Kinesio Taping Group Research Articles

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

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

Short-Term Effect of Kinesio Taping On Neck Pain and Disability in Patients with Loss of Cervical Lordosis: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: The patients with loss of cervical lordosis have weakened neck extensors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping, applied to the cervical extensors, on neck pain and disability in patients with loss of cervical lordosis.
 Methods: A total of 111 patients with neck pain due to loss of cervical lordosis completed the study (54 Kinesio tape group, 57 control group). All patients were given paracetamol 1500 mg/day for four days. Additionally, the Kinesio tape group received one session of Kinesio taping treatment. Neck pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale, and neck disability was evaluated using the Neck Disability Index. The measurement points were baseline and day 4.
 Results: Visual Analogue Scale and Neck Disability Index scores were similar at baseline. Statistically significant improvements in the levels of pain and disability were observed in both groups; however, there was further change in the Kinesio tape group (p

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

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

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

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

Core stability-based balance training and kinesio taping for balance, trunk control, fear of falling and walking capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized single-blinded study

BackgroundTrunk performance-based therapies are important in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) rehabilitation process since they have been associated with balance, trunk performance, fall prevention, and walking capacity. Kinesio taping (KT) is a popular approach that has recently been used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular impairments. Therefore, the aim of this single-blind, randomized controlled study was to investigate the effects of KT combined trunk stabilization-based balance training on balance, trunk control, walking capacity, and fear of falling in patients with MS. Material and methodsThirty patients diagnosed with MS were randomly assigned to the KT group or the control group. The control group received core stability-based balance training and the KT group was treated with KT applied on global trunk muscles in addition to core stability-based balance training. Balance was measured with the Mini BESTest, trunk control with the Trunk Impairment Scale, fear of falling with the Falls Efficacy Scale and walking capacity with the 2-minute walk test. ResultsBalance, trunk control, fear of falling, and walking capacity of all the patients improved after treatment (p < 0.05). No superiority was found between the groups in terms of treatment efficacy (p > 0.05). ConclusionIn conclusion, core stability-based balance training was effective in patients with MS, and the addition of KT had no additional effect in terms of balance, trunk control, fear of falling, and walking capacity.

Effects of McConnell and Kinesio Tapings on Pain and Gait Parameters during Stair Ambulation in Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of McConnell and Kinesio tapings on knee pain and gait parameters during stair ambulation in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Materials and Methods: We selected 52 young adults suffering from anterior knee pain due to PFPS to participate. Then, we randomly assigned 26 patients to either the McConnell or the Kinesio taping groups. We measured their knee pain and gait parameters during stair ambulation before and after the interventions. For the measured data, we performed a paired t-test to evaluate the amount of change before and after the intervention within the groups and an independent t-test to compare the groups. Results: From the comparison within the groups, we found a significant difference in both groups in the anterior knee pain scale score (p < 0.05) and a significant difference between the groups as well (p < 0.05). As a result of the analysis of the gait parameters while ascending stairs in the comparison within the groups, both groups showed significant differences in all gait variables, except for the double-support stance (p < 0.05), and we found significant differences in all gait variables, except for the double-support stance, in the comparison between the groups (p < 0.05). Regarding the gait variables during stair descent in the comparison within the groups (p < 0.05), both groups showed significant differences in all of the gait variables; we noted significant differences in the double-support stance, step length, velocity, and cadence in the comparison between the groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The McConnell and Kinesio tapings were effective in improving knee pain and gait parameters during ambulation in patients with PFPS, but we found that the McConnell taping had a significant impact on pain reduction during stair ambulation, resulting in further improvement in the gait variables.

Effects of Kinesio tape on pain and edema following surgical extraction of the third molar: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

Kinesio tape (KT) has been in extensive use for the rehabilitation of injuries related to sports, however, only a handful of studies have focused on the efficacy of KT following extraction of a third molar tooth. The study aims to assess whether pain and edema following surgical extraction of the third molar can be reduced by KT. This research was carried out following the principles of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang Data databases were searched for trials published from their inception to eighth October 2021. They included published randomized controlled trials in Chinese or English languages. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for the analysis of continuous data. The heterogeneity was measured using the I2 statistics. Then, Revman 5.4 software was employed for performing the meta-analysis. Eight studies comprising 453 participants in total were included. In comparison to the no kinesio tape group, KT did not furnish improved results on mouth opening ([MD = 0.36, 95% CI (-0.67, 1.40), p= 0.49]), and swelling ([MD =-1.24, 95% CI (-3.43, 0.95), p= 0.79]). However, KT manifested a reduction in operation time ([MD =-1.00, 95% CI (-1.93, -0.07), P= 0.04]), edema ([MD =-0.53, 95% CI (-0.88, -0.19), P= 0.003]), and pain intensity ([MD =-1.29, 95% CI (-1.86, -0.73), P< 0.00001]), favouring the kinesio tape group. Overall, the size of the effect was found in the small to moderate range. Despite the fact that KT can reduce pain and has been shown to have positive effects in several studies, there is no convincing evidence that it can reduce the swelling after surgical extraction of the third molar.

