During recent years scientific research has demonstrated a growing interest in elastic and anaelastic adhesive taping techniques. However, there are only a few studies investigating the principles behind the effects of taping.
A recent study’s objectives were to investigate the effects of taping application on the tone of the pectoralis major muscle at rest, in absence of any relevant pathologies.
The study involved a prospective, randomised and blinded clinical trial on healthy individuals and a repeated measures study design. Two different taping techniques (facilitatory and inhibitory) were applied over the pectoralis major of 24 healthy volunteers. The outcome measure was passive range of motion of external rotation of the glenohumeral joint.
The study* reported that facilitatory taping significantly enhanced the activity of the underlying muscle. Results showed a negative correlation between facilitatory taping application and the contralateral pectoralis major length, indicating a possible effect on the muscle tone of areas outside the site of direct application. The inhibitory taping application did not produce significant results.
This study was designed and carried out as a final research project at the Bachelor of Science degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Padua, Italy, and was reported in the Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies (2014) 18, 405e411
* Kinesiologic taping and muscular activity: A myofascial hypothesis and a randomised, blinded trial on healthy individuals, Alberto Gusella, BSc in Physiotherapy a, Marcello Bettuolo, BSc in Physiotherapy b, Francesco Contiero, BSc in Physiotherapy DipHE c, Giovanni Volpe, BSc in Physiotherapy a a Padua University, Padua, Italy b ASSFER Formazione e Ricerca, Padua, Italy c British School of Osteopathy, London, UK
Make sure your skin is clean and free of lotions or cream. You may wish to shave excess hair from the area to be taped.
Cut 3 strips of tape 7 squares long (use the backing as your guide).
Cut one piece in half. Round all ends to ensure stability of the ends. This improves adhesion and reduces fraying.
Step 2
Take one of the long strips and tear the backing tape approximately one square from the end. Taking care not to touch the adhesive, fold back the backing on both torn edges.
Remove the backing from the end.
With the knee bent at 90˚, apply the exposed end of the tape on the inside of the leg, below the knee, ensuring there is no stretch at all.
Step 3
Gently rub this end of the tape to ensure it is fixed.
Stretch the tape to approximately 50% and follow the OUTER edge of the knee cap, removing the backing and laying the tape, smoothing it upwards with your thumb.
When you reach the last square of tape, fix it to the skin with no stretch at all.
Now gently rub the applied tape to secure it.
Step 4
Take the second long tape and, as before, tear the tape one square from the end, and fold back both ends of the tear.
Beginning approximately 2/3 of the way up the inside part of the thigh, apply the first part of the tape with no stretch.
Using 50% stretch apply the tape to the muscle, bringing the tape around the inside of the knee cap, crossing the first tape in the centre immediately below the knee cap.
Lay the last square of tape without stretch.
Step 5
Take one of the short strips, 3 1/2 squares
Step 6
Tear the backing in the middle of the short strip.
Fold back the tear.
Gently stretch the tape to 75% and apply immediately below the knee cap where the vee forms with the long strips.
Apply the ends with no stretch.
Rub the tape to allow it to fix.
Step 7
Take the second short strip and repeat the process, this time placing the tape immediately above the kneecap.
Complete taping by rubbing all tape gently to enhance adhesive.
Do not remove the tape. Simply allow it to come off over time, trimming the ends as it peels.
