Immediate and delayed effects of forearm kinesio taping on grip strength

Immediate and localized effect of Kinesio tape on the hand grip strength of sedentary female adults

The current study aimed to assess the immediate and localized effect of Kinesio Taping (KT) on hand grip strength. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 sedentary female university students (aged 18-23) divided into two groups of 30 subjects each. The experimental group received KT with 50% tension of the tape on the forearm and 100% tension on the hand, and the control group received a placebo application of KT (KT without tension on the hand and forearm). Hand grip strength was assessed before and immediately after applying KT using a hand-held dynamometer with a one-minute rest between trials. The experimental group detected a significant improvement in hand grip strength during the post-intervention stage compared to the control group (mean difference 9.72 Lbs; 95% CI, -12.90 to -6.54; P<0.05) with a medium effect size. In addition, a significant improvement in handgrip strength was observed between pre-intervention and post-intervention in the experimental group (mean difference 6.5 Lbs.; 95% CI, -7.58 to -5.42; P<0.05) with a high effect size. However, the control group failed to show significant improvement in handgrip strength between pre-and post-intervention (P=0.666). KT application on the hand and forearm immediately augmented the hand grip strength of the dominant hand in sedentary female university students.

The Immediate Effect of Kinesiotaping on Handgrip Strength in Young, Healthy Men

Introduction: Kinesiotaping is a typical method used in physical therapy. It has the potential to boost muscle strength and performance when used properly The aim of the study is to determine the immediate effect of 35% tension Kinesiotaping on handgrip strength in healthy males. Methods: The study involved 60 healthy males (physical therapy students) between the ages of 20 and 23. The participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: the tension Kinesiotaping group (tKT), undergoing taping at a 35%tension, or the control group, receiving the identical taping technique but without tension. All participants' handgrip strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometre. The measurements were taken before and after taping for 30 minutes. Results: Only in the tension Kinesiotaping group was there substantial improvement in handgrip strength (tKT). There were no significant differences in the control group before and after 30 minutes (p=0.970), but significant results were noted in the tKT group after applying kinesiotape with a 35% tension (p<0.001). Conclusions: In healthy males, Kinesiotaping with a 35% tension causes an immediate increase in handgrip strength.

Effects of truncal taping on center of gravity sway: comparison of different trunk muscle masses

[Purpose] Taping is a therapeutic technique used to prevent and treat sporting injuries and other conditions. This study aimed to clarify how kinesio taping versus non-elastic taping of the trunk affects postural control. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-three healthy male participants were included in this study. Participants were assigned to low or high trunk skeletal muscle mass groups. Main outcomes of path length and area representing the center of gravity sway were measured using a Zebris FDM-S system in three conditions: control, kinesio taping, and non-elastic taping. Tapes were applied to the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and erector spinae muscles. The measured limb position was seated on a balance cushion. [Results] The area of the low trunk mass group differed significantly between kinesio and non-elastic taping. However, the path length of the low trunk mass group and path length and area of participants with high trunk mass did not differ significantly between groups. [Conclusion] This study's findings indicated that two types of taping methods affected the area of gravitational sway in healthy adult males with a low trunk muscle mass.

The Effects of Forearm Kinesio-Taping on Hand Grip Strength and Endurance in Female Squash Elites

Background: Hand grip plays a fundamental role in most daily and athletic activities of the upper extremities. Objectives: The study compared the effect of various methods of forearm Kinesio-taping (KT) on the hand grip strength and endurance of Iranian elite squash players during their sporting activities at different times. Methods: Thirty-three female squash players were assigned to a quasi-experimental study, and KT was applied on their dominant forearm (on the flexor area, on the extensor area, and placebo taping). Grip strength was evaluated before, immediately, 30, and 60 minutes after KT, and grip endurance was also assessed before and 60 minutes after KT using MIE digital grip analyzer. Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the results of grip strength, and ANOVA and the sample t-test were applied to analyze the grip endurance data. Results: The findings revealed no significant differences within the grip strength at different phases (P > 0.05). However, p values for the outcomes of KT on the flexor area‎, KT on the extensor area‎, and placebo mode were respectively 0.145, 0.178, 0.065 in each phase of the evaluation. A significant difference ‎among KT groups and the LSD test revealed a significant increase in grip endurance in the mode of KT on the extensor area, whereas there have been no significant differences in grip endurance in KT on flexor (P = 0.785) and extensor (P = 0.457) areas. Conclusions: There was no obvious superiority of the various methods of forearm ‎ KT ‎ on grip strength at different times; nevertheless, KT was an efficient method for retaining grip endurance in squash players with no significant differences between the flexor and extensor locations.

