Anybody who has followed sporting events on a regular basis has probably seen some form of Kinesio tape. It has gained popularity over the last 15-20 years, and is often used to aid in recovery after an injury, or for muscle support. But what exaclty is it, and does it actually have any benefits?
WHAT IS IT?
Kinesio tape is a comparatiely thin, stretchy, elastic form of strapping tape. It often comes in bright colours, so it is fairly recognisable.
Kinesio tape was riginally invented back in 1979 by a chiropractor, Kenzo Kase. It became more widely popular around the 2012 Olympics, when a lot of athletes suddenly popped up, covered in bright strips and claiming all of the “benefits” which Kinesio tape provides.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
There is a fairly long list of the benefits which Kinesio tape is capable of, but ultimately it comes down to three key things:
– It reduces pain
– It prevents injury and promotes recovery
– It improves performance
But how does it actually work? Kinesio tape is quite stretchy and is designed to be applied while being stretched out. Once on the skin, the tape contracts on itself, and in the process of doing so, lifts the skin away from muscle and joint tissue. This thheoretically allows improved blood flow around the area being taped, which leads to improved health outcomes and performance benefits.
But does it actually work??
THE EVIDENCE
Quite a large number of studies have been performed regarding the use of Kinesio tape. However, this doesn’t mean that all of the studies are well designed. Many studies out there are poor at best, with small sample numbers, lack of placebo control, and results being reported anecdotally, with no measurable data or outcomes being available.
Some studies suggest there may be a small benefit for injured athletes. But these results are only minor. Further studies show that there is no benefit whatsoever.
A systematic review, which reviewed many studies investigating possible performance benefits, showed that this simply wasn’t the case. Any claimed performance benefits just don’t exist.
Other studies exist to examine whether Kinesio tape actually provided any increases in circulation and blood flow at the site of application. While there are many claims out there to support this theory, the evidence suggests otherwise. Studies show that this kind of taping does not improve circulation or blood flow to any degree.
Even Rocktape, one of the most well known brands of Kinesio tape, suggest that the evidence out there isn’t great, stating that more high quality studies need to take place in the future.
SO DOES KINESIO TAPE ACTUALLY DO ANYTHING??
A lot of claims are made regarding the benefit of Kinesio tape. However, the evidence simply doesn’t back up these claims.
But does this mean you shouldn’t be using it? Well, it isn’t going to do any damage if you do. There is also the perceived benefit which comes from the placebo effect…..having tape on your skin, you might think it is doing something. So you feel a bit better.
While the evidence is lacking, Kinesio tape certainly isn’t going anywhere soon. Further, large scale, high quality studies would be beneficial, in order to determine if there are, in fact, some positive outcomes to be gained from the use of this popular sports tape.
The Sports Pharmacist 