Immediate effect of Kinesio taping on shoulder muscle strength and range of motion in healthy individuals: A randomised trial

Background

Taping is widely used in the field of rehabilitation as both a means of treatment and prevention of sports-related injuries. In recent years, the use of Kinesio tape has become increasingly popular; it can be applied to virtually any muscle or joint in the body. Kinesio tape and its strength-enhancing properties have been the focus of recent research based on the neuromuscular facilitator theory. There has been, however, inconclusive evidence to either support or refute this theory.

Objective

This study investigated the immediate effect of Kinesio taping (KT) on peak torque of shoulder external rotators muscle and shoulder external and internal range of motion (ROM) in healthy individuals.

Methods

This was a single-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. A total of 39 participants were randomly allocated into three groups. Two main variables were measured—peak torque of shoulder external rotation at two isokinetic speeds (60°⁄s and 180°⁄s) was measured with a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer, and shoulder rotation ROM was measured with a standard goniometer. Dependent variables were measured after the application of three different taping conditions—no taping (NT), KT, and placebo taping (PT)—on each participant with 3-day intervals.

Results

The mean peak torque at speeds of 60°⁄s and 180°⁄s demonstrated no significant difference among the three taping conditions. No significant difference in external rotation range of motion was detected among the three taping conditions. The PT condition led to a significantly smaller mean internal range of motion value than KT and PT (p <0.016).

Conclusion

Overall, KT did not cause significant difference in shoulder external rotation peak torque, and shoulder internal and external range of motion in healthy individuals.