Effect of Kinesiotaping on Wrist Kinematics and Functional Performance

Kinesiotape which created by Kenzo Kase in 1976, is a thin and elastic taping material similar to the structural properties and flexibility of human skin without limiting joint movements. In this study, kinesiotape will apply to the wrist extensor and flexor muscles using the functional correction and muscle facilitation techniques. Also placebo taping will apply on the same muscles with same kinesiotape without any stretching or positioning. A total of 4 applications including kinesiotaping and placebo taping will perform randomly in 4 consecutive days.

For each subject; A total of 5 separate evaluations will perform on the first day (without taping) and following 4 consecutive days (flexor carpi ulnaris muscle kinesiotaping, extensor carpi radialis muscle kinesiotaping, flexor carpi ulnaris muscle placebo kinesiotaping, extensor carpi radialis muscle placebo kinesiotaping). Between the taping and evaluation of the subjects will wait for 30 minutes.

There are several studies evaluating wrist movements performed in one plane with different methods. The Dart Throwing Motion (DTM) is the most commonly used wrist pattern in daily life and includes the entire oblique movement from radial extension to ulnar flexion.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of kinesio taping on the kinematics and functional performance of healthy wrist. This study will be prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled and crossover.

We did not find any study including fascia correction kinesiotaping for DTM pattern.

The therapists who works in this area will have an advantage in the rehabilitation programs to know the effects of the muscle facilitation and fascia correction techniques kinesiotaping on wrist kinematics via DTM and wrist functional performance.

Also, we believe that our study will guide different professional groups working on technological rehabilitation with measurement techniques and evaluation methods.

Inclusion criteria

• Signed informed consent form and participated in all stages of the study
• Being in the age range of 18-25
• Being right-handed

Exclusion criteria

• Having physical, mental disability (vision, hearing, etc.) which may affect participation in the study
• Presence of a history of congenital or acquired orthopedic, neurological, or rheumatic disease that may impair joint range and / or function of the hand and wrist
• Having a history of trauma requiring medical, conservative and surgical treatment for the application area in the last 6 months
• Presence of skin lesions (burns, cellulite, vesicles, bulla, pisoriasis, open / closed wound, scar, active infection, malignancy, etc.) in the application area.
• Excessive skin reaction to applications
• The problem of hirsutism to the extent of preventing the kinesiotaping in the application area.
• Dart sports experience as amateur or professional
• To have consumed alcohol, pharmaceutical substance until 24 hours before the evaluation
• Using anabolic substance
• To have theoretical and practical experience in Kinesio taping
• Being obese