The effect of kinesiology tape on knee proprioception in healthy subjects

Influence of taping on joint proprioception: a systematic review with between and within group meta-analysis

Taping is increasingly used to manage proprioceptive deficits, but existing reviews on its impact have shortcomings. To accurately assess the effects of taping, a separate meta-analyses for different population groups and tape types is needed. Therefore, both between- and within-group meta-analyses are needed to evaluate the influence of taping on proprioception. According to PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted across seven databases (Web of Science, PEDro, Pubmed, EBSCO, Scopus, ERIC, SportDiscus, Psychinfo) and one register (CENTRAL) using the keywords "tape" and "proprioception". Out of 1372 records, 91 studies, involving 2718 individuals, met the inclusion criteria outlined in the systematic review. The meta-analyses revealed a significant between and within-group reduction in repositioning errors with taping compared to no tape (Hedge's g: -0.39, p < 0.001) and placebo taping (Hedge's g: -1.20, p < 0.001). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses further confirmed the reliability of the overall between and within-group analyses. The between-group results further demonstrated that both elastic tape and rigid tape had similar efficacy to improve repositioning errors in both healthy and fatigued populations. Additional analyses on the threshold to detection of passive motion and active movement extent discrimination apparatus revealed no significant influence of taping. In conclusion, the findings highlight the potential of taping to enhance joint repositioning accuracy compared to no tape or placebo taping. Further research needs to uncover underlying mechanisms and refine the application of taping for diverse populations with proprioceptive deficits.

Short-term effects of kinesiology taping on static and dynamic balance in healthy subjects

Background

As a therapeutic tool, kinesiology taping (KT) has become increasingly popular for musculoskeletal injuries utilized by physiotherapists. KT has been found to have effects on facilitating muscle strength by generating a concentric pull on the fascia. However, little is known about KT in the improvement of dynamic and static balance. This study aims to explore whether KT on the quadriceps muscle has any immediate effects on static and dynamic balance.

Methodology

Twenty-seven healthy individuals (13 males and 14 females, aged 22 to 29) were recruited in a crossover study with two conditions: KT and no taping. KT was applied to the quadriceps muscle for the taping group, with the control receiving no taping. Pre- and post-test measurements were taken to give an indication of the effect of the tape on balance performance. Center of Pressure Excursion (COPE) and Time to Stabilization (TTS) when landing from a hop test and Y Balance test combined score (YBTCS) were used to assess a stabilizing balance activity and a dynamic balance. The pre- and post-intervention were collected, with differences explored using repeated measures ANOVA with time and condition (tape) factor analysis.

Results

We found a significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) with a moderate to large effect size in YBTCS between KT and no taping, indicating enhanced balance performance in the KT group. However, no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) with small to moderate effect size was found in COPE or TTS between the two conditions during landing tests, suggesting similar balance capabilities in these specific measures.

Conclusion

The use of KT shows no significant immediate effect on static balance in healthy individuals when applied to the quadriceps muscles; however, it demonstrates a positive immediate effect on dynamic balance.

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

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the immediate and delayed effects of kinesiotape (KT) on postural control and patient-reported outcome measures under challenging conditions in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions.

METHODS

Thirty-two anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed patients for whom 6 months had passed since their operation were randomly assigned to either the KT (n = 16, aged 21.8 [5.5] y) or the placebo KT (n = 16, aged 24.0 [5.1] y) groups. Initially, both groups stood barefoot on a force platform while performing postural tasks in 4 randomized conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, cognitive task, and foam). Before the experiment, patients would bring the 4 conditions, which were written on folded papers, one by one, and in this way, the order of conditions for the examiners was determined. The patients' evaluations were conducted immediately and 48 hours after KT application. Postural control measures, with area and displacement of the center of pressure (CoP) in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions, and mean total velocity displacement of CoP (MVELO CoP) served as dependent variables. In addition, the International Knee Documentation Committee score was measured pretreatment and 48 hours posttreatment.

RESULTS

Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for displacement of COP in medial-lateral direction (P = .002) and MVELO CoP (P = .034). MVELO CoP significantly decreased (mean difference = 0.60, P = .009) immediately after KT application compared with preapplication measures. In the placebo group, a statistically significant decrease in MVELO CoP (mean difference = 0.869, P = .001) was observed at 48 hours post-KT compared with preapplication values. International Knee Documentation Committee scores significantly improved at 48 hours post-KT application in both groups (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Though observed at different time points, both KT (immediately after the intervention) and placebo KT (48 h after the intervention) were found to improve postural control measures. It appears that the changes in postural control may be more related to proprioceptive enhancement due to KT rather than the specific KT pattern.

