Electromyographic comparison of vastus medialis obliquus facilitatory versus vastus lateralis inhibitory kinesio taping in athletes with patellofemoral pain: A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundPatellofemoral pain (PFP) is among the most common orthopedic complications afflicting active young people. Diminished coordination of the vastii, delayed activation of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), and decreased VMO-to-vastus lateralis (VL) activity ratio are well documented as underlying causes of PFP. This study compares the effects of VMO facilitatory kinesio tape (KT) versus VL inhibitory KT on electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastii, balance, and pain in athletes with PFP.MethodsIn this single-blind randomized clinical trial, thirty-two female athletes with PFP (mean age 26.33 ± 5.93 years) were randomly assigned to VMO facilitatory KT (n = 16) or VL inhibitory KT (n = 16) groups. In the facilitatory group, a Y-shaped strip of KT at 25% of its available tension was attached from the origin of the VMO to its insertion and in the inhibitory group, an insertion-to-origin Y-shaped strip of KT at 15% of its available tension was applied on the VL. Pain intensity, dynamic balance, and EMG data were assessed respectively with a visual analogue scale, the modified Star Excursion Balance Test, and an EMG telemetry system, before and immediately after KT application.ResultsPain intensity decreased and dynamic balance improved significantly after taping in both groups, and VMO: VL activity ratio increased significantly in the VL group. However, none of the parameters differed significantly between groups.ConclusionsBoth VMO facilitatory and VL inhibitory KT can improve pain and balance, while the inhibitory technique might be more effective in regulating the VMO to VL activity ratio in athletes with PFP.     

Effects of Kinesio tape application to trunk isokinetic strength in female participants

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to analyse the effects of KT on trunk strength with respect to different angular speeds when applied to the trunks of healthy women. Forty healthy female participants were randomly distributed into two groups: the placebo group (PG) in which placebo KT was applied and the experimental group (EG). Participants’ trunk concentric flexion and extension muscle strength were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer in two different angular speeds (60°/s ? 180°/s). In both PG and EG groups, there was no significant difference measured immediately after taping at the two angular speed values. In the measurements taken 48 h later, as regards PG trunk flexion, extension muscle strength increased significantly (p = 0.0001) at 60°/sc. angular speed while, for the EG only, the strength of trunk extension muscle increased significantly (p = 0.002). It was observed, that to ensure an increase in strength, waiting for a certain length of time was required. Lower angular speeds and short-term applied KT improved the strength of the trunk extension muscle.     

The immediate effects of Kinesio Taping on running biomechanics,muscle activity,and perceived changes in comfort,stability and running performance in healthy runners,and the implications to the management of Iliotibial band syndrome

BackgroundKinesio Taping is frequently used in the management of lower limb injuries, and has been shown to improve pain, function, and running performance. However, little is known about the effects of Kinesio Taping on running biomechanics, muscle activity, and perceived benefits.Research questionThis study aimed to explore the immediate effects of Kinesio Taping on lower limb kinematics, joint moments, and muscle activity, as well as perceived comfort, knee joint stability, and running performance in healthy runners.MethodsTwenty healthy participants ran at a self-selected pace along a 20-metre runway under three conditions; no tape (NT), Kinesio Tape with tension (KTT), and Kinesio tape without tension (KTNT). Comparisons of peak hip, knee angles and moments, and EMG were analysed during the stance phase of running.ResultsKTT exhibited significant increases in peak hip flexion, peak hip abduction and hip external rotation compared to NT. Moreover, the KTT condition showed a trend towards a decrease in peak hip internal rotation and adduction angle compared to the NT condition. EMG results showed that Tensor Fascia Latae activity decreased with KTT compared with NT, and Gluteus Maximus activity reduced with KTNT when compared with NT. Ten of the 20 participants indicated important improvements in the comfort score, six participants in the knee stability score, and seven participants in the running performance score when using KTT.SignificanceThese results suggest that changes in running biomechanics previously associated with ITBS can be improved with the application of kinesio tape, with the greatest effect seen with the application of kinesio tape with tension. Perceived improvements were seen in comfort, stability and running performance, however these benefits were only seen in half the participants. Further work is required to explore the biomechanical effects and perceived benefits in different patient groups.     

