Sham Taping Research Articles

The Influence of Kinesiology Tape on Posture and Breathing Mechanics in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized Trial

Background and Purpose: Kinesiology tape (KT) has been used clinically to improve posture, mobility, and muscle strength. Limited research has investigated the effect of KT on respiratory function. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of KT on posture and breathing in healthy individuals. Methods: Ninety-two adult participants were randomly assigned to a KT, sham tape (ST), or control group. Data collection occurred over 2 sessions. Baseline measurements included chest wall expansion (CWE) at the sternal angle (SA) and xiphoid process (Xi), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and tragus (TWD) and acromion (AWD) to wall distances. Next, KT or ST was applied to the upper back and neck, or no tape was applied based on group assignment. Measurements were then repeated. Participants returned for a final round of measurements 48 hours later. Mixed-measures ANOVAs were used to determine the influence of tape at baseline (T0), immediately post-taping (T1), and 48 hours post-taping (T2). Post hoc analyses used the Tukey method. Results: Analysis showed significant differences between T0 and T1 (P = .004) and between T1 and T2 (P = .004) for AWD on the left. CWE-Xi data showed within group differences T0-T2 (P = .004) and T1-T2 (P = .004). MIP data showed within group differences between T0 and T1 (P = .001), T0 and T2 (P < .001), and T1 and T2 (P < .001). Discussion: KT had a limited and inconsistent impact on posture where there was a decrease in AWD on the left from T0 to T1 and then an increase from T1 to T2. No other changes in posture were found. Taping did not affect CWE at the SA. There was an evident training effect for CWE-Xi and MIP, where all groups saw increases over time. Conclusion: This method of KT application is not supported as an intervention for influencing posture and enhancing inspiratory breathing mechanics in healthy adults. Further investigation of KT in other populations is needed.

Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Taping on Balance, Proprioception, Pain, and Nerve Conduction Parameters in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Two-Group Pretest–Posttest Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial: A Pilot Study

Abstract Aim: Neuromuscular Taping (NMT) is the application of elastic adhesive tape to the skin without any tension in it. NMT creates wrinkles on the surface of the skin to help stretch the skin passively and this elongation force assists in muscle contraction and relaxation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of NMT in the improvement of sensorimotor complications following diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Setting and Design: A randomized controlled trial performed at a tertiary health care center. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 participants were recruited and were divided into two groups: The experimental group (EG; N = 10) and the control group (CG; N = 10). Eight weeks of physiotherapy intervention including NMT on bilateral tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, peroneus longus muscles, transverse arch of the foot, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the course of bilateral tibial and peroneal nerves for EG. CG received sham taping and TENS as an EG group. The patients were assessed for pre- and post-intervention using the outcomes: Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms and nerve conduction velocity of tibial, peroneal, and sural nerves and H-reflex, Berg Balance Scale, and Pedalo-Sensamove Mini Board. Results: The results revealed that both the groups showed significant improvements in all variables except for the H-reflex of the right and left sides at P > 0.05. EG showed more clinical and symptomatic improvement compared with CG. In EG, most of the variables showed moderate to large effect sizes ranging from 0.66 to 0.97 except for bilateral H-reflex; ranging from 0.15 to 0.33. Conclusion: This study concludes that NMT can be a trustworthy approach to treating DPN.

The effect of Dynamic tape’s directional support on shoulder fatigue and pitching performance in amateur baseball players: a randomized crossover trial

BackgroundTo evaluate whether the application of Dynamic tape to the pitching shoulder could result in reduced shoulder fatigue, reduced delayed onset muscle soreness, or improved performance.MethodsThis is a randomized crossover study, in which participants and investigators were blinded, included 20 amateur adult baseball players without shoulder pain. Sham taping and Dynamic taping were randomized, using an internal rotation support taping method in both groups. Bilateral shoulder strength and range of motion were measured with a handheld dynamometer and clinical goniometer before and after each test. The percentage of strength decrease, range of motion, pitch velocity, spin rate, and shoulder pain were recorded. The post-pitching decrease in strength and percentage of strength decrease were calculated by paired t-test and the pitching speed and spin rates in the innings for both the sham and Dynamic taping groups were analyzed using two-way ANOVA.ResultsCompared with the sham group, the Dynamic tape group showed a significant loss in the percentage of strength decrease in internal rotation compared to the sham group (-1.4% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.03). However, no significant differences were observed in other strength declines, shoulder range of motion, pain, pitching velocity, or spin rate.ConclusionsDynamic tape reduced direction-specific shoulder fatigue but did not significantly enhance pitching performance or prevent delayed onset muscle soreness.Trial registrationClinicalTrials: N201912094.

