Kinesio Taping® does not alter neuromuscular performance of femoral quadriceps or lower limb function in healthy subjects: Randomized, blind, controlled, clinical trial

The aim of this study was to analyze the immediate effects of applying Kinesio Taping (R) (KT) on the neuromuscular performance of femoral quadriceps, postural balance and lower limb function in healthy subjects. This is a randomized, blind, controlled, clinical trial, where sixty female volunteers (age: 23.3 +/- 2.5 years; BMI: 22.2 +/- 2.1 kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned to three groups of 20 subjects each: control (10 min at rest); nonelastic adhesive tape (application over the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles); and KT (KT application over the same muscles). All individuals were assessed for single and triple hops, postural balance (by baropodometry), peak concentric and eccentric torque and electromyographic activity of vastus lateralis, before and after interventions. No significant differences in electromyographic activity of the VL or concentric and eccentric knee peak torque were recorded, between groups and initial and final assessment in any of the three groups. We also observed no significant alteration in single and triple-hop distance and one-footed static balance between the three groups. Application of KT to RF, VL and VM muscles did not significantly change lower limb function, postural balance, knee extensor peak torque or electromyographic activity of VL muscle in healthy women. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.