Effects of Kinesio® Taping on Dynamic Balance Following Fatigue: a Randomized Controlled Trial

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.

Effect of dynamic taping on neck pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain: a randomized sham-control trial

Background

In 2020, 203 million people experienced neck pain, with a higher prevalence in women. By 2050, it is predicted that neck pain will affect 269 million people, representing a 32.5% increase. Physical rehabilitation is often employed for the treatment of chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP) and the associated functional loss. Taping is frequently used as an adjunct treatment alongside primary physical rehabilitation. Unlike kinesio tape (KT), the therapeutic benefits of dynamic tape (DT) have not been thoroughly explored and documented in non-athletic conditions. Therefore, the aim of this trial was to determine the effects of DT on pain, disability, and overall well-being in individuals experiencing CNSNP.

Methods

A prospective parallel-group active controlled trial was conducted at a single center, involving 136 patients with CNSNP, randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio. The sham taping group (STC) received standard physiotherapy care (n = 67) alongside DT without tension, while the dynamic taping group (DTC) (n = 69) underwent standard cervical offloading technique with appropriate tension in addition to standard physiotherapy care. Demographic information and three patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), namely the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), were collected for each participant at three time points (baseline, four weeks post-taping, and four weeks follow-up).

Results

At baseline, no significant differences were observed between the STC and DTC for any outcome measure. Notably, all three PROMs exhibited a significant improvement from baseline to four weeks post-intervention, with moderate to small effect sizes (NDI ηp2 = 0.21, VAS ηp2 = 0.23, and WHO-55 ηp2 = 0.05). The WHO-5 scores for both groups demonstrated improvement from baseline through follow-up (p < 0.001). The NDI and VAS scores ameliorated from baseline to the four weeks post-taping period, with marginal improvements observed during the four weeks follow-up.

Conclusion

The incorporation of DT as an adjunct to standard physiotherapy care yielded enhancements in pain levels, functional disability, and well-being among patients with CNSNP when compared to the sham group. However, the sustainability of these improvements beyond the taping period lacks statistical significance and warrants further validation.

Immediate Effect of Gluteus Medius Kinesio-Taping on Plantar Pressure Distribution and Balance Among Healthy Individuals

Gluteus medius eccentrically regulates hip adduction and internal rotation in unilateral postures against gravity. Any weakness to Gluteus medius can lead to poor posture, impaired balance and altered plantar pressure. There is a scarcity of literature to find the immediate effect of gluteus medius kinesio-taping on plantar pressure distribution and balance among healthy individuals. A Randomized cross-over trial was conducted in outpatient physiotherapy department of Manipal Hospitals Bangalore, on 28 healthy individuals from March 2021 to April 2022. The taping was done on the dominant leg of the subjects, with no tape, sham tape and kinesio tape with a least 30-minute time difference. Mean maximum plantar pressure, dynamic balance and squat score was analyzed under three tape conditions. The mean maximum plantar pressure was assessed using Foot Work Pro, dynamic and static balance was assessed using Biodex Balance SD and squat score using Kinovea software. Friedman's test was used to analyze the mean difference between the groups. There was a significant difference in the static overall stability index (p = 0.001), static antero-posterior stability index (p = 0.001), static mediolateral stability index (p = 0.047), overall static sway (p = 0.008) dynamic antero-posterior stability index (p < 0.001), dynamic overall stability index (p = 0.013), dynamic mediolateral stability index (p < 0.001), overall dynamic sway (p < 0.001) and deep squat score (p = 0.009). The results of the study suggest that kinesio-taping is an effective method on improving the dynamic balance and deep squat quality in normal healthy individuals.

Acute effect of inhibitory kinesio tape on range of motion, dynamic balance, and gait in athletes with hamstring shortness

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the present study was to investigate the acute effects of kinesio tape on range of motion (ROM), perceived stiffness, and kinetic parameters in athletes with hamstring shortness.