Comparison between the retropubic and transobturator approaches in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness and complications

Objective

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and complications between the retropubic and transobturator approaches for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by conducting a systematic review.

Materials and Methods

We selected all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared retropubic and transobturator sling placements for treatment of SUI. We estimated pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for intraoperative and postoperative outcomes and complications.

Results

Six hundred twelve studies that compared retropubic and transobturator approaches to midurethral sling placement were identified, of which 16 were included in our research. Our study was based on results from 2646 women. We performed a subgroup analysis to compare outcomes and complications between the two approaches. The evidence to support the superior approach that leads to better objective/subjective cure rate was insufficient. The transobturator approach was associated with lower risks of bladder perforation (odds ratio (OR) 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09-0.32), retropubic/vaginal hematoma (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.16-0.63), and long-term voiding dysfunction (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.17-0.61). However, the risk of thigh/groin pain seemed higher in the transobturator group (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.72-3.72). We found no statistically significant differences in the risks of other complications between the two approaches.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis shows analogical objective and subjective cure rates between the retropubic and transobturator approaches to midurethral sling placement. The transobturator approach was associated with lower risks of several complications. However, good-quality studies with long-term follow-ups are warranted for further research.     

双股丝线缝合Nice结固定联合弹性敷贴牵张治疗皮肤软组织缺损

目的探讨双股丝线缝合Nice结固定联合弹性敷贴牵张治疗皮肤软组织缺损的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2017年8月至2019年4月采用双股丝线缝合Nice结固定联合弹性敷贴牵张治疗的皮肤软组织缺损患者23例,男10例,女13例;年龄(36.5±5.3)岁(范围26~76岁)。缺损大小(60±5.3)cm2(28~96 cm2)。于局麻下对创面进行彻底清创,双股丝线缝合,Nice结固定,创面外用弹性敷贴牵拉固定,每隔3 d换药时进行创面收缩。通过观察和记录创面的愈合级别、愈合率、愈合时间、术后瘢痕温哥华瘢痕量表(Vancouver Scar Scale,VSS)评分评估双股丝线缝合Nice结固定联合弹性敷贴牵张治疗皮肤软组织缺损的疗效。结果手术均在清创室内顺利完成,手术时间(42±10.5)min(范围30~50 min),术中出血量(30±2.5)ml(范围20~60 ml),手术费用(180±11.5)元人民币(范围160~240元人民币)。3例失随访,20例患者得到随访,随访时间(4±2.5)个月(范围3~6个月)。23例患者手术后创面愈合率50%±3.5%(范围40%~56%),20例随访患者术后第3天创面愈合率65%±4.3%(范围53%~75%),术后第6天创面愈合率74%±4.5%(范围65%~80%),术后第9天创面愈合率83%±1.8%(范围76%~85%),术后第12天创面愈合率90%±1.6%(范围84%~95%),术后第15天创面愈合率95%±3.5%(范围94%~98%)。术后随访第42天时20患者创面完全愈合,愈合率100%。创面甲、乙级愈合率95%(19/20),瘢痕VSS评分为4(3,6)分,创面瘢痕优良率80%(16/20)。2例于术后第10天由于缝线切割出现线结部分脱落,二次以Nice结缝合固定。1例感染未完全控制,在线结上覆盖负压封闭引流材料,治疗1周后局部感染控制,再次以Nice结收缩创面至创面愈合。结论双股丝线缝合Nice结固定联合弹性敷贴牵张治疗皮肤软组织缺损具有手术操作简便、手术条件要求低、手术时间短、出血少、费用低、创面愈合级别及愈合率高的优势,适合基层医院应用及推广。     

