Kinesio taping: application and results on pain: systematic review

Optimal days of application of kinesiotaping for the treatment of lumbo-pelvic pain during pregnancy. A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the optimal dose and short-term effectiveness of kinesiotaping (KT) on pain intensity and disability in pregnant women with lumbo-pelvic pain.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (via PubMed Central), CINAHL, Epistemonikos, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to 21st March 2023.

STUDY SELECTION

We included randomized controlled trials (RCT) conducted on pregnant women with lumbo-pelvic pain treated with KT.

DATA EXTRACTION

The outcomes included pain intensity and disability. ROB-2 and GRADE were used to assess the risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence, respectively. A random effects meta-analysis was performed using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The dose-response association was evaluated using a restricted cubic spline model.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Seven RCTs involving 527 patients were included. Meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant effect in favor of KT on pain intensity (SMD = -1.71; 95% CI = -2.51 to -0.90; P = <0.001) and on disability (SMD = -1.15; 95% CI = -2.29 to -0.02; P = <0.001). The total duration of KT use ranged from 5 to 35 days. It was estimated that a dose of 5-10 days exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for pain intensity (mean difference at 10 days = -2.63; 95% CI = -3.05 to -2.22). Low certainty of evidence was identified for both outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In pregnant women with lumbo-pelvic pain, the use of KT for 5 to 10 days produces a short-term reduction in pain intensity that exceeds the MCID, with a low certainty of evidence.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

Systematic Review Registration Number PROSPERO CRD42023388174. CONTRIBUTION OF PAPER.

Effects of kinesio taping with and without active release technique in carpal tunnel syndrome

BACKGROUND

Kinesio taping is used as a conservative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and the active release technique is also effective.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of kinesio taping with and without the active release technique on pain, grip strength, functional disability and range of motion in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

METHODS

It was a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-two patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were randomly allocated to two groups: Group A received kinesio taping with the active release technique for 4 weeks (3 days/week); Group B received kinesio taping alone for 4 weeks (5 days/week). Outcome measures were the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire, a numeric pain rating scale, goniometry and hand-held dynamometry. SPSS software, version 25, was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Normal distribution was assessed on the Shapiro-Wilk test and parametric tests were applied. Independent t-test results showed that patients who received kinesio taping with the active release technique showed significantly greater improvement (p < 0.05) in pain, functional status and range of motion than the group that received kinesio taping alone. Within-group analysis (paired t-test) showed that both groups significantly improved (p < 0.05) in all outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

Kinesio taping with the active release technique procured significantly greater improvement in pain, range of motion and functional disability than kinesio taping alone.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov registration number: 789.

Effects of elastic taping on kyphosis and body balance in the elderly: a randomized crossover study

Kyphosis produces abnormal posture and reduced body balance in the elderly. Elastic tape may be useful at improving kyphotic posture and body balance. This study aims to evaluate the effects of elastic taping on kyphosis and body balance in the elderly. Ten elderly participants with degenerative kyphotic posture were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups (back taped with stretched elastic tape for 15 min and back taped with non-stretched elastic tape for 15 min). After a 1-h washout period, the groups were swapped over to receive the other intervention. The outcomes measured after each taping technique were Cobb's angle measurement by inclinometer, perceived pain, and balance measurements by single leg stance test, time up and go test, center of gravity alignment (COG) and modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance test (mCTSIB). There was a significant reduction in kyphotic angle and back pain in both the stretched and non-stretched taping groups (p < 0.05). We also found both taping techniques significantly reduced sway velocity on a foam surface with eyes closed and open (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between taping groups for kyphotic angle, pain reduction or balance. The application of 15 min of stretched and non-stretched elastic tape in the elderly reduced kyphotic angle, back pain, and sway velocity while standing on foam surface in the mCTSIB test. If these changes persist over the long term (days and weeks) taping may be a useful intervention for elderly patients with kyphosis.

