Sportorthopädie
ORIGINALIA
Prevalence and Effects of Kinesiotape

Cohort Survey on Prevalence and Subjectively-Perceived Effects of Kinesiotape

Kohortenbefragung zu Nutzung und subjektiv wahrgenommenen Effekten von Kinesiotape

Summary

Introduction: Several effects have been proclaimed for the use of elastic Kinesiotape (KT) for treatment or prevention of athletic injuries and performance enhancement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence as well as the subjectively-perceived effects of KT.
Methods: An online questionnaire with open and closed questions was distributed among a cohort of exercise science students at a German university. Main outcome parameters were the subjective effects of KT concerning relief of complaints, (re-)injury rate and performance.
Results: Of n=200 respondents (23.7±3.3 years; f=127), n=133 reported use of KT. A physiotherapist (PT) gave the recommendation for KT-use in 81%. Most commonly, KT was used in the therapy of musculoskeletal injuries (n=121), where 74% reported relief of complaints. When a PT or physician recommended KT, relief of complaints was significantly more likely (p<0.05). Overall, n=51 respondents used KT with the goal of preventing recurrent injuries. No re-injury occurred in 2/3 of the users.
Discussion: The current study shows the high popularity and prevalence of KT among respondents, especially in therapy and prevention of musculoskeletal re-injury. The low rates of KT use in primary prevention and performance enhancement suggest minor importance in these settings. The majority of users were advised to use KT by a PT. Additionally, the recommendation by a PT or physician seems to positively influence subjectively-perceived therapy effects.

KEY WORDS: Kinesiotape, Therapy, Injury Prevention, Questionnaire

Zusammenfassung

Einleitung: Elastischem, selbstklebendem, mit unterschiedlicher Technik auf die Haut aufgebrachten Textil, sog. Kinesiotape (KT), werden verschiedene Effekte bei Behandlung und Prävention von Sportverletzungen sowie Verbesserungen der Leistungsfähigkeit zugeschrieben. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war neben einer ersten Erhebung zur Nutzung von KT die Evaluation subjektiv wahrgenommener Wirkungen.
Methode: Mittels Onlineumfrage mit offenen und geschlossenen Antwortmöglichkeiten wurde die Kohorte Studierender sportwissenschaftlicher Studiengänge einer deutschen Volluniversität hinsichtlich ihrer therapeutischen, (rezidiv-)präventiven sowie leistungssteigernden Nutzung von KT befragt. Zielparameter waren subjektive Effekte von KT auf Beschwerdesymptomatik, (Rezidiv-)Verletzung und Leistungsfähigkeit.
Ergebnisse: Von n=200 Befragungsteilnehmern (23,7±3,3 Jahre; w=127) berichteten n=133, KT bereits genutzt zu haben. Die Nutzung erfolgte in 81% auf Empfehlungen eines Physiotherapeuten (PT). Am häufigsten wurde es zur Linderung muskuloskelettaler Beschwerden eingesetzt (n=121), von einer subjektiven Linderung der Beschwerdesymptomatik berichteten 74%. Bei Empfehlung von PT oder Arzt wurde signifikant (p<0,05) häufiger von einer Beschwerdelinderung berichtet. Mit dem Ziel der Verhinderung eines Verletzungsrezidives nutzten n=51 Befragte KT, von denen sich 2/3 nach eigenen Angaben nicht erneut verletzten.
Diskussion: Die vorliegende Studie zeigt eine bei Befragungsteilnehmern hohe Popularität und Verbreitung von KT, die vor allem auf therapeutischem sowie rezidivpräventivem Einsatz fußt. Die vergleichsweise wenigen Angaben zur Leistungssteigerung und Primärprävention deuten auf eine untergeordnete Bedeutung und Verbreitung von KT mit diesen Zielsetzungen hin. Das Gros der Nutzer wurde über PT auf KT aufmerksam, zudem scheint die Empfehlung von Arzt/PT die in der Therapie subjektiv wahrgenommenen Effekte positiv zu beeinflussen.

SCHLÜSSELWÖRTER: Kinesiotape, Therapie, Verletzungsprävention, Fragebogen

Introduction

The use of Kinesiotape (KT) is increasing in popularity (3). Use by top athletes and visibility during important athletic events have certainly played a role in this growing spread (5). The elastic tape, developed in the 1970s by the chiropractor Kenzo Kase, is made of cotton with an acrylic adhesive on the back. The properties are supposed to be similar to those of the skin with respect to elasticity, resistance and weight, aiming at a positive effect on muscles and joints with no negative influence on movement amplitude (15). Depending on the application techniques (26), effects in the area of proprioception (7, 9, 13), lymph drainage (6, 19), neuromuscular function (7, 17, 18, 29), mobility (25, 31), posture (10) and pain reduction (2, 8, 14) are postulated. The use of KT occurs with the goal of performance enhancement and in the context of therapy, or primary and recurrence prevention.
However, no uniform evidence is available for the anecdotal positive effects. Due to the heterogeneous study types, current systematic surveys and meta-analyses show no consistent results concerning the perceived effects (5, 15, 16, 30). At the same time, there are no objective data available for the general population or for special target groups regarding the frequency of KT use.
The objective of this cohort study was the evaluation of use and subjectively-perceived effects of KT used for various reasons.

