The clinical effects of Kinesio® Tex taping: A systematic review

Kinesio(®) Tex tape (KTT) is used in a variety of clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of KTT from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the management of clinical conditions. A systematic literature search of CINAHL; MEDLINE; OVID; AMED; SCIENCE DIRECT; PEDRO; www.internurse.com; SPORT DISCUS; BRITISH NURSING INDEX; www.kinesiotaping.co.uk; www.kinesiotaping.com; COCHRANE CENTRAL REGISTER OF CLINICAL TRIALS; and PROQUEST was performed up to April 2012. The risk of bias and quality of evidence grading was performed using the Cochrane collaboration methodology. Eight RCTs met the full inclusion/exclusion criteria. Six of these included patients with musculoskeletal conditions; one included patients with breast-cancer-related lymphedema; and one included stroke patients with muscle spasticity. Six studies included a sham or usual care tape/bandage group. There was limited to moderate evidence that KTT is no more clinically effective than sham or usual care tape/bandage. There was limited evidence from one moderate quality RCT that KTT in conjunction with physiotherapy was clinically beneficial for plantar fasciitis related pain in the short term; however, there are serious questions around the internal validity of this RCT. There currently exists insufficient evidence to support the use of KTT over other modalities in clinical practice.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of kinesio taping for musculoskeletal injury

OBJECTIVE

Kinesio taping (KT) is used to prevent and treat musculoskeletal injuries. This systematic review examines the evidence for the effectiveness of KT in improving patient outcomes following musculoskeletal injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search (October 2011) was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, SportsDiscus, and Cochrane databases. The literature search employed the keywords "kinesio tap*" or "kinesiotap*" or "athletic tap*" and "performance" or "function" or "strength" or "activity" or "pain" or "muscle" and "athlet*" or "sport*." These searches yielded a total of 727 articles, which were reviewed thoroughly to identify suitable articles.

RESULTS

Six studies met our criteria and were included in this systematic review. Two of these studies examined musculoskeletal injuries in the lower extremity and reported that the use of KT did not affect outcome measures. Two studies examined musculoskeletal injuries involving the spine. Treatment with KT significantly improved pain levels and range of motion in patients with acute whiplash-associated disorders of the cervical spine both immediately and 24 hours after injury; however, the long-term results did not differ between the 2 groups. Subjects with chronic low back pain treated with KT and exercise, KT alone, or exercise alone experienced significant improvement in short-term pain, while the exercise-only group also showed significantly less long-term disability. Two studies examined musculoskeletal injuries in the shoulder. The first of these found insufficient evidence to indicate that KT decreases pain and disability in young patients with shoulder impingement/tendinitis, while the second suggested that KT may provide short-term pain relief for patients with shoulder impingement. This systematic review found insufficient evidence to support the use of KT following musculoskeletal injury, although a perceived benefit cannot be discounted. There are few high-quality studies examining the use of KT following musculoskeletal injury.

National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement: conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains in athletes

OBJECTIVE

To present recommendations for athletic trainers and other allied health care professionals in the conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains in athletes.

BACKGROUND

Because ankle sprains are a common and often disabling injury in athletes, athletic trainers and other sports health care professionals must be able to implement the most current and evidence-supported treatment strategies to ensure safe and rapid return to play. Equally important is initiating preventive measures to mitigate both first-time sprains and the chance of reinjury. Therefore, considerations for appropriate preventive measures (including taping and bracing), initial assessment, both short- and long-term management strategies, return-to-play guidelines, and recommendations for syndesmotic ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability are presented.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommendations included in this position statement are intended to provide athletic trainers and other sports health care professionals with guidelines and criteria to deliver the best health care possible for the prevention and management of ankle sprains. An endorsement as to best practice is made whenever evidence supporting the recommendation is available.