The effect of different tensions/directions of I-shaped taping in combination with corrective exercise on postural kyphosis in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Choosing appropriate complementary methods, such as exercise, along with taping methods may be effective in treating patients with kyphosis.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to examine the effect of different tape tensions/directions combined with corrective exercises on the degree of postural kyphosis in adolescents.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, 54 adolescents with postural kyphosis were assigned into three groups: No taping (control), I-shaped taping technique with 10% stretching force (Kinesiotape I), and I-shaped taping using facilitation technique with 40% stretching force (Kinesiotape II). Both groups in Kinesiotaping also received a V-shaped tape (10% stretching force). All participants received a similar comprehensive corrective exercise. Patients received the allocated interventions for 6 weeks and visited every two weeks at the clinic. Measurements were done using a flexible ruler, kyphometer, and photogrammetry.

RESULTS

Between-group analyses revealed no significant differences between the study groups following the interventions (p> 0.05). However, the within-group analyses according to flexible ruler, Kyphometer, and Photogrammetry measurements indicated that exercise alone (control) [p= 0.011, p= 0.056, and p= 0.005, respectively], Kinesiotape I - exercise [p= 0.001, p= 0.002, p= 0.013, and respectively], as well as Kinesiotape II - exercise [p< 0.001, p< 0.001, and p< 0.001, respectively] significantly decreased the postural kyphosis degree except exercise alone using Kyphometer measurement. No adverse events were observed during the study.

CONCLUSION

The findings of photogrammetry, flexible rulers, and photogrammetry similarly indicated that the corrective exercises with or without tape tension/directions significantly decreased the postural kyphosis degree in adolescents.

The effect of Kinesio Taping on acute pain, breastfeeding behavior and comfort level in women with cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial

Background

Kinesio taping is used to provide rehabilitation after surgical operations.

Aim

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of kinesio taping (KT) on acute pain, breastfeeding behavior, and comfort level in women with cesarean section.

Subjects and Methods

This was a randomized, single-blinded study. Women (n = 48) were randomly assigned to KT (n = 24) and control (n = 24) groups. KT was applied to both breasts and rectus abdominis muscles of those in the intervention group at the 8-hour postpartum. VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), LATCH (Breastfeeding Charting System and Documentation Tool), PBSES (Postpartum Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale), and PCS (Postpartum Comfort Scale) were performed on the women in both the intervention and control groups on the 0th, 1st and 2nd postoperative days. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the independent samples t-test, the Chi-square test, and the Friedman test.

Results

Compared to the control group, the pain level was significantly reduced in the KT group (χ2 = 67,225; P = 0.001), breastfeeding self-efficacy increased (F = 221.940; P = 0.001) and the postpartum comfort level (χ2 = 36.432; P = 0.001) improved.

Conclusion

In the study, it has been shown that KT has important effects on pain management, breastfeeding success, and increasing comfort level in women with cesarean section compared to the control group and the initial period, and can be used safely.

Effect of kinesio-taping on the acute phase of the post-operative reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the Kinesio taping (KT) effects on reducing pain and edema on postoperative (PO) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

DESIGN

Controlled and randomized clinical study.

SETTINGS

Individuals of both sexes, aged 18-45, underwent ACL reconstruction were randomized into intervention (IG; n = 19) and control (CG; n = 19) groups.

METHODS

Intervention consisted of KT bandage applications at hospital discharge for seven days, and on the 7th PO day, which was removed on the 14th PO. CG received specific instructions from the physiotherapy service. All volunteers were evaluations before and immediately after surgery, on the 7th and 14th PO day. Pain threshold (KgF), evaluated by algometer; edema (cm), evaluated by the perimetry measurements and volume of the lower limbs and the truncated cone test (ml) were the evaluated variables. The Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate intergroup, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnett's test to evaluate intragroup.

RESULTS

Edema reduction and increased nociceptive threshold were significant in the 7th (p < 0.001; p = 0.003) and 14th (p < 0.001; p = 0.006) PO day in IG when compared to CG patients. IG perimetry levels, on the 7th and 14th PO were similar to preoperative period (p = 0.229; p = 1.000). IG nociceptive threshold value was similar on the 14th PO to before the surgery (p = 0.987). The same pattern did not occur in CG.

CONCLUSION

KT treatment reduced edema and increased nociceptive threshold in the 7th and 14th PO ACL reconstruction.

