Sham Taping Research Articles

Comparative efficacy of the dorsal application of Kinesio tape and splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms are problematic especially when signs and symptoms are not substantial enough to require surgical intervention. Conservative treatments have mixed effectiveness, yet are one of the best options for mild to moderate CTS. Kinesio tape is an emerging modality, as it provides biomechanical support while allowing movement. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of dorsal application of Kinesio tape on occupational performance as measured by pain and function in individuals with mild to moderate CTS, as compared with the accepted nonsurgical intervention of general cockup orthosis and lumbrical stretching exercises versus sham tape. Study DesignSingle-blind randomized controlled trial. MethodsForty-four participants (68 wrists) with CTS were randomized to one of three interventions: Kinesio tape group, sham group, or standard protocol group. Each completed baseline and four subsequent measurements of numeric pain rating scale, visual analog scale (VAS), Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), grip and pinch, with application of intervention every three days. Daily symptom journals were completed, standard protocol group recorded wearing schedule and exercises. ResultsIn the forearm and wrist, a significant reduction in median numeric pain rating scale pain scores in Kinesio tape group was observed (r = 0.76, P = .01; r = 0.77, P = .01; respectively), but not in the standard protocol group (r = 0.51, P = .17; r = 0.53, P = .11) and sham group (r = 0.46, P = .30; r = 0.39, P = .43) with a minimal clinically important difference of 1.0. In the Kinesio tape group, the forearm (24%) and wrist (36%) reached the clinical significance as compared with the standard protocol forearm (18%) and wrist (32%).The minimal clinically important difference for pain reduction on the visual analog scale was 1.64. Kinesio tape and sham group had significant improvement in function, but not the standard protocol group. DiscussionThis study provides promising evidence for the use of Kinesio tape as a possible conservative intervention for management of symptoms in individuals with mild to moderate CTS. The study also illuminates new considerations of younger, active individuals reporting signs and symptoms of CTS as well as mechanism of effects on pain reduction. ConclusionsKinesio tape provided additional improvement in pain and function as compared to the standard approach.

Anti Pronation Taping and Its Effect on Balance, Explosive Power and Agility of School Going Children with Flat Foot

Background and Objectives: Flat foot is one of the most common conditions observed in adult. The development of foot arch is rapid between 2 and 6 years of age and becomes structurally matured around 12 or 13 years of age. Flat arches in children usually become proper arches and high arches as the child progresses through adolescence and into adulthood. There are many physiotherapy techniques available for the treatment and rehabilitation of pronated foot which includes taping as one of the important interventions for this condition. It is proposed that the application of tape is a means, aims to alleviate pain, improve muscle function, and restore functional movements. The treatment of flat foot aims at to improve the strength, power, agility and balance. Physiotherapy treatments like electrical stimulation, stretching and strengthening exercises. The purpose of the present study is was to find the effects of rigid taping plus conventional therapy and sham taping plus conventional therapy alone in balance, agility and vertical jump height in children with flat foot. Methods:44 participants were taken in study, treatment was given daily for 4-week, through lottery random sampling and randomly assigned either of two groups by Opaque envelope method, i.e. Group A rigid taping plus conventional therapy and Group B sham taping plus conventional therapy. In conventional therapy alone i.e. faradic foot bath, stretching and strengthening exercises, Outcome measures were SEBT, VJH and IAT. The measurements were taken very first day prior to the taping and at the end of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th week of the taping application. Collected data were analyzed using independent t test to compare between groups and repeated measures ANOVA to compare the effects between pre and 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th week. Results: There was no significant difference between both groups (p>0.05). Significant difference was observed in SEBT in all directions and VJH when compared for within weeks in both groups. Conclusion: There is no difference in effects of rigid taping with conventional therapy and sham taping with conventional therapy in improving SEBT, IAT and VJH for flat foot children.

