K-Tape: Is it any good?

Kinesthesiology (K) tape is not a new phenomenon. Records show it's first use over 40 years ago. The premise of K tape is to alter muscle function, decrease pain, provide joint support and stimulation. We've all seen it. Someone has an injury and they have tape all over various parts in order for them to continue with their chosen sport or past time. But does it actually do as the theories suggest?

A group of researchers, led by de Jesus et al. (2017) set out to identify just that. They employed 130 people (equal gender) to their study, and split them into 4 groups: 1. No K-tape

2. K-tape at 50% tension

3. K-tape at 75% tension

4. K-tape at 100% tension. The K-tape was run along the full length of the quadriceps, rather similar to the image below: Tension related to the length of tape cut and pulled to the appropriate tension

Muscle strength was measured using electronic equipment and the tape remained in situ for period of almost two weeks. Strength measurements were taken throughout at regular intervals. And participants were advised to only perform routine daily activities, avoiding strengthening exercises to the quadriceps or lower leg.

Results

1. Strength The researchers were unable to show an improvement in strength from wearing K-tape over the period of the research, irrespective of tape tension, in the short or long term!

2. Lower limb function

The researchers were unable to show an improvement in lower limb function from wearing K-tape over the period of the research, irrespective of tape tension, in the short or long term!! Therefore this begs the question of it's use in injury prevention and limitation. This research substantiates theories surrounding physiotherapists circles and research already conducted that the use of K-tape does not improve strength or lower limb function, irrespective of tape tension. However, this is for the lower limb. The same cannot be drawn on assumption for the upper limb. Additionally, the participants were only involved in normal activities of daily living. Yet, the evidence is beginning to become apparent for similar findings in studies looking at sport related cohorts. My advice remains unchanged. If you're injured, rest and rehabilitate muscles. If you need to promote strength, then strengthen muscles. K-taping does not improve or alter the effects of muscle imbalance, weakness or injury!