Research Review 2023

The NEW ROCKTAPE introduction and Research Review 2023

Introduction

The popularity of kinesiology tape surged after the 2008 Olympics and remains widely used by athletes in various sports like running, cycling, and functional fitness. It is now commonly employed by musculoskeletal, neurological, and equine therapists, and is a staple in household first-aid kits for pain relief and injury self-management.

Previously, there was skepticism about the tape’s effectiveness, but now a substantial volume of research exists. This review aims to summarize key themes and messages from the available research, providing a scientific foundation for our RockTape course.

While the literature on kinesiology tape’s efficacy remains divided, higher quality evidence is emerging, allowing for more robust conclusions. For instance, a recent systematic review by Tran et al (2023) found that Kinesio taping improved both pain and disability when applied to any body region, with both short term and longer term benefit.

A significant finding in the research is that while exercise is superior to taping in isolation, combining taping with exercise rehabilitation often yields superior results, enhancing the outcome of rehabilitation exercises.

Research also debunks the idea that application direction influences muscle response. Studies by Vercelli et al (2012), Fratocchi et al (2013), and Lumbruso et al (2014). Rather logically, elastic tape recoils towards its middle, leading to varied effects on muscles. The specific excitatory or inhibitory outcome cannot be reliably predicted prior to application, making it essential to consider the individual case.

In randomized controlled trials (RCTs), it is essential to blind participants to the intervention to minimize the placebo effect. However, when one group receives taping while the other does not, there is a risk of study bias due to differences in experiences and outcome expectations. To address this issue, researchers utilize “fake tape,” a sham intervention created using non-elastic medical tape or applying tape without stretching it. Interestingly, favorable results can still be achieved even without stretching the tape. Nonetheless, some research indicates that stretched tape tends to produce better results compared to non-stretched tape (Shakeri et al., 2018). In practice though we approach any addition of tape stretch, or pre-load cautiously as it can increase the risk of skin irritation over mobile areas such as the knee and shoulder.

The Decompression Theory

Kinesiology Taping was developed in the 1970s by Kenzo Kase, a Japanese Chiropractor. The original theory suggested that tape elasticity interacting with the skin caused decompression under the skin due to soft tissue laxity and offloading. Some research, like Pamuk Yucasoy’s MRI analysis (2015) and our own team’s ultrasound tests, partially support this theory, showing a physical change in the subcutaneous space after taping. However, the MRI study revealed inconsistent skin tension and deformation responses, suggesting that the results of taping may not solely depend on physical application principles. This leads us to the next topic, the nervous system.

The Nervous System

Well-conducted neuro-taping research shows growing evidence of benefits for various nervous system disorders. Studies include cerebral palsy in children (BAŞ et al 2021; ŞŞimşşek et al 2011), multiple sclerosis (Constantino et al 2015), hemiplegic shoulder (Pillastrini et al 2015; Huang et al 2017), balance issues (Rojhani-Shirazi et al 2015), sensory ataxia (Macefield et al 2016), and Parkinson’s disease (Merino-Andrés et al 2021), among others. The insights gained from these studies support the neuro-sensory approach to taping, which considers how taping’s sensory input through the skin influences movement and pain modulation.

Influencing Movement

RockTape provides a novel sensory input to the skin, which captures the brain’s attention. This increased awareness of the taped area enhances proprioception, as shown in studies by Macefield et al (2016) and Song et al (2015) for knee proprioceptive accuracy and reduced patellofemoral pain, respectively.

Research suggests that taping compensates for reduced sensory input, aiding proprioception, balance, and delaying muscle fatigue (References: Zulfikri et al 2017, Choi and Lee 2020, Kim et al 2020).

The mechanisms behind taping’s muscle function improvement are diverse and individual-specific. The decompression theory remains relevant as it may initiate a positive cascade of influences on the movement systems of the body. Presently, research primarily focuses on taping’s interaction with the nervous system, with various plausible neuro-centric mechanisms. The evolving RockTape education also explores the influence of psychology and behavior change, recognizing that awareness, confidence, and positive movement experiences are essential in physical therapy.