A systematic review on the treatment of acute ankle sprain: brace versus other functional treatment types

Ankle injuries, especially ankle sprains, are a common problem in sports and medical care. Ankle sprains result in pain and absenteeism from work and/or sports participation, and can lead to physical restrictions such as ankle instability. Nowadays, treatment of ankle injury basically consists of taping the ankle. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of ankle braces as a treatment for acute ankle sprains compared with other types of functional treatments such as ankle tape and elastic bandages. A computerized literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Clinical Trial Register. This review includes randomized controlled trials in English, German and Dutch, published between 1990 and April 2009 that compared ankle braces as a treatment for lateral ankle sprains with other functional treatments. The inclusion criteria for this systematic review were (i) individuals (sports participants as well as non-sports participants) with an acute injury of the ankle (acute ankle sprains); (ii) use of an ankle brace as primary treatment for acute ankle sprains; (iii) control interventions including any other type of functional treatment (e.g. Tubigrip™, elastic wrap or ankle tape); and (iv) one of the following reported outcome measures: re-injuries, symptoms (pain, swelling, instability), functional outcomes and/or time to resumption of sports, daily activities and/or work. Eight studies met all inclusion criteria. Differences in outcome measures, intervention types and patient characteristics precluded pooling of the results, so best evidence syntheses were conducted. A few individual studies reported positive outcomes after treatment with an ankle brace compared with other functional methods, but our best evidence syntheses only demonstrated a better treatment result in terms of functional outcome. Other studies have suggested that ankle brace treatment is a more cost-effective method, so the use of braces after acute ankle sprains should be considered. Further research should focus on economic evaluation and on different types of ankle brace, to examine the strengths and weaknesses of ankle braces for the treatment of acute ankle sprains.

Postural rehabilitation and Kinesio taping for axial postural disorders in Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of postural rehabilitation (PR) on trunk asymmetry and balance, with and without Kinesio taping (KT) of the back muscles as additional treatment, in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who have postural disorders.

DESIGN

Single-blind, randomized controlled trial with 1-month follow-up.

SETTING

Ambulatory care in referral center.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N=20) with PD showing postural abnormalities of the trunk, in the sagittal and/or coronal plane.

INTERVENTIONS

Four weeks of patient-tailored proprioceptive and tactile stimulation, combined with stretching and postural reeducation, was provided to 13 subjects (PR group), while 7 received no treatment (control group). Six of the 13 subjects receiving PR also had KT strips applied to their trunk muscles, according to the features of their postural abnormalities.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go, and degrees of trunk bending in the sagittal and coronal planes were assessed at the enrollment (t0), 1 month later (t1), and 2 months later (t2).

RESULTS

At t1, all treated patients showed a significant improvement in trunk posture in both the sagittal (P=.002) and coronal planes (P=.01), compared with baseline. Moreover, they showed an improvement in measures of gait and balance (P<.01). Benefits persisted at t2 for all measures, except lateral trunk bend. No differences were found when comparing the PR and KT groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of active posture correction and trunk movements, muscle stretching, and proprioceptive stimulation may usefully impact PD axial symptoms. Repeated training is advocated to avoid waning of the effect.

Kinesio taping for chronic low back pain: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent issue that engenders enormous social and economic burdens. Recently, kinesio taping (KT) has become of interest in the management of chronic pain. Accordingly, this is the first systematic review to explicitly report the effects of KT on CLBP.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review was to summarize the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of KT on CLBP.

METHODS

A search was performed on the electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, SPORT Discus and Science Direct, up to June 17, 2015, using the following keywords: Kinesiology taping, kinesio taping, chronic low back pain.

RESULTS

In total, five studies involving 306 subjects met the inclusion criteria and corresponded to the aim of this review. The methodological quality of the included RCTs was good, with a mean score of 6.6 on the 10-point PEDro Scale. Moderate evidence suggests KT, as a sole treatment or in conjunction with another treatment, is no more effective than conventional physical therapy and exercise with respect to improving pain and disability outcomes. There is insufficient evidence suggesting that KT is superior to sham taping in improving pain and disability. Limited evidence suggests that KT is more effective than sham taping in improving range of motion (ROM) and global perceived effect (GPE) in the short term. Very limited evidence indicates that KT is more effective than conventional physical therapy in improving anticipatory postural control of the transversus abdominus muscles and improved cerebral cortex potential.

CONCLUSION

Kinesio taping is not a substitute for traditional physical therapy or exercise. Rather, KT may be most effective when used as an adjunctive therapy, perhaps by improving ROM, muscular endurance and motor control. More high quality studies that consider the multiple factors that mediate CLBP, in the short, intermediate and long term, are needed to strengthen the evidence of the effectiveness of KT on CLBP.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42015023837.