Kinesio taping for rotator cuff disease

BACKGROUND

Kinesio Taping (KT) is one of the conservative treatments proposed for rotator cuff disease. KT is an elastic, adhesive, latex-free taping made from cotton, without active pharmacological agents. Clinicians have adopted it in the rehabilitation treatment of painful conditions, however, there is no firm evidence on its benefits.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the benefits and harms of KT in adults with rotator cuff disease.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, PEDro, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov and WHO ICRTP registry to July 27 2020, unrestricted by date and language.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including adults with rotator cuff disease. Major outcomes were overall pain, function, pain on motion, active range of motion, global assessment of treatment success, quality of life, and adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodologic procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 23 trials with 1054 participants. Nine studies (312 participants) assessed the effectiveness of KT versus sham therapy and fourteen studies (742 participants) assessed the effectiveness of KT versus conservative treatment. Most participants were aged between 18 and 50 years. Females comprised 52% of the sample. For the meta-analysis, we considered the last available measurement within 30 days from the end of the intervention. All trials were at risk of performance, selection, reporting, attrition, and other biases.  Comparison with sham taping Due to very low-certainty evidence, we are uncertain whether KT improves overall pain, function, pain on motion and active range of motion compared with sham taping. Mean overall pain (0 to 10 scale, 0 no pain) was 2.96 points with sham taping and 3.03 points with KT (3 RCTs,106 participants), with an absolute difference of 0.7% worse, (95% CI 7.7% better to 9% worse) and a relative difference of 2% worse (95% CI 21% better to 24% worse) at four weeks. Mean function (0 to 100 scale, 0 better function) was 47.1 points with sham taping and 39.05 points with KT (6 RCTs, 214 participants), with an absolute improvement of 8% (95% CI 21% better to 5% worse)and a relative improvement of 15% (95% CI 40% better to 9% worse) at four weeks. Mean pain on motion (0 to 10 scale, 0 no pain) was 4.39 points with sham taping and 2.91 points with KT even though not clinically important (4 RCTs, 153 participants), with an absolute improvement of 14.8% (95% CI 22.5% better to 7.1% better) and a relative improvement of 30% (95% CI 45% better to 14% better) at four weeks. Mean active range of motion (shoulder abduction) without pain was 174.2 degrees with sham taping and 184.43 degrees with KT (2 RCTs, 68 participants), with an absolute improvement of 5.7% (95% CI 8.9% worse to 20.3% better) and a relative improvement of 6% (95% CI 10% worse to 22% better) at two weeks. No studies reported global assessment of treatment success. Quality of life was reported by one study but data were disaggregated in subscales. No reliable estimates for adverse events (4 studies; very low-certainty) could be provided due to the heterogeneous description of events in the sample. Comparison with conservative treatments Due to very low-certainty evidence, we are uncertain if KT improves overall pain, function, pain on motion and active range of motion compared with conservative treatments. However, KT may improve quality of life (low certainty of evidence).  Mean overall pain (0 to 10 scale, 0 no pain) was 0.9 points with conservative treatment and 0.46 points with KT (5 RCTs, 266 participants), with an absolute improvement of 4.4% (95% CI 13% better to 4.6% worse) and a relative improvement of 15% (95% CI 46% better to 16% worse) at six weeks. Mean function (0 to 100 scale, 0 better function) was 46.6 points with conservative treatment and 33.47 points with KT (14 RCTs, 499 participants), with an absolute improvement of 13% (95% CI 24% better to 2% better) and a relative improvement of 18% (95% CI 32% better to 3% better) at four weeks. Mean pain on motion (0 to 10 scale, 0 no pain) was 4 points with conservative treatment and 3.94 points with KT (6 RCTs, 225 participants), with an absolute improvement of 0.6% (95% CI 7% better to 8% worse) and a relative improvement of 1% (95% CI 12% better to 10% worse) at four weeks. Mean active range of motion (shoulder abduction) without pain was 156.6 degrees with conservative treatment and 159.64 degrees with KT (3 RCTs, 143 participants), with an absolute improvement of 3% (95% CI 11% worse to 17 % better) and a relative improvement of 3% (95% CI 9% worse to 14% better) at six weeks.  Mean of quality of life (0 to 100, 100 better quality of life) was 37.94 points with conservative treatment and 56.64 points with KT (1 RCTs, 30 participants), with an absolute improvement of 18.7% (95% CI 14.48% better to 22.92% better) and a relative improvement of 53% (95% CI 41% better to 65% better) at four weeks.  No studies were found for global assessment of treatment success. No reliable estimates for adverse events (7 studies, very low certainty of evidence) could be provided due to the heterogeneous description of events in the whole sample.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Kinesio taping for rotator cuff disease has uncertain effects in terms of self-reported pain, function, pain on motion and active range of motion when compared to sham taping or other conservative treatments as the certainty of evidence was very low. Low-certainty evidence shows that kinesio taping may improve quality of life when compared to conservative treatment. We downgraded the evidence for indirectness due to differences among co-interventions, imprecision due to small number of participants across trials as well as selection bias, performance and detection bias. Evidence on adverse events was scarce and uncertain. Based upon the data in this review, the evidence for the efficacy of KT seems to demonstrate little or no benefit.

