Title of project: Investigations into the effects of kinesiology taping on pain and muscle function
Director of Studies: Professor Mark I Johnson
Second Supervisor: Dr Peter Francis
Overview of project
Kinesiology taping is a technique used to manage musculoskeletal pain and to improve sports performance and involves applying an elastic cotton-based self-adhesive tape to the skin. It is claimed that kinesiology taping causes microscopic lifting of subcutaneous tissues and ‘decompression’ of blood vessels and free nerve endings (nociceptors) removing inflammatory exudates and reducing pain. It is also claimed that kinesiology taping stimulates cutaneous nerves improving proprioception and kinaesthetic awareness leading to an improvement in muscle function. Research into the effects of kinesiology taping on pain and muscle function is in its infancy and reviews of research literature have failed to find sufficient high quality studies. Thus, there is a need for a programme of research to investigate, in-depth, the physiological effects of kinesiology taping.
Link to Faculty Research Themes
Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Theme: Pain and Rehabilitation; REF unit 02: Public Health
Outline of project including proposed timescales
The aim of this PhD is to investigate the effects of kinesiology taping on pain and muscle function.
The project will include a scoping review to contextualise the field of study and to identify a specific gap in existing knowledge worthy of further study. The results of this scoping review will inform the design of a series of experimental studies on healthy volunteers using state-of-the-art equipment in our newly refurbished pain and rehabilitation laboratory. These experimental studies are likely to investigate the effect of kinesiology taping on pain sensitivity responses, skin microperfusion and the contractile properties of superficial skeletal muscles.
The successful candidate will be expected to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge through original research and the systematic acquisition of data. The project will enable the candidate to develop a detailed understanding of psychophysiological techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry through the use of multi-purpose data physiological acquisition systems, quantitative sensory testing, laser doppler imaging, ultrasound imaging technology and tensiomyography. The subject area is at the forefront of pain and rehabilitation research and it is expected that findings will be published within the timeframe of the project.
Further information
To apply you must be eligible for NHS Continuing Professional Development (CPD) funding and have the support of your line manager in writing. General enquiries should be directed by email to the
Faculty Research Director r.hogston@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
to discuss the project further please contact the Director of Studies http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/staff/professor-mark-johnson/.
Applications should be made on line here http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/research-studentships-andfees-only-bursaries/