Acute Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Muscle Activation, Functionality and Proprioception in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Data on the mechanism of kinesiology taping (KT) for providing mechanical support, facilitating or inhibiting muscles, and increasing functionality in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) have been contradictory, with no study evaluating acute muscle activation. Our aim in this study was to determine the acute effect of KT applied to the rectus femoris muscle on this muscle's activation, functionality and proprioception in patients with knee osteoarthritis. We divided 40 individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis into two groups: (a) KT group (taping with tension facilitation) and (b) a placebo group (taping with no tension facilitation). We applied taping to the participants' left and right side rectus femoris muscles for 30 minutes, but with muscle facilitation in the KT group and without tension in the placebo group. We assessed participants for muscle activation with surface electromyography (sEMG), for functionality with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and for proprioception/joint sense with the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5TSTS) before and after taping. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the groups before these interventions were similar (p > .05). Muscle activation did not change significantly in either group compared to before taping (p > .05), but there were improvements in both knees for proprioception/joint sense (p < .05). Both groups were similar in terms of functionality (5TSTS, TUG) results (p > .05). We concluded that KT applied bilaterally to the rectus femoris did not affect rectus femoris muscle activation and functionality in patients with knee OA, but it did improve proprioception.

Maze Control Training on Kinesthetic Awareness in Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

To determine the influence of adding maze control training to the selected conventional physical therapy on kinesthetic awareness in patients with chronic stroke.

Methods

Thirty adult patients of both genders with chronic cerebral stroke were assigned to control and experimental groups randomly: the control group (A) received the selected conventional physical therapy rehabilitation program, while the experimental group (B) received the same program as group A in addition to the maze control training. Measurements for sway index, risk of fall, and knee proprioception before and after 8 weeks of treatment (24 sessions; three times per week).

Results

There were significant decreases of both sway index and risk of fall in both groups (p ≤ 0.001 in all measures), significant improvements of the knee proprioception in 30° and 75° in the experimental group (p value = 0.016 and ≤0.001, respectively). The in-between groups' comparison showed significant differences corresponding to both the sway index and risk of fall (p ≤ 0.001), and a significant difference in 75° (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

Adding maze control training to the selected conventional physical therapy improved the kinesthetic awareness in patients with chronic stroke.

Kinesiology Tape: A Descriptive Survey of Healthcare Professionals in the United States

BACKGROUND

The existing body of kinesiology tape (KT) research reveals inconsistent results which challenges the efficacy of the intervention. Understanding professional beliefs and KT clinical application might provide insight for future research and development of evidence-based guidelines.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to survey and document the beliefs and clinical application methods of KT among healthcare professionals in the United States.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey study.

METHODS

A 30-question online survey was emailed to members of the National Athletic Trainers Association, Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, and American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. Professionals were also informed through a recruitment post in different private healthcare Facebook groups.

RESULTS

One thousand and eighty-three respondents completed the survey. Most respondents used KT for post-injury treatment (74%), pain modulation (67%), and neuro-sensory feedback (60%). Most believed that KT stimulates skin mechanoreceptors (77%), improve local circulation (69%), and modulates pain (60%). Some respondents believed KT only created a placebo effect (40%) and use it for such therapeutic purposes (58%). Most used a standard uncut roll (67%) in black (71%) or beige (66%). Most respondents did not use any specialty pre-cut tape (83%), infused tape (99.54%), or a topical analgesic with tape (65%). The most common tape tension lengths used by respondents were 50% tension (47%) and 25% (25%) tension. Patient reported outcomes (80%) were the most common clinical measures. Most respondents provided skin prep (64%) and tape removal (77%) instructions. Some did not provide any skin prep (36%) or tape removal (23%) instruction. The average recommended times to wear KT were two to three days (60%). The maximum times ranged from two to five days (81%).