Early Results of Kinesio Taping and Steroid Injections in Elbow Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized, Controlled Study

Background and objectives: This study prospectively compares early results of Kinesio tape (KT) as an alternative method for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis with those of corticosteroid injection and the rest-and-medication group (RMG). Materials and methods: Among the fifty patients (53 elbows), KT was applied to 20 patients (21 elbows), and corticosteroid injection (CSI) was applied to 15 patients (17 elbows). Fifteen patients were included in the RMG. Patients in the RMG were informed about their condition, and necessary warnings were given. No oral or topical treatments were recommended. If needed, paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were prescribed. Patients were classified according to the Nirschl scores and evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS); Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QDASH); and the Turkish version of the Patient Related Elbow Evaluation (PREE-T). Results: Improvements in all scores were statistically significant in all groups at the end of the second week. At the end of the fourth week, there was also a statistically significant improvement in all three groups, but these improvements were not as high as they were in the first 2 weeks. There was a slight deterioration in the functional scores in the RMG and CSI groups, while the improvement in the KT group continued. In the KT group, the average QDASH score was 18.1 (4.5–35), the VAS score was 2 (1–3), the VAS score in resisted wrist extension was 4 (2–5) and the Nirschl score was 2 (1–3) at the fourth week. The KT group had significant superiority in these parameters over the RMG (p = 0.035, p = 0.035, p = 0.029, p = 0.035, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between the KT, the RMG and the CSI groups at the fourth week. Conclusions: CSI, KT and rest-and-medication treatments were all effective in terms of pain reduction and functional scores at the end of week 2, and the only treatment that continued to be effective in the final week was KT.

Effects of Kinesio tape application to trunk isokinetic strength in female participants

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effects of KT on trunk strength with respect to different angular speeds when applied to the trunks of healthy women. Forty healthy female participants were randomly distributed into two groups: the placebo group (PG) in which placebo KT was applied and the experimental group (EG). Participants' trunk concentric flexion and extension muscle strength were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer in two different angular speeds (60°/s - 180°/s). In both PG and EG groups, there was no significant difference measured immediately after taping at the two angular speed values. In the measurements taken 48 h later, as regards PG trunk flexion, extension muscle strength increased significantly (p = 0.0001) at 60°/sc. angular speed while, for the EG only, the strength of trunk extension muscle increased significantly (p = 0.002). It was observed, that to ensure an increase in strength, waiting for a certain length of time was required. Lower angular speeds and short-term applied KT improved the strength of the trunk extension muscle.

Effect of Kinesio Taping on Pain, Range of Motion, Hand Strength, and Functional Abilities in Patients with Hand Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent joint diseases in older adults. Since hands play a key role in daily activities, their impairment causes disability and reduction of independency. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of using Kinesio tape on pain, range of motion (ROM), hand strength, and functional abilities in patient with hand osteoarthritis (HOA).

