Sham Taping Group Research Articles

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 Effects of Two Interventions between Elastic Therapeutic Taping with Exercise and Sham Taping with Exercise on Pain Intensity, Knee Disability Reduction, Leg Strength, and Functional Ability Improvement for Gonarthrosis Patients at the Moderate Level

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of elastic therapeutic taping with exercise on the pain, disability, muscle strength, and functionality of knee in patients with moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA) compared with the sham taping technique with exercise.METHODS: Eighty patients with moderate knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-III) were randomized and separated into 2 groups, including an elastic therapeutic taping group and a sham taping group. Both groups received the same homework exercise. The assessments were performed at baseline, and 2 weeks and 12 weeks after the elastic therapeutic taping application. Pain level, the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale, muscle strength, Time Up and Go and Sit-to-Stand were used for the evaluation.RESULTS: Patients that received elastic therapeutic taping and the sham taping technique with exercise demonstrated improvement in pain level, the WOMAC scale, muscle strength, Time Up and Go and Sit-to-Stand after 12 weeks of the applications, but the results showed a statistically significant difference in the outcome measurement of pain level, the WOMAC scale, and Time Up and Go between the 2 groups (p &lt; 0.01, p = 0.03 and p = 0.03 respectively).CONCLUSION: Elastic therapeutic taping with exercise can be an effective intervention for pain relief, reduced knee disability, and Time Up and Go in patients with moderate knee OA when compared with the sham taping technique with the exercise group.

Effects of the Upper Trapezius Taping on Shoulder Pain, Muscle Activity, Strength, Scapular Elevation in Subjects with Latent Myofascial Trigger Points

Background Patients who have latent myofascial trigger points commonly over-compensate with the upper trapezius (UT) due to insufficient shoulder flexion strength. Previous studies have suggested that taping is an effective way to restrict unwanted joint movements along the direction of the tape. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate how taping affects shoulder compensation movements in individuals with MTPs. Objectives We investigated the effects of taping on pain, activation of the UT, anterior deltoid (AD), serratus anterior (SA), shoulder flexion strength, and the angle of scapular elevation in subjects with MTPs. Methods In total, 30 subjects with latent MTPs were recruited. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups (inhibition taping group, n=15; sham taping group, n=15). Subjects were evaluated for pain, activation of the UT, AD, and SA, shoulder flexion strength, and scapular elevation angle during maximum isometric shoulder flexion pre and immediately post-the-taping intervention. Two-way repeated ANOVA was performed to analyze group (inhibitory vs. sham) and time (pre vs. post-taping values) main and interaction effects. Results Statistically significant main effect for time was found in UT (p < 0.001), AD (p < 0.001), shoulder flexion strength (p < 0,001), and scapular elevation angle (p < 0,001) after inhibition taping. Additionally, the inhibition taping group showed significantly greater changes in UT (p = 0.020), AD (p = 0.048) EMG activity, shoulder elevation angle (p = 0.005), and scapular elevation angle (p = 0.049). Conclusions These results suggest that when performing shoulder rehabilitation exercises in a clinical setting, restricting scapular elevation via taping is an effective way to correct compensatory scapular movement and alter the recruitment pattern of UT and AD activation in patients with MTPs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Effect of Elastic Therapeutic Taping on Abdominal Muscle Endurance in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blind, Crossover Trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effect of elastic therapeutic taping and sham taping of the abdominal musculature on maximum hold time of endurance tests in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). MethodsTwenty-six people with CNLBP and 26 asymptomatic individuals were included in this study. The CNLBP participants were allocated to an elastic therapeutic tape group or a sham tape group. Standard adhesive elastic therapeutic tape was utilized for facilitatory application in the elastic therapeutic tape group. The elastic therapeutic tape group received real elastic therapeutic taping on the transversus abdominis and internal obliques, and the sham tape group received sham elastic therapeutic taping application. For the sham group, the elastic therapeutic tape was positioned horizontally above the navel and applied without tension. After a wash-out period, each CNLBP participant was switched to the other group. Outcome measures included maximum hold time of supine isometric chest raise, supine double straight-leg raise, and abdominal drawing in maneuver. ResultsThe CNLBP participants had lower maximum hold time compared to the asymptomatic individuals (P ≤ .01). Following taping, both groups showed an increase in the maximum hold time (mean difference = 4.43 – 50.69 seconds; P ≤ .02). Although there was no difference between the results of both groups (P ≥ .12), effect sizes were large for the elastic therapeutic tape group (Cohen’s d = –1.93 to –1.00). ConclusionsThe results suggest that the maximum hold time of endurance tests was decreased in CNLBP patients compared to healthy participants. The application of both elastic therapeutic tape and sham tape to the transversus abdominis and internal obliques produced short-term improvement in abdominal endurance. There was no statistically significant difference between the results of elastic therapeutic tape and sham tape.

