Rigid tape dynamic fixation in conservative treatment of acute anterior talofibular ligament tear: A retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: This study aims to compare results of rigid tape (RT) dynamic fixation and static fixation in conservative treatment of acute anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) tear. Patients and methods: Between September 2021 and December 2021, a total of 91 patients (41 males, 50 females, mean age: 28.5±6.5 years, range, 18 to 40 years) who were diagnosed with ATFL tear and underwent rigid tape (RT) or cast/brace rehabilitation protocol were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups as the RT group (n=36) and the control group (n=55). Follow-up (FU) was performed at six months. Outcomes included pain (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS]), ankle function (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society [AOFAS] hindfoot score), deviation of center of gravity (DCG), and symptoms after returning to sports. Results: The difference at each time point of pain, AOFAS, DCG and SRS between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05 for all). Only one patient at Week 12 in the RT group had pain in the lateral side of the ankle, while 36 patients at Week 12 and 21 patients (18 in the medial side) at FU had pain in the control group. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that RT dynamic fixation can accurately lock the ATFL function and may prevent pseudo-stability, so as to quickly repair injury, restore function, and return to sports earlier.

Effect of Kinesio taping on wrist proprioception in healthy subjects: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Although the use of KT has increased considerably in the clinical practice in the last years, there is limited evidence about the effects of its application in proprioception. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of KT on joint position sense and force sense on the wrist of healthy subjects. METHODS: Fifty-four subjects were analyzed in a randomized, crossover, single-blind study design. To determine the force sense, the subjects had to reach 50% of their maximum grip force. Wrist joint position sense was assessed during active repositioning tests at the target angles of 30° flexion and extension of wrist. A digital dynamometer was used to determine the sense of force and a digital goniometer was used to determine the joint position sense. Subjects were evaluated with KT (I- strip on ventral aspect of forearms from origin to insertion) and placebo (an inelastic tape was applied following the same procedure as KT). RESULTS: No significant differences have been found in the force sense, neither in the comparisons between control and interventions (p=0.286), nor between pre and post-intervention (p=0.111). For wrist joint position sense, a statistically significant effect (p< 0.05) was found at 30º of extension between the control and experimental group in favor of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The application of KT did not produce changes in FS and only caused a significant improvement in JPS in extension (30º). The results appear to indicate that the application of KT to improve proprioception in healthy subjects should be reconsidered.

Pattern of maximum voluntary contraction in patients with temporomandibular disorder before and after speech therapy with and without use of elastic bandages / Padrão de contração voluntária máxima em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular antes e após terapia fonoaudiológica com e sem uso de bandagem elástica

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify if there is an electromyographic difference during maximal (maximum) voluntary contraction of the masseter and temporalis muscles in patients with temporomandibular disorders, before and after speech therapy intervention with and without the use of therapeutic elastic bandages. Methods: an analysis of secondary data from a clinical intervention study, carried out with 17 adult volunteers, diagnosed with temporomandibular muscle dysfunction with or without disc displacement with reduction. The Bandage Group received manual therapy associated with elastic bandages and the No Bandage Group received only manual therapy. Surface electromyography was performed to record the Maximum Voluntary Contraction before and after four weeks of speech therapy intervention. For exploratory analysis, the Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon paired tests were used, with P<0.05. Results: in the Bandage Group, there was a statistically significant decrease in electrical activity during Maximum Voluntary Contraction in the masseter and temporalis muscles on the left side at the post-therapeutic moment. Comparing the pre- and post-intervention between Bandage Group and No Bandage Group, a statistical difference was found in the electrical activity values of the Maximum Voluntary Contraction in the left temporal muscle. Conclusion: manual myofunctional speech therapy, associated or not with the use of therapeutic elastic bandages, impacts the muscle activity of the masseter and temporal muscles during Maximum Voluntary Contraction, whether the values demonstrate relaxation and/or equivalence of the electromyographic values of the masticatory muscles.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar se há diferença eletromiográfica durante contração voluntária máxima dos músculos masseter e temporal de pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular, antes e após intervenção fonoaudiológica com e sem uso de bandagem elástica terapêutica. Métodos: foi realizada a análise de dados secundários de estudo do tipo intervenção clínica, com 17 voluntárias, adultas, com diagnóstico de disfunção temporomandibular muscular com ou sem deslocamento de disco com redução. O Grupo Bandagem recebeu terapia manual associada à bandagem elástica e o Grupo Sem Bandagem recebeu apenas terapia manual. Foi realizada eletromiografia de superfície para registro da contração voluntária máxima antes e após quatro semanas de intervenção fonoaudiológica. Para análise exploratória foram utilizados os testes: Mann Whitney e Wilcoxon Pareado, com p<0,05. Resultados: no Grupo Bandagem, houve diminuição estatisticamente significante da atividade elétrica durante a Contração Voluntária Máxima nos músculos masseter e temporal do lado esquerdo no momento pós-terapêutico. Na comparação do pré e pós-intervenção entre Grupo Bandagem e Grupo Sem Bandagem, constatou-se diferença estatística nos valores da atividade elétrica de Contração Voluntária Máxima no músculo temporal esquerdo. Conclusão: a terapia fonoaudiológica miofuncional manual, associada ou não ao uso da bandagem elástica terapêutica, impacta a atividade muscular dos músculos masseter e temporal durante a Contração Voluntária Máxima, sejam os valores demonstrando relaxamento e/ou equivalência dos valores eletromiográficos da musculatura mastigatória.