METHODS

In this randomized clinical trial study, 38 patients with the diagnosis of HOA were selected and randomly assigned to Kinesio tape plus exercise (KT-EXE) and exercise (EXE) groups. Each group included 19 subjects who participated in an 8-week intervention. Visual analog scale, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, as well as goniometer and dynamometer measurements, were used to assess pain severity, upper extremity functional disabilities, ROM, and grip strength, respectively, before and after the intervention and at 2 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in pre-intervention scores between the two groups. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvement in pain, ROM, hand strength, and upper-extremity functional abilities after the intervention in KT-EXE and EXE groups. In addition, the follow-up analysis showed significant changes, compared to the initial assessments except for the pain in the EXE group. Results of the independent t-test revealed that change was significantly greater in KT-EXE group than that in the EXE group at post-intervention and 2-month follow-up assessments except for the wrist flexion and upper-extremity functional abilities at final evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Obtained results of this study showed that Kinesio taping and hand exercise may have a positive effect on the improvement of pain, ROM, hand strength, and upper-extremity functional abilities in patients with HOA. In addition, these two methods can be simultaneously used for the rehabilitation of this condition.

Acute effects of kinesio taping on muscular strength and endurance parameters of the finger flexors in sport climbing: A randomised, controlled crossover trial

Kinesio taping (KT) is a commonly used intervention in sports and, recently, KT has become popular among athletes competing in sport climbing and bouldering events. However, evidence on the effect of KT on grip strength and endurance is still controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate immediate effects of KT on muscular strength and endurance of the finger flexor muscles in sport climbers. Twenty recreationally-trained active sport climbers (10 men, 10 women) aged 28.5 ± 10.6 years performed one familiarisation trial and subsequently, in a randomised crossover design, two test trials either with (TAPE) or without (CONTROL) KT over the finger flexor muscles. Test trials consisted of three performance measurements (hand grip strength and endurance, finger hang, and lap climbing) at intervals of 48 h in a randomised order. We observed no significant differences in the parameters of hand grip peak force, fatigue index, finger hang time, lap climbing distance and time, or maximum blood lactate values after lap climbing between the TAPE and CONTROL trials (p > 0.05). The participants' climbing ability was significantly correlated with the intra-individual performance changes between the TAPE and CONTROL conditions for the fatigue index (r = -0.598, p = 0.005), but not in any of the other performance-related parameters. Therefore, KT over the finger flexor muscles neither enhanced hand grip strength and endurance nor the sport climbing performance parameters of finger hang, lap climbing distance and time, and maximum blood lactate values after lap climbing.

Delayed effect of Kinesio Taping on neuromuscular performance, balance, and lower limb function in healthy individuals: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Kinesio Taping (KT) is an elastic bandage that aims to improve neuromuscular performance, although there is no consensus as to its benefits.

Objective

To analyze the immediate and delayed effects of KT on the neuromuscular performance of the femoral quadriceps, on balance, and lower limb function in healthy subjects.

Method

This is a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-six women with a mean age of 22.2±3.6 years and BMI of 22.5±2.3 Kg/m² were divided into three groups: control, with ten minutes of rest (control, n=12), application of Kinesio Taping without tension (placebo, n=12) and with tension (KT, n=12) on the quadriceps. The primary outcome was isokinetic performance, while secondary outcomes were the single-hop test, one-footed static balance, and electromyographic activity. The evaluations were carried out in five stages: 1) before application of KT, 2) immediately after the application of KT, 3) after 24h, 4) after 48h, and 5) after 72h. Mixed ANOVA was used to determine differences between groups.

Results

There was no change in one-footed static balance, electromyographic activity of the VL in the lower limb function, nor in isokinetic performance between groups.

Conclusion

KT promotes neither immediate nor delayed changes in neuromuscular performance of the femoral quadriceps in healthy women.

The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Handgrip and Active Range of Motion of Hand in Children with Cerebral Palsy

OBJECTIVE

Kinesio taping is a relatively new technique, which uses in rehabilitation of neurologic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Kinesio taping on hand grip and active range of motion of hand in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study with pre-test and three post-tests, 32 children with CP randomly were placed in experimental (n=17) and control group (n=15).Kinesio taping was applied on dorsum of forearm and hand. Evaluation was performed initially, two days after taping and two days after tape removal. Goniometer was used to evaluate active range of motion of wrist extension. In addition, vigorimeter was used to evaluate of grip strength.