Effect Of Kinesio Taping On Postural Control In Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability

Chronic ankle instability (CAI), which is characterized by deficient postural control, may be improved through Kinesio Taping (KT) intervention. However, the effect of KT on postural control in individuals with CAI is controversial. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the acute effect of KT on postural control through computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) and perceived sensation in individuals with CAI. METHODS: A total of 35 male adults with CAI participated in the study. Each participant received four random ankle taping, including KT, athletic taping (AT), sham taping (ST), and no taping (NT). Subsequently, a series of postural stability measurements was performed using CDP. The tests included sensory organization test (SOT), unilateral stance (US) test, limit of stability (LOS) test, motor control test, and adaption test (ADT). In addition, perception stability and comfort were measured through visual analogue scaling. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to determine difference on postural control among KT, AT, ST, and NT. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed for parameters in SOT, US test, and LOS test among four taping. In the motor control test, the amplitude scaling scores of KT were 35.87% lower than NT (p<. 001) in forward-small slip and 21.58% lower than ST (p=.035) in backward-large slip. In ADT, sway energy scores were 7.59% greater in ST than this in AT (p=.028). For perception stability, KT was performed better than ST (p<.001) and NT (p<.001), and AT was performed better than ST (p=.001) and NT (p<.001). For perception comfort, KT was performed better than AT (p=.001) and NT (p=.031). CONCLUSIONS: KT and AT could not facilitate postural control for CAI individuals during static and voluntary measurements. However, they could provide effective support to cope with sudden perturbation. In addition, KT improved perception stability and comfort, whereas AT improved perception stability but provided the least comfort.

Acute Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Postural Stability in Individuals With Unilateral Chronic Ankle Instability.

BackgroundChronic ankle instability (CAI), which is characterized by deficient postural control, could be improved through kinesiology taping (KT). However, the effect of KT on postural control in CAI individuals is controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute effect of KT on postural control through computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) and self-perceived sensation in CAI individuals.MethodsParticipants with CAI received four different ankle treatments randomly, including KT, athletic taping (AT), sham taping (ST), and no taping (NT). A series of postural stability measurements was performed using CDP subsequently. The measurements included sensory organization test (SOT), unilateral stance (US), limit of stability (LOS), motor control test (MCT), and adaption test (ADT). In addition, self-perceived sensation was measured through visual analog scaling. Repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to determine whether the difference among KT, AT, ST, and NT was significant; Bonferroni test was used for post hoc analysis.ResultsNo significant difference was observed for parameters in SOT, US, and LOS in four different taping treatments. In MCT, the amplitude scaling scores of KT were 35.87% significantly lower than that of NT [p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.548–1.795] in forward-small slip and 21.58% significantly lower than that of ST (p = 0.035, 95% CI = 0.089–3.683) in backward-large slip. In ADT, sway energy scores were 7.59% significantly greater in ST than in AT (p = 0.028, 95% CI = −8.343 to −0.320). For perceived stability, KT was significantly greater than ST (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.552–1.899) and NT (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.797–2.534), and AT was significantly greater than ST (p = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.423–2.246) and NT (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.696–2.852). For perceived comfort, KT was significantly greater than AT (p = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.666–3.196) and NT (p = 0.031, 95% CI = 0.074–2.332), and ST was significantly greater than AT (p = 0.007, 95% CI = 0.349–2.931).ConclusionKT and AT have limited effect to facilitate postural control for CAI individuals during SOT, US, and LOS. However, KT and AT could provide effective support to cope with sudden perturbation in MCT and ADT. Moreover, KT provided excellent perceived stability and comfort, whereas AT provided excellent perceived stability but least comfort.

Effects of kinesio tape application on pain, anxiety, and menstrual complaints in women with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized sham-controlled trial

AimTo investigate the effects of kinesio tape (KT) application on pain, anxiety, and menstrual complaints in women with PD and compare this application with control and sham tape (ST). MethodsFifty-one women with PD were randomized into three groups: KT, ST, and control groups. No tape application was performed in the control group. KT was applied on the sacral and suprapubic regions with the ligament technique in the KT group, while it was applied on the trochanter major with no technique in the ST group. Pain, anxiety level, and menstrual complaints were assessed before and after the applications. ResultsThe decreases in pain, anxiety levels, and some menstrual complaints after the application were higher in the KT group than those in the other two groups (p < 0.05). ConclusionKT application seems to be an effective method in decreasing pain, anxiety level, and some menstrual complaints in women with PD.