The effect of ankle taping or bracing on proprioception in functional ankle instability: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To determine if wearing an ankle brace or taping the ankle, compared to no brace or tape, improves proprioceptive acuity in people with a history of ankle sprain or functional ankle instability.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Studies using controlled, cross-over designs whereby participants who had sprained their ankle at least once or had functional ankle instability, underwent some form of proprioceptive sensation testing with and without ankle brace or tape, were included. Proprioceptive acuity was reported for the ankle tape/brace condition and the condition where no tape or brace was worn. Meta-analysis was employed to compare proprioceptive acuity with and without ankle tape/brace.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included in the review. Studies measured either sense of movement or sense of joint position. The mean differences in 19 of 32 comparisons were not significant. Of the remaining mean differences, 10 were positive, indicating better proprioceptive acuity in the taped/braced condition and 3 were negative, indicating poorer proprioceptive acuity. Overall, there was no significant effect with ankle tape/brace compared to the no tape/brace condition (mean difference: 0.08°, 95% CI: -0.39 to 0.55). This finding was consistent when the two aspects of proprioception (sense of movement or joint position) were considered separately.

CONCLUSIONS

The pooled evidence suggests that using an ankle brace or ankle tape has no effect on proprioceptive acuity in participants with recurrent ankle sprain or who have functional ankle instability.

Adjuvant treatments associated with botulinum toxin injection for managing spasticity: An overview of the literature

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

A wide range of adjunct therapies after botulinum toxin administration have been proposed. The aim of the present paper is to provide an overview of major writings dealing with adjuvant (non-pharmacological) treatments associated with botulinum toxin for managing spasticity in order to provide some up-to-date information about the usefulness of the most commonly used procedures.

METHODS

The literature in PubMed was searched with the MeSH terms botulinum toxins, muscle spasticity, physical therapy modalities, and rehabilitation. The results were limited to studies focusing on adjuvant treatments associated with botulinum toxin for managing spasticity. We excluded papers on the use of non-drug treatments for spasticity not associated with botulinum toxin serotype A (BoNT-A) injection. Relevant literature known to the authors along with this complementary search represented the basis for this overview of the literature.

RESULTS

Adhesive taping and casting effectively improved the botulinum toxin effect in patients with upper- and lower-limb spasticity. There is level 1 evidence that casting is better than taping for outcomes including spasticity, range of motion and gait. However, consensus about their most appropriate timing, duration, target and material is lacking. In terms of physical modalities combined with botulinum toxin injection, we found level 1 evidence that extracorporeal shock wave therapy is better than electrical stimulation for some post-injection outcomes including spasticity and pain. Furthermore, electrical stimulation of injected muscles might be useful to boost the toxin effect. However, the best stimulation protocol has not been defined. In addition, we found level 2b evidence that whole-body vibration therapy might reduce spasticity with cerebral palsy.

CONCLUSION

Future research in this field should focus on investigating the most appropriate post-injection treatment protocol for each goal to achieve.

Systematic Review of the Effect of Taping Techniques on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Context:

Taping is commonly used in the management of several musculoskeletal conditions, including patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Specific guidelines for taping are unknown.

Objective:

To investigate the efficacy of knee taping in the management of PFPS. Our hypothesis was that tension taping and exercise would be superior to placebo taping and exercise as well as to exercise or taping alone.

Data Sources:

The PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Source, and CINAHL databases were reviewed for English-language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of various taping techniques that were published between 1995 and April 2015. Keywords utilized included taping, McConnell, kinesio-taping, kinesiotaping, patellofemoral pain, and knee.

Study Selection:

Studies included consisted of RCTs (level 1 or 2) with participants of all ages who had anterior knee or patellofemoral pain symptoms and had received nonsurgical management using any taping technique.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Data Extraction:

A checklist method was used to determine selection, performance, detection, and attrition bias for each article. A quality of evidence grading was then referenced using the validated PEDro database for RCTs. Three difference comparison groups were compared: tension taping and exercise versus placebo taping and exercise (group 1), placebo taping and exercise versus exercise alone (group 2), and tension taping and exercise versus taping alone (group 3).

Results:

Five RCTs with 235 total patients with multiple intervention arms were included. Taping strategies included McConnell and Kinesiotaping. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores indicated improvement in all 3 comparison groups (group 1: 91 patients, 39% of total, mean VAS improvement 44.9 [tension taping + exercise] vs 66 [placebo taping + exercise]; group 2: 56 patients, 24% of total, mean VAS improvement 66 [placebo taping + exercise] vs 47.6 [exercise alone]; and group 3: 112 patients, 48% of total, mean VAS improvement 44.9 [tension taping + exercise] vs 14.1 [taping alone]).

