complete specialized courses, which, on the one hand, provide theoretical basis for its use, and on the other hand, teach how to choose original tapes in a practical way, as well as apply appropriate techniques in order to observe and compare the effects of one’s work – therapy and treatment.

Efficacy of Kinesio taping on Mutational Falsetto: A Double Blind, Randomized, Sham-controlled Trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the efficacy of Kinesio taping on male patients with mutational falsetto undergoing voice therapy. DesignDouble blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. ParticipantsInterviews were conducted with thirty seven mutational falsetto patients. Included 32 participants were randomized and divided into two groups. Two were dropped out due to irregular attendance, 30 participants were included in final analysis. InterventionsThe study group was treated with voice therapy and applications of three different therapeutic Kinesio taping techniques with seven Kinesio tapes four times over two weeks, and the control group was treated with voice therapy, and applied to sham Kinesio taping. Outcome measuresThe values of fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, noise-harmonic ratio, maximum phonation time, Voice Handicap Index-10 scores, and Grade–Roughness–Breathiness–Asthenia–Strain Scale scores were recorded at the baseline and after the two weeks. ResultsThere were significant differences between the study group and the control group with respect to the values of fundamental frequency (P = 0.011), jitter (P = 0.041), shimmer (P = 0.036), noise-harmonic ratio (P = 0.003), maximum phonation time (P ≤ 0.001), Voice Handicap Index-10 scores (P = 0.036), and Grade–Roughness–Breathiness–Asthenia–Strain Scale scores (P = 0.007; P ≤ 0.021; P = 0.022; P = 0.002; P = 0.021, respectively) at the end of the study. ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that Kinesio taping with voice therapy is an efficient and effective technique for treating mutational falsetto patients.

Assessment of Kinesio Taping Versus Phonophoresis for the Treatment of Painful Hallux Valgus: A Pilot Study

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) is a deformity that affects the quality of life and function in a negative manner causing disturbed balance and walking and even alters the foot kinematics. Conservative treatments are the choice for mild to moderate HV, but the question about the best method has not been responded yet. In the current study, it is aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of kinesiotaping (KT) versus phonophoresis (PH) for the treatment of painful HV. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial has been conducted on a total number of 37 toes (37 toes of a total number of 24 patients) randomly divided into two subgroups of either KT or PH with 1% hydrocortisone among which the total numbers of 31 toes from 20 patients fulfilled the study protocol. The variables including pain (using VAS score), function (using Manchester-Oxford Foot questionnaire)(MOXFD), hallux valgus angle (HVA), and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were assessed and compared between two groups before and after two months following the interventions. Results: The pain score decreased significantly within the time in both groups (P-value&lt;0.001), while the comparison of KT with PH revealed insignificant difference (P-value=0.08). MOXFD assessments showed significantly improved status within two months for both interventions (P-value&lt;0.001) with no remarkable difference between the groups (P-value=0.55). The IMA and HVA altered following both of the techniques. KT was superior to PH for the correction of HVA, but not for IMA (P-value&gt;0.05). Conclusion: We found both of the KT and PH techniques could successfully rehabilitate the patients’ pain and improve function, however the KT was slightly better than PH due to HVA reduction. [GMJ.2021;10:e1888]

Assessment of Kinesio Taping Versus Phonophoresis for the Treatment of Painful Hallux Valgus: A Pilot Study

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) is a deformity that affects the quality of life and function in a negative manner causing disturbed balance and walking and even alters the foot kinematics. Conservative treatments are the choice for mild to moderate HV, but the question about the best method has not been responded yet. In the current study, it is aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of kinesiotaping (KT) versus phonophoresis (PH) for the treatment of painful HV. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial has been conducted on a total number of 37 toes (37 toes of a total number of 24 patients) randomly divided into two subgroups of either KT or PH with 1% hydrocortisone among which the total numbers of 31 toes from 20 patients fulfilled the study protocol. The variables including pain (using VAS score), function (using Manchester-Oxford Foot questionnaire)(MOXFD), hallux valgus angle (HVA), and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were assessed and compared between two groups before and after two months following the interventions. Results: The pain score decreased significantly within the time in both groups (P-value&lt;0.001), while the comparison of KT with PH revealed insignificant difference (P-value=0.08). MOXFD assessments showed significantly improved status within two months for both interventions (P-value&lt;0.001) with no remarkable difference between the groups (P-value=0.55). The IMA and HVA altered following both of the techniques. KT was superior to PH for the correction of HVA, but not for IMA (P-value&gt;0.05). Conclusion: We found both of the KT and PH techniques could successfully rehabilitate the patients’ pain and improve function, however the KT was slightly better than PH due to HVA reduction. [GMJ.2021;10:e1888]