CONCLUSION

This survey provides insight into how professionals use KT and highlights the gap between research and practice. Future research should address these gaps to better determine evidence-based guidelines.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Effect of Short-Term Kinesiology Taping on Knee Proprioception and Quadriceps Performance in Healthy Individuals

Background: Kinesiology taping (KT) is well known measure for preventing musculoskeletal injuries. Our study aims to explore the actual effects of KT on healthy participants’ knee proprioception and quadriceps performance within 1 h.

Methods: A total of 35 healthy male amateur runners were recruited in our study. Four taping sequences were randomly allocated to four different weeks, namely, no taping, placebo taping, KT with tension, and KT with no tension. A CON-TREX isokinetic dynamometer was used in assessing the participants’ knee proprioception and muscle strength of knee extension and flexion at 60°/s. The electromyography (EMG) signals of medial oblique muscle and vastus lateralis were collected using Myon EMG system synchronously. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used in exploring the difference between taping and time effects, and the significance was set to alpha <0.05.

Results: Significant interaction effect was found between the taping groups and time effect [F (3.32) = 2.389, p = 0.029, η² = 0.050] in the peak torque during the concentric contraction of quadriceps. No significant interaction and no significant differences between groups and time effects in knee proprioception and muscle activation.

Conclusion: The effect of KT seems insufficiently large to impose a positive effect on healthy people within short periods. Health participants may not necessarily use KT to increase muscle activation and proprioception of knee.

Effects of Kinesio taping of the knee on proprioception, balance, and functional performance in patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture: A retrospective case series

To investigate whether Kinesio tape (KT) application improves proprioception, balance, and functional performance in patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACLr).This retrospective analysis included 48 male patients with surgically-untreated ACLr who attended the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, China between June 2017 and June 2018. KT was applied to induce a detoning effect on the quadriceps muscle and toning effect on the ischiocrural muscles. Proprioception, balance, and functional performance were assessed before and 1 and 7 days after KT application using the Lysholm scale, anteroposterior shift of the tibia (APST), active angle reproduction test (AART), modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT), and single-hop distance (SHD).KT resulted in significant improvements in Lysholm scale at 1 day (83.00 [6.50] vs. 76.00 [5.25], P < .001) and APST (8.00 [2.00] vs. 10.00 [2.00] mm, P < .001), AART (3.00 [1.00] vs. 4.00 [1.75] degrees, P < .001), SEBT (96.08 [6.62] vs. 83.92 [7.31] %, P < .001) and SHD (120.96 [6.94] vs. 106.46 [9.03] %, P < .001) at 3 hours (median [interquartile range]). However, significant deficits remained when compared with the healthy side. Except for mSEBT posterolateral direction, those effects were maintained at 7 days.KT has benefits in people with ACLr but cannot fully compensate for functional deficits. KT could be used to assist knee strengthening during rehabilitation.

Neuromuscular changes in football players with previous hamstring injury

BACKGROUND

Impact of prior injury on myoelectrical activity of the hamstrings during isokinetic eccentric contractions has received increased literature attention. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess neuromuscular adaptations, namely proprioception, core stability, muscle strength, extensibility and activity, in football players with history of hamstring strain injury.

METHODS

Seventeen players, 10 with history of hamstring injury and 7 without prior injury underwent isokinetic strength testing, eccentric knee extension at 30 and 120°/s. Myoelectrical activity of bicep femoris and medial hamstrings was calculated at 30, 50 and 100 ms after onset of contraction. Functional tests included core stability, muscle strength, and knee proprioception tests.

FINDING

Differences were observed between Hamstring Group injured and uninjured and Control Group dominant limbs in the bicep femoris activity at almost all times in both velocities (p < 0.05). Joint position sense error was higher in the injured side compared to uninjured and control dominant limb; additionally there were also differences between injured and uninjured limb in the triple-hop test.

INTERPRETATION

Previously injured side showed deficits in bicep femoris myoelectrical activity after onset of contraction during eccentric testing, proprioceptive deficits, and functional asymmetry.

Can texture change joint position sense at the knee joint in those with poor joint position accuracy?

