Kinesio Taping Research Articles

Kinesiotaping Is Not Better Than a Placebo: Kinesiotaping for Postural Control in Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Reconstructed Patients-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the immediate and delayed effects of kinesiotape (KT) on postural control and patient-reported outcome measures under challenging conditions in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Thirty-two anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed patients for whom 6months had passed since their operation were randomly assigned to either the KT (n = 16, aged 21.8 [5.5]y) or the placebo KT (n = 16, aged 24.0 [5.1]y) groups. Initially, both groups stood barefoot on a force platform while performing postural tasks in 4 randomized conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, cognitive task, and foam). Before the experiment, patients would bring the 4 conditions, which were written on folded papers, one by one, and in this way, the order of conditions for the examiners was determined. The patients' evaluations were conducted immediately and 48hours after KT application. Postural control measures, with area and displacement of the center of pressure (CoP) in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions, and mean total velocity displacement of CoP (MVELO CoP) served as dependent variables. In addition, the International Knee Documentation Committee score was measured pretreatment and 48hours posttreatment. Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for displacement of COP in medial-lateral direction (P = .002) and MVELO CoP (P = .034). MVELO CoP significantly decreased (mean difference = 0.60, P = .009) immediately after KT application compared with preapplication measures. In the placebo group, a statistically significant decrease in MVELO CoP (mean difference = 0.869, P = .001) was observed at 48hours post-KT compared with preapplication values. International Knee Documentation Committee scores significantly improved at 48hours post-KT application in both groups (P < .05). Though observed at different time points, both KT (immediately after the intervention) and placebo KT (48h after the intervention) were found to improve postural control measures. It appears that the changes in postural control may be more related to proprioceptive enhancement due to KT rather than the specific KT pattern.

Kinesio Taping Increases Peak Torque of Quadriceps Muscle After Arthroscopic Meniscectomy, Double-Blinded RCT.

This study was conducted to release the debate and examine the short-term impact of KT on the quadriceps muscle following arthroscopic surgery for partial meniscectomy. As part of a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 40 people who had an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) were randomly put into two groups, A and B. Group A received Kinesio tape (KT) for the superficial heads of the quadriceps muscle, while group B received placebo KTk. After 10 minutes of KT application, the peak torque of both groups was measured using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Peak torque showed a significant increase in group A in comparison with group B during angular velocity 60◦/Sec. (F (1, 130) = 58.9, p <0.001, ƞ2 =0.31) and during angular velocity 180◦/Sec. (F (1, 38) = 25.0, p <0.001, ƞ2 =0.40). After APM, individuals experienced an immediate and significant improvement in the quadriceps' peak torque following KT application to the Rectus femoris, Vastus medialis, and Vastus lateralis muscles from origin to insertion.

Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PurposeThe objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of kinesiology taping on individuals suffering from breast cancer-related lymphedema. Methods and MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases, spanning from their inception date to December 20, 2023, to identify pertinent studies. Inclusion criteria comprised studies that (1) enrolled participants diagnosed with breast cancer-related lymphedema; (2) implemented kinesiology taping as the intervention; (3) incorporated either complete decongestive therapy, exercise, or sham taping as the control treatment; and (4) included clinical measurements such as the severity of lymphedema, upper limb function assessment, quality of life, and perceived comfort. ResultsInformation was extracted from 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The analyses demonstrated statistically significant improvement, indicating a preference for kinesiology taping in the outcomes of upper limb functional assessment (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [−1.22, −0.55]), quality of life (SMD = 0.50, 95% CI: [0.16, 0.84]), and perceived comfort (SMD = 0.85, 95% CI: [0.34, 1.36]). ConclusionThe findings suggest that kinesiology taping could be considered a viable option for individuals dealing with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Nevertheless, acknowledging certain limitations within this study, further confirmation of its benefits necessitates additional larger-scale and better-designed RCTs.

