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Low back pain (LBP) is prevalent and may transition into chronic LBP (cLBP) with associated reduced quality of life, pain, and disability. Because cLBP affects a heterogenous population, rehabilitation efforts must be individualized to meet the needs of various patient populations as well as individuals. This narrative review evaluated the many approaches to LBP rehabilitation including treatment-based classifications and specific types of rehabilitation efforts from exercise and physical therapy to spinal manipulation and bracing. Clinicians caring for patients with LBP or cLBP must be aware of the various options to find the right treatment course for each patient. In many cases, with proper patient expectations and care, nonpharmacological options may suffice to manage cLBP. While there is a rightful role for analgesics in the management of LBP, nonpharmacological options should be seriously considered, as they can play an important and health-sustaining role in patient management.

This case study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of ankle eversion taping (AET) using kinesiology tape on bilateral acute ankle inversion sprains in an amateur college soccer goalkeeper. Ankle eversion taping was applied for two weeks (average 16 h/day) on a 24-year-old goalkeeper with bilateral grade 2 acute ankle inversion sprain with swelling (left ankle more severe) during a soccer match. The subject had a foot ankle outcome score (FAOS) of 41%; visual analog scale (VAS) scores of 5/10 and 7/10 for the right and left ankles, respectively; patient-specific functional and pain scale (PSFS) score of 12/50; and limited range of motion of the ankle. The swelling disappeared after AET in both ankles. In the weight-bearing lunge test, the right and left ankle distances increased from 2 cm to 12 cm, and from 0 cm to 12 cm, respectively. The FAOS improved from 20% to 97%, while the PSFS score improved from 12/50 to 50/50. The VAS scores decreased to 0/10 for both ankles. AET is a potential clinical treatment method for acute ankle inversion sprain with swelling.

Rounded shoulder posture (RSP) causes an imbalance of the adjacent joints due to the malalignment of the shoulder joint, and thus affects the strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder. This study aimed to investigate the effect of rounded shoulder taping (RST) on shoulder posture and muscle strength in junior baseball players. Nineteen junior baseball players participated in the study, which used a crossover design at an interval of 1 week. The participants were randomized to receive rounded shoulder taping (RST) and sham kinesiology taping (SKT) using kinesiology tape. RSP was measured using two 12-inch combination squares, and shoulder peak torques were measured by isokinetic equipment. The results showed that RST led to significant changes in RSP (p &lt, 0.05), but no significant changes were observed with SKT (p &lt, 0.05). RST led to significant changes in the peak torques of external rotation and internal rotation of the shoulder (p &lt, 0.05). These results suggest that RST could help to correct RSP and improve peak torque of external and internal rotation of the shoulders of junior baseball players with RSP.

The objective of this study was to investigate whether ankle balance taping (ABT) applied after muscle fatigue-inducing exercise can cause immediate improvements in dynamic and static balance. A total of 31 adults (16 males and 15 females) met the inclusion criteria. The experiment was designed using a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Changes in static and dynamic balance were measured before and after inducing muscle fatigue in the ankles and after ABT or ankle placebo taping (APT). After ankle muscle fatigue-inducing exercise, both the ABT and APT groups showed significant increases in surface area ellipses in the static state with eyes open (p &lt, 0.05), and significant increases in surface area ellipses in the static and dynamic states with eyes closed (both p &lt, 0.05). After taping of the fatigued ankle, surface area ellipses decreased significantly when eyes were open and closed in the static and dynamic states, but only in the ABT group (p &lt, 0.05). Static balance was significantly different between groups (eyes open, 36.2 &plusmn, 86, eyes closed, 22.9 &plusmn, 46.7). Dynamic balance was significantly different between groups (eyes open, 68.6 &plusmn, 152.1, eyes closed, 235.8 &plusmn, 317.6). ABT may help prevent ankle injuries in individuals who experience muscle fatigue around the ankles after sports and daily activities.

Stroke patients often have muscles spasticity, difficulty with posture control, and tend to fall. This study investigated the use of kinesiology tape for patients with spasticity of ankle muscles after stroke. This study had a randomized, repeated measures design, and evaluated the immediate effect of kinesiology tape on the center of pressure (COP) excursion when applied to the calf and tibialis anterior muscles in stroke survivors. We determined that the taping attachment direction affects the COP movement. Twenty subjects were randomly assigned to the tibialis anterior taping condition, calf taping condition, or nontaping condition. Condition excursion was assessed. The measured variables included the paretic side area, nonparetic side area, forward area, and backward area of COP. All evaluations were conducted immediately after taping. COP excursion for chronic stroke survivors improved after tibialis anterior and calf taping (p &lt, 0.05). Calf taping conditions increased significantly in the forward area (p &lt, 0.05), and tibialis anterior taping conditions increased significantly in the backward area (p &lt, 0.05). Kinesiology tape immediately increased the forward and backward COP excursion for patients with stroke.

