6 A previous investigation of kinesiology tape application direction to the quadriceps muscle in 36 healthy adults did not show any significant change in isokinetic knee extension torque over baseline. Mostaghim et al. utilized kinesiology tape applied from proximal to distal to the middle of thigh and found a statistically significant difference in vertical jump performance. Several studies have examined the impact of kinesiology tape on the function of the quadriceps. 12 Similarly, kinesiology tape application direction (proximal to distal to facilitate) was found to have no impact on the activation of the biceps brachii 13 or wrist extensors. 5,9–11 Lee et al. tested plantar flexor strength with kinesiology tape applied on the calf from distal to proximal and proximal to distal and found no significant correlation between direction of tape application and muscle strength. However, research exploring the relationship between kinesiology tape application techniques and muscle activity has failed to confirm the impact of application direction. It has been speculated that taping may modify muscle activity through the stimulation of cutaneous afferents and motor unit firing. 4 Despite these claims, proponents of this taping method have not provided a clear physiological mechanism by which tape direction influences muscle contraction. 4 Kinesiology tape applied in a proximal-to-distal direction is purported to facilitate muscle activation while kinesiology tape application from distal-to-proximal inhibits muscle contraction through changes in the “tension elements”. Specific directional taping techniques have been popularized, proposing that the direction of kinesiology tape application alters the activation effect on the underlying muscle(s). 3 The researchers found that overall effects are neglible for facilitation of muscle contraction and strength and the effects were not muscle group dependent. 2 A 2015 meta-analysis by Csapo et al. investigating Kinesio Ⓡ Tape efficacy for muscle activation identified 19 studies (530 subjects) with a variety of comparisions for muscle strength. 2 The authors concluded kinesiology tape has trivial or inconsistent results on pain and range of motion and may have a small role in muscle activation or strength. A 2012 meta-analysis on “Kinesio tape” for the prevention and treatment of sports injuries identified 10 articles that met the inclusion criteria of including a control and reporting musculoskeletal outcome(s). Previous studies have examined the effect of kinesiology tape on muscle activity and strength, with varying results. 1 Despite the current popularity of various brands of kinesiology tape among athletes and rehabilitation practitioners, the specific effects of kinesiology tape are unknown. Kinesiology tape is commonly used as an intervention for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and for performance enhancement.
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