METHODS

Fifteen athletes with bilateral hamstring shortness were divided randomly into intervention (inhibitory application of kinesio tape plus static stretching) and control (static stretching) groups. Outcome measures were straight leg raise (SLR), active knee extension (AKE) tests for ROM, visual analogue scale (VAS) for perceived stiffness and kinetic parameters which are recorded and calculated by Moticon SCIENCE insoles during four functional performance task of single leg stance (SLS), slow and fast walking and running.

RESULTS

ROM, stiffness, and kinetic parameters examined with insoles during SLS and walking tasks changed in both the intervention and control groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, study groups were different in some variables. The increase in ROM in SLR test and the decrease in perceived stiffness in the intervention group were more evident than in the control group (P = 0.03 and P = 0.001, respectively). There was no difference between the intervention and control groups for the variables in SLS test, slow and fast walking, and running tasks, except for the mean swing duration (MSWD) (P = 0.002) in fast walking.

CONCLUSION

The static stretching alone and the kinesio tape plus static stretching could change many of the kinetic parameters during walking and balance tasks, but the rate of these changes were more significant with kinesio tape plus stretching compared to the stretching alone.

Does induced fatigue alter dynamic balance in athletes? A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To determine the influence of induced fatigue on dynamic balance in healthy athletes.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

PUBMED, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Sports Discus, and the Cochrane library from onset to May 28, 2019.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Eligible studies included any study examining the effects of induced-fatigue on dynamic balance, as measured by the SEBT/YBT, in healthy athletic populations. Studies with a low risk of bias were considered scientifically admissible for a best evidence synthesis.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies with low risk of bias were included - seven investigated recreational athletes while eight focused on competitive athletes. In the recreational population, five of the studies found significant decrease in dynamic balance following the fatiguing intervention. However, the remaining two concluded with insignificant changes. As for the competitive population, three studies showed significant effects of induced fatigue on dynamic balance, while five showed no effects.

CONCLUSION

There are conflicting results regarding the effects of induced fatigue on dynamic balance. The majority of studies focused on competitive athletes found that fatigue did not alter their dynamic balance. Per contra, the majority of studies focused on recreational athletes concluded the opposite - fatigue did indeed affect dynamic balance.

Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping for Dynamic Postural Stability in Adolescent Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of K-tape on dynamic postural stability of the injured limb in adolescent athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI) by measuring reach distance with the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT).METHODS Twenty volunteers (20 females [17.78 ± 1.22 yrs], height [163.89 ± 7.69 cm], mass [62.51 ± 9.81 kg]) with CAI. Four strips of K-tape were applied to the injured limb. Participants completed 4 trials of testing (2 with tape, 2 without tape) using the mSEBT as the assessment tool. We applied 4 strips of K-tape to the injured limb and then tested postural stability using the mSEBT to see if there was an increase of reach distance in the mSEBT. Measuring reach distance in Anterior (AN), Posteromedial (PM), Posterolateral (PL) on the injured limb with K-tape and without K-tape condition. We measured the reach distances and then normalized the distance to account for height differences. A repeated measures t-test was used for this study.RESULTS There is no statistically significant different between the condition with K-tape and without K-tape in the reach distances on the mSEBT in adolescent athletes with CAI.CONCLUSIONS Based on the results, there appears to be no improvement of reach distance using the mSEBT in adolescent athletes with CAI. Therefore, clinicians need their thoughtful consideration for applying K-tape to improve dynamic postural stability in adolescent athletes with CAI.

The effect of quadriceps kinesiotaping on the dynamic balance of young healthy women after fatigue: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Balance is a key factor in performing daily activities and the quadriceps muscle plays an important role in regaining balance following imbalance. Quadriceps fatigue may cause disruption in sending proprioception signals to the central nervous system and may, ultimately, lead to motor dysfunction and increased fluctuating dynamic and static balance which is followed by an increased risk of falling. Based on conclusions from previous studies it is proposed that kinesiotaping (KT) might be effective in the reduction of muscle fatigue and eventually balance.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of quadriceps KT on the dynamic balance of young healthy non-athlete women following local fatigue.

