A scoping review of the use of elastic therapeutic tape for neck or upper extremity conditions

doi:10.1016/j.jht.2014.03.004

Journal of Hand Therapy

Volume 27, Issue 3, July–September 2014, Pages 235-246

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2014.03.004 Get rights and content

Abstract

Study design

Scoping review.

Introduction

Elastic therapeutic tape is a relatively new intervention for treating a variety of injuries; however, there is little evidence to support its effectiveness for neck or upper extremity conditions.

Purpose of the study

This scoping review examines current evidence on the recommended application, purpose and effectiveness of elastic therapeutic tape for treating neck or upper extremity conditions.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted to examine the evidence in 14 peer-reviewed published articles that reported on the use of elastic therapeutic tape for neck or upper extremity conditions.

Results

Six studies reported statistically significant changes to pain with the use of elastic therapeutic tape. Only three studies found statistically significant changes to range of motion.

Conclusions

Elastic therapeutic tape may play a role in reducing short-term neck and upper extremity pain, however future high quality studies that contribute to the evidence base for its use are needed.

Level of evidence

N/A

Section snippets

Background

Kinesiotape, a form of elastic therapeutic tape, was developed by Dr. Kenso Kase (a chiropractor) in the 1970's and is a relatively new elastic therapeutic tape used for treating a variety of injuries.1, 2 Since that time, different names and brands of elastic therapeutic tape have emerged, such as Kinesiotex Tape, K-Ttape, Kinaesthetic Tape, K-Ttex Tape, Dynamic Tape, Rocktape and Spidertech Tape.³ Kinesiotape gained increased recognition after it was donated to 58 countries for use during the

Purpose and research questions

The purpose of this scoping review is to examine the recommended application, purpose and effectiveness of elastic therapeutic tape/Kinesiotape, a relatively new but widely used treatment modality, in managing neck and upper extremity conditions. The specific aims of the scoping review are to (1) facilitate the understanding of the use and implementation of elastic therapeutic tape for neck and upper extremity conditions in clinical practice; and (2) review the current evidence of its

Methods

A scoping review method was used based on the framework outlined by Arskey and O'Malley.¹⁰ Scoping reviews are a useful way to facilitate a systematic approach to survey a specific body of literature as it enables researchers to ‘map a field of study’ in a particular area of interest. A scoping review is relevant in situations in which reviewers are interested in fields of research that have only emerging levels of evidence.¹¹ Due to the lack of randomized controlled trials for the

Study quality

Study quality was assessed based on the McMaster Guidelines for Critical Review of Quantitative Studies¹² which examines research approach, methodology, sample size, intervention, outcome measures and results. Studies were also classified using the Oxford Level of Evidence.¹³ Ratings are presented in Table 1, Table 2.

Discussion

Recent literature has suggested that elastic therapeutic tape (Kinesiotape) can provide a useful intervention for a wide range of conditions and is commonly used in clinical practice.⁷ This scoping review assessed the evidence on the use of elastic therapeutic tape for neck and upper limb disorders from 14 articles (that included 526 participants in total), comparing outcomes on pain, range of motion, strength and patient preference. The majority of studies were conducted in the United States (n

Conclusion

The findings of this scoping review suggest that elastic therapeutic tape may play a role in reducing short-term neck and upper extremity pain and that it may be a more convenient and comfortable alternative to existing conservative treatments. It is important to note, however, that the benefits of elastic therapeutic tape as reported in these studies are yet to be supported by adequate evidence from high quality, adequately powered studies. Ideally these studies would be multi-centered,

Quiz: #319

Record your answers on the Return Answer Form found on the tear-out coupon at the back of this issue or to complete online and use a credit card, go to JHTReadforCredit.com. There is only one best answer for each question.

#1.
The design of the study was
- a.
  an RCT
- b.
  a prospective cohort
- c.
  a retrospective cohort
- d.
  a review of the literature
#2.
The two primary outcome measures were
- a.
  the modified DASH and the Purdue Pegboard
- b.
  the traditional DASH and ROM
- c.
  pain and ROM
- d.
  pain and ADL
#3.
The proposed mechanism for elastic tape’s

References (30)

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Immediate effect of forearm Kinesio taping on maximal grip strength and force sense in healthy collegiate athletes
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Treatment of myofascial pain in the shoulder with Kinesio taping. A case report
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The effects of taping on scapular kinematics and muscle performance in baseball players with shoulder impingement syndrome
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T.I. Carter et al.
Accuracy and reliability of three different techniques for manual goniometry for wrist motion: a cadaveric study
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Reliability and validity of grip and pinch strength evaluations
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Kinesiology tape: the low down
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A systematic review of the effectiveness of kinesio taping for musculoskeletal injury
Phys Sportsmed
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R. Moore
What is the current evidence for the use of kinesio tape? A literature review
SportEX Dyn
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S. Krcmar
Inside track… Kinesio taping
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G.M. Giang
Epidemiology of work-related upper extremity disorders: understanding prevalence and outcomes to impact provider performances using a practice management reporting tool
Clin Occup Environ Med
(2006)

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The use and treatment efficacy of kinaesthetic taping for musculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review

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A systematic review of the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping(R) - fact or fashion?

