Comparing Media Reports to Medical Facts: The Truth
Kinesio Tape: That’s what is on Kari Walsh’s shoulder
Katherine Wurtz
English 325
Writing in Health Professions
Dr. Kevin Brooks
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Comparing Media Reports to Medical Facts: The Truth
Introduction
Kari Walsh caused quite a stir at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and I’m not talking
about her performance on the volleyball court either. Kari Walsh used Kinesio tape on
her shoulder. Kinesio tape is a newer therapeutic agent that is just gaining popularity in
the United States. Kinesio tape has an odd look to it and that’s for a purpose. The
picture above of Kari Walsh shows one way to apply the tape to the shoulder. Its
application is crucial to its effectiveness, which is why it probably caught the media’s
attention.
The media did a decent job of reporting the facts about Kinesio tape. They didn’t
go into much detail, just skimmed the top of the facts. For general knowledge purposes,
the facts that the media reported would be sufficient. For anyone who wanted a deeper
understanding, the media reports wouldn’t give the information they desire.
The media reports are, as I said before, just skimming the top of the information
on this subject. This article will be filling in the blanks and diving deeper into the subject
of Kinesio tape.
Media Stories
Kinesio is a new therapeutic tape made by a company in Albuquerque New
Mexico. It uses a different technique to support the injury of the athlete. According to
Pisarenko, (2008)
“highly-elastic tape-which can stretch 30-40 percent from its resting length-pulls
the skin away from the muscle fascia and allows the muscle to breath. It
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Comparing Media Reports to Medical Facts: The Truth
improves lymphatic flow, reducing pain, swelling and muscle fatigue. Additionally,
the tape does not restrict motion and can be worn for several days straight”
(Pisarenko, 2008).
Ms. Pisarenko, the author of “What's that Tape on Kerri Walsh’s Shoulder? (2008)” had
her facts correct in this aspect. She went into the necessary detail to fully explain the
mechanics behind the tape. She also quotes a study that was published in the Journal
of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy, to describe the tested effectiveness of this
tape, and not just going by hear say. She states that “Kinesio tape has a small short
term effect, but no long term effects” (Pisarenko, 2008). This however is not quite
accurate. According to the study that was published in the Journal of Orthopedic and
Sports Physical Therapy, “a majority of subjects improved and no longer required care
within 4 weeks after completion of the study”(Thelen, Dauber, Stoneman, 2008).
Overall, this particular article was quite informative to the general reader. It did not
mention anything about the cost or availability of Kinesio tape, which may be a downfall
if someone is serious about trying it as a therapeutic agent.
“Kinesio Tape: The Athletes New Mojo(Martin,2008)” was another article that
covered the general information and a little more about Kinesio tape.
Barbara Martin, MD, first discusses the taping method used with Kinesio
tape. The taping method is just as important as the tape itself. Martin
goes into detail as to the method used to set up Kerri Walsh’s shoulder
tape job. This information goes above general information. Figure one is
used in the article to show one of the taping strips. “The 4 inch wide tape can be cut
lengthwise for ‘Y’ applications, (which are designed to stabilize muscle or prevent its
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Comparing Media Reports to Medical Facts: The Truth
contraction or otherwise do something nice), like that along Walsh’s scapular spine and
posterior deltoid(see graphic)”(Martin, 2008). Martin also quotes the same journal article
that the article above did. She stated, “the investigators observed immediate
improvement in pain-free shoulder abduction with Kinesio taping but no other
statistically significant benefit (range of movement, pain, or disability) over sham taping
during a 6 day treatment period”(Martin, 2008).This statement is accurate according to
the journal article she was quoting. This article doesn’t mention any aspects of Kinesio
tape cost or availability, just as the article above.
The last media article that I found would provide the best overall view for the
general reader interested in Kinesio tape. “A Quirky Athletic Tape Gets Its Olympic
Moment” by Tara Parker-Pope states that, “Kinesio, touted by physical therapists as a
better way to relieve pain and promote healing of injured muscles” (Parker-Pope, 2008).
This is a very true statement, Kinesio tape is used more in the physical therapy world,
particularly pediatric physical therapy, which I will discuss later. Parker-Pope discussed
the typical solution that athletes would resort to, “white athletic tape wrapped around
gauze to form a stiff bandage that immobilizes a joint or muscle” (Parker-Pope, 2008).
This is the first media article that discussed what the typical course of action would be,
where Kinesio tape is starting to take its place. She then discusses what the Kinesio
tape does and supports it with information from the article from the Journal of
Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy. Parker-Pope made a statement I do not agree
with, “this study was conducted by physical therapists at Winn Army Community
Hospital in Fort Stewart, GA” (Parker-Pope). This is completely inaccurate. The study
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Comparing Media Reports to Medical Facts: The Truth
was conducted in West Point, NY, at the US Military Academy. The cost was also not
discussed in this article.
Medical Studies
The study that all three media articles quoted was conducted by Mark Thelen,
James Dauber, and Paul Stoneman. It is titled, “The Clinical Efficacy of Kinesio Tape for
Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Double-Blinded, Clinical Trial (2008)” It was published in
the Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy.