Acute effects of athletic taping on arch deformity and plantar pressure in young female adults with flexible flatfoot.

OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to explore the acute effects of athletic taping techniques on foot arch deformity and plantar pressure in young female adults with flexible flatfoot (FFT). METHODS: Twenty young female adults with FFT were recruited in the current study. Each participant was randomly divided into two taping groups, namely, augmented low-dye (ALD) and modified low-dye (MLD). The foot arch deformity and plantar pressure were measured at baseline, after taping and after 20 min of walking. The foot arch deformity was determined based on navicular drop distance (NDD) and resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP). RESULTS: Compared with baseline, the NDD values were significantly lower after taping. After 20 min of walking, ALD taping resulted in a lower NDD value than MLD (p < 0.001). ALD maintained a higher RCSP than baseline after 20 min of walking (p = 0.004). Furthermore, compared with baseline, medial midfoot force-time integration (p = 0.013) and contact area (p = 0.022) increased after taping with MLD, and peak pressure in the medial midfoot increased after walking for 20 min with MLD (p = 0.026). Peak pressure in the second to fifth toes significantly decreased after 20 min of walking with ALD compared with that after taping immediately (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: ALD and MLD taping could improve FFT arch deformity and plantar pressure distribution, prospectively changing peak pressure of the second to fifth toe area and medial midfoot after 20 min of walking, integrated contact area and force-time integration medial midfoot during walking in young female adults. Furthermore, ALD taping could improve FFT deformity more than using MLD after 20 min of walking. Thus, when treating FFT in young female adults, ALD taping should be considered adaptively to guide arch support production and correct midfoot pronation.

Effect of taping on posture of thoracic region in patients with thoracic kyphosis using acceleration.

BACKGROUND: In the working environment of modern society, a poor sitting posture for a prolonged time may lead to abnormal spinal alignment such as thoracic kyphosis (TK). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of taping for posture correction of patients with TK, providing theoretical and empirical guidance for clinicians attempting to rectify TK posture. METHODS: The study included 15 subjects aged 30-60 years, all with a TK angle of ⩾ 40∘. Subjects were required to ascend and descend a set of three steps (a low step, high step, and second low step) under three different conditions: without tape assistance, with taping assistance using 20% elongation, and with taping assistance using 40% elongation. A triaxial accelerometer was employed to measure and compare the anterior-posterior (AP), vertical (VT), and medial-lateral (MIL) movements of the thoracic vertebrae in the different conditions. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the MIL (P= 0.903) or AP (P= 0.114) movements between the no tape assistance and 20% elongation taping conditions. However, a significant difference was found in the VT movement (P= 0.017). Comparing the no assistance condition to the 40% elongation taping condition, no significant changes were noted in the MIL movement (P= 0.650), but significant differences were detected in both the VT (P= 0.003) and AP movements (P= 0.016). No significant differences were found in any of the three measurements between 20% and 40% elongation taping. CONCLUSION: Taping serves as an effective method for immediately improving kyphotic posture. It corrects the position of the scapula and cervicothoracic line and exerts passive retraction on the relevant muscles, thus mitigating trunk imbalance.

