Abstract
Background: According to the kinesio tape (KT) method, proximal-to-distal (P-to-D) application of KT should facilitate muscle activity (increase strength), distal-to- proximal (D-to-P) should decrease muscle activity (decrease strength) and applications in other directions should not influence muscle strength. Objective: To evaluate the influence of KT application direction on peak force of biceps brachii in healthy subjects. Methods: 16 students participated in a single group repeated measurements study. KT was applied randomly on both anterior arms as follows: no KT; P-to-D; D-to-P; or two horizontal stripes. Peak force of biceps was measured after each application by a blinded investigator. Results: No difference in biceps peak force was found after evaluating no KT, P-to-and D-to-P. After the horizontal application, peak force was found statistically significantly higher than in the other conditions. Conclusions: Traditional assumptions of the KT method, suggesting that P-to-application stimulates muscle and D-to-relaxes the muscle, seem to be false. However, we do confirm that applying KT in various directions differently effects muscle strength.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 203-207 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 2016 |
Keywords
- Kinesio tape
- Muscle strength
- Physiotherapy techniques
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Complementary and Manual Therapy
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation
- Complementary and alternative medicine