Effect of Kinesio Taping Application on Exercise-induced Muscle Damage: A Mini Review

Abstract

OBJECTIVES This study was performed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of kinesio taping on exercise-induced muscle damage and provide guidelines for field application. METHODS To review the literature, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library using keywords including “kinesio taping,” “exercise-induced muscle damage,” “eccentric muscle contraction,” “delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).” RESULTS Previous studies have shown that kinesio taping effectively reduces exercise-induced muscle damage (particularly DOMS). The ‘convolutions’ characteristics of kinesio taping are assumed to be the primary contributor to these results. Some mechanical or neurological mechanism may also exert a substantial effect. For field applications, the application period, tension, and type of KT interventions should be considered. CONCLUSIONS Kinesio taping may be a useful tool to promote recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Some aspects of kinesio-taping and its therapeutic mechanisms require further study.

Keywords

• delayed-onset muscle soreness
• eccentric muscle contraction
• kinesio taping
• muscle damage
• recovery