Purpose: Skin contributes to joint position sense (JPS) at multiple joints. Altered cutaneous input at the foot can modulate gait and balance and kinesiology tape can enhance proprioception at the knee, but its effect may be dependent on existing capacity. The effect of texture at the knee, particularly in those with poor proprioception, is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of textured panels on JPS about the knee. Materials and methods: Eighteen healthy females were seated in an adjustable chair. Their left leg (target limb) moved passively from 65° to a target of flexion (115° or 90°) or extension (40°). Their right leg (matching limb) was passively moved towards this target angle and participants indicated when their limbs felt aligned. We tested three textured panels over the knee of the matching limb and two control conditions. The target limb maintained a control panel. Directional error, absolute error and variable error in matching between limbs were calculated. Results: On average textured panels over the knee increased JPS error compared to control pants for participants with poor JPS. These participants undershot the target at 90° of flexion significantly more with textured panels (-11° ± 3°) versus control (-7° ± 3°, p = 0.04). Conclusions: For participants with poor JPS accuracy, increased JPS error at 90° with a textured panel suggests these individuals utilised altered cutaneous information to adjust joint position. We propose increased error results from enhanced skin input at the knee leading to the perception of increased flexion.

Effects of knee orthoses on kinesthetic awareness and balance in healthy individuals

Introduction

Conflicting evidence exists regarding the effects of knee orthoses on proprioception. One belief is that pressure applied by orthoses heightens kinesthetic awareness and that this affects balance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of two different orthosis designs on kinesthetic awareness and balance in healthy individuals.

Methods

Twenty individuals (13 women) participated in this case series study. Each was tested wearing 1/no orthosis, 2/soft elastic orthosis and 3/non-elastic jointed orthosis. Pressure under orthoses was recorded. Kinesthetic awareness was investigated by testing joint position sense and threshold to detection of passive motion. Balance was tested using a modified sensory organization test.

Results

Non-elastic jointed orthoses applied the greatest pressure to the knee. With non-elastic jointed orthoses, threshold to detection of passive motion was significantly poorer for pooled results (p = 0.02) and when the start position of the knee was 70° (mean threshold = 0.6°, 0.6°, 0.7° for no-orthosis, elastic and jointed-orthoses; p = 0.03). No major differences were observed in JPS or balance and correlation between proprioception and balance was poor.

Conclusions

There may be a limit to the amount of pressure that should be applied to the knee joint by an orthosis. Exceeding this limit may compromise kinesthetic awareness.

The effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation lower-leg taping and treadmill training on mobility in patients with stroke

The elastic-taping method of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) concept is nonexistent. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the effect of treadmill training (TT) using PNF lower-leg taping (PNFLT) on walking and balance ability in patients with stroke. There were a total of 27 patients: a stroke allocated control group (n=13) and an experimental group (n=14). The control group performed the TT and the experimental group performed the TT using PNF taping five times a week for 6 weeks. Walking and balance ability were measured using the 6-min walk test (6MWT), the 10-m walking test (10MWT), and the timed up and go test (TUG). Before and after the intervention, a paired t-test was performed to compare different within-group differences. Independent t-tests were performed to compare different between-group differences. All statistical significance levels were set at α of 0.05. After intervention, 6MWT, 10MWT and TUG improved significantly in PNFLT-TT and TT group (P<0.01). After intervention, the PNFLT-TT group showed more effective changes that the TT group in 6MWT, 10MWT, and TUG (P<0.05 and <0.01) between PNFLT-TT and TT group. The intervention of PNFLT-TT was effective in improving walking and balance ability in patients with stroke. Basic elastic tape for the PNF concept and TT may be useful interventions as a program to improve walking and balance ability in patients with stroke.

Does Kinesiology tape counter exercise-related impairments of balance in the elderly?

BACKGROUND

Maintaining balance is an essential requirement for the performance of daily tasks and sporting activities, particularly in older adults to prevent falls and associated injuries. Kinesiology tape has gained great popularity in sports and is frequently used as a tool for performance enhancement. However, there is little research investigating its influence on balance.

RESEARCH QUESTION

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Kinesiology tape on dynamic balance, postural stability and knee proprioception after physical activity in healthy, older adults.

METHODS

Twelve physically active, healthy men aged 63-77 years performed the test on two separate days, with and without Kinesiology tape at the knee joint (prospective intervention with cross-over design). Dynamic balance during an obstacle-crossing task, postural stability in a single-leg stance test, and knee joint position sense as a measure of proprioception were examined before and after 30 min of downhill walking on a treadmill. The influences of taping condition and physical activity on all parameters were statistically tested using factorial ANOVAs.

