Investigation of the Effectiveness of Kinesio Tape Treatment in Adult Individuals with Subjective Tinnitus.

Objective: Tinnitus is one of the most common otologic symptoms and has a serious effect on the quality of life. The pathophysiology of tinnitus is not fully understood and no consensus has been reached on an effective treatment method for tinnitus. To evaluate the effectiveness of the kinesiotape (KT) method in subjective tinnitus treatment. Material and Method: KT is a method used for sensory simulation. It is a method that aims to increase muscle function, positively affect lymphatic fluid and blood circulation, and stimulate the neurological system. In this study, KT method was applied and the study was prospective. 34 individuals with subjective tinnitus, and normal hearing were included. The study group (n = 17) was informed about tinnitus and KT was applied for 4 weeks, the control group (n = 17) was only informed about tinnitus. The information about tinnitus given to both groups included verbal information about what tinnitus is, how to deal with tinnitus and basic recommendations. All individuals were initially administered tinnitus measurements (pitch, loudness, minimal masking level, residual inhibition), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), SF-36, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). All evaluations were repeated after 4 weeks. Results: Tinnitus loudness and pitch decreased in the KT group (P < .05). In both groups, there was a significant difference between the first and last measurements of the severity of tinnitus, the degree of discomfort from tinnitus with VAS, and the catastrophic and total scores of THI (P < .05). KT group, the emotional sub-score of THI improved significantly with KT (P < .05), and significant improvement was achieved in the BDI scores (P < .05). There was a significant difference in the SF-36 after the application of KT (P < .05). Conclusion: In subjective tinnitus, the pathophysiology of which is unknown and there is no consensus on an effective treatment method, improvement in tinnitus severity, quality of life and depression perception in both audiologic and perceptual evaluations were obtained as a result of KT application. We believe that KT, which has no side effects and is easy to apply, is a method that can be easily used in individuals with subjective tinnitus.

The impact of ankle kinesio taping on pain management in patients with acute ankle sprain.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of Kinesio Tape (KT) application as a complementary treatment for patients with acute ankle sprain (AAS) in an Emergency Department (ED) setting. METHODS: A prospective, quasi-randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary care ED. Adult patients diagnosed with isolated, stable Grade 1 and Grade 2 AAS were included. Patients were divided into two groups: the KT group, where KT was applied in addition to conventional treatment, and the control group, receiving only conventional treatment. Pain intensity, analgesic usage, and patient satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: While pain levels were similar between both groups at baseline and the 30th minute, the control group reported significantly lower pain levels at the 60th minute (p=0.575, p=0.437, and p=0.042, respectively). The KT group exhibited reduced analgesic drug consumption and higher patient satisfaction levels (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the difference in pain intensity at the 60th minute lost significance, while analgesic usage and patient satisfaction remained significant (p=0.631, p=0.003, and p=0.026, respectively). CONCLUSION: KT application, as a complementary treatment, may reduce the need for analgesics and enhance patient satisfaction in patients with AAS in the ED. Further research is needed to refine its application and confirm its effectiveness in standard AAS treatment protocols.

Immediate effect of kinesiology taping on muscle strength, static balance and proprioception after eccentric muscle fatigue on ankle: a randomized cross-over trial.

BACKGROUND: Kinesiology Taping(KT) is commonly used as a physical therapy to prevent exercise-induced fatigue. This study aims to evaluate the immediate effects of KT on muscle strength, static balance, and proprioception after eccentric muscle fatigue on ankle. METHODS: Twenty healthy male university students were recruited. The experimental protocol was structured into four sessions, each separated by a one-week washout period to prevent carryover effects. Participants were randomly allocated to one of four intervention conditions in each session, ensuring no participant received the same intervention twice. These conditions were: no taping(NT),sham taping(ST),athletic taping(AT),and kinesiology taping(KT).Taping was applied immediately following an eccentric muscle fatigue protocol targeting the ankle, and assessments were conducted in the order of proprioception, muscle strength and static balance. Isometric muscle strength and proprioception were evaluated using the Biodex isokinetic system. Static balance was measured using the TecnoBody balance platform. RESULTS: KT had a significantly higher plantarflexion/dorsiflexion peak torque, dorsiflexion average peak torque, and plantarflexion/dorsiflexion average power at 60°/s compared with NT and ST in terms of isometric muscle strength (p < 0.05).Furthermore, the plantarflexion peak torque of KT was significantly greater than AT at 60°/s[p = 0.005,95% confidence interval(CI) = 3.39 to 18.20] and 180°/s[p = 0.006,95%CI(2.62,21.98)]. In terms of proprioception, KT showed a lower absolute error in 25° plantarflexion and 10° dorsiflexion compared to NT, ST and AT. For static balance with eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, AT and KT had a lower total sway area than NT and ST (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant difference in total sway length with eyes-open condition was observed between AT and KT[p < 0.001,95%CI(-431.81,-168.25)];total sway area and the center of pressure(COP) velocity in the mediolateral(ML) and anteroposterior(AP) directions with eyes-closed condition were significantly lower in AT compared to KT. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that KT is more effective than other taping conditions in improving muscle strength and proprioception after eccentric muscle fatigue on ankle. However, AT is more helpful in increasing static postural control ability after ankle muscle fatigue than KT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with www.chictr.org.cn (registration number: ChiCTR2300068278) on 13/2/2023.

