What is the effect of taping along or across a muscle on motoneurone excitability? A study using Triceps Surae

Effects of Kinesio Tape application to quadriceps muscles on isokinetic muscle strength, gait, and functional parameters in patients with stroke

“…First, KT stimulates the cutaneous receptors by tactile stimulation, and second, KT increases the subcutaneous space and blood flow, both of which result in muscle activation. In the literature, there are several studies showing the effects of KT on muscle strength [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]; however, these studies have conflicting results. While some of the studies reported improvement in muscle strength [9,11], others found adverse outcomes [3][4][5][6][7][8].…”

“…Effects of KT on muscle strength have been studied in nondisabled subjects and subjects with knee osteoarthritis, yet the results of these studies are conflicting [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Furthermore, previous studies focused on short-term effects of KT application.…”

Rigid and Elastic taping changes scapular kinematics and pain in subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome; an experimental study

“…A number of hypotheses have been put forward to explain the effects of taping; it has been suggested that taping alters muscle force [Host, 1995, Morrissey, 2000, neuromuscular control [Alexander et al, 2008, Lin et al, 2011, Lohrer et al, 1999 and proprioception [Lin et al, 2011, Morrissey, 2000. One of the other proposed theories suggests that taping achieves its effects via a biomechanical realignment of the joints [Bennell et al, 2000, Host, 1995, Lewis et al, 2005a and restrictions to the joint range of motion [Bradley et al, 2009, McConnell et al].…”

Scapular taping alters kinematics in asymptomatic subjects

“…It has been proposed 63 that taping enhances the muscle force produced by altering the length/tension 64 relationship of muscles [Host, 1995, Morrissey, 2000 . Another hypothesis is that 65 taping affects neuromuscular control [Alexander et al, 2008, De Pandis et al, 2010, 66 Lohrer et al, 1999 and results in an increased proprioceptive awareness [De 67 Pandis et al, 2010, Morrissey, 2000, Robbins et al, 1995. Some have attributed the 68 outcomes of taping to be simply due to a placebo effect [Sawkins et al, 2007].…”