The aims of the proposed research are to estimate the usefulness of two manners in reducing puffiness following extraction of third molar teeth. Materials and Methods: This study included 30 cases had unerupted lower third molar teeth of diverse surgical complexity. Kinesiology tape applied for 7 days after that removed or Diclofenac Na+ (Voltarin) 50mg tablet were given to the case group post operatively, three periods each day for seven days. Edema was assessed by a ribbon gauge method. Assessments were done on first day of surgical management and on seventy-two hours and seven days afterward. Results: There was a significant difference were recognized statistically for edema values between two treatment set on the 1st, 3rd and 7th day subsequent to surgical work. Conclusions: The use of Kinesiology tape was nearly with a same effectiveness with Voltarin tablets in dropping the edema, Kinesiology tape becomes able to be seen to at hand a beneficial result as an additional medicine in medically threatened patient like elevated blood pressure, chronic respiratory diseases, expectant females, gastric or duodenal ulcer, any contraindication of taking NSAIDs that is prescribed officially for decreasing ache, edema following to third molar teeth surgical interventions. Keywords: Kinesiology tape, Diclofenac, wisdom teeth removal.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of kinesiology tape (KT) and usual care versus usual care alone in the treatment of breast lymphoedema (BLE). METHODS: Fourteen participants with BLE were randomly assigned to either the KT and usual care group or usual care alone group. Both groups received three sessions of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) once per week for three weeks, with the KT group additionally wearing the KT for two seven-day periods in between MLD sessions. Safety and acceptability of the KT were assessed by recording adverse events, skin changes and compliance with KT. Outcomes included were: ease of recruitment, attrition and acceptability of KT, percentage breast tissue water, patient-reported breast heaviness/fullness, breast discomfort and breast redness. RESULTS: Recruitment for this study was an average of 2.8 participants per month. There were no dropouts from either group. No adverse events or major skin side effects were recorded in either group. Minor skin redness was the most common dermal change (n = 5). Compliance with KT was excellent. Percentage tissue water in the worst affected breast quadrant reduced, on average, by 15.14% and 10.43% in both the KT group and the usual care group respectively. CONCLUSION: This feasibility RCT into the use of KT in BLE has shown that recruitment to a larger scale RCT is feasible. It has been demonstrated that KT is a safe and acceptable intervention with no adverse events and minor dermal changes. A large, multi-centred RCT is now necessary to accurately assess the effect of KT in BLE.

This study investigated the effects of kinesio taping (KT) or KT plus conventional therapy on pain, muscle strength, funrefction, and range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Data sources: Databases included PubMed, Ovid Medline, CINAHL, Airiti Library, EMBASE, and WOS search engines. Search terms related to KT and knee OA were combined and searched. Articles that met the inclusion criteria and were graded with a Jadad score ≥3 were included in a meta-analysis to calculate the total effect. The exclusion criteria were non-English-language articles, non-original articles, non-full-text articles, no description of the intervention, or articles with a Jadad score ≤2. Eleven articles were included in the meta-analysis. KT treatment had a significant small total effect on pain reduction (p < 0.001; n = 1509; standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.42; 95% CI = −0.65 to −0.18) and a significant moderate total effect on isokinetic muscle strength improvement (p = 0.001; n = 447; SMD = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.28 to 1.16). No significant total effects of KT on isometric muscle strength, time to complete functional tasks, or ROM improvement were found. KT or KT plus conventional therapy has a significant effect on pain relief and isokinetic but not isometric muscle strength improvement in patients with knee OA. KT can be an effective tool for treating knee OA pain and is especially valuable for aiding in isokinetic muscle strength. (PROSPERO register ID: CRD42021252313)

Background and objectives: Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is the most common disorder among people with shoulder pain. The purpose of this case report was to investigate the effect of the combined application of balance taping using kinesiology tape and cross taping on a part-time worker with SIS. Case Report: Combined balance taping and cross taping was applied for 3 weeks (average, 16 hours per day) on a part-time worker with severe pain and a limited range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder who had visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores of 7 and 8 out of 10 for shoulder flexion and abduction, respectively, and pain and disability scores of the Shoulder Pain Disability Index (SPADI) of 37 out of 50 and 29 out of 80, respectively. After the combined application of balance taping and cross taping, the VAS pain scores for shoulder flexion and abduction decreased from 7 to 0 and from 8 to 0, respectively, and the ROM increased to a normal range. The SPADI pain score decreased from 37 to 2, and the disability score decreased from 29 to 1. Shoulder activity level also increased, and the patient was able to return to his part-time job. Conclusions: We suggest combined application of balance taping and cross taping as an effective treatment for part-time workers with SIS.

