The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Lower Trunk Range of Motions

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of kinesio taping (KT) on trunk flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. Thirty healthy subjects with no history of lower trunk or back issues participated in the study. Subjects performed two experimental measurements of range of motion (with and without the application of KT) in trunk flexion, extension, and right lateral flexion. A dependent t test was used to compare the range of motion measurements before and after the application of KT. Through evaluation of the sum of all scores, KT in flexion produced a gain of 17.8 cm compared with the non-kinesiotape group (t (29) = 2.51, p < 0.05). No significant difference was identified for extension (−2.9 cm; t (29) = −0.55, p > 0.05) or lateral flexion (3 cm; t (29) = −1.25, p > 0.05). Based on the findings, we determined that KT applied over the lower trunk may increase active lower trunk flexion range of motion. Further investigation on the effects of KT is warranted.

Keywords:

• sensory receptors
• blood and lymphatic flow
• trunk flexion
• flexibility
• taping techniques

Lower trunk/back pain is a significant health problem contributing to a significant economic cost in the United States (Pai and Sundaram 2004). Approximately 85% of the U.S. population suffers at least one back injury or issue over a lifespan (Lively 2002). Many treatment methods exist including physical therapy, adjustable beds, ointments, and herbal remedies. Current treatments, however, have been shown to produce varying outcomes (Pai and Sundaram 2004). Kinesio tape, an alternative taping technique, has been theorized to improve a variety of physiological problems, including the range of motion, based on the functions of the tape (Kase 2001; Kase et al. 1996; Garcia 2001; Goo 2001; Halseth et al., 2004; Maruko 1999; Murray and Husk 2001; Ogura 1998; Oliveria 1999; Vochies 1999; Wallis 1999; Kase 1994; Kase et al. 2003). Currently research is lacking regarding the use of Kinesio tape as a viable option for increasing flexibility, specifically with back injury patients.

Injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation techniques in the United States have historically followed a Western medicine approach; the use of alternative treatments, such as KT recently has emerged as a viable option to treat athletic injuries. Kinesio tape 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, and (4) correcting misaligned joints by retrieving muscle spasm (Kase 2001; Kase et al. 1996; Garcia 2001; Goo 2001; Halseth et al. 2004; Maruko 1999; Murray and Husk 2001; Ogura 1998; Oliveria 1999; Vochies 1999; Wallis 1999; Kase 1994; Kase et al. 2003). Kinesio tape is unique compared with other types of tape because the elasticity allows for elongation 130%–140% of its resting state and is approximately the same weight and thickness of skin (Kase 1994; Kase et al. 2003). Thus, KT has been theorized to be an effective treatment to restore muscle function and decrease pain (Kase et al. 1996; Goo 2001; Maruko 1999; Murray and Hosk 2001; Ogura 1998; Oliveria 1999; Vorhies 1999; Wallis 1999); however, a dearth of information exists regarding empirical evidence of efficacy in general, and specifically on the lower trunk. Therefore, the purpose of study is to determine the effects of KT on lower trunk flexion and extension and lateral flexion.

METHOD

The current study assessed the effect of kinesio tape on lower trunk flexion, extension, and right lateral flexion range of motion. Trunk range of motion was recorded before and after the application of kinesio tape. Thirty healthy subjects (15 females, average age 26.9 + −5.9; and 15 males, average age 20.9 + −12.1) voluntarily participated in the study. Subjects were eliminated if they had lower trunk injury or pain 6 months prior to the time of testing. The research protocol was approved by the Human Subjects-Institutional Review Board, and all participants signed an informed consent form prior to the experiment.

Procedures

Initially each participant was measured for trunk range of motion (ROM) using a tape measure. The same tape measurement procedure has been reported previously and has high levels of reliability with repeated measures (flexion: r = 98, extension: r = .96, lateral flexion: r = .98, ∗r = reliability; Frost et al. 1982). Subjects performed a static stretch for 15 seconds in the three trunk motions that were tested for injury prevention purposes. For flexion, subjects stood on the stepstool with arms in a neutral position, heels together, and knees straight. Subjects bent forward as far as they could with fingers straight. The distance between the tip of third finger and the floor was measured (Figure 1). For extension, subjects stood on the floor with arms in the neutral position, heels together, knees and back straight. Two landmarks were used to measure the range of motion of extension, the spinous process of C7 and the imaginary line between right and left posterior superior iliac spine. Subjects extend the lower trunk as far as they could, and the distance between two landmarks was measured (Figure 2). For right lateral flexion, subjects stood on the floor with arms in the neutral position, heels together, knees and back straight. Subjects bent toward the right with elbow and fingers straight and attached hand on their lateral side of leg. The distance between the tip of third finger and the floor was measured (Figure 3).

