Effects of Kinesio taping on skin deformation during knee flexion and extension: a preliminary study

Abstract

Background Kinesio Taping (KT) is proved useful to many musculoskeletal disorders. But the mechanism remains unclear. The kinesio tape works by sticking to the skin surface. So exploring the interaction between the tape and the skin and analyzing its biomechanical influence may be an effective way to explore the mechanism of the tape. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping and taping methods on skin deformation during knee joint flexion and extension motion and further explore its possible functional mechanisms. Methods Ten healthy and pain-free subjects (4 males, 6 females) were recruited in this study. The skin observation area on the anterior side of the right thigh of the subjects was divided into 11 segments by 12 reflective marker points for distance measurement, from the distal knee to the proximal knee, the length of the interval was L1 to L11, and the total length was L0. Subjects were treated with no KT (NT), resting positive taping (RPT), resting negative taping (RNT), stretching positive taping (SPT), and stretching negative taping (SNT). A Qualisys infrared high-speed three-dimensional spatial coordinate capture system was used to observe changes in the length of the observed skin surface on the right anterior thigh during right knee flexion and extension in the sitting position. Results During right knee flexion and extension in the seated position in 10 subjects, all skin segment deformations produced significant differences between intervention groups (P < 0.05), except for L1 during flexion (P = 0.07). During right knee flexion and extension, total length, L0, and spacing lengths, L1, L6, and L11, were longer in the NT group than in all other groups. L0 and L1 were both longer in the stretched position than in the rest position; L11 also showed this trend. Conclusions The usage of the KT had an effect on the biomechanical changes of the skin, resulting in changes in skin deformation. I-tape, natural tension taping can shorten the skin distance between the two ends of the tape. Limb position during taping may influence the KT’s effects. However, the change in taping direction showed no significant effects on skin deformation during exercise. KT may apply a pre-stress in the biomechanics of the skin.

Evaluating the effects of two different kinesiology taping techniques on shoulder range of motion and proprioception in patients with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

“…It is unlikely that any direct mechanical benefit to the joint would result from elastic tape applied with little tension; hence, there may be a neuromuscular effect or increased sensory input around the joint, which may stimulate cutaneous and muscle mechanoreceptors by stretching the skin during motion ( 43 ). The experimental tape encompassed the shoulder joint more completely, and, theoretically, this may have caused more biomechanical skin deformation, particularly during internal and ER motions ( 44 ). Furthermore, studies examining the ankle plantar flexors have shown that K-Tape may affect muscle activity, as seen in one study analyzing the EMG activity during a vertical jump ( 45 ) and in other studies showing an effect on the H-reflex ( 46 , 47 ).…”

Effectiveness and clinical relevance of kinesio taping in musculoskeletal disorders: A protocol for an overview of systematic reviews and evidence mapping

“…The copyright holder for this preprint this version posted March 9, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.03.07.24303944 doi: medRxiv preprint biomechanics of the skin. [21,[28][29][30] Applying different tensions of it on the skin may reduce partial pressure, accelerate blood and lymphatic circulation, and increase muscle temperature, thus promoting regional microcirculation. [21,31,32] People with a psychologically anticipated response to the effect of KT are likely to induce greater placebo effects, thus contributing to enhanced muscle function.…”

“…[27] These therapeutic effects are probably supported by the mechanisms of KT that it increases the subcutaneous space, stimulates skin sensory receptors, and provides support for mechanical behaviour and biomechanics of the skin. [21,[28][29][30] Applying different tensions of it on the skin may reduce partial pressure, accelerate blood and lymphatic circulation, and increase muscle temperature, thus promoting regional microcirculation. [21,31,32] People with a psychologically anticipated response to the effect of KT are likely to induce greater placebo effects, thus contributing to enhanced muscle function.…”