Kinesio Taping as a Therapeutic Tool for Masticatory Myofascial Pain Syndrome-An Insight View

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is thought to stem from masticatory muscle hypersensitivity. Masticatory myofascial pain syndrome (MMPS) is characterized by multiple trigger points (MTrPs), also known as hyperirritable points, in taut bands of affected muscles, regional muscle pain, or referred pain to nearby maxillofacial areas like teeth, masticatory muscles or the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Muscle stiffness, reduced range of motion, muscle weakening without atrophy, and autonomic symptoms may accompany regional discomfort. Multiple treatments have been utilized to reduce trigger points and mandibular function restrictions. As a result of these incapacitating symptoms, MMPS can significantly impair many elements of quality of life. The application of Kinesio tape (KT) is a non-invasive method of treating dormant myofascial trigger points. Utilizing the body's innate capacity for self-repair, this technique entails taping specific regions of the skin. KT alleviates discomfort, decreases swelling and inflammation, enhances or suppresses motor function in the muscles, stimulates proprioception, promotes lymphatic drainage, stimulates blood flow, and expedites tissue recovery. However, studies conducted to assess its effects have frequently yielded contradictory results. To the best of our knowledge, just a few research has looked into the therapeutic effects of KT on MMPS. The purpose of this review is to determine the efficacy of KT as a therapeutic tool for regular treatment or as an adjunct to existing therapy for MMPS based on the evidence presented in this review. To establish KT as a reliable independent treatment option, additional research is necessary to confirm the efficacy of KT techniques and applications, specifically randomized clinical trials.

Evaluation of single session physical therapy methods in bruxism patients using shear wave ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE

To compare the immediate effects of a single session of manual therapy (MT) or Kinesio taping following MT (KTMT) in patients with bruxism using shear wave ultrasonography.

METHODS

Twenty patients were included in the MT group (mean age 27.3 ± 4.8), and 19 patients were included in the KTMT group (age mean 26.2 ± 5.4), randomly. Muscle thickness and stiffness were assessed via shear wave ultrasonography, and pain pressure threshold was assessed with an algometer before and after one session of MT or KTMT.

RESULTS

Significant decreases were found in muscle thickness and stiffness of the bilateral masseter (p < 0.05). Significant decrease in pain was seen in the masseter and temporalis muscle PPT measurements in the KTMT group (p < 0.05) only.

CONCLUSION

Kinesio taping in addition to MT is recommended in the immediate physiotherapy treatment of bruxism for acute pain.

The Time-Based Effects of Kinesio Taping on Acute-Onset Muscle Soreness and Calf Muscle Extensibility among Endurance Athletes: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial

BACKGROUND

This study aims to determine the effects of kinesio tape (KT) application on acute-onset muscle soreness and the extensibility of the calf muscles in endurance athletes.

METHODS

A one-arm repeated-measures randomized cross-over controlled study design investigated 55 endurance athletes, including 10 cyclists, 30 badminton players, and 15 long-distance runners (mean age 16.40 ± 2.69) from different stadia in Delhi NCR, India. KT and sham tapes (ST) were applied randomly to right and left legs (prone position) in a cross-over manner with a gap of 72 h. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADFROM) and pain due to acute-onset muscle soreness were assessed immediately and 10 min and 30 min after treadmill running, using a universal goniometer and numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), respectively, along with the time to fatigue.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was observed for the NPRS when the mean scores obtained for the KT and ST groups were compared immediately after cessation of running; however, the difference was not statistically significant in the NPRS score that was recorded ten or thirty minutes after. The range of motion increased significantly after the application of both the KT and the ST. After running on a treadmill, the range of motion decreased significantly with both the KT and ST, and the decrease was similar.

CONCLUSION

KT was more effective in reducing the pain intensity immediately after running and increased the time spent running on the treadmill before fatigue set in among endurance athletes. In addition, the two taping methods (KT or ST) were equally effective in enhancing calf muscle extensibility (for both right and left legs) immediately after application. However, both taping methods failed in limiting the decrease in ankle ADFROM after treadmill running.