The effects of kinesiotaping on wrist extensor strength using an isokinetic device in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis: A randomized-controlled trial

This study aims to evaluate short-term effects of kinesiotaping (KT) on pain, arm function, grip strength, and wrist extensor strength in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis (LE). A total of 48 patients (32 females, 16 males years; mean age 47.6 years; range 27 to 67 years) with chronic LE were randomly assigned to either KT group (n=27) or sham group (n=21). Pain intensity with visual analog sclae (VAS), arm pain and function with Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Questionnaire (PRTEE), grip strength with hand dynamometer, and wrist extensor strength by an isokinetic device were evaluated before and at the end of the treatment. The KT stayed on for five days and the procedure was repeated for three times. Although pain and functional levels of patients with chronic LE were significantly improved both with KT (pain, p=0.001; function, p=0.001) and sham groups (pain, p=0.001; function, p=0.001), no significant difference was observed between the groups. Both KT and sham taping provided similar improvement in pain relief through arm functions in patients with chronic LE.

SCAPULAR TAPING IMPROVES FUNCTIONAL THROWING PERFORMANCE AMONG NORMATIVE YOUNG ADULTS: A RANDOMIZED CROSSOVER TRIAL

Objective: To assess the effect of scapular taping on the functional throwing performance index and medicine ball throwing performance. Design: A Randomized crossover trial. Setting: Out-patient Physiotherapy department at a university hospital. Participants: Forty-four healthy participants were randomly assigned to scapular and sham taping procedure. Outcome measure: Functional throwing performance index (FTPI) and Medicine ball throw (MBT) were recorded at baseline and following each taping procedure. Results: Analysis of variance with repeated measures on the dependent variable (Index percentage for FTPI and distance in meters for MBT) were used for analysis. Significant improvements were observed following scapular taping ([Formula: see text]) on FTPI and MBT. Post hoc analysis for FTPI and MBT obtained a statistically significant difference between the scapular taping condition to baseline ([Formula: see text]) with a mean difference of [Formula: see text]%; [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, respectively. Similarly, scapular taping to sham taping ([Formula: see text]) shown a significant difference of [Formula: see text]% on FTPI and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m in MBT. No significant differences were found following sham taping on FTPI and MBT. Conclusion: Scapular taping improves functional throwing performance index and medicine ball throwing performance among normative young adults.

The Effects of Kinesio Taping and Quadriceps Muscle Strengthening Exercise on Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Functional Status in Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is characterized by knee cartilage degradation. Knee Osteoarthritis symptoms are joint pain, stiffness, quadriceps muscle weakness and daily activities difficulties. The use of Kinesio Taping (KT) in Quadriceps muscle strengthening exercises (QSE) is known to increase quadriceps muscle strength, reduce pain and improve functional abilities in KOA. This study aimed to determine the effect of KT with QSE on quadriceps muscle strength and functional status in KOA. This is a double-blind randomized controlled trial, involving twenty-six KOA women that were divided equally into treatment and control groups. The treatment group was given KT and QSE, the control group received sham taping and QSE. Quadriceps muscle strength and WOMAC scores were measured before and after treatment at 4, 6 and 8 weeks. There was a significant difference in quadriceps muscle strength at the 6th week (p = 0.019) between treatment and control groups and no significant differences (p&gt; 0.05) in the strength of quadriceps muscle at 4th and 8th weeks and WOMAC values ??at 4th, 6th and 8th weeks. We concluded that a combination of KT with QSE offers advantages for improvement of quadriceps muscle strength at 6th week but not for functional status in KOA.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Kinesio taping, Osteoarthritis, Strengthening exercises, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)