The efficacy of Kinesio taping in patients with post-stroke dysphagia: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia, or swallowing dysfunction, is a commonly observed complication among stroke patients, which has been associated with increased mortality rates. The treatment of post-stroke dysphagia encompasses various therapeutic approaches, and Kinesio taping has recently emerged as a potentially effective intervention. This study aims to evaluate the potential benefits of Kinesio Tape in improving dysphagia symptoms in individuals who have experienced a stroke. METHODS: his study searched PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang Medical Database, CBM, CNKI, and Wipro VIP databases. Randomised controlled trials on the effect of intraosseous patches on the recovery of swallowing function in stroke patients were collected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search was conducted from from the date of database construction to June 2, 2023. Included trials were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analyses were performed using ReviewerManager 5.4.1, and publication bias tests were performed using stata17. RESULTS: A total of 12 randomized controlled trials consisting of 724 patients were included in the analysis. The results showed that the effective rate of Kinesio taping [RR = 1.27, 95% CI (1.16, 1.39), P < .00001], swallowing function score [MD = 0.78, 95% CI (0.45, 1.11), P < .00001], and quality of life score for patients with swallowing disorders [MD = 21.68, 95% CI (8.47, 36.90), P = .001] were all superior to those of the controls. CONCLUSION: Kinesio taping have been shown to improve swallowing function and nutritional status in patients with dysphagia in the pharyngeal phase.

The effect of lower back and lower-extremity kinesiology taping on static balance and physical function performance in people with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) can lead to numerous deficits in body functions, including balance and mobility impairment. This study examined the effect of lower back and lower extremity kinesiology tape (KT) application on static balance and physical functioning performance in people with MS (pwMS) and compared that to a non-elastic tape. METHODS: This pilot randomized study recruited and enrolled 10 participants with MS that were allocated into two groups: kinesio (n = 6) and non-elastic (n = 4) tape. Participants were assessed with and without the respective tape on static balance with eyes open and closed and various physical function tests. RESULTS: Effect sizes for the Kinesio tape intervention were found to be small, while effect sizes for the sham tape/place condition varied from small to high. For both groups, the tendency was to reduce or maintain performance on the tests comparing tape and no tape. A subsequent, mixed-factor ANOVA revealed no significant difference between KT or sham tape/placebo. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that KT applied on lower back and lower extremity muscles does not seem to improve static balance and physical function performance in pwMS.

Efficacy on knee function of Kinesio taping among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate systematically the efficacy of Kinesio taping (KT) on the knee function of individuals who undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: This study was registered in PROSPERO (registration number CRD42023399885) on February 26, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the effects on the knee function of KT among individuals after ACLR were electronically searched from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and EBSCO from inception to July 02, 2023. The outcome measures included six continuous variables: quadriceps strength, hamstring strength, knee swelling, knee flexion angle, Lysholm knee function score, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores. The Cochrane Risk Bias Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature. RESULTS: Seven RCTs including 278 patients who underwent ACLR were included in the systematic review. One of three (33%) studies found a remarkable increase in quadricep strength associated with the use of KT compared with the control group. Two of two (100%) studies found substantial increases in hamstring strength associated with KT. Two of four (50%) studies reported KT reduced knee swelling. Two of five (40%) studies reported considerable improvements in knee flexion angle in the groups that used KT. All three (100%) studies found KT did not improve Lysholm knee function scores. Three of four (75%) studies noted a significant reduction in VAS pain scores associated with KT. CONCLUSION: KT may help improve hamstring strength and reduce knee swelling and pain in patients after ACLR. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of KT on quadricep strength and knee flexion angle.