Efficacy of Preoperative Nursing Education with Kinesio Taping Application on Functional Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

Efficacy of Preoperative Nursing Education with Kinesio Taping Application on Functional Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

The Effects of Kinesiotape on the Thickness of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon in Athletes With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Background and Aims The tendon of the biceps long head is one of the most important causes of shoulder pain and often plays a multifactorial role in subacromial impingement syndrome. The present study aimed to determine the effect of kinesiotape application on the tendon thickness of the biceps long head, pain, and proprioception of shoulder joint in athletes with subacromial impingement syndrome. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 20 male athletes with subacromial impingement syndrome were selected purposefully and conveniently. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 received a real kinesiotape, and group 2 received a sham kinesiotape. Tendon thickness of the biceps long head was measured by MRI, shoulder proprioception was measured by an imaging technique, and the pain was measured by visual analog scale (VAS) immediately and 24 hours after using kinesiotape. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine the normality of the distribution, and repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the mean differences between the two groups. The significance level was set at P&lt;0.05. Results There were no significant differences in the thickness of the biceps tendon between the two groups in the three stages of measurement (P=0.147). There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding the joint position sense at 45 degrees (P&lt;0.001), but there was no significant difference at 90 degrees (P˃0.05). There was a significant difference between the pain scores of the two groups after the kinesiology tape application (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion Kinesiotape can reduce pain and improve the proprioception sense in athletes with subacromial impingement syndrome.

Effect of Kinesio Taping Application on Exercise-induced Muscle Damage: A Mini Review

OBJECTIVES This study was performed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of kinesio taping on exercise-induced muscle damage and provide guidelines for field application.METHODS To review the literature, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library using keywords including “kinesio taping,” “exercise-induced muscle damage,” “eccentric muscle contraction,” “delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).”RESULTS Previous studies have shown that kinesio taping effectively reduces exercise-induced muscle damage (particularly DOMS). The ‘convolutions’ characteristics of kinesio taping are assumed to be the primary contributor to these results. Some mechanical or neurological mechanism may also exert a substantial effect. For field applications, the application period, tension, and type of KT interventions should be considered.CONCLUSIONS Kinesio taping may be a useful tool to promote recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Some aspects of kinesio-taping and its therapeutic mechanisms require further study.

Kinesiology taping improves balance in football players with chronic ankle instability

IntroductionThere appears to be no consensus on the usefulness of kinesiological tape in athletes with chronic ankle instability, therefore the aim of this study was to examine the effects of kinesiological tape on dynamic balance in football players with chronic ankle instability. Design, setting and participantsFootball players who were eligible for this randomized controlled study were randomly assigned (allocation ratio 1:1:1) to one of three groups: experimental group, placebo group or control. InterventionsThe experimental group received kinesiological tape bands applied to the peroneal and tibialis anterior muscles. The tape was applied for 48 h. The placebo group received a sham kinesiological tape application for the same duration, while the control group did not receive any tape. Outcome measuresBalance was assessed using the Y-Balance Test at baseline and 48 h later, with the kinesiological tape still in place, either sham or control. ResultsA total of 69 (23 per group) semi-professional, male, players (22.1 ± 4.3 years) completed the study. There was a significant change in test performance over time (F1,66 = 9.425; P = 0.003; ηp2 = 0.125), with a significant interaction for group × time (F2,66 = 11.154; P < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.253). The kinesiological tape group improved the overall performance in the Y-balance test (85.2 ± 8.7% to 90.3 ± 8.4%, P < 0.001), while no differences were observed for the placebo and control groups. ConclusionThe application of kinesiological tape for 48 h improved overall dynamic balance performance on the Y-balance test. These findings suggest that kinesiological tape could be a beneficial strategy for addressing the consequences of chronic ankle instability.

Effects of different treatments on pain, functional disability, position sense and range of motion in elite bodybuilders with chronic low back pain