Can fibular reposition taping improve balance performance in individuals with chronic ankle instability? A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLateral ankle sprain results in positional faults in the fibula which are thought to limit accessory motion in the ankle, leading to hypomobility and negatively influencing sensorimotor function and postural control. Although it has been shown that fibular reposition taping (FRT) is effective in the prevention of recurrent lateral ankle sprain, its ability to produce significant changes in balance measures in patients with chronic ankle instability is inconclusive. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether a FRT intervention affects balance performance in patients with chronic ankle instability. DesignRandomized controlled trial. MethodsSixty individuals with chronic ankle instability were randomly allocated to three groups: FRT, sham taping, or no intervention (control group). Kinesiotape was applied and then re-applied on 3 occasions per week for 2 weeks. Static and dynamic balance were measured with three functional tests before and 1 day after the last session of intervention with the tape removed: single-leg stance test, single-leg hop test for distance, and modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). ResultsThe results of ANCOVA showed that there were no significant differences between the three groups except for mSEBT reach distance in the posterolateral direction, which was significantly greater in the FRT group than the control group (p = 0.03). ConclusionApplying FRT for 2 weeks did not significantly affect static or dynamic balance measures in individuals with chronic ankle instability, hence its clinical efficacy to influence balance remains uncertain in this population. Clinical trial registration numberIRCT20171122037576N2

Effectiveness of Kinesio taping in the treatment of somatosensory tinnitus: A randomized controlled trial

Background and purposeThe clinical effects of Kinesio taping (KT) for somatosensory tinnitus have not been confirmed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of KT applied to the sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae muscles for somatosensory tinnitus associated with neck complaints. Materials and methodsThirty-patients were randomly assigned to the KT group (n = 15) and the sham-taping (ST) group (n = 15). Tinnitus-severity was measured using a visual analog scale (tinnitus-VAS) as a primary outcome. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), cervical pain-VAS, and neck disability index (NDI) were used for the assessments of tinnitus handicap, neck pain, and disability. ResultsTinnitus-VAS, THI, cervical pain-VAS, and NDI improved significantly in the KT group after the intervention (all P ≤ 0.001). In the ST group, no significant differences in outcome measures were found in the fourth-week. ConclusionKT is more effective than sham-taping in improving somatosensory tinnitus associated with neck complaints.

Effects of Kinesiotaping on the Improvement of Sensorimotor Function along with Disability in Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain

Introduction: Mechanical neck pain is a significant societal burden and may include symptoms in the neck and upper extremity. It has been reported that the lifetime and point prevalence of neck pain are almost as high as those of low back pain. It appears to run a chronic episodic course, which is characterised by episodes of persistent, recurrent, or fluctuating pain and disability. It has been found that an altered muscle activity in the Trapezius and the Serratus anterior muscles can be associated with the presence of pain in the neck during functional activities. Aim: To find out the effects of Kinesiotaping on the improvement of sensorimotor function and neck disability in patients with chronic neck pain. Materials and Methods: This was a pre-test, post-test control group design with 30 subjects randomly selected and divided into two groups, an experimental group (Group A) and a control group (Group B) with 15 subjects in each. Experimental group received Kinesio Tape (KT) for 1 week whereas control group received Sham tape. Measurements were taken on the first day and 1 week after the intervention for Cervical Joint Position Sense (CJPE), range of motion and neck disability using an inclinometer instrument, universal goniometer, Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire, respectively. The data was analysed using SPSS 17 software package. Independent t-test was done to find effect between the groups and paired t-test was done to find out the effect within the group. Results: The study clearly demonstrated a significant improvement in CJPE, Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) and NDI within group A (p&lt;0.05) whereas improvement showed significance in CROM and NDI for group B. While comparing both the groups, significant improvement in proprioception and NDI was shown but not in CROM. Conclusion: The study concludes that patients with chronic mechanical neck pain can be benefitted by the use of Kinesiotaping with improvement of sensorimotor function.

The effects of kinesiology taping on experimentally-induced thermal and mechanical pain in otherwise pain-free healthy humans: A randomised controlled repeated-measures laboratory study.

