Are there any changes in strength after the application of Kinesio taping in lateral epicondylalgia?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In 1973, Dr. Kenzo Kase developed Kinesio taping from the hypothesis that this external component could aid the functions of muscles and other tissues. There are different studies on this issue, but none has completely clarified the research question. OBJECTIVE: To study the application of Kinesio taping in the variation of isometric muscle strength of the hand extension and grip, isokinetic strength of the pronation and supination movements, and the time it takes to reach that strength in patients with lateral epicondylalgia. METHODS: An analytical, experimental, randomized study was carried out with 104 subjects with lateral epicondylalgia. The subjects were randomly distributed among two groups: one received Kinesio taping and the other a placebo material. A pre- and post-intervention measurement was performed. The post-measurement was carried out 24 hours later so as to completely eliminate the fatigue effect produced by the first day measurements, as well as to ensure that the intervention was effective, and not immediate. The measurements were made using a dynamometer. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the application of Kinesio taping and placebo material in subjects with lateral epicondylalgia regarding the variation of muscle strength in any of the study variables (p> 0.05 for all studied variables). CONCLUSIONS: Kinesio taping produces no change in strength after application and exerts an effect similar to that of a placebo.

The efficacy of kinesio tape in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective randomized controlled trials

“…Two researchers then examined the full texts of the 26 chosen studies. Included in this review were 11 RCTs [ 17 , 19 , 21 , 22 , [26] , [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] , [31] , [32] ] and the reporting bias was deemed to be low for all of them ( Fig. 1 ).…”

“…In LET cases, controversies regarding the efficacy of KT persist. Some randomized controlled trials indicated that KT was effective for decreasing pain intensity, recovering grip strength, and improving functionality in patients with LET [ [15] , [16] , [17] ]; while other studies demonstrated that the application of KT produced no effects on muscle strength and KT exerted an effect similar to that of a placebo [ 18 , 19 ].…”

“…However, with only 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included, the reliability of the conclusion is impaired. What is more, several new high quality studies have been published since its publication and a new meta-analysis may be able to provide a more reliable conclusion with these studies included [ 19 , 21 , 22 ].…”