Kinesio tape is a relatively new technology in the United States. It is an
alternative to other taping methods. It is different in the application process and
effectiveness of the tape. The topic of this article is original. Not much research has
been done to study the actual effects that Kinesio tape provides to an athlete. The
authors of this article are reputable. I did a quick Google search on each author, and
this is not the first published article for any of the three. This study was not sponsored
financially by anyone, but it was done in connection with a military residency program at
the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. The location where this
study takes place is very similar to a work situation I will be put into some day. This
information is very relevant to me. This study was designed to “compare the short-term
effect of a therapeutic KT (Linesio tape) application on reducing pain and disability in
subjects with shoulder pain (clinically diagnosed as rotator cuff tendonitis/impingement)
as compared to sham KT application”(Thelen, Dauber & Stoneman,2008). The statistics
were calculated by using SPSS, Version 11.5.0 software.
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Comparing Media Reports to Medical Facts: The Truth
Patients were chosen based on a point criterion.
“(1) pain onset prior to 150° of active shoulder elevation in any plane, (2)positive
empty can test indicating possible supraspinatus involvement, (3) positive
Hawkins-Kennedy test indicating possible external impingement, (4)subjective
complaint of difficulty performing activities of daily living and (5) being 18-50
years of age”(Thelen, Dauber &Stoneman,2008).
These patients are very similar to patients I will see in my future in the athletic
training room. The fifth criterion cites the ages of 18-50, but in the study the age range
was actually 18-24. The study cited that informed written and verbal consent were
obtained from all patients. Also the Institutional Review Board of Keller Army
Community Hospital at West Point, NY approved the procedures. The selection into the
groups was truly random. The authors used a random number generator and results
were concealed. During the sample size determination it was figured that the study
needed 26 subjects per group, but during the study only 21 patients were in each group.
Three different methods were used to measure the outcome, “the shoulder pain and
disability index (SPADI), pain-free active range of motion (ROM), and a 100-mm visual
analogue scale (VAS)” (Thelen, Dauber & Stoneman, 2008). The follow up was
conducted at three days after tape application and again at six days after tape
application.
The results section and the methods sections do match. The follow up was
complete. All of the patients were accounted for. “Seven subjects (3 from the treatment
group and 4 from the sham group) failed to return for day 6 reevaluation. All of the
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Comparing Media Reports to Medical Facts: The Truth
seven subjects improved and did not seek further care for their shoulder pain, citing
busy class schedules as the reason for not returning to complete the study”(Thelen,
Dauber & Stoneman, 2008). No changes were made to the study to compensate for
time or money.
The results are plausible, although the study was not very conclusive. Similar
results appeared with the sham Kinesio tape (a taping method used to show a
comparative group without Kinesio tape) as well with the Kinesio tape. “Our results are
partially consistent with previous reports showing that KT can have a positive effect on
ROM when thought to be limited by musculoskeletal shoulder pain” (Thelen, Dauber, &
Stoneman, 2008). Limitations to this study are the age of the study patients. “The
results of this study are limited to young subjects (approximately 20 years)” (Thelen,
Dauber, & Stoneman, 2008).This study does have clinical importance; it is another
option to provide to athletes with a variety of shoulder pain.
The second journal article I found supports the previous article in its results. This
study was published in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, “Pilot study:
Investigating the Effects of Kinesio Taping in an Acute Pediatric Rehabilitation Setting.”
This paper is original in what its studying and its content. The authors are all
reputable and have published other articles, besides the one discussed here. The
articles did employ the help of Dr. Allen Heinemann and Dr. Sue Mukherjee for their
statistical knowledge. This study was supported by the Buchanan Family Fellowship in
Occupational Therapy. The environment where this study was conducted does not
directly relate to a work place I would be employed in, but it does support the previous
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Comparing Media Reports to Medical Facts: The Truth
article that does apply more to my potential employment. The aim of this study was to
“describe the use of Kinesio Taping method for the upper extremity in enhancing
functional
motor
skills
in
children
admitted
into
an
acute
rehabilitation
program”(Yaskukawa,Patel,Sisung, 2006).
The patients were chosen based on the following criteria,
“All children demonstrated the inclusion criteria of muscle weakness and/ or
abnormal tone that interfered with upper-extremity functional use. Criteria for
selection included children with enough motivation and cognition to follow
direction to the Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Supper Limb Function, and
had no significant behavioral problems” (Yaskukawa, Patel, Sisung, 2006).
Consent was given by the guardians of the children and the procedures of this study
were approved by the Institutional Review Board. The follow up of this study was 3
days. The Melbourne Assessment was administered pre taping and after 3 days. The
study was altered slightly, due to the children’s hand washing practices. “The palmar
stability tape application was reapplied daily” (Yaskukawa, Patel, Sisung, 2006).