Pain Reduction

Kinesiology tape is commonly used for pain reduction, backed by research supporting its efficacy for various pathologies, such as shoulder pain (Tudini et al 2023; Dzulfakar et al 2022; Deng et al 2021), knee pain (Donec & Kubilius 2019; Melese et al 2020) , back pain (Mohamed et al 2023; Abbasi et al 2020), cancer-related pain (Amarowicz & Warzecha 2020) menstrual pain (Kiseljak et al 2023), and oral pain (Firoozi et al 2022). This versatile treatment option is likely to provide pain relief, regardless of the underlying trigger.

RockTape may reduce pain by pain gating, which involves providing a non-threatening, consistent stimulus that overrides or inhibits other more threatening sensory inputs. Additionally, taping may address mismatches between sensory input and motor output, leading to improved coordination, muscle power, and ultimately pain reduction. Taping application may also offer positive movement experiences, breaking down barriers and reducing movement anxiety, leading to increased confidence and decreased pain experience.

In conclusion, RockTape’s pain reduction effects are likely influenced by various mechanisms, including pain gating, improving sensory-motor congruence, and facilitating positive movement experiences to build confidence and reduce movement-related anxiety.

Oedema Control

Research into the efficacy of kinesiology tape for oedema control continue to be published at pace. Reduction of post-surgical oedema and the management of lymphodema are the most common uses of kinesiology tape. Some of the more recent publications include an informative literature review of seven studies which reported on oedema control for musculoskeletal problems, five of which were for knee pathologies. Although the results were varied the review reported on the reduction of oedema following total knee replacement and anterior cruciate ligament repair and in children with phalangeal joint strain (Yong et al 2022).

The efficacy of Kinesiology tape in the treatment of lymphodema secondary to mastectomy for breast cancer was considered by Kasawara et al (2018). Of the seven studies included for review in their systematic review and meta-analysis all of them reported positive effects in reducing lymphedema. It should be noted that the results also showed that taping was not superior to other commonly used treatments.

Oedema related studies continue to emerge, such as the recent one by Labianca et al (2021) who reported on the positive effects of kinesiology tape for early rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction. With reduced pain and edema noted in their prospective randomized control study. While edema reduction was higher in the taping group, other outcomes did not show significant differences when compared to the control group, both groups completed a standard rehabilitation protocol.

The Evidence Map

In 2020, Cupler et al published a comprehensive systematic review in the Journal of Chiropractic and Manual Therapies, including 127 RCTs that covered various types of taping, not just kinesiology taping. The review presented a well-organized table, grading the evidence for specific musculoskeletal conditions. Kinesio taping’s evidence quality was frequently reported as moderate and equivocal. Kinesio taping was recommended for chronic low back pain with high-quality evidence and showed favorable results with moderate-quality evidence for knee osteoarthritis, acute and pregnancy-related low back pain, and diastasis recti abdominis. The review’s findings revealed gaps in research, emphasizing the need for further studies.

In the future, kinesiology tape research may focus on several key areas. Firstly, researchers will likely continue exploring the efficacy of kinesiology tape for various conditions and its underlying mechanisms. Understanding the specific physiological processes that contribute to its benefits could lead to more targeted applications.

Additionally, continuing to investigate taping combined with other therapies, such as physical therapy or exercise, could lead to more comprehensive patient management.

Perhaps advancements in wearable technology may facilitate the integration of sensors or smart materials into kinesiology tapes, enabling real-time monitoring and personalized feedback.

Investigating kinesiology tape for preventive purposes, especially in healthy individuals like athletes, could be an area of interest.

Furthermore, exploring the potential psychological benefits of kinesiology tape, such as its impact on pain perception and anxiety will hopefully be pursued.