A pilot randomized controlled study of comparative effectiveness of kinesiology taping, sham taping or exercises only in treatment of lateral epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a common musculoskeletal condition presenting with pain due to overuse of common extensor tendon. It is treated with many different methods. The aim of this study is to compare efficacy of kinesiology taping (KT) and sham taping in addition to exercise or exercises only in the treatment of LE. Thirty patients, aged 25–68 years, with clinically diagnosed LE less than 12 weeks were randomized into three groups; KT ( n = 10), sham taping ( n = 10) and control (exercises only) ( n = 10) groups. All groups received home exercise program including strengthening and stretching exercises. In KT and sham taping groups, tapings were performed and changed every 3–4 days for two weeks. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), grip strength, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDash) and The Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) scales were used for assessments before and after treatment. The immediate effect was assessed by VAS and grip strength immediately after both tapings. Among the KT, sham and control groups, there were statistically significant differences regarding the changes in VAS at activities of daily living (ADL) (−2.5, 0, 0; P = 0.02) and PRTEE (−26.25, 0.5, 1.25; P = 0.006). Post-hoc analyses revealed that VAS at ADL and PRTEE ( P < 0.01) showed significantly greater improvement in the KT group than sham taping and control groups. VAS at ADL ( P = 0.007), painless and maximum grip strength ( P = 0.03; P = 0.04), QuickDash ( P = 0.03) and total PRTEE ( P = 0.004) scores were significantly lower after treatment compared to baseline in the KT group. Grip strength immediately increased after taping in the KT group ( P = 0.02). Neither sham taping group nor control group showed improvement in any of the outcome measures after treatment. Kinesiology taping in addition to exercise is more effective than sham taping and exercises only for improving pain at ADL and arm disability due to LE.

Assessment of the kinesiotherapy\u2019s efficacy in male athletes with calcaneal apophysitis

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of kinesiotherapy used for treating various disorders in athletes on pain and pedal functions in patients with calcaneal apophysitis.MethodsThis prospective randomized controlled study included 22 patients with calcaneal apophysitis aged 8 to 16 years presenting with heel pain among junior athletes of a professional football club. The patients were randomly grouped into two groups, with one group receiving sham tape only and the other kinesio tape. American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded before and after the treatment.ResultsThe preoperative VAS score of the kinesio tape was 7, and AOFAS score was 62.4; the corresponding figures of the sham group were 6.81 and 70.5, respectively. The kinesio-tape group had a better AOFAS scores at 1st and 3rd month (p < 0.05). Posttreatment AOFAS score was 99.7 ± 0.9 for the kinesio-tape group and 97.4 ± 3.9 for the sham-tape group. Posttreatment VAS score was 0.1 ± 0.3 for the kinesio-tape group and 0.4 ± 0.5 for the sham-tape group (p > 0.05).DiscussionConservative treatment modalities are preferentially used for its treatment. Kinesiotherapy is one of the treatment methods for the apophysitis. In the literature, our study is the first prospective randomized trial on the efficacy of kinesio taping in calcaneal apophysitis.ConclusionsAlthough kinesio taping can be effectively used for the restoration of ankle functions of athletes with calcaneal apophysitis, its role in pain is limited. Since it lacks serious side effects, it can be used in combination with or as an alternative to pharmacological treatment in this patient group.

Elastic Tape Improved Shoulder Joint Position Sense in Chronic Hemiparetic Subjects: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Crossover Study.

