Placebo Effect of Immediate Kinesio Taping on Upper Extremity Performance in Healthy Adults

This study is a single-blind, three-arm randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the immediate effects of Kinesio Taping on upper extremity motor performance and perceived function in healthy adults and to compare therapeutic Kinesio Taping with sham Kinesio Taping and a no-intervention control condition.. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: therapeutic Kinesio Taping applied with tension, sham Kinesio Taping applied without tension, or a no-intervention control condition.

The intervention targets the wrist extensor musculature of the dominant upper extremity. Both taping conditions follow the same application procedure and positioning, differing only in the level of tension to isolate the mechanical versus perceptual effects of the tape. The control group follows the same testing timeline without receiving any intervention.

Outcome measures are collected at baseline and immediately after a standardized 20-minute waiting period. Objective measures include maximal grip strength, typing performance, choice reaction time, and manual dexterity. Subjective measures include perceived performance, task ease, comfort, and global rating of change.

The study is conducted in a controlled and standardized testing environment with consistent equipment, procedures, and instructions across participants. This design enables comparison of both objective upper extremity motor performance and patient-reported outcomes among the therapeutic Kinesio Taping, sham Kinesio Taping, and no-intervention control groups.

Inclusion criteria

• Being healthy adult between 18-40 years
• No current pain or injury in the dominant upper extremity
• No history of chronic musculoskeletal conditions affecting the upper extremity
• Ability to read, understand, and provide informed consent
• Regular use of a standard keyboard and mouse, with a minimum self-reported typing frequency of ≥5 hours per week, ensuring familiarity with digital typing tasks and adequate baseline fine motor coordination.

Exclusion criteria

• Respiratory, neurological, or cardiovascular disorders
• History of surgery or fracture in the dominant upper extremity within the last six months
• Known allergy or skin sensitivity to adhesives or Kinesio Tape materials
• Current use of medications affecting physical performance or sensation
• Participation in ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Diagnosed cognitive impairment or visual deficits that could affect typing or reaction-time performance
• Engagement in high-level upper extremity sports (>10 hours/week) that could bias grip or typing performance