Biomechanical performance of powder-free examination gloves

Biomechanical performance studies were undertaken for powder-free, latex and nitrile examination gloves. Using standardized tests, examination glove performance was judged by measuring glove thickness, glove puncture force, glove tape adhesion force, glove donning force, glove stiffness, and immediate unrecovered stretch. Even though the nitrile examination gloves were thinner than the latex examination gloves, they exhibited a greater puncture resistance. In addition, tape adherence to the N-Dex nitrile glove was the lowest. Moreover, measurements of the handling characteristics of the nitrile examination gloves demonstrated that they are an acceptable alternative to latex examination gloves. While these biomechanical studies demonstrate the superiority of the nitrile examination gloves, clinical glove evaluation is still needed to determine their performance in the health care setting.     

TEMPORAL PATTERN OF KINESIOLOGY TAPE EFFICACY ON HAMSTRING EXTENSIBILITY

Background

Kinesiology tape has been advocated as a means of improving muscle flexibility, a potential modifiable risk factor for injury, over time. The epidemiology and etiology of hamstring injuries in sport have been well documented.

Purpose

To compare the temporal pattern of efficacy of kinesiology tape and traditional stretching techniques on hamstring extensibility over a five day period.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Thirty recreationally active male participants (Mean ± SD: age 20.0 ± 1.55 years; height 179.3 ± 4.94 cm; mass 76.9 ± 7.57 kg) completed an active knee extension assessment (of the dominant leg) as a measure of hamstring extensibility. Three experimental interventions were applied in randomized order: Kinesiology tape (KT), static stretch (SS), proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Measures were taken at baseline, +1min, + 30mins, + 3days and +5days days after each intervention. The temporal pattern of change in active knee extension was modelled as a range of regression polynomials for each intervention, quantified as the regression coefficient.

Results

Hamstring ROM with KT application at +3days was significantly greater than baseline (129.18 ± 15.46%, p = 0.01), SS (106.99 ± 9.84%, p = 0.03) and PNF (107.42 ± 136.13%, p = 0.03) interventions. The temporal pattern of changes in ROM for SS and PNF were best modelled by a negative linear function, although the strength of the correlation was weak in each case. In contrast, the KT data was optimised using a quadratic polynomial function (r² = 0.60), which yielded an optimum time of 2.76 days, eliciting a predicted ROM of 129.6% relative to baseline.

Conclusion

Each intervention displayed a unique temporal pattern of changes in active knee extension. SS was best suited to immediate improvements, and PNF to +30 minutes in hamstring extensibility, whereas kinesiology tape offered advantages over a longer duration, peaking at 2.76 days. These findings have implications for the choice of intervention, timing and duration to assist clinicians in both a sporting and clinical context.

Level of evidence

2c     

Kinesio Taping? is not better than placebo in reducing pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Background:

Kinesio Taping ^® has been widely used in clinical practice. However, it is unknown whether this type of tape is more effective than placebo taping in patients with chronic lower back pain.

Objective:

To compare the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping ^® in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain against a placebo tape and a control group.

Method:

This is a 3-arm, randomized controlled trial with a blinded assessor. Sixty patients with chronic non-specific low back pain were randomized into one of the three groups: Kinesio Taping ^® group (n=20), Micropore^® (placebo) group (n=20) and control group (n=20). Patients allocated to both the Kinesio Taping ^® group and the placebo group used the different types of tape for a period of 48 hours. The control group did not receive any intervention. The outcomes measured were pain intensity (measured by an 11-point numerical rating scale) and disability (measured by the 24-item Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire). A blinded assessor measured the outcomes at baseline, 48 hours and 7 days after randomization.

Results:

After 48 hours, there was a statistically significant difference between the Kinesio Taping ^® group versus the control group (mean between-group difference = -3.1 points, 95% CI=-5.2 to -1.1, p=0.003), but no difference when compared to the placebo group (mean between-group difference= 1.9 points, 95% CI=-0.2 to 3.9, p=0.08). For the other outcomes no differences were observed.

Conclusions:

The Kinesio Taping ^® is not better than placebo (Micropore^®) in patients with chronic low back pain.