BackgroundKinesiology taping (KT) is used to manage musculoskeletal-related pain. There is a paucity of physiological studies evaluating the effect of KT on stimulus-evoked experimental pain.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of KT (applied to lumbar region) on cutaneous somatosensation to noxious and innocuous stimuli in humans with a non-sensitised normally functioning nociceptive system using quantitative sensory testing (QST).MethodsFifty-four participants were randomised to one of three interventions: (i) KT (ii) standard ‘rigid’ taping (ST) (iii) sham taping (ShT). QST measurements were taken at lumbar sites pre-intervention (T1), during-intervention (T2) and during-intervention (T3) in the following sequence: warm-detection-threshold (WDT), heat-pain-threshold (HTPh), heat-pain-tolerance (HPTo), mechanical-detection-threshold (MDT), mechanical-pain-threshold (MPT) and pressure-pain-threshold (PPT).ResultsMixed ANOVA revealed statistically significant interaction between Intervention and Time on MDT (p < .0005) and MPT (p < .0005) but not on WDT (p = .09), HPTh (p = .09), HPTo (p = .51) and PPT (p = .52) datasets. There was no significant simple main effect of Intervention on MDT at T2 (p = .68) and T3 (p = .24), and MPT at T2 (p = .79) and T3 (p = .54); post-hoc tests found KT and ST groups had higher (but non-significant) MDT and MPT than the ShT group. There was a significant simple main effect of Time on MDT and MPT for KT (p < .0005) and ST (p < .0005) groups; post-hoc tests found significant increases in MDT and MPT at T3 and T2 compared with T1 in both KT and ST groups. There was no significant simple main effect of Time on MDT (p = .13) nor MPT (p = .08) for the ShT group.ConclusionTaping, irrespective of the elasticity, may modulate cutaneous mechanosensation. KT, ST and ShT seemed to have similar influence on cutaneous thermal and deep pressure nociception.

Do External Supports Improve Dynamic Balance in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability? A Network Meta-analysis.

To improve ankle stability in patients who have experienced an ankle sprain with residual symptoms of instability and/or objective joint laxity, external supports (such as taping, bracing, and orthotic insoles) are used sometimes. However, available randomized trials have disagreed on whether restraints improve balance in those individuals. In this situation, a network meta-analysis can help because it allows for comparing multiple treatments simultaneously, taking advantage not only of direct but also indirect evidence synthesis. The aim of this network meta-analysis was to assess (1) the impact of taping and orthotic devices on dynamic postural control in individuals with ankle instability and (2) the presence of a placebo effect in participants treated with sham taping and complications resulting from the administered treatments. We searched the PubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases up to February 13, 2019 for completed studies. Randomized trials assessing the results of real and/or sham taping, wait-and-see protocols, ankle bracing, and foot orthotics for ankle instability as determined by one or more ankle sprains followed by ongoing subjective symptoms and/or mechanical laxity were included. We evaluated dynamic postural control in terms of the Star Excursion Balance Test in the posteromedial direction (SEBT-PM), which is considered the most representative of balance deficits in patients with ankle instability. Standardized mean differences were re-expressed to percentage differences in SEBT-PM, with higher scores representing possible improvement. Subsequently, those data were checked against the established minimal detectable change of 14% for this scale to make judgements on clinical importance. We also assessed the presence of a placebo effect by comparing the results of sham taping with no treatment and complications resulting from the administered treatments. Additionally, we judged the quality of trials using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. A total of 22 trials met our inclusion criteria, 18 of which were deemed to be at a low risk of bias. A network of treatments consisting of 13 studies was created, and the level of evidence was judged to be high. As far as participants' allocation to treatment arms, 85 patients followed a wait-and-see protocol, 29 received placebo taping, 99 were treated with taping, 16 were treated with bracing, 27 were administered insoles, and six individuals were offered a combination of insoles with bracing. Of note, with statistical power set at 80%, a minimum of 16 patients per treatment group was required to provide sufficient statistical power and detect a SEBT-PM percentage difference of 14%. A network meta-analysis did not demonstrate a benefit of taping or bracing over no treatment (percentage difference in SEBT-PM between taping and bracing versus control: -2.4 [95% CI -6 to 1.1]; p = 0.18, and -7.5 [95% CI -15.9 to 1]; p = 0.08, respectively). This was also the case for sham taping because the measurement increase failed to exceed the minimal detectable change (percentage difference in SEBT-PM between sham taping and untreated control: -1.1 [95% CI -6.9 to 4.7]; p = 0.72). Importantly, there were no reported adverse events after treatment application. Evidence of moderate strength indicated that external supports of any type were no more effective than controls in improving dynamic postural control in patients with at least one ankle sprain and residual functional or mechanical deficits. Therefore, implementing those tools as a standalone treatment does not appear to be a viable strategy for the primary management of ankle instability. It is conceivable that combinations of rehabilitation and external supports could be more effective than external supports alone, and future trials should evaluate the potential of such combinations in enhancing not only clinician-reported but also patient-oriented outcomes using long-term follow-up measurements. Level I, therapeutic study.

