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Elastic therapeutic taping is utilized for prevention and treatment of various neuromusculoskeletal disorders and sports injuries. Kinesio taping (KT) is a popular version of this practice. Despite being widely used to improve muscular function, an understanding of KT effects on muscular mechanics are lacking. Considering the continuity of the fascial system and its mechanical interaction with muscle fascicles intramuscularly, the aim was to test the following hypothesis: mechanical loading induced on the skin by KT leads to along-muscle fascicle local length changes and shear strains in the targeted muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based local tissue deformation analyses and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based fiber tracking analyzes were combined. Anatomical MRI and DTI were acquired for 5 healthy female volunteers in 3 conditions: (1) without tape, (2) following sham application, and (3) after KT application. Local length changes and shear strains were calculated using image registration between conditions (1–2) and (2–3). Non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare the two conditions. Data pooled from all subjects show that KT-imposed along-muscle fascicle lengthening (mean ± SD 0.026 ± 0.020), shortening (0.032 ± 0.027) and shearing (0.087 ± 0.049) occur and are significantly higher than those caused by sham application (0.012 ± 0.010; 0.013 ± 0.015; 0.029 ± 0.021, respectively) (p < 0.001). KT induced along-muscle fascicle length changes locally show heterogeneity. Our findings indicate that KT affects both along-muscle fascicle length changes and shear strains. This can be explained by KT imposed myofascial loads over the skin being transmitted via the fascial system, non-uniformly manipulating the mechanical equilibrium locally at different parts along the muscle fascicles.

Background and Objectives: Ankle injuries are the most common type of injury in healthy active individuals. If not treated properly, recurrent sprains can lead to a condition of chronic ankle instability (CAI). The aim of the present review is to evaluate the effects of Kinesio Taping (or KT) on sports performances and ankle functions in athletes with CAI. Materials and Methods: This systematic review with meta-analysis was carried out following the criteria of the Prisma Statement system (registered on Open Science Framework, number: 10.17605/OSF.IO/D8QN5). For the selection of the studies, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were used as databases in which the following string was used: (“kinesiology tape” OR “tape” OR “taping” OR “elastic taping” OR “kinesio taping” OR “neuro taping”) AND (unstable OR instability) AND (ankle OR (ankle OR “ankle sprain” OR “injured ankle” OR “ankle injury”)). The Downs and Black Scale was used for the quality analysis. The outcomes considered were gait functions, ROM, muscle activation, postural sway, dynamic balance, lateral landing from a monopodalic drop and agility. Effect sizes (ESs) were synthesised as standardized mean differences between the control and intervention groups. Calculation of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for each ES was conducted according to Hedges and Olkin. Results: In total, 1448 articles were identified and 8 studies were included, with a total of 270 athletes. The application of the tape had a significant effect size on gait functions, ROM, muscle activation and postural sway. Conclusions: The meta-analysis showed a significant improvement in gait functions (step velocity, step and stride length and reduction in the base of support in dynamics), reduction in the joint ROM in inversion and eversion, decrease in the muscle activation of the long peroneus and decrease in the postural sway in movement in the mid-lateral direction. It is possible to conclude that KT provides a moderate stabilising effect on the ankles of the athletes of most popular contact sports with CAI.