Back pain is one of the major global challenges and is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders occurring in 80% of people at least once in their lifetime. Therefore, the need to find appropriate treatment methods for this issue is very important. The objective is to examine the short-term and acute effects of a treatment session with dry needling, massage therapy, stretching exercises and Kinesio tape on pain, functional disability, position sense and range of motion in elite bodybuilders with non-specific chronic low back pain. The sample of this quasi-experimental study consisted of 48 bodybuilders with non-specific chronic low back pain (all male, mean age = 25.96 ± 2.18 years; mean weight = 74.45 ± 4.51 kg; mean height = 173.88 ± 3.74 cm; mean BMI = 24.60 ± 0.74 kg/m2) who randomly were placed in 4 dry needling, massage therapy, stretching exercises and Kinesio tape groups. The duration of each intervention was 30 min. The dependent variables in this study included the massage range of motion, position sense tests and visual pain scale that were taken separately from each subject in pretest, posttest (acute effect) and follow-up test (72 h after posttest; short-term effect). The results of a 4 (groups) × 3 (time) the mixed ANOVAs showed that pain in the short-term phase was significantly lower in the dry needling group than in the stretching and massage groups (P < 0.05). Also in the acute effect phase, the flexion range of motion was significantly lower in the dry needling group than in the massage group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the two groups of stretching and massage exercises showed significantly greater range of motion (P < 0.05). Other comparisons were not significant (P > 0.05). The findings of the study showed that both massage and stretching treatment have higher acute effects, while dry needling treatment was more effective in follow up. On the other hand, these findings show that these treatment methods can have immediate and lasting positive effects in improving the performance in elite bodybuilders with non-specific chronic low back pain.

Effect of kinesio taping and exercise on functional impairment in patients with different degrees of knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND: Kinesio Taping (KT) is used for musculoskeletal problems. KT optimizes and reduces mechanical stresses on soft tissues. However, the benefits of KT and traditional exercises for different severities of knee osteoarthritis (OA) remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of tension KT and traditional physical therapy on different severities of knee OA. METHODS: Fifty-six male patients with knee OA, aged 60–75-y years, were allocated to groups A and B based on grades 1 and 2 and grades 3 and 4 on the Kellgren-Lawrence scale, respectively. Tension KT and traditional physical therapy were administrated to both groups for 6-wks. The extensor peak moment of quadriceps and knee flexion range of motion (ROM) were recorded using an isokinetic dynamometer and universal goniometer, respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to score pain level. Statistical analysis was performed using the ANCOVA test. RESULTS: ANCOVA revealed an increase in peak extensor moment of quadriceps (Pre: 51.6 ± 2.8 Nm; Post: 63.3 ± 4.3 Nm), knee flexion ROM (Pre: 112.8∘7.2; Post: 122.9∘4.8), and pain improvement (Pre: 5.1 ± 1.07; Post: 2.8 ± 1.6) in group A (p&lt; 0.001). Group B showed insignificant improvements in all outcome measures (p&gt; 0.05). CONCLUSION: KT with traditional physical therapy improved knee pain, quadriceps strength, and knee ROM in older males with knee OA grades 1 and 2. KT and traditional physical therapy were insufficient to produce considerable effects on grades 3 and 4 of knee OA.

Efficacy of Kinesiotape to Improve Upper-Extremity Function in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the primary causes of physical disabilities in children that affects posture and movement. Upper-extremity (UE) function is frequently impaired, which may result in activity and participation limitations in people with CP. The use of kinesiotape (KT) has increased in the treatment of CP for various purposes. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of KT for improving UE function in children and adolescents with CP. The literature search was carried out in PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases. The methodological quality was analyzed with the PEDro scale. Review Manager (RevMan 5.4.1) was used for data extraction and risk of bias assessment. A total of five randomized clinical trials were included. The use of KT showed improvement in UE functionality in three studies, with significant outcomes for range of motion (ROM) (three studies), fine motor skills (two studies), grip strength (one study) and manual dexterity (one study). Moreover, it also showed significant improvements in spasticity and gross motor function (one study). Overall, methodological quality was moderate, and the risk of bias was high in the domains related to blinding. The use of KT showed improvement in UE function in children and adolescents with CP. However, further research is needed to reinforce the conclusions on the efficacy of KT as a therapeutic tool.