Does elastic taping on soles improve flexibility? A randomized controlled trial with equivalence test design.

BACKGROUND: Elastic taping that applies shear force affects joint movement. However, it remains uncertain whether elastic taping or stretching is more effective in improving flexibility. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether elastic taping for flexibility improvement is comparable to traditional stretching. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 64 university students were randomly allocated to two groups: elastic taping on the sole or 30 s of static stretching. The primary outcome measures were the straight leg raising angle, tested with an equivalence margin (± 9.61∘ on changes), and the fingertip-to-floor distance. Secondary outcomes were the hip flexor and knee extensor strength, two-step distance, adverse events, and pain intensity during the intervention, which were compared using conventional statistical methods. RESULTS: The mean differences in straight leg raising between the two groups after the interventions were not greater than the equivalence margin (mean [95% CI]: 1.4 [-6.9, 9.5]; equivalence margin, -9.61∘ to 9.61∘). There were no consistent differences between groups in terms of secondary outcomes except for pain intensity during the intervention (p> 0.05). Elastic taping did not induce pain. CONCLUSION: Elastic taping augments the flexibility-improving effect comparable to static stretching, based on an equivalence margin. Elastic taping of the sole appears to be an alternative method of improving flexibility.

Immediate Effect of Gluteus Medius Kinesio-Taping on Plantar Pressure Distribution and Balance Among Healthy Individuals.

Gluteus medius eccentrically regulates hip adduction and internal rotation in unilateral postures against gravity. Any weakness to Gluteus medius can lead to poor posture, impaired balance and altered plantar pressure. There is a scarcity of literature to find the immediate effect of gluteus medius kinesio-taping on plantar pressure distribution and balance among healthy individuals. A Randomized cross-over trial was conducted in outpatient physiotherapy department of Manipal Hospitals Bangalore, on 28 healthy individuals from March 2021 to April 2022. The taping was done on the dominant leg of the subjects, with no tape, sham tape and kinesio tape with a least 30-minute time difference. Mean maximum plantar pressure, dynamic balance and squat score was analyzed under three tape conditions. The mean maximum plantar pressure was assessed using Foot Work Pro, dynamic and static balance was assessed using Biodex Balance SD and squat score using Kinovea software. Friedman's test was used to analyze the mean difference between the groups. There was a significant difference in the static overall stability index (p = 0.001), static antero-posterior stability index (p = 0.001), static mediolateral stability index (p = 0.047), overall static sway (p = 0.008) dynamic antero-posterior stability index (p < 0.001), dynamic overall stability index (p = 0.013), dynamic mediolateral stability index (p < 0.001), overall dynamic sway (p < 0.001) and deep squat score (p = 0.009). The results of the study suggest that kinesio-taping is an effective method on improving the dynamic balance and deep squat quality in normal healthy individuals.

Effect of kinesio-taping on the acute phase of the post-operative reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the Kinesio taping (KT) effects on reducing pain and edema on postoperative (PO) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. DESIGN: Controlled and randomized clinical study. SETTINGS: Individuals of both sexes, aged 18-45, underwent ACL reconstruction were randomized into intervention (IG; n = 19) and control (CG; n = 19) groups. METHODS: Intervention consisted of KT bandage applications at hospital discharge for seven days, and on the 7th PO day, which was removed on the 14th PO. CG received specific instructions from the physiotherapy service. All volunteers were evaluations before and immediately after surgery, on the 7th and 14th PO day. Pain threshold (KgF), evaluated by algometer; edema (cm), evaluated by the perimetry measurements and volume of the lower limbs and the truncated cone test (ml) were the evaluated variables. The Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate intergroup, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnett's test to evaluate intragroup. RESULTS: Edema reduction and increased nociceptive threshold were significant in the 7th (p < 0.001; p = 0.003) and 14th (p < 0.001; p = 0.006) PO day in IG when compared to CG patients. IG perimetry levels, on the 7th and 14th PO were similar to preoperative period (p = 0.229; p = 1.000). IG nociceptive threshold value was similar on the 14th PO to before the surgery (p = 0.987). The same pattern did not occur in CG. CONCLUSION: KT treatment reduced edema and increased nociceptive threshold in the 7th and 14th PO ACL reconstruction.

