The effects of kinesiology tape on active knee flexion

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Kinesiology tape (KT) is used in therapeutic clinics, chiropractic clinics, and sports settings as a tool to prevent or treat injuries. Some of the reported benefits of KT include decreasing pain, decreasing edema, increasing muscle strength, and improving circulation throughout the body. The current study evaluated the effects of KT on active knee ROM. METHOD: Forty students (29 females, 11 males) between the ages of 19-26 participated in the study. Two strips of KT were applied to the medial and lateral side of the patella on the right knee under these conditions; no tape, 0% elongation, 25% elongation, and 50% elongation. ROM was measured using the Microfet-3. RESULTS: A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures found no significant differences in the effects of KT on active knee flexion. (Greenhouse-Geisser F (2.38, 92.8) =2.673, p=0.065). CONCLUSION: KT applied at 0%, 25%, and 50% elongation showed to have no significant effect on active knee ROM. These results suggest that KT does not restrict ROM when applied with tension over a joint. Future research needs to be done to determine the possible benefits of KT over longer periods of time.