Is Kinesio taping acutely effective for peripheral tissue perfusion in women with mild to moderate chronic venous insufficiency? A randomized controlled trial

Objective To evaluate the acute effect of Kinesio Taping® (KT) on peripheral tissue perfusion in women with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Methods: This randomized, double-blind controlled trial included 59 women with mild to moderate CVI. They were randomized to a control group (n = 23; 54.08 ± 9.04 years) and KT group (n = 36; 55.87 ± 9.97 years). Near-infrared spectroscopy was positioned in the medial gastrocnemius muscle for assessment of resting tissue perfusion 48 h after the first day of evaluation and after placement of the Kinesio Taping® tape. The evaluation also consisted of performing movements of the plethysmography examination. To verify the comparisons of pre- and post-Kinesio Taping® data, the variation delta was used for analysis. Mann–Whitney U test was performed an an alpha of 5% was considered statistically significant. Results: There wasn't a significant difference between groups regarding the peripheral tissue perfusion evaluation variables Peripheral Oxygen Saturation Difference – DELTA_SPO2: (KT Group 3.21 (0.84–3.62); Control 2.21 (1.59–4.83), p = 0.219) and Difference in deoxygenate hemoglobin values – DELTA_HHB (units) KT Group -0.62 (-2.14–0.67); Control Group -0.07 (-2.15–2.62) p = 0.238). Despite the lack of statistical significance, the KT group had a 785.7% greater drop in HHB values than the control group. Conclusions: Acute use of Kinesio Taping® in women with CVI did not significantly alter tissue perfusion of calf muscles. However, it was possible to observe percentage differences in venous retention to be considered from a clinical point of view

Effectiveness of Shoulder Taping in Treating Hemiplegic Shoulder Subluxation: A Randomized Controlled Study of 35 Patients.

BACKGROUND Shoulder subluxation in patients with stroke impairs recovery and quality of life. Kinesiology tape is elastic and water-resistant, is commonly used to prevent musculoskeletal injury, and is increasing in use for rehabilitation of patients requiring neurological or physical rehabilitation. This study included 35 patients with shoulder subluxation following stroke and aimed to compare outcomes from standard physical therapy with and without shoulder kinesiology taping. MATERIAL AND METHODS This randomized controlled study involved 35 participants. The patients were randomized into a shoulder kinesiology taping group (n=18) or sham taping group (n=17). All patients underwent a conventional rehabilitation exercise program 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Half of the patients underwent shoulder kinesiology taping, and the other half underwent sham taping. Pre- and post-assessment scores were recorded for all participants for shoulder subluxation distance (SSD), active range of motion (AROM), visual analog scale (VAS), shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), and modified Barthel index (MBI). RESULTS After the intervention, SSD, AROM, VAS, SPADI, and MBI improved significantly in the shoulder kinesiology taping and sham taping groups (P<0.05). Also, the shoulder kinesiology taping group showed more effective changes in SSD, AROM, VAS, SPADI, and MBI than the sham taping group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the shoulder kinesiology taping is effective in improving SSD, AROM, VAS, SPADI, and MBI in patients with hemiplegic shoulder subluxation.

THE SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF KINESIO TAPE ON THE SKIN TEMPERATURE OF THE UPPER TRAPEZIUS MUSCLE IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

The aim of the study is to verify the short-term effects of Kinesio Tape on the skin temperature of the upper trapezius muscle in asymptomatic subjects. Twenty-five university students were submitted to application of Y shaped Kinesio Tape over the upper trapezius muscle. Thermographic data was captured with and without KT and exported to FLIR Tools software, where the minimum, maximum and average of the skin temperature of the region between the strips was obtained. Paired t test were used to compare the outcomes of baseline with KT condition. There was no difference on the minimum (p = 0,283), maximum (p = 0,783) and average (p = 0,377) of the skin temperature of the upper trapezius muscle between the strips of KT. Therefore, there was no effect of Kinesio Tape over the skin temperature of the upper trapezius muscles in asymptomatic subjects. Future studies should try to evaluated areas below the strips or around involved areas and with different methodologies to evaluated KT effects on skin temperature.