It has been suggested that the reduction in subacromial space during arm elevation is one of the potential mechanisms in the etiology of Rotator cuff tendinopathy. While it is known that Kinesio taping reduces the narrowing of the acromiohumeral distance (AHD) during arm elevation, the effect of Dynamic taping remains unknown. This study aimed to compare the immediate effects of Kinesio taping and Dynamic taping on AHD in individuals with symptomatic Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy. Two group pre-post-test repeated measures design was used. Thirty-two participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Kinesio taping group (n = 16) and Dynamic taping group (n = 16). AHD measurements were taken via ultrasound at 0° (rest) and 60° shoulder abduction both before and immediately after taping. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used for statistical analyses. The study demonstrated that both taping methods led to a significant increase in AHD at both neutral and 60° abduction. However, the increase in AHD with Dynamic taping was statistically greater than with Kinesio taping in both neutral (p < 0.05) and 60° abduction (p < 0.001). The findings of this study suggest that Dynamic taping techniques may be a more effective approach for improving AHD for symptomatic patients. Therefore, Dynamic taping has the potential to be clinically beneficial before engaging in exercises. •Kinesio taping led to an immediate increase in acromiohumeral distance (AHD) in both the neutral position and at 60° of shoulder abduction.•Dynamic taping also resulted in an immediate increase in AHD in both the neutral position and at 60° of shoulder abduction.•Dynamic taping, especially when employing the \"upper limb offload\" technique, exhibited a greater immediate increase in AHD compared to Kinesio taping.

To determine the effect of different lengths of kinesiology tape (KT) on ankle inversion proprioceptive performance in individuals with or without chronic ankle instability (CAI). A repeated measures study. Fifteen participants with unilateral CAI and fifteen participants with no CAI volunteered. The Ankle Inversion Discrimination Apparatus for Landing (AIDAL) was used to measure ankle proprioceptive acuity. All participants were tested under four KT conditions: no tape (baseline), short tape length (only foot and ankle complex involved), mid length (below the knee) and long length (above the knee) taping. After the baseline test, participants underwent the 3 different taping tests in a random order. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that, compared to those without CAI, individuals with CAI performed significantly worse across the 4 different conditions (F = 8.196, p = 0.008). There was a significant KT main effect (F = 7.489, p < 0.001) and a significant linear effect (F = 17.083, p < 0.001), suggesting that KT significantly improved ankle proprioceptive performance in landing, and with longer tape length there was greater proprioceptive enhancement. Post-hoc analysis showed that for the CAI group, both mid length (p = 0.013, 95%CI = −0.063, −0.009) and long length (p = 0.010, 95%CI = −0.067, −0.011) taping can significantly improve ankle proprioceptive performance compared to no tape, whereas for the non-CAI group, ankle proprioceptive acuity was significantly improved only with long length taping (p = 0.007, 95%CI = −0.080, −0.015). KT can be used to improve ankle inversion proprioceptive performance during landing in both individuals with and without CAI and increasing tape length may achieve greater proprioceptive improvement.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this randomized control trial study was assess the effectiveness of a kinesio-taping in alleviating symptoms associated with ankle sprains. METHODOLOGY: In this experimental study, a total of 30 patients were chosen as participants. The patients were divided into two groups: experimental group A consisting of 15 patients, and control group B also consisting of 15 patients. The data collected from both groups were compared and analyzed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: Statistical analysis shows that that there are significant differences in the efficacy of both treatments and Kinesiotaping has special advantages in treatment of Ankle Sprain. In most of the patients it shows better results and in very few patients this treatment is less efficient. CONCLUSION: Efficiency shown by both treatments was random. Kinesio taping with standard treatment protocol showed better results as compared to the standard treatment protocol alone for ankle sprain. In some patients kinesio taping was less effective and on the other hand standard treatment shown good results in other patients. Kinesio taping showed better results in severe cases where standard treatment alone have less effectiveness So we can say that kinesio taping with standard treatment shown better results as compared to the standard treatment protocol alone for ankle sprain, and have dramatic effects in comparison with Standard Treatment.