For our conclusion we lean on the words of Hodges (2008) who wisely concludes that while it would be ideal to thoroughly test and understand ideas before implementing them, this approach is not practical in the real world. Here we add that waiting for complete evidence would hinder progress. Therefore, taping should both inform and be informed by research, as relying solely on evidence-based practices would restrict its potential.

References & Bibliography

Abbasi, S., Hadian Rasanani, M. R., Ghotbi, N., Olyaei, G. R., Bozorgmehr, A., & Rasouli, O. (2020). Short-term effect of kinesiology taping on pain, functional disability and lumbar proprioception in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain: a double-blinded, randomized trial. Chiropractic & manual therapies, 28, 1-10.

Amarowicz, J., & Warzecha, M. (2020). Application of kinesiology taping for pain management in oncologic patients. Advances in Rehabilitation, 34(2), 32-41.

Alvarez-Alvarez, S., San Jose, G. M., Rodríguez-Fernández, A., Rodríguez, G., & Benjamin, J. (2013). KT appears to improve the time to failure of the extensor muscles of the trunk (RCT conclusion). Journal of Back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, 1-10.

Anandkumar, S., Sudarshan, S., & Nagpal, P. (2014). Efficacy of kinesio taping on isokinetic quadriceps torque in knee osteoarthritis: a double-blinded randomized controlled study. Physiotherapy theory and Practice, 30(6), 375-383.

Bae, S., Lee, Y., Kim, G., & Kim, K. (2014). The effects of kinesio-taping applied to delayed onset muscle soreness on changes in pain. International Journal of Bio-Science and Bio-technology, 6(3), 133-142.

Bae, S. H., Lee, J. H., Oh, K. A., & Kim, K. Y. (2013). The effects of kinesio taping on potential in chronic low back pain patients anticipatory postural control and cerebral cortex. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 25, 1367-1371.

Bassett, K. T., Lingman, S. A., & Ellis, R. F. (2010). The use and treatment efficacy of kinaesthetic taping for musculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 38(2), 56-62.

BAŞ, Y. E., PEKYAVAŞ, N. Ö., & YEMİŞÇİ, O. Ü. (2021). Effects of kinesio taping on upper extremity functionality in patients with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences, 4(2), 152-159.

Bell & Muller. (2013). Effects of Kinesio Tape to Reduce Hand Edema in Acute Stroke. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, 20(3), 283–288.

Cameron, M. L., Adams, R. D., Maher, C. G., & Misson, D. (2009). Effect of the HamSprint drills training programme on lower limb neuromuscular control in Australian football players. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 12(1), 24-30.

Chang, H., Chou, K., Lin, J., Lin, C., & Wang, C. (2010). Immediate effect of forearm kinesio taping on maximal grip strength and force sense in healthy collegiate athletes. Physical Therapy in Sport, 11, 122-127.

Chen, P. L., Hong, W. H., Lin, C. H., & Chen, W. C. (2008). Biomechanics Effects of Kinesio Taping for Persons with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome During Stair Climbing. International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering Proceedings Vol 21, 395-397.

Chen, C., Huang, T., Chai, H., Jan, M., & Lin, J. (2013). Two stretching treatments for the hamstrings: PNF vs K taping. Journal of Sports Rehabilitation, 22(1), 59-66.

Choi, H. S., & Lee, J. H. (2020, June). Immediate effect of balance taping using kinesiology tape on dynamic and static balance after ankle muscle fatigue. In Healthcare (Vol. 8, No. 2, p. 162). MDPI.

Cortesi, M., Cattaneo, D., & Jonsdottir, J. (2011). Effect of kinesio taping on standing balance in subjects with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. Neurorehabilitation, 28, 365-372.

Costantino et al. (2015). Neuromuscular taping versus sham therapy on muscular strength and motor performance in multiple sclerosis patients. Disability and Rehabilitation.