From injury to rehabilitation: How kinesiology taping helps patients with first metatarsophalangeal joint sprain (turf toe) in pain reduction, gait parameters and functional ability improvement. A randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTurf toe is a common sports injury that may affect mobility and functional ability. For complete recovery, rehabilitation modalities are required to overcome these issues. This study investigated whether kinesio taping (KT) would reduce pain, improve gait performance, and enhance the functional capacity of turf toe patients undergoing physical therapy. Methodssixty patients with grade II turf toe (age; 25–30 years) assigned randomly into three treatment groups; KT applied alongside an exercise program conducted three times/week for 12 successive weeks. (KT group; n = 20), placebo taping plus exercise (Placebo group; n = 20), or exercise only (Control group; n = 20). Pain, gait parameters, and functional ability assessed using VAS, 3D gait analysis, and 6MWT respectively pre- and post-treatment. ResultsThere was a significant post-treatment decrease in VAS score in the KT group lower than the control or placebo group and a significant increase in 6MWT distance in the KT group higher than the control or placebo group (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant post-treatment increase in step length, stride length, cadence and velocity of KT group higher than control and placebo group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in gait parameters between control and placebo groups post treatment (p > 0.05). ConclusionsThe findings of the study demonstrated that KT is a useful complementary modality to exercise in patients with turf toe, as it may result in more favorable improvements to pain, gait characteristics, and functional abilities. Further studies should be conducted to assess the long-term effects, different KT application methods, and tailored treatment protocols on turf toe.

Comparison of Pilates exercises versus muscle energy technique with Kinesio taping in non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Comparison of Pilates exercises versus muscle energy technique with Kinesio taping in non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Immediate effect of kinesiology taping on muscle strength, static balance and proprioception after eccentric muscle fatigue on ankle: a randomized cross-over trial

BackgroundKinesiology Taping(KT) is commonly used as a physical therapy to prevent exercise-induced fatigue. This study aims to evaluate the immediate effects of KT on muscle strength, static balance, and proprioception after eccentric muscle fatigue on ankle.MethodsTwenty healthy male university students were recruited. The experimental protocol was structured into four sessions, each separated by a one-week washout period to prevent carryover effects. Participants were randomly allocated to one of four intervention conditions in each session, ensuring no participant received the same intervention twice. These conditions were: no taping(NT),sham taping(ST),athletic taping(AT),and kinesiology taping(KT).Taping was applied immediately following an eccentric muscle fatigue protocol targeting the ankle, and assessments were conducted in the order of proprioception, muscle strength and static balance. Isometric muscle strength and proprioception were evaluated using the Biodex isokinetic system. Static balance was measured using the TecnoBody balance platform.ResultsKT had a significantly higher plantarflexion/dorsiflexion peak torque, dorsiflexion average peak torque, and plantarflexion/dorsiflexion average power at 60°/s compared with NT and ST in terms of isometric muscle strength (p < 0.05).Furthermore, the plantarflexion peak torque of KT was significantly greater than AT at 60°/s[p = 0.005,95% confidence interval(CI) = 3.39 to 18.20] and 180°/s[p = 0.006,95%CI(2.62,21.98)]. In terms of proprioception, KT showed a lower absolute error in 25° plantarflexion and 10° dorsiflexion compared to NT, ST and AT. For static balance with eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, AT and KT had a lower total sway area than NT and ST (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant difference in total sway length with eyes-open condition was observed between AT and KT[p < 0.001,95%CI(-431.81,-168.25)];total sway area and the center of pressure(COP) velocity in the mediolateral(ML) and anteroposterior(AP) directions with eyes-closed condition were significantly lower in AT compared to KT.ConclusionThis study suggests that KT is more effective than other taping conditions in improving muscle strength and proprioception after eccentric muscle fatigue on ankle. However, AT is more helpful in increasing static postural control ability after ankle muscle fatigue than KT.Trial registrationThis study was registered with www.chictr.org.cn (registration number: ChiCTR2300068278) on 13/2/2023.

Acute Effect of Kinesio Taping Applied to Gastrocnemius Muscle on Jumping Performance in Athletes and Sedentary Individuals