The Acute Effects of Kinesio Taping on Drooling in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Introduction This study purpose of determining the short-term effects of kinesio taping on drooling in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods CP were randomly divided into 3 groups as the kinesio tape (n = 16), sham tape (n = 16), and control (n = 16) groups. The drooling severity and frequency were assessed with the Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale, and the amount of saliva was measured by the 5-minute drooling quotient. All outcome measurements were repeated for all children at the baseline, after 45 minutes, and after 2 days of application. Results There was a significant decrease found in drooling severity, frequency, and amount in the kinesio taping group (p < .05). There was no significant difference in the sham taping and control groups (p > .05). Conclusion The use of kinesio tape in drooling reduced drooling severity, frequency, and amount.

A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF KINESIO TAPING'S EFFICIENCY IN VARIOUS MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

Background: Kinesio tape is a stretchable medical tape used to treat a different of conditions, including musculoskeletal problems. To summarise all relevant data regarding the therapeutic efficacy of Kinesio taping for the treatment of improving pain and functional skills in various musculoskeletal conditions, a systematic review and network meta-analysis approach were employed. Aim: To ascertain whether Kinesio taping is a beneficial tool to decrease pain and functional abilities in different musculoskeletal conditions. Method: A comprehensive research on PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Science Direct database using keywords kinnesiotaping, musculoskeletal conditions, disorders, injuries, and physiotherapy evidence-based database was utilized for assessment. Results: This reviews findings demonstrate that Kinesio taping will improve in the pain and functional abilities in the Musculoskeletal conditions. Conclusion: This reviews findings provide enough proof that Kinesio taping will improve in the pain and functional abilities in the different musculoskeletal conditions. KEYWORDS: Kinesio taping, taping techniques, musculoskeletal conditions, sham taping, scope of practice, evidence-based practice.

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

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

Effects of non-elastic taping on the kinematics of the lower extremities during overhead squat in subjects with dynamic knee valgus

BACKGROUD: The control of hip and ankle joint movement is important for patients with dynamic knee valgus (DKV), but few studies have used non-elastic taping (NET) to adjust alignment of the hip and ankle joints during overhead squat (OHS) simultaneously in patients with DKV. OBJECTIVE: We investigated changes in lower extremity joint kinematics and dynamic balance after the application of NET to the hip and ankle joints during OHS. METHODS: A total of 30 DKV patients participated in this study. We determined the kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle joints, and scores on the lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ) during OHS under three conditions (non-taping, NET on hip and ankle, and sham taping). RESULTS: Hip internal rotation, knee valgus, and the ankle dorsiflexion angle were significantly lower with NET than with non- or sham taping. The hip flexion angle and scores on the YBT-LQ were significantly greater with NET than with non- or sham taping. CONCLUSIONS: The application of NET while performing a OHS is a useful method for correcting lower extremity alignment in patients with DKV, however, application of NET on the ankle should be considered.

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.

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

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

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 on pain of kinesiology tape in patients with plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled study

Purpose. Plantar fasciitis is the most frequent cause of heel pain. Custom-made plantar supports are a common treatment solution, while the application of kinesiology tape (KT) can be an effective measure to alleviate pain. The objective was to evaluate the effects of KT on the pain of patients with plantar fasciitis. Methods. Randomized controlled trial including participants with plantar fasciitis. There was an experimental group (n = 17), whose participants underwent a KT treatment, and a control (sham tape) group (n = 17). The pain, measured with a visual analog scale (VAS), was the primary outcome and was assessed daily until the fifth day of wearing the tape and 24 h after removing it. Inferential statistics looked for time, group, and time per group differences with CI at 95%. Results. The greatest between-group VAS difference was 3.5 points, and occurred at the 2-day follow-up assessment. Then, pain differences decreased over time until the last assessment point. Statistically significant time, group, and time*group differences were found with p < 0.001. Conclusion. This study supports that KT is effective in reducing pain in the short term in patients with plantar fasciitis, and more effective than a sham intervention with tape.

