Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research:
doi: 10.1097/01.JSC.0000395668.82529.61
Abstract: PDF Only
A Preliminary Investigation Into the Effect of Kinesio and
Athletic Tape on Skin Blood Flow Changes
Miller, M G; Klawon, R; Lininger, M; Cheatham, C; Michael, T
Abstract
PURPOSE: The use of Kinesio Tape (KT) is gaining popularity throughout the allied health
professions and claims to have several benefits such as increasing blood and lymphatic flow,
strengthening of weak muscles, decreasing pain, increasing proprioception and repositioning
of subluxed joints. However, little to no scientific research has been performed to validate
any of these claims. One claim is that KT increases blood flow to the taped area in order to
help expedite the healing process. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine if blood
flow changes occurred in the upper arm with KT application compared to regular athletic tape
(AT). METHODS: Ten healthy subjects (age: 21.1 +/- 1.6 yrs; height: 172.2 +/- 13.4 cm;
mass: 72.3 +/- 24.0 kg) volunteered for the study. All subjects completed two experimental
trials (KT or AT) on separate days performed in a counter-balanced order. Each experimental
trial consisted of three sessions and an exercise regimen. The first session was a 20 minute
baseline period (seated-rest, no tape), the second session consisted of a 20 minute period after
the application of tape (seated-rest, AT or KT). A submaximal exercise regimen (standing
bicep curls, 3 sets x 10 reps with a pre-determined dumbbell weight with a one-minute rest
between sets) followed session two. Each subject's dumbbell weight was determined in an
orientation visit, where they chose a weight in which they could perform 3 sets x 10 reps with
fatigue occurring at the end of the third set. Finally, the third session consisted of a 20 minute
recovery period following the exercise regimen (seated-rest, AT or KT). During the
experimental sessions, skin blood flow was measured continuously via a LASER Doppler
probe adhered over the biceps brachii. Skin blood flow data were expressed as a percent
change from the baseline value and were not reported during the exercise session due to
motion artifacts. A two-way (condition x time) ANOVA with repeated measures on both
factors was used to test for statistical significance. RESULTS: There was no condition X time
interaction or main effect for condition; however there was a main effect for time (F(1.3,9.3)
= 4.34, P = 0.05). Pairwise comparisons using a LSD adjustment showed that skin blood flow
was significantly lower (-4.9%) after tape application compared to baseline (P = 0.05). In
addition, there was a tendency for skin blood flow to be greater (36.0 %) during the postexercise recovery period compared to baseline (P = 0.06) (See Figure 1). Conclusion: Our
results show that there was no difference in blood flow with either tape or conditions.
Practical Application: Using KT for increasing blood flow for rehabilitating or strengthening
muscles of athletes may not be more beneficial than regular AT. It appears that the
application of either tape may change blood flow to the targeted area, but most likely as a
result of prior exercise.
(C) 2011 National Strength and Conditioning Association