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the acute effect of kinesio taping applied to athletes and sedentary individuals on vertical and horizontal jumping performances. Methods: The study included 20 licensed male basketball players and 20 male sedentary individuals between the ages of 18-25. Vertical jump height and horizontal jump distance were evaluated. Free jumping and squat jumping tests were applied to measure the vertical jump height. Single leg hop test was chosen for the measurement of horizontal jump distance. Single leg hop test was performed with the dominant foot. Tests after kinesio taping were performed 10 minutes after facilitation technique was applied to gastrocnemius muscle. Results: A comparison of the pre- and post-taping data in the athlete group revealed a significant increase in both squat jump and single leg hop tests (p&amp;lt;0.05). In the sedentary group, there was a significant increase only in the single leg hop test compared to before taping (p&amp;lt;0.05). All pretest and posttest values of the athlete group were higher than the sedentary group (p&amp;gt;0.05). In terms of the performance increases after kinesio taping, the increases in the athlete group were higher for all tests compared to the sedentary group (p&amp;gt;0.05). Conclusions: Our study revealed that kinesio taping can improve jumping performance in both athletes and sedentary individuals. We think that kinesio taping could improve the performance especially in sports where jumping movements are frequently used such as basketball.

Immediate and acute effects of Kinesio taping on back muscle endurance, low back flexibility, and balance among sedentary individuals: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionSedentary lifestyles is linked to a reduction in back muscle strength, endurance, and balance, consequently increasing the risk of experiencing low back pain. Kinesio taping has been shown to be effective in enhancing endurance, flexibility, and balance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Kinesio taping on measures of lumbar function in sedentary individuals. MethodForty-four sedentary young adults were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received Kinesio tape to the lumbar region while the control group received health education. The Schober's test, Single-leg stance test, Y Balance Test, and Biering-Sorensen test were performed at baseline and 30 min and 24 h after the taping intervention. ResultsThere was a statistically significant increase in static balance (single-leg stance test) in the intervention group compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.05). In the Y Balance Test and Biering-Sorensen test, there was no significant difference between the intervention group and control group, though there was a significant increase in both groups from baseline to 24 h after taping. Though low back flexibility (Schober's test) significantly decreased in the intervention group, there was no significant difference between the two groups. ConclusionKinesio taping can immediately improve static balance in people with sedentary behavior. The application of Kinesio tape had no impact on dynamic balance, low back flexibility, or low back muscle endurance.

What is the impact of Kinesio taping on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

As a therapeutic intervention for several musculoskeletal illnesses, the benefits and effectiveness of Kinesio taping (KT) are currently unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis's (MA) goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of KT for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and its impact on clinical outcomes. A comprehensive search of online databases was done to discover relevant studies. Inclusion criteria included controlled or randomized clinical trials that were published in English. Changes in pain, flexion strength, and extension strength were among the outcomes of interest. RevMan 5.4 was used to extract and analyze data. After satisfying the inclusion requirements, five studies were included in the MA. Pooled analysis showed that, in comparison with the intervention group, the control group had a statistically significant improvement in flexion strength (Standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.44, 95% Confidence interval (CI) [0.01, 0.87], p = 0.04). Extension strength and pain, however, did not significantly differ between the intervention and control groups (SMD = 30, 95% CI [- 0.12, 0.72], p = 0.16), (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI [- 0.14, 0.66], p = 0.20), respectively. This analysis suggests limited to no benefits of KA post-ACL reconstruction. While the control group surprisingly showed better improvement in flexion strength, no significant differences were found in extension strength and pain. Further rigorous trials are needed to confirm its utility in rehabilitation.

EFFECTIVENESS OF MULLIGAN TAPING VERSUS KINESIO TAPING WITH COMMON USE OF ULTRASOUND THERAPY IN TENNIS ELBOW OF CRICKET PLAYERS: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL STUDY

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Mulligan taping versus kinesio taping with common use of ultrasound therapy in managing tennis elbow. METHODS: Thirty cricketers aged between 25 to 35 years, presenting with tennis elbow with symptom duration within one month, were randomized into two groups. The Group-A received Mulligan taping with ultrasound therapy and Group-B received kinesio taping with ultrasound therapy. Treatment duration was 3 times a weekly four weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Data was obtained on pain intensity levels via Visual Analog Scale (VAS) grip strength via measuring Pain Free Grip Strength (PFGS) and functional status measured by the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE). RESULTS: Result shows that significant improvement in VAS (p=.04), PFGS (p=.02) and PRTEE (p=.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that kinesio taping with ultrasound therapy is a superior treatment approach compared to Mulligan taping with ultrasound therapy in managing tennis elbow.