Figure 1. Flexion measurements.

Figure 2. Extension measurements.

Figure 3. Lateral flexion (right) measurements.

Range of motion was measured three times for reliability, before and after the application of Kinesio tape. A crossover design was used to eliminate the ROM taping routine as a variable. Kinesio tape was applied to 15 of the subjects after the end of three ROM measurements in the untaped status. The remaining 15 subjects performed three ROM measurements in the taped status first, followed by the untaped status. Subjects randomly were assigned in regard to the order of the two statuses.

Taping Method

Subjects were taped using a mthod proposed for the sarcospinaris muscle. Y-shaped (2-inch width and 11-inch length) tape was used in the study (Figure 4; Kase 1994; Kase et al. 2003). The taping technique required subjects to stand erect while the origin of the Y-shaped taping technique was attached over the center of the sacrum. The origin of the Y tape was attached without stretching the kinsio tape while subjects gradually bent forward. The same procedure was applied to the other end of the Y tape. A 5-degree angle was maintained within the valley of the Y tape. The Y-shaped tape was applied from the origin of the sacrospinalis to the insertion as theorized to support a muscle function (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Y-shaped kinesio taping for lower trunk.

A dependent t test was used to determine differences before and after the application of KT (Thomas and Nelson 2001). A dependent t test was used to assess two groups with the same subjects who were administered a pretest and a post-test. The average of the three trials for each ROM was computed for statistical analysis. T values for trunk ROM were computed to compare a t value of 1.699, which is the critical value for an alpha level of .05.

RESULTS

A significant difference was identified for trunk flexion ROM (Table 1). The taped condition in flexion was 17 cm higher than the untaped condition in the sum of all scores (t (29) = 2.51, P < .05). No significant differences were found for extension (−2.9 cm; t (29) = −0.55, p > .05) and lateral flexion (3 cm; t (29) = −1.25, p > .05).

Table 1. The Sum of All Scores (cm) Before and After the Application of Kinesio Tape

	Kinesio tape	No kinesio tape	T value	P value
Lower trunk flexion	81.5	63.7	2.51	<.05
Lower trunk extension	1227.3	1224.4	−0.55∗	>.05
Lower trunk lateral flexion (right)	1220.9	1224	−1.25	>.05
∗Statistically significant—The critical value of t for flexion was 1.699, and for extension and lateral flexion was −1.699.

DISCUSSION

Results of the study suggest that KT may increase active ROM of lower trunk flexion even though no effect was identified for extension and lateral flexion ROM. Two theories may aid in understanding this finding. One theory is that KT increases blood circulation in the taped area (Ogura 1998; Oliveria 1999; Vorhies 1999; Wallis 1999; Kase 1994; Kase and Hashimoto 2005; Murray 2005), and this physiological change may affect the muscle and myofascia functions after the application of kinesio tape. An additional theory is that KT stimulates cutaneous mechanoreceptors at the taped area, and this stimulation may affect the ROM (Garcia 2001; Goo 2001; Halseth et al. 2004; Muruko 1999; Mori 2001; Murray and Husk 2001; Ogura 1998; Vorhies 1999; Wallis 1999). Neither of these theories accounts for why kinesio tape has an effect on trunk flexion ROM and not on either extension or lateral flexion ROM. The specific Y taping technique with attachment at the sacrum followed by stretching of the tape in extension used in this study may be beneficial only in increasing the flexibility of trunk flexion. Additional taping techniques such as a Y or straight technique placed while the participant is in extension or lateral flexion should be investigated to ascertain whether these techniques are more appropriate for those motions.

The theory is that kinesio tape and a circulatory or neurological activation is based on the tape's elastic properties, which is purported to support/enhance joint functions (Kase 2001; Kase et al. 1996; Garcia 2001; Goo 2001; Halseth et al. 2004; Maruko 1999; Murray and Husk 2001; Ogura 1998; Oliveria 1999; Vochies 1999; Wallis 1999; Kase 1994; Kase et al. 2003). Proponents of kinesio tape state that tape convolution areas may increase the flow of blood and lymphatic fluids due to a lifting effect, which creates a wider space between the skin and the muscle and interstitial space, as shown in Figure 5 (Kase 2001; Kase et al. 1996; Garcia 2001; Goo 2001; Halseth et al. 2004; Maruko 1999; Murray and Husk 2001; Ogura 1998; Oliveria 1999; Vochies 1999; Wallis 1999; Kase 1994; Kase et al. 2003). Kinesio taping on injured areas where major blood vessels existed is theorized to increase blood volume (Garcia 2001; Goo 2001; Halseth et al. 2004; Maruko 1999; Mori 2001; Murray and Husk 2001; Ogura 1998; Vorhies 1999; Wallis 1999; Kase et al. 2003). The possible increase in blood circulation is theorized to affect muscle functions, (Ogura 1998; Oliveria 1998; Vorhies 1999; Wallis 1999; Kase 1994; Kase et al. 2003; Kase and Hashimoto 2005; Murray 2005), and as a result may impact lower trunk flexion ROM.