Safety and efficacy of therapeutic taping in primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological condition among adolescent and adult women. Several pharmacological and alternative therapies (e.g. therapeutic taping) have been used to treat PD, with varying effect. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of therapeutic taping on clinical symptoms of PD, considering pain as the primary outcome. MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, PEDro, CINAHL and gray literature sources were searched from inception to February 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effect of therapeutic taping for PD. The language was restricted to English. A total of ten studies were included in the systematic review, involving 685 participants. Eight studies were included in quantitative analysis. The quality of the studies ranged from 4 to 7 with a median of 5 as assessed by PEDro scale. Meta-analyses indicated short-term improvements of pain compared to sham and no interventions. Elastic therapeutic taping (ETT) indicated short term improvements in anxiety associated with PD. Moderate to high quality of evidence suggested that ETT is an effective intervention in improving pain, anxiety, and quality of life of women with PD. A scarcity of evidence on the long-term effects of therapeutic taping in PD is observed.

Evaluation of short-term and residual effects of Kinesio taping in chronic lateral epicondylitis: A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Lateral epicondylitis is degenerative tendinosis of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle and is the most common work/sports-related chronic musculoskeletal problem affecting the elbow.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the short term and residual effectiveness of the Kinesio taping method on pain, grip force, quality of life, and functionality.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized, double-blinded, controlled study.

METHODS

Subjects were 50 patients diagnosed with chronic unilateral lateral epicondylitis with a symptom duration of at least 12 weeks. During the first four weeks, the study group received a true inhibitor Kinesio taping while the control group received sham taping. In both groups, progressive stretching and strengthening exercises were given as a home program for six weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for self-report of pain intensity; secondary outcome measures were Cyriax resistive muscle test evaluation, maximal grip strength, Patient- Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). After the treatment, patients were evaluated by the first assessor who was blinded to taping types.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in NRS scores overtime during the first four weeks in both groups (P < .001,) and effect sizes were large. There was no significant difference in Cyriax muscle resistance test maximal grip strength between groups (P > .05). However, there was a significant improvement in muscle strength of elbow extension and pronation in the study group detected in the intragroup analysis. Intragroup comparisons also showed a significant improvement in all subunits of the PRTEE and SF-36 except energy/vitality, social functioning, and pain in both groups (P < .05) with moderate to high effect sizes. PRTEE pain scores were significantly decreased in the study group compared to the placebo group (P < .05, d = 0.48).

CONCLUSION

The effects of Kinesio taping on muscle strength, quality of life, and function in chronic lateral epicondylitis are not superior to placebo. However, NRS scores showed that in the two weeks after Kinesio taping treatment, pain reduction persisted as a residual effect which may improve the exercise adherence and functionality.

Kinesio taping techniques for ankle stabilisation in patients with stroke: a single-blinded randomised controlled study

Background/Aims

Ankle proprioception and neuromuscular feedback from this region provides the sensory input needed for balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of repeated correction taping applied on the ankle and peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles on balance and gait in patients with stroke.

Methods

A total of 61 patients with stroke with a mean age of 62.25 ± 7.04 years were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n=30) received 1 hour of rehabilitation, which took place during weekdays over the course of 2 weeks. The intervention group (n=31) received 1 hour of daily rehabilitation as well as having kinesio tape applied to their ankle. Both groups were assessed with the Balance Evaluating Systems Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test, Tetrax Balance System and Barthel Index. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline, immediately after the first application, 1 week and 2 weeks later, following the first taping.

Results

There was a significant improvement in the Balance Evaluating Systems and Functional Reach Tests scores between the first and last measurements in favour of the intervention group (P<0.05). There were no significant changes between baseline and immediately after assessment for all measurements (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in Tetrax scores, Timed Up and Go Test and Barthel Index scores (P>0.05).

Conclusions

In this study, it was found that dynamic balance was improved by taping the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles, but the static balance did not change. One week of kinesio taping would be beneficial; however, prolonged use would not provide further improvement.

Short-term effect of kinesiology taping on pain, functional disability and lumbar proprioception in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain: a double-blinded, randomized trial

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of kinesiology taping (KT) on lumbar proprioception, pain, and functional disability in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Methods

Thirty individuals with nonspecific CLBP participated in this double-blinded, randomized clinical trial from July 2017 to September 2018. The participants were randomized into two groups: KT (n = 15) and placebo group (n = 15). KT was applied with 15–25% tension for 72 h, and placebo taping was used without tension. Lumbar repositioning error was measured by a bubble inclinometer at three different angles (45° and 60° flexion, and 15° extension) in upright standing. Pain and disability were assessed by the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index, respectively. All measurements were recorded at baseline and 3 days after taping.

