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.

Effectiveness of the Fixtoe Device® in Plantar Pressure Reduction: A Preliminary Study.

Background: Metatarsalgia is a common foot condition. The metatarsophalangeal stabilizing taping technique described by Yu et al. has shown good clinical results as a provisional treatment in propulsive metatarsalgia. 35 The Fixtoe Device®, a novel orthopedic device, intends to simulate stabilizing tape. However, to date, there is no evidence of its effectiveness.Methods: The aim of this study was to assess plantar pressure changes using the Fixtoe Device®, in comparison with the traditional method (stabilizing tape) in a young, healthy sample thorough a cross-sectional study. Maximal pressure (Kpa) and pressure-time integral (Kpa/s) in the second metatarsal head were measured in twenty-four healthy volunteers. Registers were taken in four different conditions: barefoot, traditional stabilizing tape, Fixtoe Device® without metatarsal pad, and Fixtoe Device® with metatarsal pad. Results: Mean second metatarsal head maximal pressure and mean pressure-time integral showed statistical difference among the four analyzed conditions (p < 0.0001 in both cases). The improvement in maximal pressure and pressure-time integral obtained in each intervention also showed significance (p < 0.0001 in both cases). Comparing the improvement of the Fixtoe Device® with and without metatarsal pad with that of tape condition showed a moderate to high and moderate effect size for both peak pressure and pressure-time integral reduction.Conclusions: The Fixtoe Device® reduces median maximal pressure and median pressure-time integral under the second metatarsal head in healthy young individuals. The Fixtoe Device® shows higher effectiveness than the traditional second metatarsophalangeal joint stabilizing taping technique. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation proving the effectiveness of the recently developed Fixtoe Device® in terms of plantar pressure modification, which leads the way to its use in clinics.

A Study to Analyse the effect of Calcaneal Taping Techniques in Plantar Fascitis

Plantar fascitis is one of the most common cause of heel and foot pain, calcaneal taping technique places the foot in improved biomechanical position by re-positioning the calcaneal alignment closure to neutral and increasing the medial longitudinal arch height, thus reduce stress and pain. Hence this study is proposed to determine the effect of calcaneal taping technique in plantar fascitis. Total of 30 subjects diagnosed with planter fascitis was selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and informed consent were obtained from the subjects involved in the study. Subjects were consecutively allocated to 2 Groups of 15 subjects each by odd and even method. Subjects in Group A (Conventional) was treated with ultrasound along with plantar fascia stretching. Group B (Experimental) was treated with ultrasound along with plantar fascia stretching and calcaneal taping technique. Patients were measured for pain with Numerical Pain Rating scale (NPRS), and functional ability measure with foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM). From statistical analysis made with the quantitative data revealed statistically significant difference between Pretest and posttest values of Group A and Group B. it has been concluded that ultrasound therapy along with plantar fascia stretching and calcaneal taping technique (Group B-Experimental group) was found to be more effective than ultrasound therapy and plantar fascia stretching (Group A-conventional group) reduces pain in the heel and increasing functional ability of the foot.

Comparison between the Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and Stretching Exercise in Contemporary Dancers with Chronic Shin Splints

The purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of kinesio taping and stretching exercises in contemporary dancers with chronic shin splints. In the present study, purposively review the published evidence regarding risk factor associated with chronic shin splints in contemporary dancers, assess the effectiveness of kinesio taping, and stretching exercises, of the 45 citations identified, we emphasised results of the nine reports that compare the effect of kinesio taping method to prevent shin splints, twenty-three reports on the effect of shin splints in contemporary dancers, seventeen reports the effect of stretching exercises in shin splints, and two reports the effect of both kinesis taping and stretching exercises on contemporary dancers with repetitive stress and overused activities. The result of the kinesio taping and stretching exercises programs in contemporary dancers with chronic shin splints have undergone assessment of controlled trials. There is no strong support for any of these interventions, and each of four control trials is limited methodologically. The most encouraging evidence for effective prevention of chronic shin splints involves the use of stretching exercise programs. However, serious flaws in study design and implementation constraints the work in this field thus far. Keywords: Kinesio taping technique, Stretching exercise program, Chronic Shin Splints, Contemporary dancers.

Effect of Ultrasound Therapy and Cryotherapy over Taping Technique in Patients with Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain

The sudden twisting of ankle which overstretches the ligaments to torn or sprain around the ankle joint can lead to pain and swelling. Pain and swelling is one of the major causes of concern in patients with acute lateral ankle sprain while performing physical and daily activity. The study aim was to find the effect of ultrasound therapy and cryotherapy over taping technique among patients with acute lateral ankle sprain. A total of 30 subjects with acute lateral ankle sprain participated in this study. Group A was given ultrasound therapy with cryotherapy for 30 minutes; Group B was given taping technique additional to ultrasound and cryotherapy. Pre and post test was done after 10 sessions of treatment. The outcome was measured for the participants by VAS score. Student’s t-test, Mann Whitney test, Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyze data in this study. Group A and B have shown significant improvement after treatment. Comparative study found Group B, had significant changes by ultrasound therapy, cryotherapy and ankle taping technique over the Group A with P<0.001, on reducing pain, swelling and improving earlier active performance. On the basis of the result, the study concluded that treatment with cryotherapy, ultrasound therapy and taping technique is better compared with cryotherapy and ultrasound therapy, and has more effect in reducing pain, swelling and improving earlier active physical performance.

Diamond McConnells' Taping Technique versus Counterforce Elbow Orthosis in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as tennis elbow, is one of the most common lesions of the arm. There are many treatment options available for tennis elbow; taping techniques and splints are commonly used. Purpose: The objective of this research is to compare the impact of the diamond taping technique and counterforce elbow bands on pain and handgrip strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Materials and methods: Forty male patients with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), aged between 30 and 40 years, took part in this study. They were randomly assigned to one of two equivalent groups. Group A received the diamond taping intervention in addition to physical therapy, while group B was treated using an elbow band orthosis along with physical therapy. The JAMAR dynamometer and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used to assess handgrip strength and pain intensity respectively, before and following 4 weeks (12 sessions) of treatment. Results: Group A demonstrated significant improvement of both handgrip strength and pain intensity, while group B showed significant improvement of pain only. Conclusion: Diamond taping demonstrated a strong impact upon pain and handgrip strength in individuals with lateral epicondylitis. It is suggested that the diamond taping technique can be valuable in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Effects of McKenzie Approach and Kinesio Taping Technique in Individuals with Mechanical Low Back Pain: A Comparative Study

Objective of this study is to compare the effects of McKenzie approach and kinesio taping technique in individuals with mechanical low back pain. Materials and Methods used are, Quasi experimental study design in the study setting of Department of Physiotherapy, Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital, Coimbatore with the sample of the 20 Patients with Mechanical low back pain who met the inclusion criteria were selected for the study. They were Grouped in A and B with each of 10 Patients. Among the patients, Group A received McKenzie approach and Group B received Kinesio taping. Patients were measured for Pain status by Visual Analogue Scale, Functional ability by Modified Oswestry Disability Index Scale. Results of the data were analyzed using paired, and independent “t‟ tests at 5% level of significance. Even though, there was a significant improvement in both the groups, the McKenzie approach group showed a greater improvement when compared to Kinesio taping technique group. We conclude that McKenzie approach is more effective therapy for mechanical low back pain patients. KEY WORDS: Mechanical low back pain, McKenzie approach, Kinesio taping technique.