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KINESIO TAPE: FACT OR FICTION?Adam Lucassian, AT, ATCUniversity of CincinnatiGraduate Assistant Athletic Trainer (Women’s Soccer)

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ABOUT ME Board Certified and Licensed Athletic

Trainer Experience

Intern Athletic Trainer- Saint Joseph’s University Women’s Soccer (Philadelphia, PA)

Intern Assistant Athletic Trainer- Florida Gulf Coast University Men’s Soccer/Men’s and Women’s Tennis (Ft. Myers, FL)

Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer- University of Cincinnati Women’s Soccer (Cincinnati, OH)

Graduated from Central Michigan University BS in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine

Attending Graduate School at the University of Cinicinnati MS in Health Promotion and Education

(Exercise and Fitness)

Research: The Effect of Kinesio Tape on Myofascial

Trigger Points in Collegiate Female Soccer Players

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WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DISCUSS? What is Kinesio Tape (KT)

History Who uses KT? Brief Science

What are claims of Kinesio Tape Fact or Fiction?

My Research

Questions/Comments

4WHAT IS KINESIO TAPE?

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WHAT IS KINESIO TAPE A latex free and flexible/elastic form

of treatment 1,2,3

“Facilitate movement while offering support and to prevent over contraction, all while allowing the body to heal itself biomechanically.”

Mainly used by PTs and OTs for rehabilitation originally 2

Massage Therapists and Athletic Trainers followed later

Certifications available

Many different brands and styles have made it more friendly for the general population “How to Videos” Online Directions Available OTC at many stores

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WHAT IS KINESIO TAPE: BRIEF HISTORY Developed over 25 years ago by

Dr. Kenzo Kase2

Wanted to develop a non-invasive tool that used kinesiology to treat soft-tissue injuries Kinesiology: Student of mechanics of

the body

Introduced to the US in the 1990s4

Most people began to hear of the technique following the 2008 Summer Olympics2

Karri Walsh wore it on her right shoulder

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WHAT IS KINESIO TAPE: BASIC SCIENCE Claims to aid muscles, lymphatic

system (fluids in the body that lead to swelling), and provide functional support3

Doesn’t restrict movement.

Releases pressure on the tissues underneath the skin by separating the skin from muscles3

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CLAIMS OF KINESO TAPE:FACT OR FICTION

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CLAIM #1: KT WILL HELP IMPROVE STRENGTH People use KT to help get “stronger”. But what does the research say?

Study #1 5

21 College Athletes Grip strength was tested

Study #2 6

14 Athletes Quad Strength

What was found? Both studies revealed the KT did not significantly increase the strength of the

participants

FICTION

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CLAIM #1: KT WILL HELP IMPROVE STRENGTH What should you do instead

Strength Program Consisting of:

Olympic Lifts (Squats, Deadlifts, Power Cleans, High Pulls, etc.)

Plyometric Lifts

Consult a professional Certified Strength and Conditioning

Specialist Certified Personal Trainer

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CLAIM #2: KT IS AN EFFECTIVE ANKLE SPRAIN TREATMENT Thought behind claim1

May be able to enhance proprioception and muscle activation Proprioception

Self-awareness of the body Sense decreases after a sprain of

a joint

Study1

51 male athletes from premier-league teams

HOWEVER The previous study showed no

increase in stability, another study has shown an increased in proprioception after long term wear of KT 1,7

FICTION

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CLAIM #2: KT IS AN EFFECTIVE ANKLE SPRAIN TREATMENT What should you do instead?