Results

Pain and disability scores reduced 3 days after taping in the KT group with large effect sizes (p < 0.05). Only the total score of pain was significantly different between the groups 3 days after taping and improved more in the KT group with a large effect size (p < 0.05). However, lumbar repositioning errors were similar between the groups after 3 days (p > 0.05). Also, only constant error of 15° extension showed a moderate correlation with disability (r = 0.39, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

KT can decrease pain and disability scores after 3 days of application. Although placebo taping can reduce pain, the effect of KT is higher than placebo taping. The findings do not support the therapeutic effect of KT and placebo taping as a tool to enhance lumbar proprioception in patients with nonspecific CLBP.

Trial registration

The study prospectively registered on 21.05.2018 at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20090301001722N20.

A Pilot Study of Hip Corrective Taping Using Kinesio Tape for Pain and Lower Extremity Joint Kinematics in Basketball Players with Patellofemoral Pain

Purpose

This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of hip corrective taping to improve self-reported knee pain and lower extremity joint kinematics in basketball players with patellofemoral pain.

Patients and Methods

A single group pre-test and post-test design. Collegiate basketball players with patellofemoral pain were recruited. Three-dimensional hip and knee joint kinematics were measured during two tasks, single-leg squat (SLS) and lay-up jump (LUJ), and each task was conducted under no-taping and taping conditions. Subjective report of pain was compared between no-taping and taping conditions only during SLS.

Results

Twelve collegiate basketball players with patellofemoral pain (median age, 22.7 [2.5] years; mean height, 173.8 ± 7.4 cm; mean weight, 72.5 ± 12.8 kg) participated in this study. Compared with no-taping, the use of hip corrective taping significantly increased the hip abduction angle at the instant of the maximal vertical ground reaction force during LUJ (no-taping vs taping: 0.6° ± 6.3° vs 3.3° ± 5.1°, p = 0.029), and also caused a trend of decreased maximal hip internal rotation angle during SLS (no-taping vs taping: 8.0° ± 6.6° vs 4.7° ± 6.9°, p = 0.050). Hip corrective taping also improved self-reported knee pain during SLS (no-taping vs taping: 3.4 ± 1.7 vs 2.6 ± 1.0, p = 0.046).

Conclusion

Hip corrective taping may be used as an effective intervention for athletes with patellofemoral pain during basketball-related tasks.

Acute Effect of Ankle Kinesio and Athletic Taping on Ankle Range of Motion During Various Agility Tests in Athletes With Chronic Ankle Sprain

Background:Taping is a preventive measure commonly used for protecting and strengthening the ankle joint to prevent further musculoskeletal damage. Ankle taping prevents excessive range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint and allows the improvement of proprioception to adjust balance. Appropriate ankle stability is essential for various activities, such as sprinting, turning, cutting, and jumping, which are associated with agility.Aim:To assess the acute effect of Kinesio taping and athletic taping on the ankle ROM of athletes with chronic ankle sprain during various agility tests that include sprinting, turning, and cutting actions.Methods:Twenty-five physically active volunteers with chronic ankle sprain performed the Illinois, 5–0–5, 10-m shuttle, hexagon, compass drill, and T agility tests in 3 ankle conditions (nontaped, Kinesio taped, and athletic taped), in random order. Ankle ROM was recorded using the Vicon motion capture system.Results:In comparison with the nontaped ankle condition, in the ankle Kinesio-taping condition, the results showed a significant increase of ankle ROM in the sprinting part of the Illinois, 5–0–5, 10-m shuttle, and T agility tests (P ≤ .01), whereas in the ankle athletic-taping condition, no significant difference was found in ankle ROM during all agility tests.Conclusion:In sports that need linear sprinting, Kinesio taping seems to be a suitable intervention for the improvement of sports performance as it provides increased ankle ROM.