Study Design Systematic review. Introduction Prolonged hand edema can have detrimental effects on range of motion and function. There is no consensus on how best to manage traumatic subacute edema. This is the first systematic review which examines the clinical effectiveness of edema treatments on hand volume. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the evidence of effectiveness of treatments for sub-acute hand edema. Methods A literature search of AMED, CINAHL, Embase, and OVID MEDLINE (from inception to August 2015) was undertaken. Studies were selected if they met the following inclusion criteria: randomized controlled or controlled trials in adults who have subacute swelling after a recent upper limb musculoskeletal trauma or cerebral vascular attack or after surgery. Two independent assessors rated study quality and risk of bias using the 24-point MacDermid Structured Effectiveness Quality Evaluation Scale (SEQES). Results Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Study quality ranged from 23 to 41 out of 48 points on the SEQES. A total of 16 edema interventions were evaluated across the studies. Due to heterogeneity of the patient characteristics, interventions, and outcomes assessed, it was not possible to pool the results from all studies. Therefore, a narrative best evidence synthesis was undertaken. There is low to moderate quality evidence with limited confidence in the effect estimate to support the use of manual edema mobilization methods in conjunction with standard therapy to reduce problematic hand edema. Conclusion Manual edema mobilization techniques should be considered in conjunction with conventional therapies, in cases of excessive edema or when the edema has not responded to conventional treatment alone; however, manual edema mobilization is not advocated as a routine intervention. Level of Evidence 2b.

Background There exists conflicting evidence regarding the impact of kinesiology tape on performance and muscle function. One variable that may account for disparities in the findings of previous studies is the colour of the tape applied. Colour is hypothesised to influence sporting performance through modulation of arousal and aggression. However, few studies have investigated the influence of colour on products designed specifically to enhance athletic performance. Further, no studies have investigated the potential influence of colour on other drivers of performance, such as corticomotor activity and neuromuscular function. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of kinesiology tape colour on athletic performance, knee extensor torque, and quadriceps neuromuscular function. Methods Thirty two healthy participants were assessed under five conditions, applied in random order: (1) no kinesiology tape (control), (2) beige-coloured kinesiology tape applied with tension (sham A), (3) beige-coloured kinesiology tape applied with no tension (sham B), (4) red-coloured kinesiology tape applied with tension, and (5) blue-coloured kinesiology tape applied with tension. Athletic performance was assessed using a previously validated hop test, knee extensor torque was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer, and transcranial magnetic stimulation was utilised to provide insight into the neuromuscular functioning of the quadriceps musculature. Results Kinesiology tape had no beneficial impact on lower limb performance or muscle strength in healthy adults. The colour of the tape did not influence athletic performance (F (4, 120) = 0.593, p = 0.669), quadriceps strength (F (4, 120) = 0.787, p = 0.536), or neuromuscular function (rectus femoris: F (2.661, 79.827) = 1.237, p = 0.301). Conclusion This study found that kinesiology tape does not alter lower limb performance or muscle function in healthy adults, irrespective of the colour of the tape applied. Future research should seek to confirm these findings beyond the research setting, across a range of sports, and at a range of skill levels. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. ACTRN12616001506482. Prospectively registered on 01/11/2016.