Akıllı Telefon Bağımlılığına Bağlı Boyun Ağrısında Kı̇nesyolojik Bandın Ağrı ve Trapez Kasının Mekanı̇k Özellı̇klerı̇ Üzerı̇ne Akut Etkı̇sı̇

This study aimed to assess the short-term effects of inhibitory kinesiologic tape (KT) and sham tape on neck pain and muscle tone in individuals with smartphone addiction. Forty-two healthy participants were randomized to receive either KT or sham tape application to their upper trapezius muscle (UTM). Smartphone addiction was assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), and pain severity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Muscle tone and stiffness were evaluated using a myotonometer. No significant differences were found in pain or muscle mechanical properties between the groups after treatment. However, KT recipients had significantly higher tone and stiffness in their left trapezius muscle compared to their right trapezius muscle (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, right trapezius stiffness was significantly higher in participants with SAS scores of 100 points or more compared to those with SAS scores below 100 points (p &lt; 0.05). Finally, left trapezius elasticity increased significantly in participants with SAS scores of 100 points or more (p &lt; 0.05). Overall, the study findings suggest that short-term application of KT to the UTM may reduce neck pain in individuals with smartphone addiction.

Effectiveness of neuromuscular taping on balance, proprioception, pain, and nerve conduction parameters in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a two-group pretest-posttest randomized sham-controlled trial study protocol.

The management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) comprises a multidimensional approach. Along with pharmacological treatment, physiotherapy has gained applaudable popularity in improving the symptoms of DPN. Neuromuscular taping (NMT) is effective in improving motor, sensory, and balance impairments in many neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions but no research has conducted to evaluate the effect of NMT on balance, proprioception, pain, and nerve conduction parameters in patients with DPN. To evaluate the effectiveness of NMT on balance, proprioception, pain, and nerve conduction parameters in patients with DPN. 50 DPN patients aged 40-60 years, scored ≥ 2/13 on physical appearance and ≥ 1/10 on physical examination of Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), > 12 on Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptom and Sign (LANSS) scale and < 45 on Berg Balance Scale (BBS) will be included. The experimental group (EG) will receive NMT at the tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, and peroneus longus muscle and transverse arch of the foot and TENS at the tibial and peroneal nerves (80Hz, 50 Amp, 0.2 ms square pulses, 2 to 3 times sensory threshold) and the control group (CG) will receive sham taping at the ankle joint and TENS with the same parameters as EG. Outcome measures will be taken at baseline, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks of intervention, respectively. The results obtained upon completion of this study may provide a cost-effective non-invasive treatment option to improve the outcomes that will be measured in the present study in patients with DPN. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01275-5.

The effect of kinesio taping on edema, pain, and functionality after total knee arthroplasty: A randomised sham-controlled double blinded clinical study

BackgroundThere are current studies on kinesio taping (KT) application after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but there is no definite consensus on its effectiveness and application method yet. This study aims to evaluates the effectiveness of KT applied added to the conservative postoperative physiotherapy program (CPPP) after TKA on postoperative edema, pain, range of motion, and functions on the early period. Materials and methodsThis prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study was conducted in with 187 patients undergoing TKA. The patients were divided into 3 groups as kinesio taping (KTG), sham taping (STG) and control group (CG). KT lymphedema technique and epidermis, dermis, fascia technique were applied on the 1st and 3rd days postoperatively. Extremity circumference and joint range of motion (ROM) were measured. Visual Analog Scale, Oxford Knee Scale filled. All patients were evaluated preoperatively, on the 1st day, 3rd day, and 10th day postoperatively. ResultsThere were 62 patients in CTG, 62 patients in STG, and 63 patients in CG. In all circumference measurements, the difference between post-op10th day (PO10D) diameter and preoperative diameter measurement was less in KTG than in CG and STG (p < 0.001). CG was higher than the STG in the ROM values measured at PO10D.There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of OKS values (P:0.648). CG was higher than STG in post-op 1st day VAS values (P:0.042). ConclusionAdding KT to CPP after TKA reduces edema in the acute phase, but has no additive effect on pain, functionality, and ROM.