The effects of cervical kinesiotaping on neck pain, range of motion, and disability in patients following thyroidectomy: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial

Background/aimThis was a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study.Thyroidectomy is a frequently performed surgical procedure and head and neck extension during this operation facilitates surgery. Patients may experience postoperative neck pain and cervical range of motion (ROM) limitation due to the surgical position following thyroidectomy. It was aimed herein to investigate the short-term effects of kinesiotaping (KT) applied to the cervical spine on neck pain, ROM, and disability in patients following thyroidectomy. Materials and methodsA total of 74 patients were randomly assigned to be treated with either KT (Group 1, n = 37) or sham taping (Group 2, n = 37) using a computer-generated random number list. Neck pain, cervical ROM, and neck disability were evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS), inclinometer, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire, respectively. ResultsThere were no significant differences with respect to age, sex, educational background, or body mass index between the groups.While there were no significant differences with respect to improvement of the VAS and change of the ROM and NDI values between the groups, patients in Group 1 needed less paracetamol than patients in Group 2 (P = 0.011). ConclusionThis study showed that cervical KT application following thyroidectomy does not have a positive effect on neck pain, ROM, or disability, but nonetheless, it reduces analgesic consumption.

Short-Term Delayed Effects of Kinesio Taping on Sprint Cycling Performance.

Trecroci, A, Formenti, D, Rossi, A, Esposito, F, and Alberti, G. Short-term delayed effects of Kinesio taping on sprint cycling performance. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1232-1236, 2019-The aim of this study was to assess short-term delayed effects of Kinesio taping (KT) on maximal cycling performance. A design with repeated measures was used. Fifteen healthy trained subjects underwent 3 conditions: no KT (without tape), KT (Kinesio tape applied longitudinally on the thighs), and sham taping (Kinesio tape applied horizontally on the thighs). Each subject performed 2 sets of 3 × 6-second sprints (separated by 3 minutes) interspersed by 30 minutes of rest on a cycle ergometer. Allometric scaling of peak power (PP) and average power (AP) values were computed and analyzed for each sprint performance. Both PP and AP decreased significantly after 30 minutes (between set 1 and set 2) in all conditions, with a greater decrease in no KT condition compared with KT and sham (p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed between KT and sham conditions. The application of KT on thigh muscles attenuated the performance decrease that occurred after 30 minutes of rest between the 2 sets compared with the no KT condition. This finding suggests athletes may use KT to better manage their performance during delays in competition events.

The Effectiveness of Kinesiotaping, Sham Taping or Exercises Only in Lateral Epicondylitis Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Lateral epicondylitis is a common musculoskeletal condition presenting with pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle and dorsal forearm, pain and weakness in gripping and limitations in daily activities. It is proposed that kinesiotaping, a new application of adhesive taping, reduces pain and improves muscle function. To compare efficacy of kinesiotaping, sham taping, or exercises only in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Tertiary medical center, university hospital. Thirty patients with lateral epicondylitis for less than 12 weeks. Patients were randomized into three groups: kinesiotaping plus exercises (n = 10), sham taping plus exercises (n = 10), and control (exercises only) (n = 10) groups. All recipients were provided a home exercise program including strengthening and stretching exercises. In kinesiotaping and sham taping groups, tapings were performed and changed every 3-4 d for 2 weeks. The primary outcome was the patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE). Pain visual analogue scale (VAS), grip strength, and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (QuickDASH) scales were secondary outcomes. Evaluations were done at baseline, posttreatment, and at 4 weeks after treatment. The immediate effect was also assessed by VAS and grip strength immediately after real and sham tapings. PRTEE total scores at posttreatment and at 4 weeks after treatment were statistically significantly lower in kinesiotaping plus exercises group compared to sham taping plus exercises group and exercises only group. The effects of kinesiotaping were larger than sham taping and only exercises at posttreatment (d = -1.21, d = -1.33) and at 4 weeks after treatment (d = -1.39, d = -1.34). Repeated-measures anova showed a significant interaction between the time and the groups (F 2950 = 4849; P = .006). Significant between-group differences were found in QuickDASH score and VAS at rest at 4 weeks after treatment, VAS at daily activity at posttreatment and 4 weeks after treatment when kinesiotaping plus exercises and sham taping plus exercises groups and kinesiotaping plus exercises and exercises only groups were compared. Real taping but not sham taping immediately led to an increase in grip strength, decrease in VAS at rest and VAS at daily activity (P = .0017, P = .041, P = .028; respectively). Kinesiotaping in addition to exercises is more effective than sham taping and exercises only in improving pain in daily activities and arm disability due to lateral epicondylitis. I.