Methods

Based on an in-house mail directory and social networks, a cohort of students from all sport-science programs (BA, MA, LA, summer semester 2015 n=1,665) at a German university with one of the largest student populations was invited to participate in a survey on KT.
Data was collected in a period of 3 months using an online questionnaire (www.umfrageonline.com). The questionnaire consisted of 75 items with open-ended and closed-ended questions. Information was requested on the source of recommendation for use and frequency of use, as well as the subjectively-perceived effects of KT on athletic competitive performance, (re-)injury or complaint symptoms in dependence on the individual goals (performance enhancement, primary-/recurrence prevention, rehabilitation). The schematic design of the questionnaire is found in Figure 1. The descriptive and inference-statistical data analysis was conducted after examination of conditions for application, using parametric (T-Test for unpaired samples) and non-parametric (Chi2-Test) procedures (SPSS v22).

Results

Use Behavior and Recommendation
A total of n=200 students (23.7±3.3 years; f=127) participated in the survey, two-thirds of them (n=133) reported use of KT. The recommendation for use came in most cases from physiotherapists (81%) and friends (54%). According to their own statements, the majority (n=121) applied KT as a therapeutic measure in musculoskeletal complaints, followed by use in the context of re-injury prevention (n=51). A presentation of taping differentiated by goal is given in detail in Figure 2.

Therapy
Most commonly, KT was used in therapy of knee, shoulder and ankle injuries as well as back pain (Fig. 3). Almost 3/4 (74%) of all therapeutic users reported relief of the complaint symptoms. Relief of complaints was reported significantly more often (p<0.05) when the recommendation for application came from a physician or physiotherapist (Tab. 1). Accompanying therapeutic measures (physiotherapy (n=76), training therapy (n=36) or medications (n=36)) were prescribed/applied with equal frequency, independent of the recommendation source.

Recurrence Prevention
Three-quarters of those using KT with the goal of preventing re-injury reported that they suffered no re-injury while wearing KT. Overall, 31% of those questioned, who suffered a re-injury, ascribed a reduced severity of the injury to KT.

Performance Enhancement and Primary Prevention
Of all participants using KT for performance enhancement and primary prevention, 88% reported a subjectively-perceived primary preventive effect or improvement in athletic competitive performance, respectively.

Discussion

The results of this survey on the use and subjectively-perceived effects of KT confirm previous information on popularity (5), which in most cases are based on subjective observations and the increasing media presence at important sports events.
The frequency of KT use among the survey participants was about 67%, well above the roughly 10% for other remedies and therapy-measures in the same age group (22). An increased representation of KT use and influences due to various recall periods and cohort-specific influence, such as a greater affinity for KT, cannot be ruled out.
Overall, it becomes clear that according to their own reports, the majority of those questioned did not become aware of KT via advertising or telecasts, but in most cases from a physiotherapist or friends. A therapeutically-positive effect, according to the survey results, is ascribed to KT especially with respect to perceived symptoms in musculoskeletal complaints. In a systematic review article, only one of the 10 studies examined could show significant pain reduction due to KT compared to sham-taping (30). Compared to other therapy methods, no positive effects on complaint relief could be objectively proven (23). The survey results of this study, however, clearly indicate a subjectively different perception of the presumed effect of KT. Especially the source of recommendation for KT appears to have an influence on the subjectively-perceived effects of KT. In addition to the placebo effect of KT which should be generally discussed here (28, 29), an examiner (expectation) effect, the so-called Rosenthal Effect, might have a positive effect on the perceived and/or ascribed effect of KT during the co-evaluation and indication definition by the physician or physiotherapist (21). The accompanying therapy measures, which were prescribed and/or applied with equal frequency, independent of where the KT recommendation came from, also suggest influence of the physiotherapist or physician as a health-care provider on the subjective effect of KT. The correct application of the tape by a trained therapist rather than an inexperienced layperson could also explain the subjectively-perceived better effects. However, the question whether various application techniques as postulated also bring different effects remains unclear (24, 29).
Compared to the therapeutic application, KT was used in our sample considerably less frequently in the context of re-injury prevention (38% of the KT users). Here, positive perceived effects were also reported on re-injury and severity of injury. Thus far, the direct influence of KT on the injury incidence, as for rigid orthoses for ankle injuries (27) has not been systematically investigated. Studies examining stabilization of the ankle with KT have so far brought contradictory results (1, 4). Nonetheless, based on the subjective effects demonstrated in this present study, KT may be suitable as a supplementary measure in the prevention of sports injuries, for example as part of a multimodal intervention strategy (12). The comparatively few reports (approx. 7% of the KT users) on performance enhancement and primary prevention indicate a subordinate importance and use of KT for such goals. Possibly KT is more frequently used after it has once been used during therapy. This could explain the greater use of KT in recurrence vs. primary prevention. Postulated effects, such as improved proprioception (7, 9, 13), improved neuromuscular capacity (7, 8, 11, 17, 18) appear possible in both primary and recurrence-preventive use (20).