Personal belief on elastic tape and tape tension affect perceived performance, but not muscle activity and endurance.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported inconsistent outcomes on elastic taping for three potential reasons: 1) poor control of placebo effect; 2) no consensus regarding the optimal tape tension; and 3) lack of investigation on muscle endurance, as the proposed tape recoiling force may not promote peak force generation but exert a consistently low force and improve submaximal contraction. PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of elastic tape and its tension on muscle activity and endurance in people with extremely positive and negative personal belief on elastic tape. METHODS: Using a validated instrument, we identified 20 participants with extremely positive personal belief on elastic tape (+ belief), and 20 with extremely negative personal belief (- belief). They performed wrist isometric endurance tests under three taping conditions (i.e. no tape, 50%, and 100% tension). We measured isometric wrist extensor muscle endurance, electromyography muscle activity, and self-perceived performance for each condition. RESULTS: The differences between the two groups in isometric muscle endurance (p = .85) and muscle activity (p = .53) were not statistically significant, regardless of tape conditions. However, participants with + belief reported better perceived performance than those with - belief (p < .001, partial eta squared = 0.70). Specifically, 100% tape tension yielded stronger self-perceived performance than 50% tension (Cohen's d = 0.91) and no tape (Cohen's d = 1.86). On the other hand, participants with - belief perceived similar performance across tape tensions (p = .55). CONCLUSION: Elastic tape does not modulate muscle activity and enhance muscle endurance. People with a strong positive personal belief on elastic tape may perceive a better performance with a greater tape tension.

Effects of Kinesio Taping® on pulmonary function of individuals with COPD: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no consensus regarding indication and benefits of Kinesio Taping® on pulmonary function of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVES: To identify the effects of Kinesio Taping® on pulmonary function of individuals with COPD through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Systematic review including experimental or quasi-experimental studies in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Searches were conducted on LILACS, Scielo, Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Two reviewers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and analysis. Methodological quality was assessed using PEDro scale, while meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan software. This review was registered (PROSPERO CRD42020223752). RESULTS: Five studies were included. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow were not different between Kinesio Taping® group and control group. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that Kinesio Taping® does not improve pulmonary function of individuals with COPD.

Does kinesio taping have an effect on kinetics and kinematics after lower limb musculoskeletal injuries? Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of kinesio taping on the lower extremity kinetics and kinematics after a musculoskeletal disorder. METHOD: Randomized controlled studies reported kinetic or kinematic outcomes (such as joint moment force or angular displacement) in the lower extremity with musculoskeletal disorders were included. A systematic literature search of Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, EBSCO, and PEDro databases was performed up to 28 February 2021. Meta-analysis was performed, when possible, by using mean difference (MD) and standard mean difference (SMD). RESULTS: Ten randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The results of a meta-analysis based on included studies show that the use of kinesio taping has similar effects on the kinetics of the lower extremities with musculoskeletal disorders or the control group. These effects do not change between 0 and 24 h, 1 and 15 days, and 15 and 30 days (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.31, p = 0.21). CONCLUSION: This study provides insufficient evidence to prove the effect of kinesio taping on lower extremity kinetics and kinematics on patients with musculoskeletal disorders in shorter and longer terms. Methodologically well-designed studies are needed to show the effectiveness of kinesio tape on lower extremity kinetics and kinematics after a musculoskeletal disorder in short and longer terms.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe present evidence does not support the effects of Kinesio tape on lower extremity kinetics in patients with a musculoskeletal pathologyMore evidenced based studies are still needed to show the effects of kinesio taping on lower extremity kinetics in patients with a musculoskeletal pathologyThis meta-analysis demonstrated that kinesio taping had no effect for up to 30 days within the scope of the results obtained from the studies, except for the immediate effect of the application.

Kinesiotaping in discopathies and degenerative spinal diseases: systematic review / Kinesiotaping em discopatias e doenças degenerativas da coluna vertebral: revisão sistemática / Kinesiotaping en discopatías y enfermedades degenerativas de la columna vertebral: revisión sistemática

ABSTRACT Neuromuscular taping or kinesiotaping is a technique widely used in spinal disorders. However, the scientific evidence of its use in discopathies and degenerative spine pathology is unknown. This study aimed to analyze the published clinical trials on neuromuscular taping in subjects with discopathies and degenerative spinal injuries. For this purpose, a literature search was performed following PRISMA guidelines in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, Medline, and Cinahl. In analyzing bias and methodological quality, we used: the PEDro scale, Van Tulder criteria, and risk of bias analysis of the Cochrane Collaboration. A total of 5 articles were included that obtained a mean score of 6.2 on the PEDro scale. There is moderate evidence that, in the short term, neuromuscular taping reduces analgesic consumption and improves the range of motion and muscle strength in the posterior musculature. In addition, there is limited evidence that it can improve quality, while the scientific evidence on the effect of neuromuscular taping on pain is contradictory. The application of neuromuscular taping on discopathies and degenerative processes of the spine should be cautiously undertaken until more conclusive results are obtained, and the long-term effects are assessed. Level of evidence I; Systematic review.

