I f you have ever treated runners, having them stop or modify activity during rehabilitation is nearly impossible. As someone who specializes in the treatment of endurance athletes. 1 am always looking for an edge to return them to activity as soon as possible. One treatment modality that stands out above all others to help accomplish an early return to sport is kincsiology tape. Research on the effectiveness of kinesiol-ogytape Many studies on the use of kinesiology tape have been conducted in the past 5 to 10 years. I~ 11 focus on those with determined treatment efficacy for treating common injuries sustained by runners. Kinesiology tape and runner's knee In a study published in 2008 by Chen1 et al. at China Medical University, fifteen women with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS. or runner's knee) were studied when ascending and descending stairs with kincsiology tape, nonclastic athletic tape as a placebo, and no tape at all. The actuation of the quadriceps muscles (something which can be altered in cases of PFPS) and the impact when descending the steps were measured and compared, both between the taping conditions and with a group often healthy women who also did the stair-stepping test with kinesiology tape, regular athletic tape, and no tape. Researchers found that the tape group had decreased impact force when descending stairs versus no tape and altered muscle activation patterns to be more in line with those of healthy individuals. This is a big score for runners as they rehabilitate their injuries. Kinesiology tape versus traditional patella taping Another relevant study by Cowan et al. in 2002 examined ten women and compared a traditional patellar taping (using nonclastic athletic tape) with a very loosely applied placebo taping.2 The results were similar with a statistically notable change in quadriceps muscle activation, which is associated with PFPS. The similar results of Chen et al. and Cowan ct al. help us determine that taping the patella can be beneficial for athletes who arc experiencing pain and dysfunction in the joint. A 2010 study by Souza et al.' noted that medial femur rotation appears more significant in athletes with PFPS than any displacement of the patella. Thus, trying to stabilize the patella with stiff tape is probably less beneficial than using the kincsiology tape for neurosensory input into the joint and to facilitate the surrounding musculature. New research is illuminating the role of nerve endings in the skin transmitting information to the brain about the position of your joints. For example, it's easier to discern the position of your knee in space (proprioception) with less brain activity with tape on the knee versus without tape." The benefit of kincsiology taping may be related to the stimulation of the skin rather than any special mechanical effect. Summing up the research Kincsiology tape is simple to use and lias virtually no side effects except for possible allergy or skin irritation for a small percentage of athletes. Unlike traditional taping, which is usually only applied prior to activity, patients can benefit from the tape for three to five days. Athletes can stretch, ice. swim. shower, foam roll, or massage right over an application of kinesiology tape because it's so thin and flexible. Kinesiology tape should never be used as a stand-alone therapy, but in conjunction with manual therapy, corrective exercise, and progressive resistance exercise. Kinesiology tape acts as an ancillary treatment that takes strain off a sore area, facilitates better movement, and helps speed recovery from an injury. References: 1. Chen, P.; Hong, II'.; Lin, C; Chen, \V. In Biomechanical effects ofKinesio taping for persons with patellofemoral pain syndrome during stair climbing, 4th Kuala Lumpur International ("onference on Biomedical Engineering, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Magjaivvic, R., Xahel,./., lids. Springer: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2008; pp 395-397. Cowan, S. A/.; Bennell, K. L.; Hodges, P. 11'., Therapeutic Patellar Taping Changes the Timing ofl'asti Muscle Activation in People With Patellofemoral Pain Syndmme. (^linical Journal of Sports A ledicine 2002, ~12, 339-347. Souza, R.; Draper, C; Fn'dericson, A/.; Powers, C, Femur Rota lion and Patellofemoral Joint Kinematics: A Weight Bearing Mag netic Resonance Imaging Analysis. Journal of Orthopaedics & Sports Physical 'Therapy 2010, 40, 277-285. Williams, S.; Whatman, C; Hume, P.; Sheerin, A'., Kinesio taping in treatment and ptvvention of spoils injuries: a meta-analysis of the evidence for its effectiveness. Sports Medicine 2012, 42 (2), 153-164. Callaghan, M.; McKie, S.; Richanlson, P.; Oldham, J.; Effects of patellar taping on brain activity during knee joint pmpriweptive tests using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Physical Therapy 2012, 92(6) 821-30. EdLe Cara, DC, PhD, ATC, CSCS is board certified in spoils medicine and tvhahilitation. He is a cliiiv-praclic clinician, educator and on the medical advisory boatxi for Rocktape. He provides live and online educa- lion for■movement professionals atwww.Healthandll'ellnessPmvid-ers.com. To contact him, email at drlecara'ctSportsPlusBayArea. com or follow on Twitter: (ddrlecara. He hosts a monthly webinar demonstrating differvnt taping applications and answers questions. Look on Google Hangouts under 'Basics of Kinesiology Taping' for his next event.