Mid-term effects of two different Kinesio tape treatments in female patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: Randomized controlled ultrasonographic study

Randomized controlled study. To evaluate the effect of Kinesio Tape (KT) applied differently in patients diagnosed with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SIS) on acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and supraspinatus tendon (SsT) thickness using ultrasound (US) and its effect on pain, upper limb functional status and hand grip muscle strength in the short and mid-term. The 90 patients diagnosed with unilateral SIS by clinical examination were randomized into 3 groups. In addition to exercise therapy, the deltoid in group 1 and the supraspinatus muscle in group 2 were taped from insertion to origin. Group 3, which was the control group, was applied 9 sessions of sham taping for 3 weeks. Cases were evaluated for AHD and SsT thickness, pain was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), function with the Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), and hand grip strength (HGS) using a dynamometer before, and 3rd week and 3rd month after the KT application. There was a significant improvement in all parameters in the short and mid-term intra group comparisons in Group 1 and 2 after taping (P < .05). In intergroup comparisons, significant improvement was achieved in all parameters in Group 1 and Group 2 in the mid and short term compared to the control group (P < .05). In comparison of Group 1 and Group 2, HGS in the short term (p: 0.07) and the SsT thickness in the short and mid-term (p: 0.36, p: 0.85) did not exhibit any difference. The improvement in all other parameters in group 1 was statistically significant. The findings of our study provide definitive evidence for the effectiveness of KT treatment depending on the method of tape application employed.

다이나믹 테이핑 적용 상태에서의 신경발달물리치료가 발 처짐 증상을 가진 뇌졸중 환자의 정적 및 동적 균형, 보행 기능에 미치는 장기 효과

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Neuro Development Treatment (NDT) treatment using dynamic taping of static and dynamic balance and gait function in stroke patients with foot drop. In this study, a total of 21 stroke patients with foot drop were randomly assigned to NDT treatment with dynamic taping training group and NDT treatment with sham taping training control group. Limit of Stability (LoS) and Berg Balance Test (BBS) were used to evaluate static and dynamic balance and gait function. To evaluate walking ability, 10Meter-Walking Test (10MWT) and Time Up and Go Test (TUG) tests were conducted. The intervention was performed five times a week for four weeks. Each session lasted 60 minutes twice a day. The experimental group received NDT treatment after attaching dynamic tape to tibialis anterior and peroneus longus, and the control group was provided with NDT treatment after attaching the sham tape. The results of this study confirmed that NDT treatment with dynamic taping was effective in improving static and dynamic balance and gait in stroke patients with foot drop and can be used as an effective interventional method in physical therapy to improve balance and gait in such patients.

The effects of Kinesio taping on static and dynamic balance in children with down syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Aim This study aimed to determine the effects of Kinesio tape applied to the plantar soles on static and dynamic balance in children with Down syndrome (DS). Materials and Methods The study was carried out in children with DS. The participants were grouped as Kinesio Taping (KT) (n = 12, DS) and Sham Taping (ST) (n = 12, DS). The Functional Reach Test (FRT) was used to evaluate functional balance and the Fast-Timed Up and Go (FAST-TUG) test to evaluate functional balance and capacity. The Modified Clinical test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (MCTSIB) was used to evaluate static balance. For both groups, all the assessments were made three times: at baseline (T0), right after the taping application (T1), and 40–45 minutes later (T2). Results Baseline FAST-TUG, FRT, and Eyes Open (EO) and Closed (EC) Sway velocity scores of the KT (medians- FAST-TUG:7.75 s, FRT:23.90 cm, EO: 0.70 deg/s, EC: 0.60 deg/s) and ST (medians-FAST-TUG:7.98 s, FRT:24 cm, EO: 0.85 deg/s, EC: 0.95 deg/s) groups were similar (p >0.05). Intragroup comparisons showed that FAST-TUG and FRT scores improved after the taping compared with T0 values in both KT (KT (FAST-TUG:7.75s-FRT:23.90cm)/KT1(FAST-TUG:7.55 s-FRT:28.25cm), KT(FAST-TUG:7.75s-FRT:23.90cm)/KT2(FAST-TUG:6.85s-FRT:27.50cm)) and ST groups (ST(FAST-TUG:7.98s-FRT:24cm)/ST1(FAST-TUG:7,95s-FRT:26.40cm), ST(FAST-TUG:7.98s-FRT:24cm)/ST2(FAST-TUG:7.26s-FRT:26.15cm)) (p < 0.05), while the sway velocity values were similar before and after the taping (p > 0.05). Conclusions Taping on the plantar soles of children with DS may be affecting the immediate dynamic balance scores while it actually did not affect the static balance scores independent of the technique used. The interpretation of the results of this study should be made with caution. Further studies with long-term evaluations are needed.

