Effects of Kinesio^® Taping on Dynamic Balance Following Fatigue: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of Kinesio taping (KT) in inhibiting fatigue and preserving dynamic balance. Male recreational athletes were recruited to participate in this study. Participants were blinded from the group assignment and divided into four groups (Group A; KT and fatigue, Group B; no tape and fatigue, Group C; KT and no fatigue and Group D; no tape and no fatigue) using sequentially opaque, sealed envelopes. Pre and post measurements of Modified Star Excursion Balance Test ( SEBT ) composite score and normalized reach distance were used to measure dynamic balance. Adapted Functional Agility Short Term Fatigue Protocol (FAST-FP) was used to induce fatigue. KT was applied to rectus femoris, biceps femoris and medial gastrocnemius of the dominant leg. There was a significant change in the SEBT composite score between groups over time (p<0.05) and in time effect (p<0.05). The main effect comparing the SEBT composite score between the group was not significant (p=0.16). Group A (90.10±9.40) and Group B (86.14±10.50) attained lower mean for SEBT composite score compared to Group C (97.30±10.83) and Group D (98.13±9.47) suggests that fatigue have a diminishing effect on dynamic balance. KT application inhibit the effects of fatigue and preserved lateral and posterior direction of SEBT. KT application may lower the risk for injuries in the lateral and posterior directions following fatigue induction. Key words: dynamic balance, fatigue, Kinesio Taping, Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) (Phys Ther Res 00: 00-00, 0000)A large volume of literature has reported the high prevalence of sport-related injuries worldwide [1][2][3] . The most common injury site is the lower limb, and 23%-67% accounted for the knee 1,2) . Fatigue has been found to increase the risk of injury 4) . Fatigue is defined as decreased ability of the muscle to contract and exert a force that develops gradually soon after the onset of the sustained physical activity 5,6) . One of the consequences of fatigue is that it reduces the skill-related physical fitness component such as balance 7 ) and agility 8 ) and strength 4,7 ) which consequently impaired sports performance 9) . Dynamic balance has been well established as a vital component of fitness among athletes such as gymnasts, footballer, golfer, ice-hockey players, rifle shooter and taekwondo practitioners 10,11) . It has been shown that possessing good dynamic balance not only reduces the risk of injuries 12 ) but would increase sports performance 10 ) . Unfortunately, these advantages may be limited after fatigue 12) . Dynamic balance is defined as the ability to maintain the stability of the center of mass during movement 13 ) . Biomechanical deviations of the lower extremity occur during movement of the center of mass away from the base of support 14) . Balance is gained by maintaining equilibrium in a gravitational field and the ability to react quickly yet efficiently manners toward destabilizing forces to regain stability via postural adjustments...

Effect of Kinesio taping on Y-balance test performance and the associated leg muscle activation patterns in children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized controlled trial

“…Our results demonstrated that KT improved YBT-LQ performance and muscle activity (peak and time-to-peak) of children with DCD. The results are in line with previous studies that revealed KT applied on quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles could increase and preserve reach distances during the star excursion balance test (SEBT) in healthy individuals [22,23]. It is because the application of KT provides tactile stimulation to the cutaneous receptors, more specifically the Ia afferent fibres [24].…”

“…The magnitude of balance improvement may be influenced by the duration of KT application where effects were detected as early as immediately after application to 24-72 hours post KT removal [11,[21][22][23]. Nakajima et al [22] found that KT improved SEBT performance 24-hours post application but not immediately.…”

Does the Kinesio Tape Provide more Knee Extensor Torque?

“…In line with our findings, the majority of the previous studies conducted in this field have showed that KT cannot increase quadriceps PT in healthy individuals (30,32,37,38). On the contrary, some benefits have been shown in studies evaluating athletes (39,40). Since healthy individuals do not have any muscle pain or impairment, the increase in quadriceps strength in athletes may be attributed at least in part to pain relief induced by KT, if any.…”

Kinesio taping does not improve ankle functional or performance in people with or without ankle injuries: Systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Forty-five studies investigating the effect of Kinesio taping on balance of four different populations were included and the tools/analyses used were the star excursion balance test, 26 –41 center of pressure behavior (force plate), 32,42 –52 stabilometer devices 53 –62 or errors during postural control (flamingo test, ballet movements, hop test, Balance Error Scoring System and single-legged stance). 26,39 –41,51,63 –69 Meta-analyses were carried out for healthy and older people, and people with chronic ankle instability.…”