Deng, P., Zhao, Z., Zhang, S., Xiao, T., & Li, Y. (2021). Effect of kinesio taping on hemiplegic shoulder pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Rehabilitation, 35(3), 317-331.

Donec, V., & Kubilius, R. (2019). The effectiveness of kinesio taping® for pain management in knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease, 11, 1759720X19869135.

Firoozi, P., Souza, M. R. F., de Souza, G. M., Fernandes, I. A., Galvão, E. L., & Falci, S. G. M. (2022). Does kinesio taping reduce pain, swelling, and trismus after mandibular third molar surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 26(4), 535-553.

Fratocchi, G., Di Mattia, F., Rossi, R., Mangone, M., Santilli, V., & Paoloni, M. (2012). Influence of Kinesio Taping applied over biceps brachii on isokinetic elbow peak torque. A placebo-controlled study in a population of young healthy subjects. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. doi: 10.1016/jsams.2012.06.003

Griebert, M. C., Needle, A. R., McConnell, J., & Kaminski, T. W. (in press). Lower leg kinesio tape reduces the rate of loading in participants with medial tibial stress syndrome. Physical Therapy in Sport. doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2014.01.001

Gonzalez-Iglesias, J., Fernandez De-Las-Penas, C., Cleland, J., Huijbregts, P., & Del Rosario Gutierrez-Vega, M. (2009). Short-term effects of cervical kinesio taping on pain and cervical range of motion in patients with acute whiplash injury: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 39(7), 515-521.

Hewett, T. E., Myer, G. D., Ford, K. R., Heidt, R. S., Colosimo, A. J., McLean, S. G., van den Bogert, A. J., Paterno, M. V., & Succop, P. (2005). Biomechanical measures of neuromuscular control and valgus loading of the knee predict anterior cruciate ligament injury risk in female athletes: a prospective study. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 33(4), 492-501.

Hodges, P. W. (2008). Transversus abdominus: a different view of the elephant. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 42, 941-944.

Huang, C. Y., Hsieh, T. H., Lu, S. C., & Su, F. C. (2011). Effect of the Kinesio tape on muscle activity and vertical jump performance in healthy inactive people. BioMedical Engineering Online, 10, 70. Available from – http://www.biomedicalengineering-online.com/content/10/1/70 (Accessed 22/01/2015)

Huang et al. (2017). Effects of kinesio taping for stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 49, 208-215.

Dzulfakar, R. R. R., Shufaian, F. S. M., & Sharir, R. (2022, October). Effect of Kinesiology Tape Application on Shoulder Pain and Mobility Among State-Level Badminton Players. In International Conference on Movement, Health and Exercise (pp. 31-40). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.

Kasawara, K. T., Mapa, J. M. R., Ferreira, V., Added, M. A. N., Shiwa, S. R., Carvas Jr, N., & Batista, P. A. (2018). Effects of Kinesio Taping on breast cancer-related lymphedema: A meta-analysis in clinical trials. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 34(5), 337-345.

Kalron, A., & Bar-Sela, S. (2013). A systematic review of the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping – Fact or fashion. European Journal of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine, 49, 1-11.

Kaya, E., Zinnuroglu, M., & Tugcu, I. (2011). Kinesio taping compared to physical therapy modalities for the treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome. Clinical Rheumatology, 30, 201-207.

Karwacinska, J., Kiebzak, W., Stepanek-Finda, B., Kowalski, I. M., Protasiewicz-Faldowska, H., Trybulski, R., & Starczynska, M. (2012). Effectiveness of kinesio taping on hypertrophic scars, keloids, and scar contractures. Polish Annals of Medicine, 19, 50-57.

Kelle, B., Guzel, R., & Sakalli, H. (2015). The effect of Kinesio taping application for acute non-specific low back pain: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Clinical Rehabilitation. DOI: 10.1177/0269215515603218.

Kiseljak, D., Dragojević, D., & Petrak, O. (2023). Effects of Kinesio Taping method on menstrual pain: A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Health Care for Women International, pp.1-23.