Conclusion:

This systematic review supports knee taping only as an adjunct to traditional exercise therapy for PFPS; however, it does not support taping in isolation.

The effect of kinesio tape application on hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles in healthy young adults

BACKGROUND

Scarce evidence exists about effectiveness and mechanisms of action of Kinesio tape (KT) application.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of KT application over the gastrocnemius or hamstring on range of motion and peak force.

METHODS

Thirty-six physical therapy students participated (18 per group). KT was applied with 30% tension for 48 h to: Group 1 - the gastrocnemius; Group 2 - the hamstrings. The straight leg raise (SLR), knee extension angle (KEA), weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion, gastrocnemius, quadriceps and hamstrings peak forces were evaluated prior to application, 15 min and 48 h after.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

A significant increase of peak force in the gastrocnemius group appeared immediately and two days later; no immediate change of peak force in the hamstrings group, however, two days later, peak force significantly increased. SLR and ankle dorsiflexion increased immediately in the gastrocnemius group; KEA improved significantly only after two days. It is possible that certain muscles react differently when KT is applied, and the effect may be subsequently detected.

Short-term effects of high-intensity laser therapy, manual therapy, and Kinesio taping in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is a major contributing factor of shoulder pain; and treatment approaches (Kinesio® taping [KT], Exercise [EX], manual therapy [MT], and high-intensity laser therapy [HILT]) have been developed to treat the pain. The key objective of this study was to compare the effects of KT, MT, and HILT on the pain, the range of motion (ROM), and the functioning in patients with SAIS. Seventy patients with SAIS were randomly divided into four groups based on the treatment(s) each group received [EX (n = 15), KT + EX (n = 20), MT + KT + EX (n = 16), and MT + KT + HILT + EX (n = 19)]. All the patients were assessed before and at the end of the treatment (15th day). The main outcome assessments included the evaluation of severity of pain by visual analogue scale (VAS) and shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation ROM measurements by a universal goniometry. Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) was used to measure pain and disability associated with shoulder pathology. Statistically significant differences were found in the treatment results of all parameters in MT + KT + EX and HILT + MT + KT + EX groups (p < 0.05). When the means of ROM and SPADI results of three groups were compared, statistically significant differences were found between all the groups (p < 0.05). These differences were significant especially between the groups MT + KT + EX and KT + EX (p < 0.05) and HILT + MT + KT + EX and KT + EX (p < 0.05). HILT and MT were found to be more effective in minimizing pain and disability and increasing ROM in patients with SAIS. Further studies with follow-up periods are required to determine the advantages of these treatments conclusively.

Non-surgical treatment of patellar tendinopathy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the most effective non-surgical treatment interventions for reducing pain and improving function for patients with patellar tendinopathy.

METHODS

Studies considered for this systematic review were from peer-reviewed journals published between January 2012 and September 2017. All included studies used a visual analogue scale (VAS) to evaluate the participant's pain. The majority of the included studies also used the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Patellar Tendinopathy (VISA-P questionnaire) to assess participant's symptoms and function.

RESULTS

Nine randomized controlled trials fit the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The results of three studies supported the use of isometric exercise to reduce pain immediately. One study found patellar strapping and sports taping to be effective for reduction in pain during sport and immediately after. Eccentric exercise, Dry Needling (DN) (2 studies), injections with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Autologous Blood Injection (ABI), and saline were found to have a more sustained effect on reducing pain and improving knee function.

CONCLUSION

Isometric exercise, patellar strapping, sports taping, eccentric exercise, injections with PRP, ABI, and saline and DN demonstrated a short-term pain relieving and functional improvement effect in subjects with patellar tendinopathy. Longer term follow up on interventions involving eccentric exercise, DN, and injections with PRP, ABI and saline showed sustained pain reduction and improvement in knee function.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 1.