Non-elastic “white” tape is shown to be a better choice than KT to help deal with and treat ankle sprain

Bracing is also a viable option Brands

Active Ankle Cramer

Visit a Medical Professional Doctor Athletic Trainer Physical Therapist

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CLAIM #3: KT CAN HELP INCREASE RANGE OF MOTION/FLEXIBILITY Theorized to be an effective method of treating decreased muscle function and pain8

Study8

30 subjects Researchers evaluated the

range of motion of the low back with and without KT

FACT

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CLAIM #3: KT CAN HELP INCREASE RANGE OF MOTION/FLEXIBILITY Results showed that KT may

increase the range of motion of the low back8

Another Study9

Showed an immediate increase in ankle flexibility after application of KT Also showed decreased pain*

Other things you should do Traditional stretching Foam Rolling Consult an expert

Athletic Trainer Strength and Conditioning Coach

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CLAIM #4: KT WILL HELP DECREASE SWELLING Several techniques and cuts of KT

have been developed for use to deal with swelling Claim to help facilitate lymphatic

flow

Study10

Stroke patients who exhibited swelling in the arms were recruited

Taped for 6 days

FACT

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CLAIM #4: KT WILL HELP DECREASE SWELLING Study showed decrease in

swelling in the hands10

Personal experience ACL Post-Surgery Large amount of swelling factored

into trouble getting back to full range of motion

After taping Decreased swelling Faster return to range of motion

17SELF RESEARCH CONDUCTED

The Effect of Kinesio Tape on Myofascial Trigger Points on Collegiate Female Soccer Players

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THE EFFECT OF KINESIO TAPE ON MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS ON COLLEGIATE FEMALE SOCCER PLAYERS

Myofascial Trigger Points (MTP)11

“Knots” Tight muscles Can cause pain

Took 20 Women Soccer Players who had MTP is their calves. Study showed a decrease in

presence of MTP after 48 hours. Decreased Pain

19QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Contact Information:

lucassaj@mail.uc.edu

20 BIBLIOGRAPHY

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1Briem, K., Eythorsdottir, H., Magnusdottie, R. G., Palmarsson, R., Runarsdottir, T., & Sveinsson, T. (2011). Effects of kinesio tape compared with nonelastic sports tape and the untapped ankle during a sudden inversion perturbation in male athletes. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 41(5), 328-335.

2Osborn, K. (2009). Tape it up. Massge & Bodywork, 24(3), 52-59

3Morris, D., Jones, D., Ryan, H., & Ryan, C.G. (2013). The clincical effects of kinesio tex taping: a systematic review. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 29(4), 259- 270.

4Osterhues, D.J. (2004). The use of Kineso Taping in the management of traumatic patella dislocation. A case study. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 20, 267- 270.

5Chang, H.Y., Chou, K.Y., Lin, J.J., Lin C.F., & Wang, C.H. (2010). Immediate effect of forearm kinesio taping on maximal grip strength and force sense in healthy collegiate athletes. Physical Therapy in Sport, 11, 122-127.

6Fu, T.C., Wong, A.M.K, Pei, Y.C., Wu, K.P., Chou, S.W., & Lin, Y.C. (2008). Effect of kinesio taping on muscle strength in athletes-a pilot study. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sports, 11, 198-201.

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7Simon, J.S., Garcia, W., & Docherty, C.L. (2013). The effect of kinesio tape on force sense in people with functional ankle instability. Clinical Journal Of Sport Medicine: Official Journal of The Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine.

8Yoshida, A., & Kahanov, L. (2007). The effect of kinesio taping on lower trunk range of motions. Research in Sports Medicine, 15, 103-112.

9Merino-Marban, R., Mayorga-Vega, D., & Frenandez-Rodriguez, E. (2013). Effect of kinesio tape application on calf pain and ankle range of motion in duathletes. Journal of Human Kinetics, 37, 129-135.

10Bell, A., & Muller, M. (2013). Effects of kinesio tape to reduce hand edema in acute stroke. Topics in Stroke Rehabiliation, 20(3), 283-288.

11Garcia-Muro, F., Rodriguez-Fernandez, A.L., & Herrero-de-Lucas, A. (2010). Treatment of myofasical pain in the shoulder with kinesio taping. a

case report. Manual Therapy, 15, 292-295.