The results of the study showed improvement over time. “F(2,14) = 17.7, p <
.001. Further, the improvement from pre to post taping was statistically significant, F (1,
14) = 18.9, p < .02” (Yaskuwana, Patel, Sisung, 2006).This study did have one
limitation, it had no control group. The conclusion that was reached during this study
was, “This change associated with use of Kinesio taping emerged after 3 day’s postintervention, and is not long enough assessment of the outcome to support the
widespread use of this intervention”(Yaskuwana, Patel, Sisung, 2006).
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Comparing Media Reports to Medical Facts: The Truth
A third journal article, also came to the same conclusions as the first medical
article, was published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, “The Effects of
Kinesio Taping on Proprioception at the Ankle (2004)”. Proprioception is “the ability to
determine the position of a joint in space”(Prentice, 2006).
This paper is on an original subject. “Kinesio taping is a novel method of ankle
taping utilizing a specialized type of tape by the same name. The authors of this article
have a solid track record. Their background consists of being professors at Boise State
University. Kinesio tape differs from traditional white athletic tape in the sense that it is
elastic and can be stretched to 140% of its original length before being applied to the
skin”(Halseth, McChesney,DeBeliso,Vaugh,Lien, 2004). The hypothesis of this study is
that cutaneous feedback through the Kinesio tape can improve proprioception.
The patients of this study were chosen under these criteria. “Thirty subjects were
interviewed and received a pre-participation orthopedic ankle exam by a certified
athletic trainer (ATC) to rule out any abnormalities that may have affected experimental
data” (Halseth et al, 2004). The results of this study were as follows,
“These results contest our first hypotheses, which stated Kinesio taping would
decrease (improve) the absolute error on RJPS when compared to the un-taped
ankle. These results also discount our second hypotheses, which stated Kinesio
taping would decrease (improve) the constant error of RJPS when compared to
the un-taped ankle. No significant differences were detected in change of
absolute or constant error in plantar flexion or plantar flexion with inversion
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Comparing Media Reports to Medical Facts: The Truth
between genders. The third research hypothesis was supported” (Halseth et al,
2004).
Comparing and Contrasting Media Stories and Medical Facts
The media reports are quite accurate according to the medical reports I
examined. The media stories gave great overall information about Kinesio tape. They all
talked about the benefits of Kinesio tape and how the taping procedure is as crucial as
the tape itself. If an individual wanted more in depth information about Kinesio tape,
consulting the medical reports would be necessary. They give the scientific facts, which
the media stories just skim over or briefly allude to.
The media stories and the medical articles don’t go into the costs of kinesio tape.
Kinesio tape prices can be found at the official kinesio tape website, along with many
other questions individuals may have. According to the website, “This easy-to-learn
technique is not only economical, but also reimbursable through many insurance
carriers”(Kinesio Holding Corporation, n.d)
My recommendations would be to consult medical reports for the best
information available on the topic. If you are interested in its effects and are curious to if
it’s a therapeutic agent that would help with your condition consult a physical therapist
or doctor. Another option to consult would be the official Kinesio Tape website.
http://www.kinesiotaping.com/
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Comparing Media Reports to Medical Facts: The Truth
References
Cummings,D. (2008) What’s that tape on kerri walsh’s shoulder. Retrieved July 19, 2009 from
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/sports/August-08/Whats-that-Tape-on-KerriWalsh-s-Shoulder-.html
Martin, B. (2008) Kinesio Tape: The athlete’s new mojo. Retrieved July 19, 2009 from
http://bmartinmd.com/2008/08/kinesio-tape-the-athletes-new.html
Parker-Pope, T. (2008) A quirky athletic tape gets its olympic moment. Retrieved July 19, 2009
from
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/19/a-quirky-athletic-tape-gets-its-olympic-
moment/
Thelen, M.D., Dauber, J.A., & Stoneman, P.D. (2008) The clinical efficacy of kinesio tape for
shoulder pain: a randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial. Journal of Orthopaedic &
Sports
Physical
Therapy.
38(7).
389-395.
Retrieved
July
19,
2009
from
http://www.jospt.org/issues/articleID.1422,type.14/article_detail.asp
Yaskuawa, A., Payal, P., & Sisung, C. (2006) Pilot study: investigating the effects of kinesio
taping in an acute pediatric rehabilitation setting. American Journal of Occupational
Therapy.
60(1).
104-110.
Retrieved
July
19,
2009
from
http://www.advancemed.co.il/userfiles/file/Kinesio%20Articles/PED/Effects%20KT%20on
%20Acute%20Ped%20Rehab%20Setting.pdf
Halseth, T., McChesney, J.W., DeBeliso, M., Vaughn, R., & Lien, J. (2004) The effects of
kinesio taping on proprioception at the ankle. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.
Retrieved July 19, 2009 from http://www.jssm.org/vol3/n1/1/v3n1-1pdf.pdf
Prentice, W.E., (2006) Arheim’s Principles of Athletic Training. McGraw-Hill Publishing, New
York, NY.
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Kinesio Holding Corporation. (n.d). Retrieved August 1,2009 from http://www.kinesiotaping.com/
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