The effect of Kinesio Taping on maximal grip force and key pinch force

IntroductionKinesio Taping method is used to achieve various therapeutic effects such as circulation improvement, subcutaneous lymphatic drainage, muscle facilitation or inhibition, fascia correction, and mechanical correction. According to its founder, the effects of KinesioTex tape on the body will differ depending on how and where such tape is placed.AimTo evaluate whether Kinesio Taping can increase maximal grip force and maximal key pinch force for healthy non-athletic subjects after 30 min and 1 h following the application.Materials and methodsIn total, 54 healthy subjects participated in this study. Both hands were used in the research. Special Kinesio Taping technique was applied to 32 hands (Kinesio Taping group), and placebo taping to 22 hands (placebo group); no taping technique was applied to 54 hands (control group). A dynamometer was employed for grip force, and a manometer for key pinch force measurements. The chosen level of significance was p<0.05. The power of the study was calculated. In the case of β≤0.2, the difference was statistically significant.Results and discussionIn the Kinesio Taping group no changes in maximal key pinch force after 30 min were observed; however, 1 h following the application maximal key pinch force increased (p<0.05, β=0.3); maximal grip force increased both after 30 min (p<0.05, β=0.2) and 1 h following the application (p<0.05, β<0.2). No changes in the measured forces were observed in the placebo and control groups (p>0.05).ConclusionsThe Kinesio Taping technique did not result in changes to maximal key pinch force after 30 min, but increased maximal key pinch force after 1 h and maximal grip force after 30 min and 1 h following such application.