Kinesio Taping® as an innovative therapeutic tool to prevent nasal septal lesions in newborns: a case study

Abstract Introduction: The immaturity of the integumentary system in premature newborns (PTNB), associated with ventilatory support, contributes to the higher occurrence of nasal trauma. Objective: This article reports on the case of a newborn submitted to Kinesio® Taping as an innovative prophylactic therapy for nasal trauma. Method: We report on Kinesio® Taping, a material frequently used to treat pain in athletes, as an innovative therapeutic tool to prevent nasal septal lesions in a PTNB undergoing noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), who, after 13 days on NIMV, presented with nasal septal lesions. Results: The Kinesio® Taping, was positioned to protect the nasal septum from friction caused by direct contact of the nasal prong, maintained NIMV pressure, adapted well to the shape of the nose and improved nasal trauma after 3 days of use. Conclusion: Given that breathing in this period of life occurs predominantly through the nose and maintaining the integrity of this mucosa reduces not only respiratory discomfort, but also deformities and the risk of infections. The present study presents KT as an innovative protective tool against nasal injury in premature newborns submitted to positive pressure ventilation using nasal prongs. Despite describing a single case, the results obtained were promising. However, studies with a larger sample and different groups are needed, primarily to compare with existing methods.

Effects of kinesio taping on neuromuscular performance and pain of individuals affected by patellofemoral pain: A randomized controlled trial

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal dysfunctions in the knee and its treatment is controversial. This study analyzed the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) immediately and 72 hours after its application on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle, on the isokinetic performance of the quadriceps femoris and on the pain of subjects with PFP. Fifty-four participants were divided into three groups and performed one of the following protocols: (1) control group (CG)-remained at rest; (2) KT tension group (TG)-KT application with tension in the VMO region; and (3) KT without tension group (WTG)-KT application without tension in the same region. VMO and vastus lateralis (VL) EMG activity (RMS and onset), isokinetic performance and pain intensity were evaluated at three moments: before KT application, immediately after and 72 hours after. A mixed model ANOVA was used for statistical analysis with a significance level of 5% (p ≤ 0.05). No differences between the evaluated groups were found in relation to EMG variables and isokinetic performance. A reduction in pain intensity was found in the WTG in comparison to CG, after 72 hours. KT does not alter EMG parameters nor the isokinetic performance of subjects with PFP. However, we noticed reduced pain in the group submitted to the technique without tension 72 hours after its application.

Effects of kinesiology taping in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction: Cerebral Palsy is a group of non-progressive movement and posture disorders. There are many rehabilitation methods for children and adolescents with these disorders. Kinesiology Taping(KT) is becoming a popular as an option of rehabilitation method for these children. Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to summarize evidence regarding the methods of Kinesiology Taping use in children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy and its effects. Materials: A search of scientific papers in the databases Medline, Scielo and PEDro was conducted with no data or language restriction. For this search the keywords “Kinesio taping”, “Kinesiology Taping”, “Taping”, and “Bandages” combined with “Cerebral Palsy” were used. The search was conducted between May of 2015 and November of 2016. Results: Eleven studies were included in the review, six were randomized controlled clinical trials, four were quasi-experimental studies, and one was a case study. In general, the studies followed the guidelines proposed by the Kinesiology Taping creator; they used corrective techniques and muscle contraction facilitation/inhibition techniques. Results varied according to techniques used and outcomes chosen. Conclusion: There is strong to insufficient evidence of KT effects in motor function related outcomes. Stronger quality level studies are necessary to support use of KT in clinical practice.

The effectiveness of taping on children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review

AIM

Taping is popular in a variety of paediatric clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of taping on the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHOD

We used MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials as the electronic databases for the review. We reviewed all relevant studies published up to May 2015. We also analysed pertinent secondary references. We used Sackett's Levels of Evidence and the guidelines for critical review of McMaster University to criticize the reviewed articles.

RESULTS

Nine papers met the inclusion criteria. Five of these were randomized controlled trials, three were case series, and one was a single case study. Four papers were high quality according to the methodological critical forms of this review, and two of these found that taping was effective in increasing activity in children with CP.

INTERPRETATION

Although benefits of taping were found in the population, and functional gains according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health were obtained, the evidence was not conclusive. Randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and with more specific taping procedures are required to strengthen the evidence for the effectiveness of taping on children with CP.