DESIGN

A Single-blind parallel randomized clinical trial.

METHOD

28 healthy women aged from 18 to 30 years were selected using the convenience sampling method. They were thoroughly evaluated with regard to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly divided into two groups of kinesiotaping (n = 14) and non-tape (n = 14) using coin tossing. Balance measurement was performed on both groups before and after fatigue using the Y balance test. Both groups performed the fatigue protocol, but only the KT group was taped.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that, the mean of normalized reach distances at anterior (KT: 1.014 ± 0.073, non-tape: 0.964 ± 0.097), posteromedial (KT: 0.816 ± 0.125, non-tape: 0.809 ± 0.076) and posterolateral (KT: 0.794 ± 0.102, non-tape: 0.753 ± 0.093) directions in the Y balance test had no significant difference between both groups after fatigue (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated no significant effect of quadriceps KT on the dynamic balance of young healthy women after fatigue.

Effect of two Dynamic Tape™ applications on the electromyographic activity of the gluteus medius and functional performance in women: A randomized, controlled, clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Dynamic Tape™ (DT) is a biomechanical tape that is used to directly manage load, modify movement patterns, and assist functioning. However, no studies have evaluated its effectiveness in increasing gluteus medius (GM) muscle activation and improving functional performance.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of two forms of DT applications on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the GM muscle and lower limb functional performance.

METHODS

Thirty-three, healthy, recreationally active women were randomly assigned into two groups: 1) submitted to the DT application on GM muscle that adhered to the stretching method for Kinesio Tape® application (KG, n = 17) and 2) submitted to the DT application on GM muscle that adhered to the stretching method suggested for DT (DG, n = 16). The EMG evaluation of GM was performed at rest, in maximum voluntary isometric contraction, and in the single-leg squat, drop landing, and jump landing + maximum vertical jump tests. Functional performance was evaluated using the triple hop test and the 6-m timed hop test.

RESULTS

No significant changes in GM activation or functional performance were found, regardless of the stretching method used. No significant intergroup differences were observed (α = 5%).

CONCLUSION

DT did not increase GM activation in functional activities, and it did not improve functional performance in the lower limbs in healthy women, regardless of the form of application used.

Kinesio taping does not improve ankle functional or performance in people with or without ankle injuries: Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether Kinesio taping technique, applied to ankles of healthy people as a preventive intervention and people with ankle injuries, is superior to sham or alternative interventions on ankle function.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, Amed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science, from inception to August 2020.

REVIEW METHODS

The terms "ankle" and "kinesio taping" were used in the search strategy. Included studies were randomized controlled trials (including crossover design) investigating Kinesio taping effects on ankle functional performance compared to any alternative or control/sham technique.

RESULTS

From 5,572 studies, 84 met the eligibility criteria which evaluated 2,684 people. Fifty-eight meta-analyses from 44 studies were performed (participants in meta-analyses ranging from 27 to 179). Fifty-one meta-analyses reported ineffectiveness of Kinesio taping: moderate evidence for star excursion balance test (anterior direction), jump distance, dorsiflexion range of motion, and plantar flexion torque for healthy people (effect size = 0.08-0.13); low to very-low evidence for balance, jump performance, range of motion, proprioception, muscle capacity and EMG for healthy people; balance for older people; and balance and jump performance for people with chronic instability. Seven meta-analyses reported results favoring Kinesio taping (effect size[95% CI]): low to very-low evidence for balance (stabilometry, ranging from 0.42[0.07-0.77] to 0.65[0.29-1.02]) and ankle inversion (0.84[0.28-1.40]) for healthy people; balance for older people (COP velocity, 0.90[0.01-1.78]); and balance for people with chronic instability (errors, 0.55[0.06-1.04]).

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence does not support or encourage the use of Kinesio taping applied to the ankle for improvements in functional performance, regardless the population.

