Effect of Direction and Tension of Kinesio Taping Application on Sensorimotor Coordination

Abstract

The present study investigates whether different directions and tensions of Kinesio(®) Tex tape (KT) application differently influence the precision of sensorimotor synchronization, defined as the ability to coordinate actions with predictable external events. 10 healthy participants performed sets of repetitive wrist flexion-extensions synchronized to a series of paced audio stimuli with an inter-onset interval (IOI) of 500 and 400 ms. KT was applied over the wrist and finger extensor muscles. 2 facilitatory (light and moderate tension) and one inhibitory KT applications were used in different sessions. Standard deviation of the asynchrony (SDasy) and percentage difference of SDasy were calculated and compared across KT and the no-KT control cases. Direction and tension of KT application did not differently influence the ability to coordinate rhythmic movements to an auditory stimulus. However, compared with the no-KT control case, SDasy decreased significantly in all KT cases in both 500- and 400-ms IOI. Independent of direction/tension, the effect of KT on improving sensorimotor synchronization is likely associated with variations in the nature of the neuro-anatomical constraints determining the control of voluntary movement. KT is then proposed to be tested on sensorimotor disorders associated with intense repetitive exercise to check for regaining effective motor control.

Kinesiology Tape Modestly Increases Skin Blood Flow Regardless of Tape Application Technique

“…Similar to other investigations on the influence of KNT tension or convolutions, 6,8 we found that neither tension nor convolutions of KNT altered skin blood flow. Cumulatively, our data and those of others suggest that the vasoactive and analgesic properties of KNT are inherent to KNT application and not because of a specific method of application.…”

“…Bravi et al found that KNT improved sensorimotor coordination regardless of application tension, noting that there was no difference in performance when KNT was applied at either 25% or 50% relative tension. 8 In a systematic review, Lim and Tay found that the effect size for KNT-mediated pain reduction reduced when KNT was applied at higher tensions. 9 The importance of KNT tension or convolutions in facilitating skin blood flow is yet to be determined.…”

The Less You Are, the More You Are Helped: Effect of Kinesio Tape on Temporal Coordination

“…The setup is the same we used in our previous works [3][4][5][6][7] and is here summarized. Every participant was tested individually, sitting upright on a chair with the feet on leg rest.…”

“…The KT efficacy on this population, that did non really have any functional problems to report, was frequently found to be null or minimal. However, in our previous studies that investigated the effect of KT application on timing coordination [4,6], we showed that temporal precision of repeated isochronous wrist's flexion-extensions (IWFEs) was increased by KT application in healthy young subjects, thus demonstrating that the normal population may show a benefit from elastic tape when tested under specific circumstances. We argued that the augmented timing consistency of IWFEs was determined by a more efficient wrist joint motor control during movements due to an extra-proprioceptive effect provided by KT [4,6].…”

“…The extra-proprioceptive hypothesis is plausible since in our experimental paradigm IWFEs were performed with no direct surface opposition and while minimizing visual information, thus accentuating the role of sensory information that provides limb position and movement senses to produce rhythmic actions as accurate as possible [3][4][5][6][7]. Studies investigating proprioception have found that not all healthy subjects are endowed with same proprioceptive ability [9,40].…”