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(Oct 2013)

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The clinical effects of Kinesio^® Tex taping: a systematic review

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Cited by (25)

Nonpharmacologic and Rehabilitative Strategies to Address Chronic Pain
2022, Primary Care - Clinics in Office Practice
Systematic Review of Lumbar Elastic Tape on Trunk Mobility: A Debatable Issue
2021, Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation
To systematically review the literature to analyze the effect of lumbar elastic tape application on trunk mobility, surpassing the minimal detectable change of the used outcome measurement tool, and to analyze the additional effect of applied tension and direction of elastic tape application in low back pain and participants without low back pain.
Four databases were used: PubMed, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Google Scholar.
The inclusion criteria were randomized and clinical controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of lumbar elastic tape application on trunk mobility.
Two researchers executed the search and a third author was consulted to resolve disagreements. The methodological quality was scored using the PEDro scale, with studies scoring ≤5 being excluded.
Eight out of 6799 studies were included; 5 studied individuals with low back pain, and 3 studied participants without low back pain. Two studies scored low on the PEDro scale and were excluded. None of the reported significant changes in trunk mobility due to elastic tape application exceeded the indicated minimal detectable change. No conclusions can be drawn from the direction and applied tension of elastic tape application.
Based on the results of this systematic review, there is no evidence supporting the effect of lumbar elastic tape application. We recommend consensus in the use of more reliable and valid instruments in future studies.
Effect of two Dynamic Tape™ applications on the electromyographic activity of the gluteus medius and functional performance in women: A randomized, controlled, clinical trial
2021, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Citation Excerpt :
Among the different types of functional bandages, Kinesio Tape® (KT) is noted for having been an industry pioneer. KT was developed by Kenso Kase in the 1970s; since then, it has been used to treat a variety of lesions (Castro-Sánchez et al., 2012; Taylor et al., 2014; Zübeyir et al., 2012). In 2009, Ryan Kendrick, an Australian physiotherapist, developed the Dynamic Tape™ (DT) functional bandage.
Dynamic Tape™ (DT) is a biomechanical tape that is used to directly manage load, modify movement patterns, and assist functioning. However, no studies have evaluated its effectiveness in increasing gluteus medius (GM) muscle activation and improving functional performance.
To investigate the effect of two forms of DT applications on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the GM muscle and lower limb functional performance.
Thirty-three, healthy, recreationally active women were randomly assigned into two groups: 1) submitted to the DT application on GM muscle that adhered to the stretching method for Kinesio Tape® application (KG, n = 17) and 2) submitted to the DT application on GM muscle that adhered to the stretching method suggested for DT (DG, n = 16). The EMG evaluation of GM was performed at rest, in maximum voluntary isometric contraction, and in the single-leg squat, drop landing, and jump landing + maximum vertical jump tests. Functional performance was evaluated using the triple hop test and the 6-m timed hop test.
No significant changes in GM activation or functional performance were found, regardless of the stretching method used. No significant intergroup differences were observed (α = 5%).
DT did not increase GM activation in functional activities, and it did not improve functional performance in the lower limbs in healthy women, regardless of the form of application used.
Effect of Elastic Therapeutic Taping on Abdominal Muscle Endurance in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Controlled, Single-Blind, Crossover Trial
2018, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Citation Excerpt :
Various factors have been suggested for this decline in the muscle endurance, such as higher muscle metabolite level resulting from prolonged muscle contraction or spasm,8 muscle deconditioning,12 higher proportion of type II muscle fibers in the paraspinal11 and abdominal musculature, impaired muscle coordination and unequal distribution of force,12 and atrophy and inhibition of the paraspinal musculature,9,12 especially the lumbar multifidus muscles,9,10 in response to pain and decreased activity. Elastic therapeutic tape (kinesiology tape) is made of tightly woven elasticized cotton fibers with acrylic, waterproof, and highly durable glue on the back so it can be worn for up to a week, during which time the tape will resist vigorous movements, sweat, and total immersion in water.13,14 This popular technique may increase range of motion, promote postural alignment and stability, facilitate muscle function, restore functional movement, enhance blood circulation, decrease oedema, normalize muscle length and tension ratios creating optimal force, reduce pain due to neurologic suppression, and prevent sports-related injuries.15-22
The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effect of elastic therapeutic taping and sham taping of the abdominal musculature on maximum hold time of endurance tests in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP).
Twenty-six people with CNLBP and 26 asymptomatic individuals were included in this study. The CNLBP participants were allocated to an elastic therapeutic tape group or a sham tape group. Standard adhesive elastic therapeutic tape was utilized for facilitatory application in the elastic therapeutic tape group. The elastic therapeutic tape group received real elastic therapeutic taping on the transversus abdominis and internal obliques, and the sham tape group received sham elastic therapeutic taping application. For the sham group, the elastic therapeutic tape was positioned horizontally above the navel and applied without tension. After a wash-out period, each CNLBP participant was switched to the other group. Outcome measures included maximum hold time of supine isometric chest raise, supine double straight-leg raise, and abdominal drawing in maneuver.
The CNLBP participants had lower maximum hold time compared to the asymptomatic individuals (P ≤ .01). Following taping, both groups showed an increase in the maximum hold time (mean difference = 4.43 – 50.69 seconds; P ≤ .02). Although there was no difference between the results of both groups (P ≥ .12), effect sizes were large for the elastic therapeutic tape group (Cohen’s d = –1.93 to –1.00).
The results suggest that the maximum hold time of endurance tests was decreased in CNLBP patients compared to healthy participants. The application of both elastic therapeutic tape and sham tape to the transversus abdominis and internal obliques produced short-term improvement in abdominal endurance. There was no statistically significant difference between the results of elastic therapeutic tape and sham tape.
Therapy and Rehabilitation for Upper Extremity Injuries in Athletes
2017, Hand Clinics
The effect of Kinesio taping technique on trigger points of the piriformis muscle
2016, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Citation Excerpt :
KT is theorized to have several functions: (1) restoring correct muscle function by supporting weakened muscles, (2) reducing congestion by improving the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid, (3) decreasing pain by stimulating neurological system, (4) correcting misaligned joints by retrieving muscle spasm, and (5) enhancing proprioception through increased stimulation to cutaneous mechanoreceptors (Garcia-Muro et al., 2010; Halseth et al., 2004; Kase et al., 2003; Maruko, 1999; Murray and Husk, 2001). Thus, KT can be used in an attempt to restore muscle function, diminish pain, increase lymphatic and vascular flow and realign soft tissue (Lee et al., 2011; Taylor et al., 2014). There are some different techniques for application of the tape to achieve improvement in the soft tissue involvements.
Kinesio taping (KT) is a novel method which has recently emerged as a viable option to treat various musculoskeletal and neuromuscular deficits. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of KT on pain and hip joint range of motion (ROM) in individuals with myofacial trigger points in the piriformis muscle.
51 patients with involvement of the piriformis muscle were assigned to experimental (N = 33) or control (N = 18) groups. The experimental group received KT with unloading techniques on the piriformis muscle and they were asked to keep this tape in place for three days. Pain and internal rotation (IR) of hip joints were measured at baseline, immediately after the KT application, and at a 72-h follow-up.
The analysis of repeated measurement ANOVA yielded no main effects, but the interactions between group and time for each dependent variable (pain and ROM) were significant. A post-hoc analysis revealed significant improvement in pain and hip IR immediately postapplication and at a 72-h follow up in the KT group, while no significant change were found on dependent variables in the control group.
Our findings suggests that KT application may be effective for pain relief and increasing ROM in patients with myofacial trigger points in the piriformis muscle.