Behavior of medial gastrocnemius muscle beneath kinesio taping during isometric contraction and badminton lunge performance after fatigue induction

Kinesio taping (KT) is widely used in sports for performance improvement and injury prevention. However, little is known of the behavior of the muscle region beneath the KT with movement, particularly when the muscle is fatigued. Accordingly, this study investigated the changes in the medial gastrocnemius muscle architecture and fascia thickness when using KT during maximum isometric plantar flexion (MVIC) and badminton lunges following heel rise exercises performed to exhaustion. Eleven healthy collegiate badminton players (4 males and 7 females) were recruited. All of the participants performed two tasks (MVIC and badminton lunge) with a randomized sequence of no taping, KT and sham taping and repeated following exhaustive repetitive heel rise exercise. In the MVIC task, the fascia thickness with the medial gastrocnemius muscle at rest significantly decreased following fatigue induction both without taping and with KT and sham taping (p = 0.036, p = 0.028 and p = 0.025, respectively). In the lunge task, the fascia thickness reduced after fatigue induction in the no taping and sham taping trials; however, no significant change in the fascia thickness occurred in the KT trials. Overall, the results indicate that KT provides a better effect during dynamic movement than in isometric contraction.

The Immediate Effect of Kinesio Tape on Hamstring Muscle Length and Strength in Female University Students: A Pre-post Experimental Study.

Kinesio tape has been proposed to improve the muscle extensibility. However, there are contradictory results in the literature. To investigate the effect of Kinesio tape on hamstring muscle lengthening and on hamstring and quadriceps muscle strengthening in university students with hamstring muscle tightness. In this pre-post experimental study, 96 female students with hamstring muscle tightness were recruited from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and randomly assigned to Kinesio tape, sham tape, or control groups (32 in each group). The inhibition technique was used for the Kinesio tape application, with the tape being applied from the muscle insertion to the origin. Measurements were taken before and 15 min after the intervention. Outcome measurements included active knee extension test to measure the hamstring muscle length, and isometric strength measurements of hamstring and quadriceps muscles using a handheld dynamometer. A significant increase in the immediate hamstring muscle length was found in both the Kinesio (P = 0.001) and sham (P = 0.004) tape groups, while no difference was noted in the control group (P = 0.066). The muscle lengthening was significantly greater in the Kinesio tape group than the sham tape (P = 0.001) and control (P = 0.001) groups. There was no difference in the pre- and post-measurements in the quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths in all three groups. These results demonstrate that applying Kinesio tape has an immediate effect on hamstring muscle extensibility, but has no effect on the quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths. NCT03076840.

Effect of Kinesiotaping for Hand Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Cerebral palsy is the most common chronic disability. Lesions or defects in the immature braincause sensori motor impairment, which compromise the development of upper limb function in cerebral palsy.Restricted movement of the upper limbs may cause limitation in the functions and performance of ADL whichaffect their quality of life. Recent studies have proven that kinesiotape plays an important role in the managementof hand functional activity.Design: Randomized controlled trail was conducted on 28 cerebral palsy children with impaired hand functionwere included in the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly divided into2 groups, group a. kinesiotaping with functional hand activities and group b. sham taping (Kinesiotape withouttension) along with functional hand activities. Control group received sham tape (kinesiotape without tension).Outcomes were measured using quality of upper extremity skill test (QUEST) and Upper limb physician ratingscale (ULPRS).Conclusion: The study proved that the short term effect of kinesiotaping application along with functional handactivities has no significant effect on improving hand function in children with cerebral palsy.