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

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

The effectiveness of Kinesio taping on nutritive sucking in premature infants admitted to the NICU: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objective Oral feeding is one of the greatest challenges for preterm infants and a cause of delay in discharge for these infants. Interventions that result in more rapid achievement of oral feeding are necessary for these infants. In a randomized trial, we investigated and compared the use of kinesio tape (KT) as a new approach to oral stimulation (OS) on the nutritive sucking of premature infants admitted to the NICU. Methods The randomized controlled experimental study was conducted on 26 preterm infants, 8 of whom were did not meet study criteria, and 18 enrolled and randomized. The infants were divided into two groups by the simple randomization method. In the KT group (n = 9), KT + OS was used, while in the OS group (n = 9), only OS was used. The number of days from the start of the intervention to the first and full oral feeding was compared between the two groups. Results and conclusions After the start of the intervention, infants in the KT group achieved the first and full oral feeding in significantly fewer days than the OS group (p = 0.025; p = 0.011). Premature infants who received KT with an oral stimulation program achieved the first and full oral feeding earlier than infants who received an oral stimulation program only. It appears that the use of KT + OS can effectively accelerate the achievement of feeding milestones. This is clinically significant and may reduce the length of stay (LOS) and ultimately the negative consequences and costs of hospitalization for this population.

The effects of Kinesio taping and breathing exercises on pain management after gynaecological abdominal surgery: A randomized controlled study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Kinesio taping and breathing exercises on pain management after gynaecological abdominal surgery. This randomized controlled study was conducted with 132 participants at a public hospital between June 2017 and 2018. The Kinesio taping method was applied once, immediately after the surgery during the hospital stay and breathing exercises were performed three times a day for 30 min on the first, second and third post-operative days. The median age of the women was 47 years. The mean body mass index was 27.6 ± 5.0kg/m2 . When the intervention and control groups were compared, the level of women's pain in the Kinesio taping group was significantly reduced. There was also a statistically significant difference in terms of the passage of gas and defecation time and wound healing in groups with Kinesio taping. Kinesio taping has been shown to be an effective intervention in the management of acute pain after surgery. The results of this study suggest that future studies may be indicated to study taping in other surgical conditions.

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

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

Isokinetic training enhanced by kinesio tape for quadriceps muscle weakness post lower limb healed burn

Objective: To investigate the effect of isokinetic training enhanced by Kinesio tape (KT) on weak quadriceps muscle following healed lower limb burn. Design: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient, Kasr El Aini Hospital, and Orabi Hospital. Participants: Sixty patients with weak quadriceps of dominant lower limb following healed partial thickness burn. Thirty to forty percent of their total body surface area (TBSA) was affected by burn including the anterior thigh. They were distributed randomly into two groups; the isokinetic training and Kinesio tape group, and the isokinetic training group. Intervention: group (A); 30 patients who received isokinetic training (concentric and eccentric contraction exercises) of the quadriceps muscle (dominant side) at an angular velocity of 90°/s, three times per week, and Kinesio tape was applied twice per week, group (B): 30 patients who received isokinetic training in the form of (concentric and eccentric contraction exercises) of the quadriceps muscle (dominant side) at an angular velocity of 90°/s, three times per week. All groups were evaluated pre-treatment and after 8 weeks from the beginning of the treatment.

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.

Effects of a supervised exercise program in addition to electrical stimulation or kinesio taping in low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Chronic low back pain it is one of the most common health problems worldwide. Usually is accompanied by a complex set of symptoms and generates significant direct and indirect socioeconomic and health costs. From a therapeutic point of view, there are a wide variety of methods to address the treatment of this pathology, however, these therapies have not been shown definitive efficacy. To investigate the effect of a mixed treatment with exercise and electrical stimulation versus exercise and kinesio taping in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. A total of 58 patients participated in this single-blinded randomised clinical trial. Participants were assigned to the exercises- kinesio taping group, or exercises- analgesic current group, both received 12 treatment sessions. Disability, fear of movement, anxiety, depression, sleeps quality, pain, lower limb mechanosensitivity and pressure-pain thresholds were recorded at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. The 2 × 2 mixed analysis of covariance test showed statistically significant differences between groups for pain (P = 0.046). Pair-wise comparisons with baseline demonstrated significant differences for both groups in pain (P ≤ 0.001), disability (P ≤ 0.001), pressure-pain thresholds (P ≤ 0.044), lower limb mechanosensitivity, (P ≤ 0.047), anxiety (P ≤ 0.001), depression (P ≤ 0.001) and sleep quality (P ≤ 0.010). Patients with chronic low back pain who received a combined treatment of exercises and kinesio taping or analgesic current showed an improvement in pain, disability, anxiety, depression and sleep pattern. Moreover, exercises combined with electrotherapy produces greater improvements over these variables.Trial registration: NCT02812459.