Resumo: A bandagem neuromuscular ou kinesiotaping é uma técnica de bandagem amplamente utilizada em distúrbios da coluna vertebral. Entretanto, a evidência científica para seu uso em discopatias e na patologia degenerativa da coluna são desconhecidas. Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar ensaios clínicos publicados sobre bandagem neuromuscular em sujeitos com discopatias e lesões degenerativas da coluna vertebral. Para este fim, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica seguindo as diretrizes do PRISMA nas seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, Medline e Cinahl. Na análise de viés e qualidade metodológica, foram utilizados: escala PEDro, critérios de Van Tulder e análise de risco de viés da Colaboração Cochrane. Um total de 5 artigos foi incluído com uma pontuação média de 6,2 na escala PEDro. Há evidências moderadas de que, a curto prazo, a bandagem neuromuscular reduz o consumo de analgésicos, melhora a amplitude de movimento e a força muscular na musculatura posterior. Além disso, há evidências limitadas de que pode melhorar a qualidade, enquanto as evidências científicas sobre o efeito da bandagem neuromuscular na dor são contraditórias. A aplicação da bandagem neuromuscular em discopatias e processos degenerativos da coluna vertebral deve ser feita com cautela até que resultados mais conclusivos sejam obtidos e os efeitos a longo prazo sejam avaliados. Nível de evidência I; Revisão sistemática.

Resumen: El vendaje neuromuscular o kinesiotaping es una técnica de vendaje que se utiliza ampliamente en trastornos raquídeos. Sin embargo, se desconoce la evidencia científica de uso en discopatías y patología degenerativa de la columna. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en analizar los ensayos clínicos publicados sobre el vendaje neuromuscular en sujetos con discopatías y lesiones degenerativas del raquis. Para ello, se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica siguiendo las directrices PRISMA en las siguientes bases de datos: PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, Medline y Cinahl. En el análisis de sesgo y calidad metodológica se utilizaron: escala PEDro, criterios de Van Tulder y análisis del riesgo de sesgo de la Colaboración Cochrane. Se incluyeron un total de 5 artículos que obtuvieron una puntuación media de 6,2 en la escala PEDro. Existe evidencia moderada de que, a corto plazo, el vendaje neuromuscular reduce el consumo de analgésicos, mejora el rango de movimiento y fuerza muscular en la musculatura posterior. Además, existe evidencia limitada de que puede mejorar la calidad, mientras que la evidencia científica sobre el efecto del vendaje neuromuscular en el dolor es contradictoria. La aplicación de vendaje neuromuscular es discopatías y procesos degenerativos del raquis debe realizarse con cautela a la espera de que se obtengan resultados más concluyentes y se valoren los efectos a largo plazo. Nivel de evidencia I; Revisión sistemática.

Fascia Tissue Manipulations in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pragmatic Comparative Randomized Clinical Trial of the 4xT Method® and Exercise Therapy.

BACKGROUND: The 4xT method is a protocolized practice in treating musculoskeletal disorders. The 4xT method consists of four components: Test (functional diagnostic test), Trigger (fascia tissue manipulations), Tape (elastic taping), and Train (exercise). There is a lack of clinical studies evaluating the treatment effects of the use of the 4xT method. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the 4xT method and exercise therapy-only in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Based on a priori sample size calculation, fifty-one individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain were randomly assigned to either the 4xT or exercise group. Both groups underwent a six-week rehabilitation program with two treatments per week. The primary outcomes were trunk flexion and extension mobility, trunk flexion, and extension mobility-dependent pain, and quality of life evaluated during a 6-week therapy period and after a 6-week therapy-off period. RESULTS: Interaction effects were noted in all outcomes. The 4xT group showed significant improvements over time for trunk flexion and extension mobility, trunk flexion and extension mobility-dependent pain, and quality of life (p < 0.05), with no significant relapse post-therapy (except for extension mobility). The exercise group exhibited significant within-time changes in the quality of life, as measured with the VAS (p < 0.05), but not for EQ-5D-3L. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that the 4xT method stands out as a promising and impactful treatment option for chronic nonspecific low back pain individuals, as it demonstrated significant reductions in mobility-dependent pain, increased trunk mobility, and improved quality of life compared to exercise-only treatments.