The additional effect of orthotic devices on exercise therapy for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review

The aim of the study is to determine "the additional effect of... function" for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The additional effect of orthotic devices over exercise therapy on pain and function. A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane and PEDro. Randomised controlled trials and controlled clinical trials of patients diagnosed with PFPS evaluating a clinically relevant outcome were included. Treatment had to include exercise therapy combined with orthotics, compared with an identical exercise programme with or without sham orthotics. Data were summarised using a best evidence synthesis. Eight trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which three had a low risk of bias. There is moderate evidence for no additive effectiveness of knee braces to exercise therapy on pain (effect sizes (ES) varied from -0.14 to 0.04) and conflicting evidence on function (ES -0.33). There is moderate evidence for no difference between knee braces and exercise therapy versus placebo knee braces and exercise therapy on pain and function (ES -0.1-0.10). More studies of high methodological quality are needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Kinesio taping and the circulation and endurance ratio of the gastrocnemius muscle

CONTEXT

Kinesio Tex tape is a therapeutic tape that is applied with the Kinesio-taping (KT) method and is theorized to increase circulation and subsequently improve muscle function. However, little research has been conducted to determine how KT affects performance.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of KT on muscular endurance ratio, blood flow, circumference, and volume of the gastrocnemius muscle.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

SETTING

Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Sixty-one healthy, active people (23 men, 38 women; age = 19.99 ± 8.01 years, height = 169.42 ± 23.62 cm, mass = 71.53 ± 36.77 kg) volunteered to participate. They were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 groups: treatment KT, sham KT, and control.

INTERVENTION(S)

Tape was applied based on group assignment. The treatment KT group received the ankle-tape technique as described in the KT manual. The sham KT group received 1 strip of Kinesio Tex tape around the circumference of the proximal gastrocnemius muscle. The control group did not receive tape application.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The dependent variables were blood flow in blood perfusion units, volume of water displacement in milliliters, circumference of the gastrocnemius muscle in centimeters, and endurance ratio in joules measured before, 24 hours after, and 72 hours after the intervention. Separate repeated-measures analyses of variance were conducted for each dependent variable.

RESULTS

We found no group-by-test day interaction for endurance ratios (F(4,116) = 1.99, P = .10). Blood flow, circumference, and volume measurements also yielded no differences among groups (F(2,58) range, 0.02-0.51; P > .05) or test days (F(2,116) range, 0.05-2.33; P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

We found KT does not enhance anaerobic muscle function measured by endurance ratio. The KT also did not affect circulation or volume of the gastrocnemius muscle in a healthy population.

Clinical outcomes of kinesio taping applied in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare kinesio taping along with conventional treatment to conventional treatment alone and to report the results of both a single and repetitive kinesio taping application applied on quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscles on pain, range of motion, muscle strength, and functional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Fifty-four patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly allocated to two groups. A total of 28 patients were included in kinesio taping group, others were included in the control group. Before and after intervention, pain was measured with visual analog scale, range of motion was measured with universal goniometer, muscle strength was measured with dynamometer, and functional status was measured with Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant improvements in measures of pain, range of motion, quadriceps muscle strength and functional status between pre- and post-treatment in both groups (p< 0.05). In comparison, there were no significant differences with these parameters between groups (p> 0.05). It was also found that significant difference was observed in terms of range of motion, pain, functional status between pre-treatment and post-taping in intervention group (p< 0.017).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we could report that kinesio taping has significant immediate effects after a single kinesio taping application on range of motion, pain and functional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis. We could also report that KT in addition to conventional treatment is not superior to conventional treatment alone in terms of clinical outcomes over 3 weeks later.

Management of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Fracture Dislocations

Fracture dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the finger are often caused by axial load applied to a flexed joint. The most common injury pattern is a dorsal fracture dislocation with a volar lip fracture of the middle phalanx. Damage to the soft-tissue stabilizers of the PIP joint contributes to the deformity seen with these fracture patterns. Unfortunately, these injuries are commonly written off and left untreated. A late-presenting PIP joint fracture dislocation has a poor chance of regaining normal range of motion. The provider must be suspicious of these injuries. Treatment options and algorithm are reviewed.

The effect of Kinesio® taping on pain, functionality, mobility and endurance in the treatment of chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Low back pain is one of the most important causes of morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Kinesio® taping on pain, functionality, mobility and endurance in chronic low back pain treatment.

METHODS

Patients with chronic low back pain were randomly divided into three groups. Therapeutic ultrasound, hot packs, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation were applied to each group for ten sessions during two weeks, and therapeutic exercises were applied in the clinic under physiotherapist supervision starting from the sixth session. Kinesio® tape was applied to the patients in the first group after each treatment session, and placebo tape was applied to the patients in the second group. No taping was applied to the third group, which constituted the control group. All the patients were evaluated pre and post-treatment in respect of pain, functional status (Oswestry scale), flexibility and endurance.