Background: Controversy exists regarding whether the kinesiology tape application direction affects muscle strength. Methods: Eighteen healthy volunteers (12 men, 6 women) participated. Kinesiology tape was randomly applied to the quadriceps muscles either from origin to insertion or from insertion to origin. A Biodex isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the peak torque of the quadriceps pre-and post-taping. Results: There was a significant difference in muscle strength after taping, regardless of the kinesiology tape application direction. There were no significant differences in the peak torque of the quadriceps between the 2 kinesiology tape application directions. Conclusions: The application of kinesiology tape application to the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis of the quadriceps increased the muscle torque, regardless of the tape application direction. Therefore, to enhance quadriceps strength, we recommend the application of kinesiology tape to 3 of the muscles of the quadriceps (specifically, the rectus femoris, vastus medialis and vastus lateralis), irrespective of the tape application direction.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of kinesiology taping therapy on degenerative knee arthritis patients' pain, function, and joint range of motion. [Subjects] To conduct the experiment in the present study, 30 patients with degenerative knee arthritis were divided into a control group (the conservative treatment group) of 15 patients, who received conservative physical therapy, and an experimental group (the kinesiology taping group) of 15 patients, who received kinesiology taping therapy. [Methods] All patients received treatment three times per week for four weeks. The kinesiology taping group had elastic tapes applied to the hamstring muscles, anterior tibialis, quadriceps femoris, and gastrocnemius. The range of motion was measured using joint goniometers, pain was measured using visual analog scales, and functional evaluation was conducted using the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. [Results] In intragroup comparisons of the kinesiology taping group and the conservative treatment group, the visual analog scale and Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores significantly decreased, and the range of motion increased more than significantly. In intergroup comparisons, the kinesiology taping group showed significantly lower visual analog scale and Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores and significantly larger ranges of motion than the conservative treatment group. [Conclusion] Kinesiology taping therapy is considered to be an effective nonsurgical intervention method for pain relief, daily living activities, and range of motion of degenerative knee arthritis patients.

Rationale: Low back pain has a significant socioeconomic impact. Repetitive lifting, with combined twisting and flexion motions of the lumbar spine, increases the risk for low-back pain and injury to the supporting tissues. Patient concerns: A 60-year-old male who presented with acute low-back pain, with a pain intensity of 6/10 on the visual analog scale (VAS) and an Oswestry disability index (ODI) score of 70%. The range of motion (ROM) of the lumbar spine on initial examination, relative to the normal peak ROM, was as follows: extension, 12°/30°; flexion, 15°/80°; left rotation, 15°/45°; and right rotation, 25°/45°. Diagnoses: He was diagnosed as acute nonspecific low-back pain sustained with repetitive lifting, combining motions of flexion and twisting. Interventions: The balance taping was applied for 16 h/day, on average, for 3 consecutive days was used as the primary treatment to manage the patient's low-back pain. Outcomes: The application of balance taping increased the range of motion of the lumbar spine as follows: flexion, from 15° to 77°; extension, from 12° to 27°; right rotation, from 25° to 45°; and left rotation, from 15° to 45°. The ODI score decreased from 70% to 0%, and the VAS score from 6/10 to 0. Lessons: We propose that balance taping using kinesiology tape could serve as a complementary approach to other treatments for the treatment of acute nonspecific low-back pain.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that not only causes knee pain in older adults, but also has an adverse effect on walking. Therefore, intervention for older patients with OA is important. To investigate the immediate effects of kinesiology taping (KT) on the pain and gait function of the older adults with knee OA. Methods: This study enrolled 10 older adults individuals living in the community who were diagnosed with knee OA. All participants were assessed for knee pain, walking ability, and balance before and after application of knee KT. Knee pain was assessed in resting and walking conditions using the visual analog scale. Walking and balance were assessed using a 10-m walking test and a timed up and go test. Results: In the present study, KT significantly improved gait and balance with reduction in knee pain during walking than non-KT (P

[Purpose] The aim of this paper was to report the efficacy of kinesiology taping for recovery from wrist pain and limited range of motion (ROM) in a physical therapist with repetitive strain injuries. [Subjects] A 32 year-old male physical therapist developed recurring severe pain in the dominant wrist and limited active ROM with extremely painful supination. [Methods] The kinesiology tape was applied to the lumbricals, musculi interossei dorsales, palmares, the wrist extensor and flexor muscles, and the wrist joint for 3 weeks for an average of 10 h/day. [Results] After application of the kinesiology tape, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation scores decreased, and the Patient-Specific Functional Scale score increased in comparison with the initial score. [Conclusion] Repeated kinesiology taping of the wrist muscles and joint could be an effective method for recovery from occupational wrist disorders experienced by physical therapists.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of kinesiology taping on repositioning error of the knee joint after quadriceps muscle fatigue. [Subjects] Thirty healthy adults with no orthopaedic or neurological problems participated in this study. [Methods] The repositioning error of the knee joint was measured using a digital goniometer when the subjects extended their dominant-side knee to a random target angle (30°, 45°, or 60°) with their eyes closed, before and after a quadriceps muscle fatigue protocol, and after application of kinesiology tape. [Results] We found that repositioning errors of the dominant-side knee joint increased after quadriceps fatigue compared with no-fatigue conditions. However, kinesiology taping of the quadriceps muscle and patella after quadriceps fatigue significantly decreased repositioning errors of the knee joint. [Conclusion] These results suggest that quadriceps fatigue increases the repositioning error of the knee joint, whereas application of kinesiology tape decreases fatigue-induced joint repositioning error.