Clinic- and laboratory-based measures of postural control in patellofemoral pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis and evidence gap map.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder associated with functional impairments. Although postural control is commonly assessed in people with PFP, there are inconsistent results regarding potential postural control deficits in this population. RESEARCH QUESTION: This review aims to evaluate whether postural control is impaired in people with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and the effectiveness of interventions on postural control measures. METHODS: We searched six databases from their inception to May 5, 2023. We included studies assessing clinic- or laboratory-based postural control measures in people with PFP compared to pain-free controls, and intervention studies with PFP populations. We assessed risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. We used random-effects meta-analyses considering subgroups based on type of task, measure, and intervention. RESULTS: Fifty-three studies were included. Very low certainty evidence indicated that people with PFP have shorter anterior (SMD = 0.53, 95 %CI:0.16,0.90), posteromedial (SMD = 0.54, 95 %CI:0.04,1.03) and posterolateral (SMD = 0.59, 95 %CI:0.11,1.07) reach distance, and worse composite score (SMD = 0.46, 95 %CI:0.22,0.70). Very low to moderate certainty evidence indicated that people with PFP have worse anterior-posterior and overall stability indexes during single-leg stance (SMD = -0.71, 95 %CI:-1.29,-0.14; SMD = -0.63, 95 %CI:-0.94,-0.32) and overall stability index during double-leg stance (SMD = -0.39, 95 %CI:-0.78,-0.00), but no differences in center of pressure area during stair ascent (SMD = 0.32, 95 %CI:-2.72, 3.36). Low certainty evidence indicated that kinesio taping improved anterior reach distance (SMD = -0.49, 95 %CI:-0.89,-0.09), while no significant differences were observed between pre- and post-intervention outcomes for conventional rehabilitation and rigid taping. SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians should use clinic- (star excursion or Y-balance tests) and laboratory-based (stability indexes) measures to identify impairments of postural control in people with PFP. Low certainty of evidence suggests short-term improvement in postural control with kinesio taping.

Effects of elastic taping on kyphosis and body balance in the elderly: a randomized crossover study.

Kyphosis produces abnormal posture and reduced body balance in the elderly. Elastic tape may be useful at improving kyphotic posture and body balance. This study aims to evaluate the effects of elastic taping on kyphosis and body balance in the elderly. Ten elderly participants with degenerative kyphotic posture were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups (back taped with stretched elastic tape for 15 min and back taped with non-stretched elastic tape for 15 min). After a 1-h washout period, the groups were swapped over to receive the other intervention. The outcomes measured after each taping technique were Cobb's angle measurement by inclinometer, perceived pain, and balance measurements by single leg stance test, time up and go test, center of gravity alignment (COG) and modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance test (mCTSIB). There was a significant reduction in kyphotic angle and back pain in both the stretched and non-stretched taping groups (p < 0.05). We also found both taping techniques significantly reduced sway velocity on a foam surface with eyes closed and open (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between taping groups for kyphotic angle, pain reduction or balance. The application of 15 min of stretched and non-stretched elastic tape in the elderly reduced kyphotic angle, back pain, and sway velocity while standing on foam surface in the mCTSIB test. If these changes persist over the long term (days and weeks) taping may be a useful intervention for elderly patients with kyphosis.