Conclusion

The present cohort study shows widespread application of KT among the survey participants, based primarily on therapeutic and re-injury preventive use. The majority of respondents did not use KT as self-therapy, but on the recommendation of physiotherapists. Moreover, the co-evaluation and indication definition by a physician or physiotherapist appears to have an additional positive effect on the subjectively-perceived effects of KT during therapy.

Conflict of Interest
The authors have no conflict of interest.

REFERENCES

  1. ABIÁN-VICÉN J, ALEGRE LM, FERNANDEZ-RODRIGUEZ JM, AGUADO X. Prophylactic ankle taping: elastic versus inelastic taping. Foot Ankle Int. 2009; 30: 218-225. doi:10.3113/FAI.2009.0218
  2. BAE Y. Change the myofascial pain and range of motion of the temporomandibular joint following kinesio taping of latent myofascial trigger points in the sternocleidomastoid muscle. J Phys Ther Sci. 2014; 26: 1321-1324.
    doi:10.1589/jpts.26.1321
  3. BASSETT KT, LINGMAN SA, ELLIS RF. The use and treatment efficacy of kinaesthetic taping for musculoskeletal conditions: A systematic review. N Z J Physiother. 2010; 38: 56-62.
  4. BRIEM K, EYTHÖRSDÖTTIR H, MAGNÚSDÓTTIR RG, PÁLMARSSON R,RÚNARSDÖTTIR T, SVEINSSON T. Effects of kinesio tape compared with nonelastic sports tape and the untaped ankle during a sudden inversion perturbation in male athletes. J Orthop SportsPhys Ther. 2011; 41: 328-335.
    doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3501
  5. CSAPO R, ALEGRE LM. Effects of Kinesio taping on skeletal muscle strength-A meta-analysis of current evidence. J Sci Med Sport. 2015; 18: 450-456.
    doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2014.06.014
  6. DONEC V, KRISCIUNAS A. The effectiveness of Kinesio Taping(R) after total knee replacement in early postoperative rehabilitation period. A randomized controlled trial. Eur J PhysRehabil Med. 2014; 50: 363-371.
  7. FAYSON SD, NEEDLE AR, KAMINSKI TW. The effects of ankle Kinesio taping on ankle stiffness and dynamic balance. Res Sports Med (Print). 2013; 21: 204-216.
  8. FREEDMAN SR, BRODY LT, ROSENTHAL M, WISE JC. Short-term effects of patellar kinesio taping on pain and hop function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Sports Health. 2014; 6: 294-300.
    doi:10.1177/1941738114537793
  9. HALSETH T, MCCHESNEY JW, DEBELISO M, VAUGHN R, LIEN J. The Effects of Kinesio™ Taping on Proprioception at the Ankle. J Sports SciMed. 2004; 3: 1-7.
  10. HAN J-T, LEE J-H, YOON C-H. The mechanical effect of kinesiology tape on rounded shoulder posture in seated male workers: a single-blinded randomized controlled pilot study. Physiother Theory Pract. 2015; 31: 120-125.
    doi:10.3109/09593985.2014.960054
  11. HSU YH, CHEN WY, LIN HC, WANG WT, SHIH YF. The effects of taping on scapular kinematics and muscle performance in baseball players with shoulder impingement syndrome. J Electromyogr Kinesiol.2009; 19: 1092-1099.
    doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2008.11.003
  12. HÜBSCHER M, ZECH A, PFEIFER K, HANSEL F, VOGT L, BANZER W. Neuromuscular training for sports injury prevention: a systematic review. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010; 42: 413-421.
    doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181b88d37
  13. JARACZEWSKA E, LONG C. Kinesio taping in stroke: improving functional use of the upper extremity in hemiplegia. Top Stroke Rehabil. 2006; 13: 31-42.
    doi:10.1310/33KA-XYE3-QWJB-WGT6
  14. KACHANATHU SJ, ALENAZI AM, SEIF HE, HAFEZ AR, ALROUMIM MA. Comparison between Kinesio Taping and a Traditional Physical Therapy Program in Treatment of Nonspecific Low Back Pain. J Phys Ther Sci. 2014; 26: 1185-1188.
