The effects of kinesio taping on the color intensity of superficial skin hematomas: A pilot study

• Effects of KT on color intensity of superficial hematomas were analyzed.
• A significant color improvement along the edges of the tape was observed.
• The effects were not dependent on the formation of skin convolutions caused by the KT.

ObjectivesTo analyze the effects of kinesio taping (KT) -applied with three different strains that induced or not the formation of skin creases (called convolutions)- on color intensity of post-surgical superficial hematomas.DesignSingle-blind paired study.SettingRehabilitation clinic.ParticipantsA convenience sample of 13 inpatients with post-surgical superficial hematomas.InterventionsThe tape was applied for 24 consecutive hours. Three tails of KT were randomly applied with different degrees of strain: none (SN); light (SL); and full longitudinal stretch (SF). We expected to obtain correct formation of convolutions with SL, some convolutions with SN, and no convolutions with SF.Main outcome measuresThe change in color intensity of hematomas, measured by means of polar coordinates CIE L*a*b* using a validated and standardized digital images system.ResultsApplying KT to hematomas did not significantly change the color intensity in the central area under the tape (p > 0.05). There was a significant treatment effect (p < 0.05) under the edges of the tape, independently of the formation of convolutions (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe changes observed along the edges of the tape could be related to the formation of a pressure gradient between the KT and the adjacent area, but were not dependent on the formation of skin convolutions.