Comparison of Dry Needling and Inhibitory Kinesio Taping in Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Upper Trapezius Muscle: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of dry needling and inhibitory Kinesio taping on the pressure pain threshold and muscle thickness in women with myofascial pain syndrome in the upper trapezius muscle. Methods: The present study was a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. Seventy-five women with active trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle were included and randomly divided into 3 groups of equal sizes. Groups 1 and 2 were treated in 2 sessions with a 3-day interval by dry needling and inhibitory Kinesio taping, respectively. Group 3 did not receive treatment (ie, the control group). Pressure pain threshold and muscle thickness were measured using a pressure algometer and an ultrasound device, respectively, and this was done before, 3 days after, and 10 days after the treatment. Results: Pressure pain threshold increased significantly in groups 1 and 2 (P < .001) after the intervention. Muscle thickness reduced significantly in group 1 (P = .015) and group 2 (P = .010) after the intervention. No significant differences were observed between these 2 intervention groups in terms of these variables. Meanwhile, the changes in the control group in muscle thickness (P = .430) and pressure pain threshold (P = .230) were not significant. Conclusion: Both dry needling and inhibitory Kinesio taping increased pressure pain threshold and reduced muscle thickness in participants with active trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. These 2 therapeutic techniques appear to cause similar positive changes in pain and muscle function but may do so through different mechanisms.

The effect of ankle supports on lower limb biomechanics during functional tasks: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the literature on the effects of ankle supports on lower extremity biomechanics during functional tasks. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS: Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to July 2019. Studies of biomechanical outcomes during functional tasks that used a within-participant (repeated measures) design were included. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, assessed the methodological quality of the included studies and rated the quality of evidence. Meta-analysis was performed and reported as standardised mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 8350 studies were identified in the electronic search and 42 studies involving a total of 761 participants were included in the review (21 studies included for qualitative reporting and 21 studies in the meta-analysis). Most individual studies and the meta-analyses demonstrated no effect of ankle supports on ground reaction force or ankle inversion angle. However, there was high quality evidence that ankle taping decreased plantarflexion angle at initial contact during landing from a height (P = 0.0009, standerdised mean differences = 0.72, 95% confidence intervals = 1.15, 0.03, I 2 = 3%). The effect of ankle supports on transverse plane ankle biomechanics has not been adequately investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle taping only decreased plantarflexion angle at initial contact during landing from a jump. Ankle supports did not affect inversion angle or forces in linear and multiplanar tasks. There was insufficient evidence on the effect of ankle supports on ankle transverse plane biomechanics.

Efficacy of kinesio taping on hand functioning in patients with mild carpal tunnel syndrome. A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

STUDY DESIGN: Double-blind randomized controlled trial. INTRODUCTION: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common mononeuropathy that causes pain and disability in the affected hand. Kinesio taping (KT) has been recently proposed as a promising conservative approach in CTS patients. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effectiveness of KT compared to a sham taping on symptoms and hand function in patients affected by mild CTS. METHODS: Patients affected by mild CTS with symptoms for at least 8 weeks were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups: KT group, according to the technique proposed by Kase plus specific exercises; control group, undergoing a sham taping plus specific exercise. All patients performed 2 sessions/week for 5 weeks of exercises of mobilization of fingers and carpal joint. At the baseline, after 5 weeks (T1), and after 6 months (T2), a physician unaware of patients' allocation assessed the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) symptom (BCTQ-S) and functional (BCTQ-F) subscales. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (mean age:54.3 ± 15.0 y) were randomly allocated into KT (n = 21) and control group (n = 21). At T1, in both groups we found a significant improvement in hand function and symptoms, as showed by BCTQ-F (KT:4.2 ± 0.7 vs 3.0 ± 0.6, P < .001; sham: 2.2 ± 0.3 vs 1.7 ± 0.3, P = .012) and by BCTQ-S (KT: 2.2 ± 0.3 vs 1.7 ± 0.3, P < .001; sham: 2.3 ± 0.4 vs 1.9 ± 0.5, P = .007). At T2, only in the KT group there was a significant difference in both sub-items of primary outcome. There were significantly better results in the KT group at T1 and T2. DISCUSSION: The present study showed that KT compared to a sham taping might be more effective in reducing perceived symptoms in mild CTS patients, reporting a clinically significant difference. CONCLUSION: KT might be considered as an effective technique combined to rehabilitative treatment in terms of hand function and symptoms in patients affected by mild CTS.