RESULTS

Factorial ANOVA revealed significant time × taping condition interaction effects on all performance parameters (p < 0.05), indicating that the exercise-related changes in dynamic balance, postural stability and knee proprioception differed between the two taping conditions. The deterioration of performance was always greater when no tape was used.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study demonstrated that physical exercise significantly deteriorated dynamic balance, postural stability and knee proprioception in older men. These effects can be attenuated through the usage of Kinesiology tape. By preventing exercise-related impairments of balance, Kinesiology tape might help reduce the risk of sports-associated falls and associated injuries.

Possibilities of kinesio taping to prevent injuries of professional dancers

A literature review of the application of kinesio taping in the prevention of professional dancers' injuries indicated frequent dance-related and overuse injuries and a lack of organized information about this issue. This study aimed to assess the impact of kinesio taping on the musculoskeletal system of dancers, based on scientific research data from 2015-2017. The analysis revealed that kinesio taping can effectively reduce muscle spasms, rebuild muscle strength of the injured extremity, improve static and dynamic balance and ease pain, due to its ability to improve proprioception of joints and regulate muscle tone. These effects reduce muscle imbalance and joint instability, thus increasing treatment efficacy and shortening the physical load limitation. Kinesio taping significantly reduces the risk of overuse syndromes and dance-related injuries during dance training and strenuous exercises of people with chronic musculoskeletal diseases. Therefore, kinesio taping has broad utility in primary and secondary prevention of dance-related injuries.

Effects on proprioception by Kinesio taping of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament rupture

INTRODUCTION

The use of Kinesio tape (KT) to improve proprioception is a matter of considerable debate. In comparison, the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is a sufficiently well-investigated injury with a proven compromise of proprioception. The objective of the present study was to assess a supportive effect on proprioception after KT application, taking the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture as an example.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight patients who had suffered an ACL rupture, confirmed clinically and by magnetic resonance imaging, and who were treated conservatively or were awaiting surgery were included in this study. In all patients, a gait analysis was performed on the affected leg before and after KT application. In addition, the IKDC score, the Lysholm score, stability using the Rolimeter, and the angle reproduction test were determined.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine men and nine women who had had an ACL rupture for at least 3 weeks were included in the study. Significant improvements were achieved on the affected knee joint for the gait analysis parameters touchdown and unrolling, cadence, stability and stance phase as well as an extension of the hip joint. The Lysholm score improved from 79.3 to 85.8 (p < 0.001) and the IKDC score from 60.2 to 71.3 points (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were achieved in the Rolimeter and angle reproduction test.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of KT has a positive effect on proprioception in patients with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Therefore, the application may improve gait pattern as well as the subjective function of the affected knee joint.

Effect of kinesio taping on lower limb joint powers in individuals with genu varum

OBJECTIVE

Therapeutic lateral knee joint muscle taping potentially offers a low-risk, economical and effective alternative for the clinical treatment of light to moderate knee overload, due to misalignment in patients with genu varum. In this study, we aimed at investigating the immediate effect of lateral knee joint muscular kinesio taping on lower limb joint powers, during the stance phase of walking, in individuals with genu varum.

METHODS

Fifteen male subjects with genu varum misalignment (age: 24.2±3.7 years) participated in the study. Subjects performed three walking trials without, and three with, biceps femoris and vastus lateralis kinesio taping. The three-dimensional position coordinate data of reflective markers were collected at 100 Hz using a six-cameras Vicon system (Motion Analysis Corp., UK). Additionally, two Kistler force plates (Kistler AG, Winterthur, Switzerland) were used to record the Ground Reaction Forces (GRF) components at 1000 Hz during stance phase of walking. A three-way ANOVA with post-hoc testing (using paired samples Student's t-test with Bonferroni correction) was performed to compare the power values of lower limb joints before and after the use of KT.

RESULTS

With kinesio taping, we observed that the average negative power increased at the ankle level in dominant limb, (P<0.05, 10-20% of gait cycle, GC), and at the knee level in both limbs (10-20% and 60-80% GC). Further, average negative power of the non-dominant knee joint (80-100% GC) and positive power of the non-dominant hip joint (60-80% GC) significantly reduced (P<0.05) in kinesio taping condition.

CONCLUSION

The biomechanical analysis of joint power during walking using kinesio taping provided essential information about the possible mechanisms involved in gait analysis with this intervention in adults with genu varus.