Efectos del kinesiotape sobre el tono y la fuerza muscular. Revisión sistemática

Abstract

The zenith in sports practice has made kinesiotape much more known, which arise thanks the idea of an elastic tape that improves the muscle function without movement limitations.  The studies performed at the moment do not follow standardized methodological criteria and the effectiveness of the technique remains to be determined. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to know the efficacy of the application of kinesiotape on the tone and muscle strength of healthy subjects. Two databases (PEDro and WOS) were searched, initially finding 196 articles. Finally, 10 articles (524 subjects) were included for the analysis of methodological quality by PEDro scale. The average score of these articles in the PEDro scale was 6’4 on 10 points. 30 % of the articles included in this review observed significant effects of KT on the musculature. In the upper limb, the kinesiotape increased the grip strength and strength of the pectoralis major and infraspinatus muscles. No significant results were observed in the trunk. In the lower limb only significant results were obtained in the gastrocnemius muscles. The parameters of application of kinesiotape on the different studies were heterogeneous.  The evidence on the application of kinesiotape in healthy subjects is contradictory and the number of studies with significant effects is limited, therefore more scientific research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of this technique.