Effect of combined Kinesiotaping and resistive exercise on muscle strength and quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) and its treatment affect women's tissue architecture and physiology, which leads to impaired muscle strength and joint dysfunction, affecting quality of life (QOL). Most evidence has focused on exercises; however, due to the complexity and heterogeneity of patients' rehabilitation needs, further research is required to investigate more adjunctive methods to help optimal rehabilitation according to patients' needs, preferences, and effective interventions. METHODS: This study aimed to determine the effect of Kinesiotaping (KT) combined with resistive exercise on muscle strength and QOL in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Forty premenopausal BCS treated with chemotherapy postmastectomy participated in this study. Their age ranged from 40 to 55 years, and their body mass index (BMI) was 25-29.9 kg/m2. They were randomly distributed into two equal groups. The control group received resistive exercise two times/week for 12 weeks, while the study group received resistive exercise and KT applied to the lower limbs. Hip, knee, and ankle muscle strength were measured using a hand-held dynamometer, and QOL was evaluated using 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) before and after treatment. RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant increase (p = 0.0001) in the strength of hip flexors, knee extensors, flexors, ankle plantar flexors, and dorsiflexors, as well as SF-36 score after treatment. However, the study group showed a more significant increase in strength of hip flexors (p = 0.005), knee extensors (p = 0.01) and flexors (p = 0.02), ankle plantar flexors (p = 0.01), and dorsiflexors (p = 0.01), as well as SF-36 score (p = 0.006) than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: KT plus resistive exercise is more effective than exercise alone for improving muscle strength and QOL in BCS. So, the KT can be recommended as a non-invasive, adjunctive method added to the protocol therapy for BCS to help better outcomes during the rehabilitation period.

Effectiveness of a kinesio-taping-based treatment in stage IV sacral pressure ulcers in older patients: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: As reduced tissue vascularity is one of the mechanisms that prevent skin ulcers from healing, treatments that can improve local circulation could accelerate their clinical resolution. Given that kinesio-taping (KT) can improve tissue blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, we aimed to determine whether applying KT close to stage IV pressure ulcers (PUs) could improve their healing. METHOD: Older patients with stage IV sacral PUs, and impaired mobility and functional dependency who were consecutively admitted in a six-month period to the Home Care service of Galliera Hospital (Genoa, Italy) were screened for participation in this pilot clinical trial. Patients' PUs were divided into two treatment areas-in the experimental intervention, KT was applied close to a portion of the PU, while the contralateral portion of the same lesion was treated according to the standard protocol ('control'). The surface reduction of both portions was measured every four days, for a total of five examinations (timepoints (T2-T6) after the baseline evaluation (T1). RESULTS: A total of 12 patients (male=5, female=7; mean age 78.83±8.94 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. At all timepoints (T2-T6), the mean percentage reduction was significantly greater in KT-treated areas than in control areas: T2=20.66% versus 6.17%, respectively; p<0.001; T3=37.33% versus 17.31%, respectively; p<0.001; T4=57.01% versus 30.06%, respectively; p<0.001; T5=69.04% versus 40.55%, respectively; p<0.001; and T6=80.34% versus 51.91%, respectively; p<0.001. Furthermore, from T3 onwards, a significantly higher number of KT-treated areas than control areas had halved in size, the maximum difference being recorded at T5 (10 versus two, respectively; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: From the findings of this pilot study, KT would seem to be an effective, rapid, low-cost therapy for advanced sacral PUs in older patients with impaired mobility and functional dependency. Declaration of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Effects of kinesio taping with and without active release technique in carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Kinesio taping is used as a conservative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and the active release technique is also effective. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of kinesio taping with and without the active release technique on pain, grip strength, functional disability and range of motion in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: It was a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-two patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were randomly allocated to two groups: Group A received kinesio taping with the active release technique for 4 weeks (3 days/week); Group B received kinesio taping alone for 4 weeks (5 days/week). Outcome measures were the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire, a numeric pain rating scale, goniometry and hand-held dynamometry. SPSS software, version 25, was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Normal distribution was assessed on the Shapiro-Wilk test and parametric tests were applied. Independent t-test results showed that patients who received kinesio taping with the active release technique showed significantly greater improvement (p < 0.05) in pain, functional status and range of motion than the group that received kinesio taping alone. Within-group analysis (paired t-test) showed that both groups significantly improved (p < 0.05) in all outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Kinesio taping with the active release technique procured significantly greater improvement in pain, range of motion and functional disability than kinesio taping alone. CLINICALTRIALS: gov registration number: 789.