Effectiveness of kinesiotaping in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of kinesiotaping (KT) with or without co-interventions for clinical outcomes in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. DATA SOURCES: Eight databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, PEDro, LILACS, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) were searched from inception until March 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Clinical trials that determine the effectiveness of KT with or without co-interventions for clinical outcomes in patients with SIS who are older than 18 years of age. RESULTS: Ten trials for the quantitative analysis were included. For pain intensity at 1-3 weeks, the overall pooled MD was -0.73 cm, 95% CI = -1.50 to 0.04 (p = 0.06), and at 3-6 weeks, it was -0.13 cm, 95% CI = -1.37 to 0.36 (p = 0.25). For shoulder function, the MD was -0.02, 95%CI = -0.30 to 0.26 (p = 0.89). For shoulder Range of Motion (ROM) flexion, the MD was -16.70, 95% CI = -0.52 to 33.92 (p = 0.06). Additionally, there was a low to moderate quality of evidence according to the GRADE rating. CONCLUSION: Kinesiotaping with or without co-interventions was not superior to other interventions for improving shoulder pain intensity, function and ROM flexion in patients with SIS.

O uso da bandagem elástica adesiva para alívio da dor no tratamento das disfunções temporomandibulares: revisão sistemática com metanálise / Use of kinesiology tape for pain relief in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review with meta-analysis

RESUMO Objetivos Verificar o efeito da aplicação da bandagem elástica sobre músculos mastigatórios no alívio da dor, em comparação com outras intervenções, em indivíduos com disfunções temporomandibulares. Estratégia de pesquisa Busca nas bases de dados LILACS, IBECS, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase e MEDLINE. A pergunta norteadora, utilizando-se os elementos da estratégia PICOT (população, intervenção, comparador, outcome/desfecho, tipo de estudo) foi: "A bandagem elástica promove alívio da dor em indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular?". Critérios de seleção Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos que fizeram uso da bandagem elástica em músculos mastigatórios de indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular, publicados em português, inglês ou espanhol. Foram excluídos os artigos que não abordavam o método de aplicação e o desfecho "intensidade da dor". A avaliação da elegibilidade foi realizada pela leitura dos títulos e resumos, bem como pela leitura dos estudos na íntegra. Foram extraídas informações sobre ano de publicação, país de condução do estudo, idade e condição clínica da amostra, tratamento e resultados da avaliação da dor. Na metanálise, realizada por meio do método do inverso da variância, a média do valor indicado na escala visual analógica foi considerada como medida de efeito da intervenção. Resultados Foram localizadas, inicialmente, 344 referências, das quais, 3 foram selecionadas. Foram identificados resultados significativamente superiores na redução da dor, em uma semana de uso da bandagem, na comparação com outras abordagens conservadoras analisadas. Conclusão Considerando os artigos incluídos, a bandagem elástica apresentou resultados significativos para maior redução da dor na primeira semana. Porém, o número reduzido de estudos e a presença de vieses limitam os achados.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the effects on pain relief by applying kinesiology tape on the masticatory muscles, in comparison with other interventions, in people with temporomandibular disorders. Research strategy Search in LILACS, IBECS, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. The research question, based on the PICOT components, was: "Does kinesiology tape applied on to masticatory muscles relieve the pain in people with temporomandibular disorders?". Selection criteria The included articles were clinical trials using kinesiology tape on masticatory muscles in people with temporomandibular disorders, published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. Articles whose authors had not adopted this application method and pain intensity as an outcome were excluded. Eligibility was assessed by reading their titles, abstracts, and full texts. The following information was extracted: year of publication, the country where the study was conducted, age and clinical condition of the sample, treatment, and pain assessment results. The meta-analysis, using the inverse variance method, considered the mean value indicated in the visual analog scale as the intervention effect measure. Results Initially, 344 references were retrieved, of which three were selected. Significantly better pain relief results were identified after 1 week of using the tape, in comparison with the other conservative approaches analyzed. Conclusion Considering the included articles, the kinesiology tape had significant results with greater pain relief in the first week. However, small number of studies and their biases limit the findings.