BackgroundElastic tape has been widely used in clinical practice in order to improve upper limb (UL) sensibility. However, there is little evidence that supports this type of intervention in stroke patients.ObjectiveTo verify the effect of elastic tape, applied to the paretic shoulder, on joint position sense (JPS) during abduction and flexion in subjects with chronic hemiparesis compared to sham tape (non-elastic tape). Furthermore, to verify if this potential effect is correlated to shoulder subluxation measurements and sensorimotor impairment.MethodsA crossover and sham-controlled study was conducted with post-stroke patients who were randomly allocated into two groups: 1) those who received Sham Tape (ST) first and after one month they received Elastic Tape (ET); 2) those who received Elastic Tape (ET) first and after one month they received Sham Tape (ST). The JPS was evaluated using a dynamometer. The absolute error for shoulder abduction and flexion at 30° and 60° was calculated. Sensorimotor impairment was determined by Fugl-Meyer, and shoulder subluxation was measured using a caliper.ResultsThirteen hemiparetic subjects (average time since stroke 75.23 months) participated in the study. At baseline (before interventions), the groups were not different for abduction at 30° (p = 0.805; p = 0.951), and 60° (p = 0.509; p = 0.799), or flexion at 30° (p = 0.872; p = 0.897) and 60° (p = 0.853; p = 0.970). For the ET group, differences between pre and post-elastic tape for abduction at 30° (p<0.010) and 60° (p<0.010), and flexion at 30° p<0.010) and 60° (p<0.010) were observed. For the ST group, differences were also observed between pre and post-elastic tape for abduction at 30° (p<0.010) and 60° (p<0.010), and flexion at 30° (p<0.010,) and 60° (p<0.010). Potential effects were only correlated with shoulder subluxation during abduction at 30° (p = 0.001, r = -0.92) and 60° (p = 0.020, r = -0.75).ConclusionElastic tape improved shoulder JPS of subjects with chronic hemiparesis regardless of the level of UL sensorimotor impairment. However, this improvement was influenced by the subluxation degree at abduction.

Immediate effects of kinematic taping on lower extremity muscle tone and stiffness in flexible flat feet.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of kinematic taping on the tone and stiffness in the leg muscles of subjects with flexible flat feet. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 30 subjects, 15 in the kinematic taping and 15 in the sham taping group, were administered respective taping interventions. Subsequently, the foot pressure and the tone and stiffness in the tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, medial gastrocnemius, and the long head of the biceps femoris muscles of both the lower extremities were measured. [Results] The foot pressure of the dominant leg significantly decreased in the kinematic taping group. The muscle tone and stiffness in the rectus femoris muscle of the dominant and non-dominant leg, tibialis anterior muscle of the dominant leg, medial gastrocnemius muscle of the non-dominant leg, and the stiffness in the dominant leg significantly decreased. The muscle tone and stiffness generally increased in the sham taping group. However, no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that kinematic taping on flexible flat feet had positive effects of immediately reducing the abnormally increased foot pressure and the tone and stiffness in the lower extremity muscles.

Neuromuscular taping versus sham therapy on muscular strength and motor performance in multiple sclerosis patients

Purpose: Purpose of this study is to evaluate differences in leg muscles strength and motor performance between neuromuscular taping (NT) and sham tape groups. Method: Relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were recruited and randomly assigned to NT or sham tape groups. All patients underwent the treatment 5 times at 5-d intervals. They were submitted to a 6-minute walk test and isokinetic test (peak torque) at the beginning (T0), at the end (T1) and 2 months after the end of the treatment (T2). Results: Forty MS patients (38 F; 2 M; mean age 45.5 ± 6.5 years) were assigned to NT group (n = 20) and to sham tape group (n = 20). Delta Peak Torque T1–T0 and T2–T0 between two groups were statistically significant in quadriceps (p = 0.007; 0.000) and hamstrings (p = 0.011; 0.007). The difference between the two groups according to 6-minute walk test was not statistically significant but in NT group it was noticed an increasing trend about the distance run. Conclusions: In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, NT seemed to increase strength in leg muscles, compared to a sham device, in RR MS patients. Further studies are needed to consider this therapy as a complement to classic physical therapy.Implications for RehabilitationNeuromuscular taping (NT) in multiple sclerosis:NT is well tolerated by multiple sclerosis patients and should be a complement to classic physical therapy.This technique normalizes muscular function, strengthens weakened muscles and assists the postural alignment.

Effects of kinesiotaping on foot posture in participants with pronated foot: A quasi-randomised, double-blind study

ObjectiveTo investigate whether kinesiotaping improves excessive foot pronation compared with sham kinesiotaping. DesignQuasi-randomised, double-blind study. SettingOne primary care centre. ParticipantsOne hundred and thirty participants were screened for inclusion. Sixty-eight participants with pronated feet [Foot Posture Index (FPI)≥6] were enrolled, and the follow-up rate was 100%. InterventionsParticipants were allocated into one of two groups: an experimental kinesiotaping group (KT1) and a sham taping group (KT2). Measures were collected by a blinded assessor at baseline, and 1minute, 10minutes, 60minutes and 24hours after taping. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was total FPI score, and the secondary outcome was rear-foot FPI score. ResultsThere were no significant differences in total FPI score between kinesiotaping and sham taping at any time point. Similarly, there were no significant differences in rear-foot FPI score, apart from at 60-minute follow-up when the difference between groups was significant (P=0.04) but the effect size was very small (0.85 points on the rear-foot FPI score between −6 and +6). ConclusionsKinesiotaping does not correct foot pronation compared with sham kinesiotaping in people with pronated feet.