Effects of rigid and kinesio taping on plantar pressure distribution in patients with Lisfranc fracture sequelae.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Lisfranc fractures may regain functional status after anatomical fixation, but they may experience sequelae such as flatfoot deformity and pain associated with foot pressure distribution during weight-bearing. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the impact of Lisfranc fracture sequelae on both the injured and uninjured sides, and how does the antipronation taping affect plantar pressure distribution parameters? METHODS: Twenty-six patients who underwent anatomical fixation for Lisfranc fracture, displaying pronation on the injured side based on the Foot Posture Index-6 test, as well as 15 healthy subjects, participated in this study. Plantar pressure distribution measurements were conducted during barefoot walking for the healthy subjects. In the patient group, measurements were taken under two antipronation taping conditions (kinesio and rigid taping), as well as during barefoot walking. RESULTS: Participants who received anatomical fixation after Lisfranc fracture exhibited significant alterations in plantar pressure distribution parameters on both the injured and uninjured sides, as compared to the control group. After the application of Kinesio Taping to the injured side, there was no significant change observed in the plantar pressure distribution values (p > 0.05). The analysis of the rigid taping on the injured side revealed statistically worse values in peak pressure of the hindfoot (p = 0.027) and maximum force of the midfoot and toes (p = 0.005 and p = 0.013, respectively) compared to the injured barefoot condition. SIGNIFICANCE: Lisfranc fracture sequelae affected plantar pressure distribution on both injured and uninjured sides. Anti-pronation taping (kinesio and rigit), commonly used for foot conditions, did not lead to foot pressure distribution becoming more similar to that of the control group.

KinesioTaping: impact on non-motor symptoms in cervical dystonia patients treated with botulinum toxin injection.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess whether combined therapy with botulinum toxin injections (BoNT) and KinesioTaping could be helpful in managing non-motor symptoms (NMS) of cervical dystonia (CD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with CD were enrolled in this single-centre, prospective, evaluator-blinded, randomised, crossover trial. We compared three forms of treatment: BoNT treatment alone, or combined with KinesioTaping, or combined with ShamTaping. NMS were assessed using the 14-item self-reported questionnaire proposed by Klingelhoefer, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups concerning mean results of HADS and PSQI scales, or mean total number of NMS after the procedures. The mean change from baseline HADS and PSQI scores, and total number of NMS after the procedure, also did not differ significantly between groups. ShamTaping combined with BoNT significantly increased the prevalence of pain. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our study did not confirm the effectiveness of combined therapy of BoNT and KinesioTaping in the management of NMS in patients with CD. Due to a potential negative effect of improper taping on pain in CD, patients with CD should only experience KinesioTaping as an adjunctive therapy, and if it is performed by a trained, experienced physiotherapist.

Comparing the effectiveness of novel high-end compression garment with common compression garment and kinesio tape in preventing edema and improving tissue perfusion in lower extremities.

CONTEXT: Global sales of compression garments have risen sharply in recent years. Due to the availability of a wide range of compression garments, this study aims to evaluate the effect of two types of compression garments and kinesio tape on edema formation and tissue perfusion in the lower extremities. Over-the-counter compression knee stockings and kinesio tape were compared with a prototype of high-end compression stockings that combine kinesio tape and a common knee bandage. The high-end compression stockings were designed by Cube with the aim of combining the positive effects of kinesio tape and compression garments on edema formation and tissue perfusion. DESIGN: Clinical cross-over study. METHODS: Before and after a 6-hour compression period, the knee regions on both, the treated and non-treated leg, of participants were examined using a 3-D scan to detect changes in volume. Also measured were local temperature (°C), oxygen saturation (SpO2), perfusion index (Pi), blood pressure (mmHg), compression pressure (mmHg), range of motion, body-mass-index (BMI) and limb-circumference (cm). Two different types of compression garments were examined: a novel high-end compression stocking (A) and a common compression stocking (B). In addition, kinesio tape was compared to compression garments (C). After each experimental day, a one-day break was taken to prevent an unwanted overlay effect. Male and female participants between the ages of 18 and 60 were randomly selected. RESULTS: The high-end compression garment (A) showed a statistically significant (P = 0.009) reduction of edema intraindividually. Comparing the three treatment groups, compression (A) lead to a reduction of edema. However, the reduction was not statistically significant (P = 0.585). The compression garment B and kinesio tape showed an increase in edema in the lower limb. There was a positive correlation between the highest compression pressure (A: 9.8 mmHg) and volume decrease over the period of 6 hours. Lighter compression (B: 8.2 mmHg) led to an increase in leg volume after compression application over 6 hours. There was no significant difference in tissue oxygen saturation with the two types of compression and kinesio tape. The tissue temperature below the compression garment was highest in the compression group A. Nevertheless, we could not demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between tissue temperature and volume difference.The range in motion of the lower limb decreased after 6 hours with both compression A and B and with kinesio tape. CONCLUSION: The novel bandage showed a statistically significant reduction in edema when compared intraindividually, but no statistically significant advantage was found when compared with the other compression garment B and kinesio tape.Despite the widespread use of kinesio tape, we did not find any improvement in the range of motion, edema prevention and circulation in the lower limb after application of kinesio tape.