Efectos del vendaje neuromuscular en el error de posicionamiento articular cervical: Un estudio piloto / Effects of neuromuscular taping on the cervical joint position sense error: A pilot study

Objetivos El objetivo principal de este estudio piloto es comparar los cambios en el error de posicionamiento articular cervical (EPAC) entre tres grupos de intervención. El objetivo secundario es analizar las diferencias de las intervenciones sobre el EPAC en presencia o ausencia de dolor cervical crónico. Material y métodos Se incluyó en el estudio una muestra de 15 participantes sin dolor cervical y una muestra de 15 personas con dolor cervical crónico. Cada una de las muestras fue asignada de manera aleatoria a uno de los tres grupos de intervención: un grupo experimental (aplicación de vendaje neuromuscular con tensión del 25%), un grupo placebo (aplicación de vendaje neuromuscular sin tensión) y un grupo control (sin aplicación de vendaje neuromuscular). Se realizó un análisis estadístico para examinar las diferencias dentro de los grupos, entre los grupos y entre muestras. Resultados No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p > 0,05) tras las intervenciones dentro de ningún grupo en ninguna de las dos muestras. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre grupos dentro de la misma muestra (p > 0,05) ni entre muestras (p > 0,05). Conclusiones Los resultados del presente estudio piloto sugieren que la aplicación de vendaje neuromuscular con o sin tensión no inducen cambios diferentes a la ausencia de su aplicación en sujetos sanos ni en aquellos con dolor cervical. Futuros estudios son necesarios para objetivar la ausencia de cambios clínicos, utilizando una mayor muestra y mayor número de intervenciones y mediciones en el tiempo (AU)

Objectives The main aim of this pilot study is to compare changes in Joint Position Sense Error (JPSE) between three intervention groups. The secondary aim is to analyse the differences of the interventions on JPSE in the presence and absence of pain. Material and methods A sample with fifteen healthy subjects and another sample with fifteen patients with chronic neck pain were included in this study. Each sample was randomly assigned to one of the intervention groups: an experimental group (25% neuromuscular taping with tension), a placebo group (neuromuscular taping with no tension), and a control group (with no neuromuscular taping). Statistical analyses were performed to assess the effects within groups, between groups and between samples. Result No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found after interventions in either group, neither the healthy sample nor the patient sample. No statistically significant differences were found between groups within the same sample (p > 0.05), or between samples (p > 0.05). Conclusions The results from the present pilot study suggest that the application of neuromuscular taping with or without tension does not induce JPSE changes compared to not applying it in healthy patients or those with neck pain. Further research is needed to determine the absence of clinical effect, with a larger sample, a greater number of interventions and measurements over time (AU)

Systematic Review of Lumbar Elastic Tape on Trunk Mobility: A Debatable Issue.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the literature to analyze the effect of lumbar elastic tape application on trunk mobility, surpassing the minimal detectable change of the used outcome measurement tool, and to analyze the additional effect of applied tension and direction of elastic tape application in low back pain and participants without low back pain. DATA SOURCES: Four databases were used: PubMed, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Google Scholar. STUDY SELECTION: The inclusion criteria were randomized and clinical controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of lumbar elastic tape application on trunk mobility. DATA EXTRACTION: Two researchers executed the search and a third author was consulted to resolve disagreements. The methodological quality was scored using the PEDro scale, with studies scoring ≤5 being excluded. DATA SYNTHESIS: Eight out of 6799 studies were included; 5 studied individuals with low back pain, and 3 studied participants without low back pain. Two studies scored low on the PEDro scale and were excluded. None of the reported significant changes in trunk mobility due to elastic tape application exceeded the indicated minimal detectable change. No conclusions can be drawn from the direction and applied tension of elastic tape application. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this systematic review, there is no evidence supporting the effect of lumbar elastic tape application. We recommend consensus in the use of more reliable and valid instruments in future studies.