RESULTS

The study included 60 patients (32 females). When the initial demographic and clinical characteristics of the groups were evaluated, all assessment results, except the Oswestry scores, were similar (p= 0.000). When the average changes in the clinical evaluations were evaluated after the treatment, a statistically significant improvement demonstrating the superiority of the taping group was observed in pain, functionality, flexibility and endurance values (p= 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Kinesio® taping in chronic low back pain is an easy and effective method which increases the effectiveness of the treatment significantly in a short period when applied in addition to exercise and electrotherapy methods.

The effects of KinesioTape on the treatment of lateral epicondylitis

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION

KinesioTape (KT) is a noninvasive method to treat pain and muscular dysfunction.

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of KT with and without tension on pain intensity, pain pressure threshold, grip strength and disability in individuals with lateral epicondylitis, and myofacial trigger points in forearm muscles.

METHODS

Thirty women with lateral epicondylitis and myofacial trigger point in forearm muscles were randomly assigned to KT with tension and placebo (KT without tension). The treatment was provided 3 times in one week, and outcome measures were assess pre-post treatment.

RESULTS

The mean score of visual analogue scale (VAS) during activity decreased significantly from 6.4 and 6 pretest to 2.53 and 4.66 posttest, respectively, for the KT with and without tension groups. The mean score of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand decreased significantly from 16.82 and 22.79 pretest to 8.65 and 8.29 posttest, respectively, for the KT with and without tension groups. A paired t-test revealed a significant reduction in VAS during activity and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand before and after treatment in both groups (P < .05). Pain pressure threshold, grip strength, and VAS using an algometer revealed no significant differences. The study showed no significant difference in variables immediately after intervention.

DISCUSSION

Improvements in functional disability were superior when KT was used with tension, than obtained with a placebo-no tension application.

CONCLUSION

The application of KT produces an improvement in pain intensity and upper extremity disability in subjects with LE and MTP in forearm muscles, and KT with tension was more effective than placebo group.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

100-216.

Comparison of the clinical and sonographic effects of ultrasound therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, and Kinesio taping in lateral epicondylitis

Background/aim

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and sonographic effects of the ultrasound (US) therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and Kinesio taping (KT) in the lateral epicondylitis (LE).

Materials and methods

A total of 40 patients with LE were included in the present study. The patients were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups: US (n = 13), ESWT (n = 14), and KT (n = 13) groups.

Results

The visual analog scale (VAS) scores significantly decreased in all groups (P < 0.05). Grip strength significantly increased after 8 weeks in only the KT group (P < 0.05). The Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Scale (PRTEE) scores significantly decreased after 2 weeks and after 8 weeks in the US group and ESWT groups, and after 8 weeks in the KT group (P < 0.05). Common extensor tendon (CET) thicknesses significantly decreased after 8 weeks in only the ESWT group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The US therapy, KT, and ESWT are effective in reducing pain and improving functionality. However, none of these treatment methods were found to be superior to others in reducing the pain and improving functionality.

Kinesio taping use to reduce pain and edema after third molar extraction surgery: A randomized controlled split-mouth study

OBJECTIVE

Evaluating Kinesio Taping (KT) use to reduce pain and edema in individuals subjected to surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirteen individuals (5 men and 8 women, mean age: 23.25 years) were subjected to mutual extraction of two mandibular third molars based on the same surgical protocol and pharmacological approach. All individuals were subjected to kinesio taping application on one side of patients' face (test group - KT), in the immediate postoperative period. The other side of the face was not subjected to KT application, and it was used as control (No KT). An examiner assessed individuals' pain and edema based on the visual analog scale (VAS) and on the Todorović-Marković method, respectively, at the preoperative, immediate postoperative, and second and fifth postoperative days. Statistical analysis was based on the Scheirer-Ray-Hare test.

RESULTS

Edema (48 h and 120 h after surgery) and pain intensity (24 h, 48 h and 120 h after surgery) were lower on the KT side (p < 0.05). Moreover, edema and pain intensity fully reduced on the KT side 120 h after surgery (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Kinesio taping adopted in the current study was effective in reducing edema and postoperative pain in patients subjected to oral surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

KT enables patients to experience a more comfortable postoperative period and helps improving their quality of life.

A scoping review of the use of elastic therapeutic tape for neck or upper extremity conditions

STUDY DESIGN

Scoping review.