Effectiveness of taping on functional performance in elite athletes: A systematic review

Taping has been showing its effect on the rehabilitation aspect with numerous reviews. However, there is lack of evidence on the effect of taping on functional performance, espectially in elite sports settings. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of taping intervention on sports-related functional performance among the elite athlete population. Online databases such as Ovid MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were searched. Eligibility criteria were listed as follows: (i) English, (ii) academic journal, (iii) research article, (iv) elite or professional athletes, (v) experimental research design, (vi) sport, (vii) taping, and (viii) functional performance. Specific emphases were targeted on within-subject comparison and healthy subjects. The PEDro scale was utilized for appraising on the statistical information, as well as internal and external validity. The Cohen's d effect size with 95 percent confidence intervals was used to compare taped versus not-taped condition. Nine studies were included in this review and 25 comparisons were extracted. Positive effects were found on balance performance with rigid tape, and horizontal jump performance with elastic tape. Alternatively, negative effects were found on vertical jump performance. An interesting finding was noted on the effect of taping applied after 24 h. Overall, taping could be a beneficial practice for elite sports performance.

Effect of Kinesio taping on Y-balance test performance and the associated leg muscle activation patterns in children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) have leg muscular deficits which negatively affects their dynamic postural stability. Kinesio tape (KT) could enhance muscle activation, postural control and functional activities in healthy individuals. Therefore, we hypothesized that the usage of KT may address the postural instability problem of children with DCD.

RESEARCH QUESTION

To investigate the immediate effect of KT on dynamic postural stability and the associated lower limb muscle activity in children with DCD.

METHODS

Forty-nine children with DCD were recruited where twenty-five children were randomly assigned to the KT group (mean age = 8.18 ± 1.16 years) and twenty-four to the control group (mean age = 8.06 ± 0.93 years). KT group received KT application to the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles whereas the control group received no intervention. Measurements were taken before and after the application of KT. Dynamic balance performance was measured using a lower quartile Y-balance test (YBT-LQ). Leg muscle peak activation and time-to-peak muscle activation of the dominant lower limb during YBT-LQ were measured by surface electromyography.

RESULTS

YBT-LQ composite score increased by 6.3% in the KT group at posttest (95% CI: -7.308, -2.480). In addition, a higher rectus femoris peak activation was illustrated for YBT-LQ anterior (32.5%; 95% CI: -48.619, -16.395) and posteromedial (24.6%; 95% CI: -42.631, -6.591) reach directions from pretest values in the KT group. Moreover, KT group exhibited a 38% (95% CI: 0.015, 2.983) longer gastrocnemius medialis time-to-peak duration for YBT-LQ posteromedial reach direction when compared to the control group.

SIGNIFICANCE

KT revealed an immediate beneficial effect on YBT-LQ performance. Application of KT also increased rectus femoris peak activation and lengthened the muscle time-to-peak duration for specific reach directions. Incorporating KT as an adjunct with dynamic balance training programme could be beneficial for children with DCD.

Effect of quadriceps and calf muscles fatigue on standing balance in healthy young adult males

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to compare the effects of quadriceps or calf muscles fatigue on static and dynamic standing balance in young healthy adult males.

METHODS

Forty-five healthy, physically active male adults aged 18-30 years were randomly divided into three groups; Quadriceps muscle fatigue group (n=15), Calf muscles fatigue group (n=15), and a control group (n=15). The Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance, Unilateral Stance, and Limits of Stability (reaction time and movement velocity) were selected as outcome measures for this study.

RESULTS

The results showed a non-significant difference between pretest and posttest balance scores (p>0.05) for quadriceps and calf muscles fatigue on balance. Similarly, there were non-significant differences in posttest balance scores when comparing fatigue effects between the groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that the fatigue of the quadriceps or calf muscles did not influence standing balance in healthy young adult males. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to further understanding the mechanisms behind localized muscle fatigue effects on standing balance in subjects of different age groups of both genders.