Self-stretching exercises with kinesio taping for management of chronic nonspecific neck pain in taxi drivers: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Taxi drivers experience chronic neck pain owing to their posture while driving. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of self-stretching exercises with kinesio taping on pain, stress, pressure pain threshold (PPT), disability, cervical range of motion (CROM) in this population. DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial SETTING: Forty-three taxi drivers with nonspecific chronic nonspecific neck pain were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 22) and control (n = 21) groups. METHODS: In the experimental group, self-stretching exercises were performed 3 times a day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks, with kinesio taping applied while driving. In the control group, only kinesio taping was applied while driving for 4 weeks. Pain intensity, stress intensity, PPT, neck disability, and CROM were assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 4 weeks post-intervention. RESULTS: Significant time and group interactions were observed in pain intensity at rest (p = 0.048) and while driving (p = 0.001). In the experimental group, the Pre - Post - Follow-up mean (95% CI) was 4.41 (4.14 to 4.68) - 3.82 (3.57 to 4.07) - 3.78 (3.55 to 3.99). In the control group, the Pre - Post - Follow-up mean (95% CI) was 4.29 (4.01 to 4.56) - 3.86 (3.60 to 4.11) - 4.05 (3.82 to 4.27) for pain at rest. In the experimental group, the Pre - Post - Follow-up mean (95% CI) was 4.91 (4.63 to 5.19) - 4.00 (3.76 to 4.24) - 3.69 (3.69 to 4.22), while in the control group, the Pre - Post - Follow-up mean (95% CI) was 4.81 (4.53 to 5.09) - 4.38 (4.13 to 4.63) - 4.57 (4.30 to 4.85) for pain while driving. PPT on the right (p = 0.029) and left (p < 0.001) sides, and neck disability (p = 0.001) also showed significant time and group interactions. NDI was not clinically significant based on the minimum clinically important difference. All CROM showed significant time and group interactions (flexion, p = 0.008; right lateral flexion, p = 0.009; left lateral flexion, p = 0.004; right rotation, p = 0.001; left rotation, p = 0.001), except for extension. CONCLUSION: This study showed that self-stretching exercises with kinesio taping provided benefits over kinesio taping alone on pain intensity, PPT, disability, and CROM in taxi drivers with nonspecific chronic neck pain. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) on September 22, 2020 (KCT0005406).

The Effect of Kinesio Taping Applied to Quadriceps and Gastrocnemius Muscles on Speed, Agility and Flexibility: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the effect of kinesio tape (KT) applied to different parts of the body on speed, agility and flexibility. METHOD: 32 male volunteers aged 18-38 years participated in the study. KT was applied to the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles of the athletes at 4 different times with intervals of one week. As measurements, 30-meter sprint test, agility T test and sit and reach test for flexibility were performed. Independent samples T-Test and Mann Whitney U test, repeated measures analysis of variance and the Friedman test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the speed, agility and flexibility values of KT applied to quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles (p>0.05). It was found that there was an increase in agility performance in both muscle groups in the 48th hour measurements after the KT application, it increased speed performance only in gastrocnemius muscle (p<0.05) and did not increase flexibility performance in both muscle groups. There was no statistically significant improvement in the 30th minute and 24th hour measurements (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be suggested that applying KT to quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles with 25-50% tension for 48 hours is effective in improving the agility performance.

Efficacy of Kinesio taping in post operative sequalae after surgical removal of mandibular third molars: a split mouth randomized control study.

