The Immediate Effect of Kinesiotaping on Handgrip Strength in Young, Healthy Men

Abstract

Introduction: Kinesiotaping is a typical method used in physical therapy. It has the potential to boost muscle strength and performance when used properly The aim of the study is to determine the immediate effect of 35% tension Kinesiotaping on handgrip strength in healthy males. Methods: The study involved 60 healthy males (physical therapy students) between the ages of 20 and 23. The participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: the tension Kinesiotaping group (tKT), undergoing taping at a 35%tension, or the control group, receiving the identical taping technique but without tension. All participants' handgrip strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometre. The measurements were taken before and after taping for 30 minutes. Results: Only in the tension Kinesiotaping group was there substantial improvement in handgrip strength (tKT). There were no significant differences in the control group before and after 30 minutes (p=0.970), but significant results were noted in the tKT group after applying kinesiotape with a 35% tension (p<0.001). Conclusions: In healthy males, Kinesiotaping with a 35% tension causes an immediate increase in handgrip strength.