The Effect of the Inhibition Technique of the Kinesio Taping on the Triceps Surae Muscle after an Isokinetic Fatigue Protocol

Over the last three decades, the uses of elastic adhesive taping methods have gained in popularity especially during the Olympic competitions in 2008 [1-3]. After lot of research and experimentations, Dr Kenzo Kase [4] pioneered the introduction of the Kinesio Taping (KT) in Japan in the late 1970s, as a new form of applying the adhesive tape. The tape is made of a polymer elastic and adhesive strand wrapped by 100 % cotton fibers which can be stretched up to 140% of its original and resting length. So by applying this elastic tape we may achieve a less constraining mechanism in comparison with more rigid conventional tape. The above-mentioned tape has approximately the same thickness as the human skin epidermis [4]. As for its biomechanical effects, Taping has been recognized for its ability to lift the skin from the underlying fascia and soft tissue, which results in an increasing in blood circulation and enhances the lymphatic flow, hence leading to an increased oxygen allotment to the muscles and a noticeable attenuation of any inflammation [4]. On the one hand, medical doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapist chiropractors and certified athletic trainers have been using the elastic taping in their clinical practice when treating orthopedic and sport injuries, yet, limited research with contradictory results has been conducted to evaluate the real effectiveness and mechanism of the taping applications [2,5,6].