Prolonged use of Kinesiotaping does not enhance functional performance and joint proprioception in healthy young males: Randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of continuous (48-hour) use of Kinesiotaping (KT) on functional and proprioceptive performance in healthy, physically active men.MethodTwenty-six healthy, physically active men (21.8±2.2 years old) were randomly allocated into two groups: 1) Kinesiotaping group (KG, tape applied with 40% tension for rectus femoris activation); 2) Control (CG, tape applied over rectus femoris without additional tension). Subjects attended the laboratory on five separate occasions: 1) familiarization; 2) baseline measurement without tape (BL); 3) immediately post-tape application (T0); 4) 24h (T24); and 5) 48h (T48) post-tape application. The outcomes were distance in the single (SHT) and triple hop tests (THT), vertical jump height (VJH), vertical jump power (VJP), and rate of force development (RFD). A mixed-model ANOVA was applied to verify differences between and within groups.ResultsNo significant (p >0.05) differences were found in the SHT and THT between groups and moments. Likewise, the main effects for VJH, VJP, and RFD were not significant (p >0.05).ConclusionThe present study demonstrated no significant immediate or prolonged (48h) effects of KT on functional and proprioceptive performance.

Effects of Double-Taped Kinesio Taping on Pain and Functional Performance due to Muscle Fatigue in Young Males: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Our results indicate that there were no significant interactions in pain, SH distance, VJH, and VJP between the groups and time points (after the MFP, post-KT, and 24-post KT). This finding is consistent with that of previous studies that reported that KT application did not immediately enhance functional performance in healthy individuals, regardless of subject deception and changes in tape tension [14,21,22]. On the other hand, Mendez-Rebolledo et al found that KT increased VJH and ground reaction force only 72 h, but not 24 h, after KT application on the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, longissimus, rectus femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles in male athletes [22].…”

“…Tape tension is a key factor of the KT method [14]. One study showed that tape tension can improve proprioceptive feedback and facilitate correct posture and movement, even after removal of the tape [25].…”

“…Vertical jumping can be used as exercise training to gain strength and increase power of the lower extremities. Vertical jumping-associated movements comprise actions at multiple joints, including the hip, knee, and ankle, with active contraction of the major muscles such as hamstrings, quadriceps, triceps surae, and muscles of the lower back [14].…”

“…Some studies have demonstrated that KT application does not immediately enhance functional performance of healthy individuals without pain due to muscle fatigue, regardless of subject deception and changes in tape tension [14,[21][22][23]. This might be because these participants are pain-free and their functional performance is good.…”

“…Thus, tape tension is a critical element of the KT method [14]; however, previous studies applied only the stretched tape to increase tension but not the double-taped technique to reinforce tension [28].…”