    doi:10.1589/jpts.26.1185
  15. KALRON A, BAR-SELA S. A systematic review of the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping-fact or fashion? Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2013; 49: 699-709.
  16. KAMPER SJ, HENSCHKE N. Kinesio taping for sports injuries. Br J Sports Med. 2013; 47: 1128-1129.
    doi:10.1136/bjsports-2013-093027
  17. KOUHZAD MOHAMMADI H, KHADEMI KALANTARI K, NAEIMI SS, POURETEZAD M, SHOKRI E, TAFAZOLI M, DASTJERDI M, KARDOONI L. Immediate and delayed effects of forearm kinesio taping on grip strength. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2014; 16: e19797.
    doi:10.5812/ircmj.19797
  18. NAKAJIMA MA, BALDRIDGE C. The effect of kinesio tape on vertical jump and dynamic postural control. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2013; 8: 393-406.
  19. PEKYAVAS NÖ, TUNAY VB, AKBAYRAK T, KAYA S, KARATAS M. Complex decongestive therapy and taping for patients with postmastectomy lymphedema: A randomized controlled study. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2014; 18: 585-590.
    doi:10.1016/j.ejon.2014.06.010
  20. RIEMANN BL, LEPHART SM. The Sensorimotor System, Part II: The Role of Proprioception in Motor Control and Functional Joint Stability. J Athl Train. 2002; 37: 80-84.
  21. ROSENTHAL R, FODE KL. The effect of experimenter bias on the performance of the albino rat. Syst Res. 1963; 8: 183-189.
    doi:10.1002/bs.3830080302
  22. SAUER K, ROTHGANG H, GLAESKE G. Barmer GEK-Heil- und Hilfsmittel-Report 2014. Barmer GEK-Heil- und Hilfsmittel-Report. 2014; 28.
  23. SILVA PARREIRA PDO C, COSTA LDA C, HESPANHOL LC JR, LOPES AD,COSTA LO. Current evidence does not support the use of Kinesio Taping in clinical practice: a systematic review. J Physiother. 2014; 60: 31-39.
    doi:10.1016/j.jphys.2013.12.008
  24. SILVA PARREIRA PDO C, MENEZES COSTA LDA C, TAKAHASHI R, HESPANHOL JUNIOR LC, MOTTA SILVA T, DA LUZ JUNIOR MA, PENA COSTA LO. Do convolutions in Kinesio Taping matter? Comparison of two Kinesio Taping approaches in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: protocol of a randomised trial. J Physiother. 2013; 59: 52.
    doi:10.1016/S1836-9553(13)70147-4
  25. THELEN MD, DAUBER JA, STONEMAN PD. The clinical efficacy of kinesio tape for shoulder pain: a randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008; 38: 389-395.
    doi:10.2519/jospt.2008.2791
  26. THURMFART A, SCHALAMON J, SPERL M, SCHNEIDER F, LINHART W. Kinesiotaping: einfach, schmerzlos und kostengünstig. Padiatr Padol. 2011; 46: 16-19.
  27. TROPP H, ASKLING C, GILLQUIST J. Prevention of ankle sprains. Am J Sports Med. 1985; 13: 259-262.
    doi:10.1177/036354658501300408
  28. VERCELLI S, FERRIERO G, BRAVINI E, SARTORIO F. How much is Kinesio taping a psychological crutch? Man Ther. 2013; 18: e11.
    doi:10.1016/j.math.2012.10.008
  29. VERCELLI S, SARTORIO F, FOTI C, COLLETTO L, VIRTON D, RONCONI G,FERRIERO G. Immediate effects of kinesiotaping on quadriceps muscle strength: a single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Clin J Sport Med. 2012; 22: 319-326.
    doi:10.1097/JSM.0b013e31824c835d
  30. WILLIAMS S, WHATMAN C, HUME PA, SHEERIN K. Kinesio taping in treatment and prevention of sports injuries: a meta-analysis ofthe evidence for its effectiveness. Sports Med. 2012; 42: 153-164.
    doi:10.2165/11594960-000000000-00000
  31. YOSHIDA A, KAHANOV L. The effect of kinesio taping on lower trunk range of motions. Res Sports Med (Print). 2007; 15: 103-112.
    doi:10.1080/15438620701405206
Frieder Krause, M.A.
Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for
Sports Sciences, Department of Sports
Medicine, Ginnheimer Landstr. 39
60487 Frankfurt am Main
krause@sport.uni-frankfurt.de