Kim et al. (2014). The effect of muscle facilitation using kinesio taping on walking and balance of stroke patients. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 26(11).

Kim, D. J., Choi, I. R., & Lee, J. H. (2020). Effect of balance taping on trunk stabilizer muscles for back extensor muscle endurance: A randomized controlled study. Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions, 20(4), p.541.

Konishi, Y. (2012). Tactile stimulation with Kinesiology tape alleviates muscle weakness attributable to attenuation of Ia afferents. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.

Lent-Koop, D. (Unpublished). Improving dynamic postural control after a fatigue effort using Rocktape applied in the Performance Front Chain.

Lim, E. W. C., & Tay, M. G. X. (2015). Kinesio taping in musculoskeletal pain and disability that lasts for more than 4 weeks: is it time to peel off the tape and throw it out with the sweat? A systematic review with meta-analysis focused on pain and also methods of tape application. British Journal of Sports Medicine. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-094151.

Lumbruso, D., Ziv, E., Vered, E., & Kalichman, L. (2014). The effect of kinesio tape application on hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles in healthy young adults. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 18, 130-138.

MacGregor, K., Gerlach, S., Mellor, R., & Hodges, P. W. (2004). Cutaneous stimulation from patella tape causes a differential increase in vasti muscle activity in people with patellofemoral pain. Journal of Orthopaedic Research.

Macefield, V. G., Norcliffe-Kaufmann, L., Goulding, N., Palma, J. A., Fuente Mora, C., & Kaufmann, H. (2016). Increasing cutaneous afferent feedback improves proprioceptive accuracy at the knee in patients with sensory ataxia. Journal of Neurophysiology, 115(2), 711-716.

Merino-Andrés, J., Molina-Rueda, F., & Alguacil-Diego, I. M. (2021). Short-term effect of neuromuscular bandaging on balance and gait in Parkinson’s disease: Pilot study. Rehabilitation, 56(1), 39-46.

Melese, H., Alamer, A., Hailu Temesgen, M., & Nigussie, F. (2020). Effectiveness of kinesio taping on the management of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Pain Research, 1267-1276.

Mohamed, S. H. P., Al Amer, H. S., & Nambi, G. (2023). The effectiveness of Kinesio taping and conventional physical therapy in the management of chronic low back pain: a randomized clinical trial.

Nunes, G. S., Vargas, V. Z., Wageck, B., Hauphental, D. P. dS., da Luz, C. M., & de Noronha, M. (2014). Kinesio taping does not decrease swelling in acute, lateral ankle sprain of athletes: a randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy. http://dx.doi.org/10/1016/j.phys.2014.11.002

Ohman, A. (2015). The Immediate Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Muscular Imbalance in the Lateral Flexors of the Neck in Infants: A Randomized Masked Study. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 494-498.

Pamuk, U., Yucasoy, C. A. (2015). MRI analyses show that kinesio taping affects much more than just the targeted superficial tissues and causes heterogeneous deformations within the whole limb. Journal of Biomechanics, 48(16), DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.10.036

Parreira, P. S., Costa, L. M., Takahashi, R., Hespanhol Jr, L. C., da Luz Jr, M. A., da Silva T. M., & Costa, L. O. P. (2014). Kinesio taping to generate skin convolutions is not better than sham taping for people with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy, 60, 90-96.

Pillastrini et al. (2015). Effectiveness of neuromuscular taping on painful hemiplegic shoulder: a randomised clinical trial. Disability and Rehabilitation, DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1107631

Rojhani-Shirazi et al. (2015). Effects of Ankle Kinesio Taping on Postural Control in Stroke Patients. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Vol. -, No. – (in press), pp 1-12.