Figure 5. The convolution effect of kinesio taping on the skin.

The application of kinesio tape also is theorized to stimulate cutaneous mechanoreceptors (Garcia 2001; Goo 2001; Halseth et al. 2004; Maruko 1999; Mori 2001; Murray and Husk 2001; Ogura 1998; Vorhies 1999; Wallis 1999; Kase et al. 2003). Cutaneous mechanoreceptors activate nerve impulses when mechanical loads create deformation. Mechanical loads include touch, pressure, vibration, stretch, and itch. The activation of cutaneous mechanoreceptors by an adequate stimulus causes local depolarizations that trigger nerve impulses along the afferent fiber traveling toward the central nervous system (Garcia 2001; Goo 2001; Halseth et al. 2004; Maruko 1999; Mori 2001; Murray and Husk 2001; Ogura 1998; Vorhies 1999; Wallis 1999; Kase et al. 2003). The application of KT may apply pressure to the skin or stretch the skin, and this external load may stimulate cutaneous mechanoreceptors causing physiological changes in the taped area. Studies previously conducted to determine the effects of KT on cutaneous mechanoreceptors (Garcia 2001; Goo 2001; Halseth et al. 2004; Maruko 1999; Mori 2001; Murray and Husk 2001; Ogura 1998; Vorhies 1999; Wallis 1999) have reported that KT on select muscles and joints may improved muscle excitability. Previous research on proprioception effects indicate both improvement as well as no effect on ankle proprioception following the application of kinesio tape after injury (Halseth et al. 2004; Murray and Husk 2001, Kase and Hashimoto 2005; Murray 2005).

Kinesio tape currently is manufactured by one company and is a thin, cotton, porous fabric with acrylic adhesive that is nonmediated and latex-free (Kinesio Tex 2005). Kinesio tape can be comfortably worn for 3–4 consecutive days, (including in the shower), without compromising the adhesive quality (Kase et al. 2003; Kinesio Tex 2005). Furthermore, due to the latex-free quality of Kinesio tape, moisture and air can flow through this porous fabric, limiting skin irritation (Kase et al. 2003; Kinesio Tex 2005). Kinesio tape can be stretched up to 130%–140% of its original length and can contract back to the normal resting position (Kase et al. 2003; Kinesio Tex 2005). The elastic properties of Kinesio tape makes it unique, however, the efficacy of kinesio tape compared with other types of elastic tapes has yet to be investigated, and, therefore, substitution at this juncture cannot be recommended.

Although KT research is limited, several studies have supported the efficacy of this treatment technique for addressing acute injury inflammation, promoting a faster return to activity, enhancing proprioception training, reducing pain, enhancing neurological function postinjury, and reducing muscle imbalances (Garcia 2001; Goo 2001; Halseth et al. 2004; Maruko 1999; Mori 2001; Murray and Husk 2001; Ogura 1998; Vorhies 1999; Wallis 1999; Kase et al. 2003). Since previous research using kinesio tape has been conducted on healthy subjects, the results from these studies may not be applicable to individuals with pathology. Further study is required to determine if kinesio tape produces the same effects on patients with low back pain and other joint pathology.

A limitation of the current study was that it did not include a control/placebo group, and group assignment of subjects was not blinded from the investigators. Thus, subjects could have expected an effect from using kinesio tape or anticipated the researcher's expectation toward the effects of kinesio tape.

Since this study was performed under limited resources, the tapemeasure method used to assess trunk ROM may not have been the most accurate method to assess possible physiological changes as a result of using kinesio tape. Further studes using electromyograph and infrared thermography to detect changes in muscle excitability and temperature are warranted to assess the effects of KT on physiological changes.

CONCLUSION

The effect of KT using a Y flexion pattern may improve the active range of motion in lower trunk flexion. Medical professionals may apply KT to a patient during or after treatment and rehabilitation to support low back musculature, to encourage the tissue healing process, and to avoid limiting the enhancement of improved trunk flexion ROM. Further research is required to validate the effects and efficacy of KT. Kinesio taping has shown promise in several select uses and thus should be investigated further with regard to proper technique and efficacy for specific pathological conditions.