Kinesio Taping effects with different directions and tensions on strength and range of movement of the knee: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objective To evaluate the Kinesio Taping effects with different directions and tensions on the strength of rectus femoris and range of movement of the knee in healthy individuals, but with a muscle imbalance caused by exposure to a continuous vibration. Methods This is a randomized controlled trial. The subjects were randomly allocated into two groups: Group application of the Kinesio Taping using origin to insertion and Group application of the Kinesio Taping using insertion to origin. In both groups the dominant limb received the application of Kinesio Taping on rectus femoris (experimental limb) while the non-dominant limb was used as control of the study (control limb). Three assessments were carried out with each subject at different time-points (baseline, post-application, 24 h later). These evaluations were performed with 0%, 10% and 75% of tension. The continuous vibration was conducted on the patella tendon for 20 min before the first evaluation on each subject. A handheld dynamometer and a digital goniometer were used to evaluate the strength of the rectus femoris and the range of movement of the knee. Results The sample consisted of 42 subjects, 79% women and 21% men, mean age 20.5 (SD = 4.6), body mass index average of 18.7 (SD = 2.34). There were no between-group differences for all outcomes. Conclusion This study suggests that the use of Kinesio Taping in healthy individuals did not change muscle strength or increase range of movement. Future clinical trials are recommended for symptomatic patients. Trial registration: NCT02501915 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT025019150 ).