Does Dynamic Tape change the walking biomechanics of women with greater trochanteric pain syndrome? A blinded randomised controlled crossover trial

ObjectivesThere is considerable debate among clinicians as to whether sports tape can provide mechanical support and pain relief. People with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) have increased adduction moment, adduction angle and pelvic obliquity, likely contributing to the continuation of the pathology. We aimed to see if Dynamic Tape® could control these movements and reduce pain. MethodsFifty women with GTPS participated in a three-dimensional gait analysis. Each participant performed three walking trials: baseline, and two subsequent trials, with active and sham applications of Dynamic Tape. The order of active and sham taping was randomised. Differences in kinetic and kinematic data were analysed using mixed model linear regressions for each condition. Pain scores were obtained before and immediately after walking trials. ResultsHip adduction moment was reduced at first peak by both active (p < 0.001) and sham tape (p = 0.028), with no between group difference; at second peak by the active taping (p < 0.001), with a between-group difference (p < 0.001). Adduction angle was reduced at first peak by both active (p < 0.001) and sham taping (p = 0.026), with the active taping producing a larger effect (p = 0.004); at mid-stance by active taping (p = 0.003), with a between-group difference (p = 0.002); there was no reduction at second peak. Internal rotation was reduced at the first (p < 0.001) and second peaks (p < 0.001), and mid-stance by the active taping alone (p < 0.001). Pelvic obliquity was reduced at the first peak (p = 0.019), mid-stance (p < 0.001) and second peak (p < 0.001) by the active tape, with a between-group difference at mid-stance (p = 0.03). Both the active and sham taping resulted in a clinically meaningful pain reduction. ConclusionDynamic Tape produced a mechanical effect and a meaningful reduction in pain in women with GTPS. The extent that placebo or somatosensory input may have had on these results is not clear.Clinical trial registration number: ACTRN12617001611314.

Efficacy of Kinesio Taping and McConnell Taping Techniques in the Management of Anterior Knee Pain

Anterior knee pain also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome is a frequently encountered musculoskeletal disorder that worsens with activity. The multifactorial etiology of patellofemoral pain syndrome alters lower-extremity mechanics, increasing patellofemoral joint stresses during weight-bearing tasks. Kinesio and McConnell tapings are often incorporated into the treatment, but their efficacy is still unclear. To test the efficacy of Kinesio taping, McConnell taping, and sham taping in improving knee mechanics and reducing pain during activity. Cross-sectional design. Clinical biomechanics laboratory. Ten participants (age: 20.3 [1.5]y, height: 169.9 [10.4]cm, and mass: 70.17 [13.1]kg) with anterior knee pain and no history of trauma. Three trials each of squat, drop jump, and step-down tasks with 3 taping conditions in a counterbalanced order. Two-dimensional motion capture data of lower-extremities in frontal and sagittal planes were recorded and analyzed using 3 iPads and Spark Motion® application. Pooled effect sizes (Hedges' g), 95% confidence intervals, and repeated-measures analysis of variance (P < .05) compared baseline and taping conditions during exercises for pain Visual Analog Scale and knee flexion in all exercises, hip abduction during step-down and drop jump, frontal plane projection during step-downs, and knee translation in sagittal plane during squats. Significant reductions in Visual Analog Scale were recorded during squats between tapes (F2.505,12.867 = 3.407, P = .04, Hedges' g = -0.70). Pairwise comparison showed a decrease in Visual Analog Scale for sham taping (mean difference = 1.14cm, P = .01) and Kinesio taping (mean difference = 1.54cm, P = .02) compared with baseline during squats. A variety of taping methods can potentially reduce perceived pain in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome, allowing clinicians to perform rehabilitation exercises. Sensory effects associated with short-term taping may be sufficient enough to modify knee pain acutely by afferent input blocking nocioceptive pain before the participants could adapt. Most interestingly, the sham taping technique demonstrated promise for enhancing functional outcomes, depending on the length of the tape and area covered.