RESULTS

In pre-test, there was no difference between groups but in post-tests; initially after application of taping with P<0.05, two days after application of taping with P<0.05 and follow-up (two days after removed taping) with P<0.05 were significant differences between trial and control group.

CONCLUSION

Kinesio taping in neurorehabilitation of children with CP can be a useful option to promote power or grip strength and active range of motion of wrist and thumb.

Kinesio Taping® of the metacarpophalangeal joints and its effect on pain and hand function in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

In persons suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints are commonly affected, resulting in inflammation, pain, joint instability, diminished grip strength and difficulties with function. However, the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping® of the MCP joints in alleviating the symptoms has not been established.

AIM

To determine the effectiveness of bilateral Kinesio Taping® of the MCP joints on pain, range of motion, grip strength and hand function in elderly individuals previously diagnosed with RA.

METHODS

A repeated measure, experimental design was used over a 7-week period with the Kinesio Taping group (n = 30) receiving bilateral space correction Kinesio Taping® of the MCP joints with a joint protection (JP) group (n = 31) participating in JP workshops. The Kinesio Tape® was worn for 3 days a week with four applications during the data collection process. For the control group, 2-hour JP educational-behavioural workshops were run weekly for 4 weeks. Weekly assessments were completed for grip strength, ulnar deviation and pain (VAS), and two pre-intervention assessments and one post-intervention assessment was completed for the Michigan Hands Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ).

RESULTS

Kinesio Taping® of the MCP joints showed a significant decrease in pain (p = 0.001) and improved range of motion (p = 0.001 bilaterally). JP was found to have a significant improvement in grip strength (p = 0.001 bilaterally) and in the work (p = 0.01) and activities of daily living (ADL) (p = 0.01) sections of the MHQ. No significant difference was found between groups after intervention in the majority of outcomes (p = 0.24) except for grip strength where a significant difference was found.

CONCLUSION

Kinesio Taping® of the MCP joints is an effective conservative intervention to improve pain and MCP ulnar deviation in individuals with RA.Significance of the work: Kinesio Taping® of the MCP joints of individuals with RA showed a significant decrease in pain (p = 0.00) and improved range of motion (p = 0.001 bilaterally). JP was found to significantly improve grip strength (p = 0.001 bilaterally) and in the work (p = 0.01) and ADL (p = 0.01) sections of the MHQ. No significant difference was found between groups after intervention in the majority of outcomes (p = 0.24) except for grip strength where a significant difference was found (p = 0.001).

The effects of trunk kinesio taping on balance ability and gait function in stroke patients

[Purpose] Kinesio taping is a therapeutic method used in the treatment of various musculoskeletal and neuromuscular deficits, but there is limited evidence of the effects of trunk kinesio taping in neurologic patients. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of trunk kinesio taping on balance ability and gait function in persons after a stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-five post-stroke patients were included in this study. Kinesio tape was applied to four trunk muscles. Before and after the taping, in all subjects, the balance ability was measured using the Wii Balance Board, and gait function was assessed using the GAITRite system. [Results] The difference in gait function before and after trunk taping was not statistically significant. However, a variability of balance ability showed statistically significant differences. [Conclusion] These results suggest that taping may be a helpful method during rehabilitation programs for stroke patients. Its application to the trunk muscles is especially useful for improving balance ability.

Effects of kinesio tape compared with non-elastic tape on hand grip strength

[Purpose] Many assumptions have been made about taping and several studies have considered tape application methods; however, the true effect of taping on muscle strength remains unclear. Most previous studies compared application techniques using Kinesio tape (KT), but studies that compared muscle strength using non-elastic tape (NT) are limited. Moreover, no studies have applied KT and NT in the same way to assess grip strength in normal subjects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of application of two tapes with different elastic properties on maximal grip strength in healthy adults. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy adults were divided into two groups (KT and NT). Maximal grip strength was measured with a dynamometer. Forearm extensor muscles of the dominant hand were then taped and subjects were immediately asked to perform hand grip movement with maximum strength in the same standardized manner. [Results] In the KT group, maximal grip strength was significantly increased compared to the initial value; however, in the NT group, there was no significant difference in maximal grip strength. [Conclusion] This study suggests that only Kinesio tape can increase maximal grip strength immediately after application on the extensor region of the forearm.