INTRODUCTION

Elastic therapeutic tape is a relatively new intervention for treating a variety of injuries; however, there is little evidence to support its effectiveness for neck or upper extremity conditions.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This scoping review examines current evidence on the recommended application, purpose and effectiveness of elastic therapeutic tape for treating neck or upper extremity conditions.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted to examine the evidence in 14 peer-reviewed published articles that reported on the use of elastic therapeutic tape for neck or upper extremity conditions.

RESULTS

Six studies reported statistically significant changes to pain with the use of elastic therapeutic tape. Only three studies found statistically significant changes to range of motion.

CONCLUSIONS

Elastic therapeutic tape may play a role in reducing short-term neck and upper extremity pain, however future high quality studies that contribute to the evidence base for its use are needed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A.

Short-term and long-term effects of ankle joint taping and bandaging on balance, proprioception and vertical jump among volleyball players with chronic ankle instability

OBJECTIVE

This study hypothesized that the prolonged use of taping during athletic activities produces more significant increases in proprioception, balance, and vertical jump among volleyball players with CAI.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled study.

PARTICIPANTS

One-hundred participants with chronic ankle instability (CAI) participated in this study. Participants were distributed into 3-groups: taping group, bandaging group, and control group.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Proprioception (ankle range of motion absolute error), balance(Y-balance test), and vertical jump (vertical jump tester).

INTERVENTIONS

Three interventions were performed: ankle rigid taping, ankle bandaging, and placebo taping. The measurements were performed at baseline, immediately, 2-weeks and 2-months after support.

RESULTS

Immediately after supports, there were non-significant differences between all groups for proprioception, balance (P < .05). There was a significant difference between banding and control groups, and taping and control groups for the vertical jump (P < .05). After 2-weeks and 2-months, there were significant differences between bandaging and control groups, and taping and control groups for proprioception, balance, and vertical jump (P < .05). There were non-significant differences between taping and bandaging groups (P < .05) during all assessments.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that ankle taping and bandaging immediately improve vertical jump only; while they improve proprioception, balance, and vertical jump after 2-weeks and 2-months.

Comparative Study Between the Effects of Kinesio Taping and Pressure Garment on Secondary Upper Extremity Lymphedema and Quality of Life Following Mastectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer stands out among the most widely recognized forms of cancer among women. It has been observed that upper extremity lymphedema is one of the most risky and prevalent complication following breast cancer surgery that prompts functional impairment, psychological, and social problems.

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of Kinesio taping and the application of the pressure garment on secondary lymphedema of the upper extremity.

METHODS

66 women were randomly allocated to the Kinesio taping (KT) group (n=33) and pressure garment (PG) group (n=33). The KT group received Kinesio taping application (2 times per week for 3 weeks), while the PG group received pressure garment (20- 60 mmHg) for at least 15-18 hours per day for 3 weeks. The outcome measures were limb circumference, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index questionnaire (SPADI), hand grip strength, and quality of life at the baseline and end of intervention.

RESULTS

The sum of limb circumferences, SPADI, hand grip strength, and quality of life significantly improved after treatment in the KT group (P<0.05). While the PG group showed no significant improvement in SPADI, hand grip strength, physical, role, pain, and fatigue score p>0.05, while the sum of limb circumferences significantly decreased (P<0.05). Significant differences were observed between the KT and PG groups at the end of the intervention (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

KT had significant changes in limb circumference, SPADI, hand grip strength and overall quality of life than PG in the treatment of subjects diagnosed with lymphedema after mastectomy.

The effect of kinesiology tape on knee proprioception in healthy subjects

BACKGROUND

Kinesiology tape can improve athletic performance; however, due to cutaneous stimulation its application can have an influence on proprioception.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of kinesiology tape on knee proprioception applied to quadriceps, namely in the joint position sense (JPS) and in the threshold to detect passive movement (TTDPM), both immediately after and 24 h after its application.

METHODS

Thirty young healthy participants were randomly divided into experimental and control group. In the experimental group, a kinesiology tape on the quadriceps muscle was applied. The JPS and the TTDPM of the knee was assessed before, immediately after and 24 h after the kinesiology tape intervention.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in the assessment made before intervention. The Friedman Test showed that kinesiology tape had no influence on JPS in either group over time (p > 0.05). However, the TTDPM decreased significantly immediately after and 24 h after its application (p < 0.05).