Effect of therapeutic kinesio-taping in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome: A pilot study

Kinesio-taping is widely used in sports rehabilitation for prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries. The role of Kinesio-taping has recently received renewed interest in patients with shoulder problems like shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tendinopathy.This pilot study was undertaken to check the effect of therapeutic kinesio-taping versus placebo kinesio-taping on shoulder pain, acromio-humeral distance (AHD), mobility and disability in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.8 patients diagnosed with shoulder impingement syndrome were included in the study and they were allocated into the experimental and control group. The patients in experimental group received ultrasound therapy for 8 minutes followed by application of therapeutic kinesio-taping and in control group patients received ultrasound therapy for 8 minutes followed by application of placebo kinesio-taping. Outcome measure were pain intensity by NPRS, shoulder range of motion by goniometry, acromio-humeral distance (AHD) using ultrasonography and functional disability by SPADI assessed at baseline, immediate after taping application and 3 days post intervention. Data analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis H test and p value less than 0.05 consider as significant.Therapeutic kinesio-taping group showed significant change in AHD (p=0.04), pain.(p=0.0001), shoulder range of motion including abduction (p=0.04), internal rotation (p=0.001) and functional disability (0.04), whereas placebo kinesio-taping showed no significant improvement in outcomes. Therapeutic kinesio-taping found to be effective in increasing AHD, range of motion, decreasing pain and functional disability when compare with placebo kinesio-taping. It can be used as adjunct treatment option in patient with shoulder impingement.

Effect of the kinesio taping application method for the activation and strength of gastrocnemius muscles in healthy adults

The objective of this study was to verify the effect of kinesio-taping (KT) application of the origin for muscle insertion (O>I) and insertion for muscle origin (I>O) in healthy participants, through surface electromyography and peak torque of gastrocnemius muscles. A total of 69 participants with an average age of 22.9±5.2 years were evaluated, 41 women with an average age of 22.0±5.1 years, BMI 25.1±4.6 kg/m2, and 28 men with an average age of 22.0±5.1 years, BMI 23.1±3.3 kg/m2, randomized under three conditions: O>I, I>O and no KT (control), repeated three times with five-minute rest between sessions. The peak torque of the gastrocnemius lateral (GML) and medial (GMM) muscles was evaluated at speeds 30º/s 60º/s 120º/s and muscle activity through surface electromyography. Repeated-measurement ANOVA showed effect only on the variable speed (F=767,1; p<0.001) and the variables condition (F=0.010; p=0.990) and interaction (F=0.199; p=0.892) were not significant. In electromyography, Root mean Square (RMS) did not differ in the conditions evaluated, presenting standard behavior without significant differences. The KT application regardless of being O>I or I>O muscular, did not alter the muscle recruitment or contribute to the increase in peak torque performance during the three speeds.

The effects of Kinesio taping-combined exercise on the balance and gait ability of hemiplegic patients

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effect of the Kinesio taping method on the balance ability and gait ability of hemiplegic stroke patients by applying it to the lower extremities of the ankle on the affected side, addressing instability and asymmetry by improving the stability of the muscles and ankle joint. Methods: This study confirmed the general characteristics of hemiplegic patients diagnosed with stroke. Kinesio taping was applied to the lower extremities of 15 subjects in the experimental group, and they performed mat and treadmill exercises. In addition, basic mat and treadmill exercises were performed by the 15 subjects in the control group. The exercise regimens were performed 18 times: three times a week for six weeks. Results: In the paired-sample T-test used for within-group comparison of BBS, TUG and stance time on nonparetic side value, there was a significant difference between pre- and post-test for experimental group. However, in the control group, there was a statistically significant difference only in TUG. In the inter-group comparison, the experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in BBS, TUG and stance time on nonparetic side value compared to the control group. Conclusion: The experiment’s results demonstrate that the application of Kinesio taping-combined exercise provides stability of the muscles and ankle joints of the lower extremities during walking by improving balance ability, and improves overall gait stability by increasing the stance phase time of the affected side in hemiplegic stroke patients.

Effects of Kinesio Taping with Squat Exercise on the Muscle Activity, Muscle Strength, Muscle Tension, and Dynamic Stability of Softball Players in the Lower Extremities: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background and purpose: Knee injuries are common among female softball players, and the stability of the lower extremities and the strength of the knee are essential factors for them. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping with squat exercise (KTSE) on lower extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability of softball players. Methods: In this study, 40 softball players were randomly assigned to the KTSE group and sham taping with squat exercise (SKTSE) group. All subjects were tested three times a week for 6 weeks, i.e., for a total of 18 times. To evaluate the lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, and muscle tone of the lower extremities, as well as dynamic stability, we used Noraxon Mini DTS, a digital muscular meter from JTech Medical, MyotonPRO, and the side hop test (a clinical evaluation method), respectively. These items were measured before the experiment and 6 weeks after the start of the experiment. Results: Both groups showed significant differences in lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability (p < 0.05). After the experiment, significant effects on lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability were observed in the KTSE group compared with in the SKTSE group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: KTSE did not have a negative effect on all items of the functional performance test. KTSE improved lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability.

Effects of Kinesio-Taping in Lateral Epicondylitis: A Narrative Review

Aim: The objective of this narrative review was to assess the effects of Kinesio-Taping in Lateral Epicondylitis. Methods: A comprehensive search of already published relevant articles only from medical databases like Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect was carried out for obtaining the same from the year 2014-2019. Background: Lateral epicondylitis is a familiar musculoskeletal disorder that primarily affects the extensors of the wrist. Kinesio-taping (KT) is a newer generation taping technique that aid's the body’s healing process whilst supporting and giving stability to the muscles and joints without hindering the range of motion of the body. Conclusion: The current review recognises the need for Kinesio-Taping in individuals with Lateral Epicondylitis as it has shown to enhance the functionality of the wrists and reduce pain. Limitations: More in-depth studies are to be conducted to find out the mechanism behind Kinesio-Taping.