Background: Kinesio Taping® method is a nonpharmacological alternative for pain management in musculoskeletal disorders. However, the existing evidence is insufficient to assess its full effectiveness for pain management in knee osteoarthritis (KO). Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Kinesio Taping method in reducing knee pain for KO patients. Methods: In this randomized, double blind, controlled trial, we recruited 187 patients with grade I-III KO who were allocated to either the Kinesio Taping or control group. The study was carried out in outpatient facility. Either Kinesio Taping or nonspecific taping was applied on the affected knee area for 4 weeks. Pain evaluation was performed at baseline, after 1 month of taping and after 1 further month without taping. The data on usage of painkillers were collected; Numeric Pain Rating Scale; an algometer, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) pain subscale were used to assess pain. Tolerance and subjective opinions toward the effectiveness of taping were evaluated. The chosen level of significance was p < 0.05, ß ⩽ 0.2. Results: The majority (>70%) of both groups’ patients indicated that tapes reduced the knee pain. The reported use of painkillers decreased, in addition to self-reported increase in the KOOS subscale, thereby indicating pain alleviation. All self-reported improvement remained at the 1-month follow up (p < 0.05). Significantly higher and clinically meaningful reduction of pain intensity was found in the Kinesio Taping group after the treatment month, in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). More pain reduction was reported in the daytime for participants in the Kinesio Taping group at the follow up (p = 0.022). No changes in algometry results were observed. Conclusions: Elastic taping can safely relieve knee pain and reduce the need for pharmacological management in KO. A specific Kinesio Taping technique is clinically more beneficial for knee-pain alleviation in comparison with nonspecific taping. [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03076177.]

Background: Gluteus medius muscle (GMed) dysfunctions may be associated with pain and functional problems in the lumbar spine and lower limbs. The study sought to assess the effects of applying kinesio taping (KT) and rigid taping (RT) on GMed in the dominant leg of healthy individuals. Furthermore, an attempt was made to indicate which of the applied exercises brought about the greatest activation of GMed. Methods: The study included 90 individuals, with an average age of 21.79. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: kinesio tape (KT), rigid tape (RT) and placebo tape (C). GMed activation was assessed using sEMG during the performance of such exercises as glute bridge, unilateral glute bridge, clamshell, pelvic drop and lunge. Each of the participants was examined three times—before taping, immediately after and 48 h after taping. Results: Before taping, the greatest GMed activation on the dominant side was noted in clamshell (54.12 %MVIC), whereas the lowest GMed activation was observed in glute bridge (36.35 %MVIC). The comparison of results obtained before and immediately after taping in all the groups revealed a statistically significant increase in GMed activation (p < 0.05), while the comparison of results achieved before and 48 h after taping showed significant differences in glute bridge in groups KT and RT. In all the groups, the differences in results obtained in the other exercises were not significant. Taking into account each of the applied exercises, at none of the three stages of examination were the differences between the groups significant. Conclusions: Regardless of the type of taping applied (KT, RT, C), a significant increase in GMed activation was noted in all the exercises immediately after taping. At none of the stages of examination were the differences between the groups significant.

DesignCross-sectional study.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore the stability of the participants by using the COP tracing area while being applied ankle taping and without ankle taping during static and dynamic manoeuvre.BackgroundAnkle taping is a very common technique used in sports as well as in clinical aspects on the effort of providing stability to the joint. It has become controversial the evidence presented on the benefits of stability while using diverse taping techniques, and the use of different type of tapes.Methods and Measures8 healthy students (7 females and one male) performed single-leg standings with eyes open and eyes closed for 10 s (static tests), jumped with single-leg landings (dynamic test) on a force plate across 3 ankle taping conditions (Dynamic taping, Athletic taping, and no tape). Subjects were taped for prevention of a lateral ankle sprain with the full dorsiflexed foot. The boundary of all the COP position for each trial were detected and the COP tracing area was calculated by Matlab-based program.ResultsThe COP tracing area demonstrated less range while using athletic taping in the dynamic test. In static tests, the COP tracing area showed less range while using dynamic taping for both eye open and eye closed condition.ConclusionThe preliminary results indicated the athletic taping may improve the stability during the dynamic movement but not during the static task. In more demanding task, the participants may benefit from better ankle stabilisation. However, in lower demanding task, maintaining stability require more somatosensory input and minor adjustment. The athletic taping may decrease those functions since the ankle joint was fixed and the surrounding muscles, tendons or capsules could not react properly.