Comparative study on semi rigid taping vs. K-taping on functional performance in ankle instable athletes

Background: A taping is often used to preventgiving-ways in the joint with ankle instability. However, it remains unknown whether the application of a taping modifies abnormal kinematics in ankle instability joints. Ankle Instability is characterized by recurrent giving way and often develops after repeated lateral ankle sprains. Basically, athletes are more prone to ankle instability in order to prevent reoccurrence of injury especially ankle instability. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of semi rigid taping vs. k-taping on functional performance in ankle instable athletes. Method: 40 Participants was randomly assigned to two groups. Volunteers with functional ankle instability following ankle inversion sprain were recruited from among students of the Annamalai University. Prior to participation in the study, all participants provided written informed consent. Results: The semi rigid taping group scored a CAIT rating scale means value of 21.07 ±5.37 and Kinesio taping group shows a mean value of 23.02±5.20 with a “t” value of 8.58 and a significant of “p” value 0.00001. This shows that the kinesio taping was highly effective in improving in ankle instability athletes. Conclusion: CAIT analysis clearly showed the stabilizing effect of both kinesio taping and semi rigid taping on the athletes with ankle instability.

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

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

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

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

Effect of Kinesiotaping and Sham Taping on Knee Function in Knee Osteoarthritis. A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background. The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis has increased significantly and continued to increase in recent decades. Different interventions are used for the treatment: therapeutic exercises, kinesiotaping and placebo. The application of these therapies remains controversial.&#x0D; The aim. To determine the effect of kinesiotaping and sham taping on knee function and patient’s functional mobility in knee osteoarthritis.&#x0D; Methods. A randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05320562) was performed in one of the Lithuanian clinics. Thirty patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (age 58.1 ± 3.9 years) were randomly assigned to three groups of ten patients. Patients in the control group received therapeutic exercises; the sham taping group received therapeutic exercise and sham taping; and the kinesiotaping group received therapeutic exercises and kinesiotaping.&#x0D; Results. Subjects’ knee pain decreased by an average of two points after the interventions (p &lt;0.05) in all three groups. Results of “Up and go” test improved significantly in the sham taping and kinesiotaping groups. The results of the 10-meter walking test improved significantly in the kinesiotaping group. Thigh muscle strength improved after the interventions (p &lt;0.05) in all three groups. Knee range of motion significantly improved only in the kinesiotaping group.&#x0D; Conclusions. All three interventions significantly reduced subjects’ knee pain and increased thigh muscle strength, but kinesiotaping significantly improved subjects’ functional mobility.&#x0D; Keywords: knee osteoarthritis, kinesiotaping, therapeutic exercises, sham taping, pain.

Shoulder Kinesio Taping Does Not Change Biomechanical Deficits Associated With Scapular Dyskinesis.

Observable scapular dyskinesis is associated with biomechanical deficits. Preventative interventions aimed at correcting these deficits may aid in preventing the development and resolution of shoulder pain. Our purpose was to investigate the effects of kinesio taping (KT) on common biomechanical deficits associated with scapular dyskinesis and shoulder pain. Participants (n = 51) with observable scapular dyskinesis, and without shoulder pain were randomized to KT, KT-placebo, or a no-treatment control group. Measurements taken before, immediately after taping, and 3days later included pectoralis minor muscle length, lower trapezius muscle strength, scapular upward rotation angle at 0° to 120° in scapular plane humeral elevation and acromiohumeral distance. There were no changes in scapular upward rotation, lower trapezius strength, and acromiohumeral distance immediately after taping or 3days later compared to baseline (P > .05). The pectoralis minor increased in length in the KT group on day 3 compared to directly after taping (P = .03), but no difference between groups or interaction between time and group were determined (P > .05). Scapular dyskinesis prevalence did not change over time in any group (P > .05). In people with scapular dyskinesis free from shoulder pain, KT applied to the shoulder cannot be recommended to ameliorate the biomechanical deficits associated with shoulder pain.

The efficacy of Kinesio taping on lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy: a randomized, double blind, sham-controlled trial

Objective The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of Kinesio taping for lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy and its effect on patient compliance and quality of life. Methods A total of 66 patients with lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy were randomly allocated to the therapeutic Kinesio taping group (n = 33) and the sham Kinesio taping group (n = 33). All participants received manual lymphatic drainage, Kinesio taping, and home exercises for the first four weeks, and only home exercises for the second four weeks. The tape measurements, a scale of external lymphedema, a scale of the internal lymphedema, and quality of life were evaluated in both groups. The perceived discomfort consisting of limitation of daily living activities, pain, tightness, stiffness, and heaviness were also recorded. Results When the group x time effect was evaluated, it was observed that external lymphedema was significantly reduced in both groups according to neck and face composite measurements (p < .001). However, in these measurements, a significant difference was found between the groups in favor of the KT group (p = .001, p = .032, respectively). At the end of the study, there was no significant difference in terms of internal lymphedema in both groups (p = .860). The quality of life parameters such as global health status and swallowing were significantly better in the Kinesio taping group (p < .001). There was no significant difference in the parameters of perceived discomfort between the two groups (p = .282, p = .225, p = .090, p = .155, p = .183, respectively). Conclusion Kinesio taping is effective in tape measurements and positively affects the quality of life in lymphedema following head and neck cancer therapy.