Effects of elastic tape on kinematic parameters during a functional task in chronic hemiparetic subjects: A randomized sham-controlled crossover trial.

BackgroundApproximately 50 to 70% of post-stroke subjects present a reduction in the upper limb (UL) function even during the chronic phase. An adjuvant technique widely used in neurorehabilitation is elastic taping applications. However, its efficacy in UL treatment for post-stroke subjects still requires further investigation.ObjectiveTo verify the effects of elastic tape (ET) used on the paretic shoulder in upper limb (UL) performance during a drinking task.MethodA single-center randomized sham-controlled crossover trial randomized thirteen post-stroke subjects with mild to moderate UL impairment for group allocation to receive first Sham Tape (ST) or first Elastic Tape (ET), with one month of washout. Kinematic measures of a drinking task were taken before and after each intervention (elastic and sham tape), using Three-Dimensional Motion Analysis, and studied using feature analysis and Statistical Parametric Mapping. Outcome measures included spatiotemporal variables, scalar kinematic parameters (starting angles, range of motion—ROM, and endpoint angles) and time-normalized kinematic waveforms of trunk and UL joint angles (scapulothoracic, humerothoracic and elbow).ResultsElastic tape provided common modifications throughout the task (shoulder more towards midline, reduced scapula protraction and trunk flexion) and important alterations at specific time-instants. At the end of the reaching phase, for both groups (ET and ST), the elastic tape increased elbow extension [ET: CI = 12.57 (6.90 to 18.17), p<0.001; ST: CI: 12.89 (6.79 to 18.98), p<0.001). At the end of transporting the glass to the mouth, patients who underwent the elastic tape intervention presented more shoulder elevation [ET: CI = 16.40 (4.28 to 28.52), p = 0.007; ST: CI: 15.13 (5.79 to 24.48), p = 0.002)]. Moreover, an increase of elbow extension at the end of transporting the glass to the table was observed for both groups [ET: CI = 8.13 (1.48 to 14.79), p = 0.014; ST: CI: 8.20 (4.03 to 12.38), p<0.001)]. However, no changes in the spatiotemporal parameters were observed for both groups during all the phases of the task (p>0.05).ConclusionThe ET changed UL joint motions and posture during a drinking task in chronic hemiparetic subjects, which defines its role as an adjuvant therapy.

Efficacy of Rehabilitative Interventions to Attenuate Nonspecific Low Back Pain–A Pilot Study

Background: Low back pain leads to loss of work efficiency which could have a negative effect on productivity as well as the quality of life. Methods: An experimental study was conducted with 60 patients having Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) comprising males (43.3%) and females (56.7%) to quantify and ascertain the effective rehabilitative interventions. The patients were randomly selected and equally distributed (n=20) into three groups. Experimental group 1 carried out Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization Exercises (DLSE), Experimental group 2 had Kinesio Taping (KT) and Control group had sham taping. The outcomes were measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Revised Oswestry Disability Index and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. Results: The results revealed that post interventions both Experimental Group 1 and Experimental Group 2 showed functional improvements; however, a significantly greater improvement in patients of Experimental Group 1 was seen compared to Experimental Group 2. Post interventions, Experimental Group 2 showed significant improvement compared to Control Group. Conclusion: The study concludes that both DLSE and KT interventions are effective, however, DLSE showed significant attenuation of pain and functional disability in NSLBP. Thus, KT can be used as an adjunct intervention. Future studies may be undertaken to equate the efficacies of other rehabilitative interventions to set priorities or preventive strategies.