Sathya, P., Ramakrishnan, K. S., Shweta, S. D., Phadke, R., & Risi, J. (2016). Comparison Of Kinesio Taping With McKenzie And Only McKenzie Technique In The Treatment Of Mechanical Low Back Pain. International Journal of Therapies and Rehabilitation Research, 5(4), 28-32. doi:10.5455/ijtrr.000000140

Shakeri, H., Soleimanifar, M., Arab, A. M., & Behbahani, S. H. (2018). The effects of KinesioTape on the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Journal of Hand Therapy, 31(1), 35-41.

Şimşek, T. T., Türkücüoğğlu, B., Çokal, N., Üstünbaşş, G., & Şimşşek, İ. E. (2011). The effects of Kinesio® taping on sitting posture, functional independence and gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. Disability and Rehabilitation, 33(21-22), 2058-2063.

Slupik, A., Dwornik, M., Bialoszewski, D., & Zych, E. (2007). Effect of Kinesio Taping on bioelectrical activity of vastus medialis muscle. Preliminary report. Ortopedia, Traumatologia, Rehabilitacja, 9(6), 644-651.

Song, C., Huang, H. Y., Chen, S. C., Lin, J. J., & Chang, A. H. (2015). Effects of femoral rotational taping on pain, lower extremity kinematics, and muscle activation in female patients with patellofemoral pain. Journal of Science and Sports Medicine, 18(4), 388-393.

Tamburella et al. (2014). Somatosensory inputs by application of Kinesio Taping: effects on spasticity, balance, and gait in chronic spinal cord injury. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

Thelan, Dauber & Stoneman (2008). The Clinical Efficacy of Kinesio Tape for Shoulder Pain: A Randomised, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 38(7), 389-395.

Thedon, T., Mandrick, K., Fossiac, M., Mottet, D., & Perrey, S. (2011). Degraded postural performance after muscle fatigue can be compensated by skin stimulation. Gait and Posture, 33, 686-689.

Tsai, C., Chang, W., & Lee, J. (2010). Effects of short-term treatment with kinesiotaping for plantar fasciitis. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain, 18(1), 71-80.

Tsai, H., Hung, H., Yang, J., Huang, C., & Tsauo, J. (2009). Could Kinesio tape replace the bandage in decongestive lymphatic therapy for breast cancer-related lymphedema? A pilot study. Support Care Cancer, 17, 1353-1360.

Tudini, F., Levine, D., Healy, M., Jordon, M., & Chui, K. (2023). Evaluating the effects of two different kinesiology taping techniques on shoulder pain and function in patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Frontiers in Pain Research, 4, p.1089748.

Van den Dries, G., Capobianco, S., & Brink, J. (unpublished). The clinical efficacy of Rocktape in a performance enhancing application.

Vercelli, S., Sartorio, F., Foti, C., Colletto, L., Virton, D., Ronconi, G., & Ferriero, G. (2012). Immediate effects of Kinesio Taping on quadriceps muscle strength: a single-blind, placebo controlled crossover trial. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, 22(4), 319-326.

Williams, S., Whatman, C., Hume, P. A., & Sheerin, K. (2011). Kinesio taping in treatment and prevention of sports injuries: a meta analysis of the evidence for its effectiveness. Sports Medicine. doi:10.2165/11594960

Wong, O. M. H., Cheung, R. T. H., & Li, R. C. T. (2012). Isokinetic knee function in healthy subjects with and without Kinesio Taping. Physical Therapy in Sport, 13, 255-258.

Yong, J. H., Lim, J. S., Moon, I. Y., & Yi, C. H. (2022). Effects of Kinesio Taping on Edema Control in Patients With Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Literature Review. 한국전문물리치료학회지, 29(3), pp.171-179.

Zhang Shen et al. (2016). Acute effects of Kinesio taping on muscle strength and fatigue in the forearm of tennis players. Science & Medicine in Sport (19), 6, pp-459–464.

ZULFIKRI, N., & JUSTINE, M. (2017). Effects of Kinesio® Taping on dynamic balance following fatigue: a randomized controlled trial. Physical Therapy Research, 20(1), pp.16-22.

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