Effects of Extensor Digitorum Longus and Tibialis Anterior Taping on Balance and Gait Performance in Patients Post Stroke

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of extensor digitorum longus taping (EDLT) and tibialis anterior taping (TAT) on balance and gait performance in patients post-stroke. The study included 40 stroke patients randomly assigned to two intervention groups: the EDLT group and the TAT group. Therapeutic taping was applied to the extensor digitorum in the EDLT group and applied to the tibialis anterior in the TAT group. Balance variables were measured using BioRescue equipment, and gait variables were measured using G-walk equipment. Balance and gait variables were significantly increased in both the EDLT and TAT groups after the intervention, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. Therefore, we concluded that eversion (EDLT) or inversion (TAT) through taping did not affect the outcome. Only dorsiflexion affects gait speed increase post-stroke. As a result of this study, extensor digitorum longus taping and tibialis anterior taping were taping methods with no difference in the improvement of balance ability and gait performance.

Immediate effect of kinesio taping on deep cervical flexor endurance: A non-controlled, quasi-experimental pre-post quantitative study

Objective Whether Kinesio taping® (KT) might change the endurance of the cervical deep flexor muscles.Methods: Healthy university students were assessed at baseline, immediately after the KT application over the posterior cervical muscles, and at a 24-h follow-up. The clinical assessment of the endurance of the deep cervical flexor muscles using the craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) was performed.Results: Sixty-two students (32 women) with a mean age of 20.4 ± 1.3 years completed the study protocol. Statistically significant pre- to post-taping differences in performance of the craniocervical flexion movement were found between baseline-immediate and baseline-24-h follow-up (p˂0.001). A statistically significant difference in the endurance of the cervical deepflexor muscles was found between baseline-immediate (for stage 2 result and cumulative endurance score), baseline-24-h follow-up (for stage 2result and cumulative endurance score), and immediate-24-h follow-up (for stage 2 result, for cumulative endurance score) p˂0.01.Conclusion: Cervical KT increased endurance for the short term.

The influence of kinesiology tape colour on performance and corticomotor activity in healthy adults: a randomised crossover controlled trial

Background

There exists conflicting evidence regarding the impact of kinesiology tape on performance and muscle function. One variable that may account for disparities in the findings of previous studies is the colour of the tape applied. Colour is hypothesised to influence sporting performance through modulation of arousal and aggression. However, few studies have investigated the influence of colour on products designed specifically to enhance athletic performance. Further, no studies have investigated the potential influence of colour on other drivers of performance, such as corticomotor activity and neuromuscular function. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of kinesiology tape colour on athletic performance, knee extensor torque, and quadriceps neuromuscular function.

Methods

Thirty two healthy participants were assessed under five conditions, applied in random order: (1) no kinesiology tape (control), (2) beige-coloured kinesiology tape applied with tension (sham A), (3) beige-coloured kinesiology tape applied with no tension (sham B), (4) red-coloured kinesiology tape applied with tension, and (5) blue-coloured kinesiology tape applied with tension. Athletic performance was assessed using a previously validated hop test, knee extensor torque was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer, and transcranial magnetic stimulation was utilised to provide insight into the neuromuscular functioning of the quadriceps musculature.

Results

Kinesiology tape had no beneficial impact on lower limb performance or muscle strength in healthy adults. The colour of the tape did not influence athletic performance (F (4, 120) = 0.593, p = 0.669), quadriceps strength (F (4, 120) = 0.787, p = 0.536), or neuromuscular function (rectus femoris: F (2.661, 79.827) = 1.237, p = 0.301).

Conclusion

This study found that kinesiology tape does not alter lower limb performance or muscle function in healthy adults, irrespective of the colour of the tape applied. Future research should seek to confirm these findings beyond the research setting, across a range of sports, and at a range of skill levels.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. ACTRN12616001506482. Prospectively registered on 01/11/2016.