View all citing articles on Scopus

: Declaration of interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

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Scientific/Clinical ArticleA scoping review of the use of elastic therapeutic tape for neck or upper extremity conditions

Abstract

Study design

Introduction

Purpose of the study

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

Section snippets

Background

Purpose and research questions

Methods

Study quality

Discussion

Conclusion

Quiz: #319

Phys Ther Sport

Man Ther

J Electromyogr Kinesiol

J Hand Surg

J Hand Surg

Kinesiology tape: the low down

SportEX Dyn

A systematic review of the effectiveness of kinesio taping for musculoskeletal injury

Phys Sportsmed

What is the current evidence for the use of kinesio tape? A literature review

SportEX Dyn

Inside track… Kinesio taping

Rehab Manag

Epidemiology of work-related upper extremity disorders: understanding prevalence and outcomes to impact provider performances using a practice management reporting tool

Clin Occup Environ Med

The use and treatment efficacy of kinaesthetic taping for musculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review

N Z J Physiother

A systematic review of the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping(R) - fact or fashion?

Eur J Phys Rehab Med

The clinical effects of Kinesio® Tex taping: a systematic review

Physiother Theory Pract

Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework

Int J Soc Res Methodol Theory Pract

Scoping studies: advancing the methodology

Implement Sci

Scientific/Clinical Article
A scoping review of the use of elastic therapeutic tape for neck or upper extremity conditions

The clinical effects of Kinesio^® Tex taping: a systematic review