The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Spasticity: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study in Para-Swimmers

Context : Kinesio Taping (KT) produces several clinical effects, including pain relief, edema absorption, and improved muscle performance. When applied in the insertion to origin mode, it is claimed inhibit excessive contractions. Objective Investigate whether KT mode could reduce exaggerated reflex contraction of spastic muscles. Design Randomized crossover trial, with a restricted block randomization. Setting Clinical laboratory swimming pool. Patients Seven para-swimmers. Intervention KT, inhibitory investigate its effect on knee extensor spasticity. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcome stretch reflex, as compared assessment spasticity by Modified Ashworth Scale self-perceived numeric rating scale. Secondary outcomes were Medical Research Council for strength muscles chronometric performance 100-m freestyle. Results significantly decreased amplitude ( P < .001), whereas placebo treatment produced no significant effects. Scores did not change after scale scores = .001). The was baseline .01). Conclusions This exploratory study performed para-athletes suggests that has 3-fold implications clinical, rehabilitation, sport methods.