BACKGROUND: The surgical removal of impacted lower third molars produces a significant degree of trauma to the soft tissue and bony structures of the oral cavity, which can initiate considerable inflammatory reaction. Consequently, patient experiences pain, swelling, hemorrhage, nerve paraesthesia, limited mouth opening etc. The kinesiologic tape (KT) can help with blood and lymphatic circulation and has shown acceptable outcomes in reducing pain and in managing post-operative muscle spasm. METHODOLOGY: The study was aimed to compare the effects of kinesiologic tape on post operative pain, swelling and trismus following surgical removal of mandibular third molar when compared to control group. 15 patients with bilaterally impacted mandibular third molar were included in the split mouth study. One side was randomly assigned as Group A where patient's face was subjected to Kinesio tape application post extraction. The other was Group B where Kinesio tape was not applied. After extraction each patient was evaluated in terms of post op pain, swelling and trismus in post-op day 1,2 and 7th. RESULTS: The pain was found to be significantly less (p = 0.042) in group A when compared to group B on the first day. The mean pain was 5.07 in KT group and 6.20 in No KT group on day 2nd. Post OP Swelling was statistically significantly less (p < 0.01) in Group A on 2nd & 3rd day. The postoperative mouth opening was more from the 2nd day in group A with mean of 26.07 mm and 20.33 mm in group B (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The kinesiologic taping originates from sports medicine, but can also used therapeutically for reducing post operative sequelae as demonstrated in our study. Kinesiologic tape (KT) enables patients to have a comfortable time post-operatively and helps to regain better quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in Clinical Trial Registry-India. Registration number-CTRI/2021/05/033359, registration date - 04/05/2021.

For plantar taping, direction of elasticity matters.

Plantar taping has been used in clinical settings as a short-term conservative treatment for plantar heel pain and related pathologies. The rise of at-home taping methods may offer patients more independence, but effectiveness has not been established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of plantar taping on foot mechanics during gait. We hypothesized that material compliance would drive mechanical effectiveness, with longitudinally inelastic tape reducing medial longitudinal arch (MLA) motion and anterior/posterior (A/P) plantar tissue spreading forces, and laterally inelastic tape reducing medial/lateral (M/L) tissue spreading. We also hypothesized that these effects would be influenced by foot structure. Fifteen healthy participants were tested in a randomized cross-over study design. Barefoot (BF) plus four taping methods were evaluated, including two inelastic tapes (Low-Dye, LD, and FasciaDerm, FD) along with longitudinally elastic kinesiology tape (KT) and a novel laterally elastic kinesiology tape (FAST, FS). Participants' arch height and flexibility were measured followed by instrumented gait analysis with a multi-segment foot model. Ankle eversion and MLA drop/rise were calculated from rearfoot and forefoot reference frames, while plantar tissue spreading was calculated from shear stresses. ANOVAs with Holm pairwise tests evaluated tape effects while correlations connected arch structure and taping effectiveness (α = 0.05). The three longitudinally inelastic tapes (LD, FD, FS) reduced MLA drop by 11-15% compared with KT and BF. In late stance, these tapes also inhibited MLA rise (LD by 29%, FD and FS by 10-15%). FS and FD reduced A/P spreading forces, while FD reduced M/L spreading forces compared with all other conditions. Arch height had a moderately strong correlation (r = -0.67) with the difference in MLA drop between BF and FS. At-home plantar taping can affect the mechanical function of the foot, but tape elasticity direction matters. Longitudinally elastic kinesiology tape has little effect on mechanics, while inelastic tapes control MLA drop but also restrict MLA rise in late stance. Lateral elasticity does not limit tissue spreading and may increase comfort without sacrificing MLA control. At-home taping has the potential to broaden conservative treatment of plantar heel pain, flat foot deformity, and related pathologies, but additional studies are needed to connect mechanics with symptom relief.

Bracing or kinesio taping in the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy: A prospective, randomized single-blinded trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of forearm counter force brace (FCB) and kinesio taping (KT) on pain severity, grip strength and functionality of patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET). METHODS: The study was planned as a prospective, randomized and assessor-blinded study with 1-month follow-up period. Seventy-two patients, diagnosed as LET were randomly assigned to FCB (n = 41) or KT (n = 31) groups. In the FCB group, the patients were informed and instructed to wear the brace for three weeks continuously. In the KT group, tape was applied once a week for four weeks with muscle inhibition and fascia correction techniques. The outcome measures were pain pressure threshold (PPT), maximal pain-free hand grip strength measurement and patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation questionnaire (PRTEE). The assessments were performed at the baseline, immediately after treatment and one month later after treatment. RESULTS: PPT and grip strength were significantly increased over time in both groups. Pain, function and total scores of PRTEE were significantly decreased in both FCB and KT groups. The effect size of the improvement in PRTEE function score was within acceptable clinical significance in the KT group. However, there was no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pain severity, grip strength and functionality of patients with LET improved over time in both FCB and KT groups. However, neither was superior in the management of LET.