Kinesio Tape for Athletes
Kinesio Tape for Athletes: A big help, or just a trend?
Student Name: Yung Sze Pak
Student ID: 14024623D
Institute of Textiles and Clothing
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
14024623D@connect.polyu.hk
Introduction
They've been hard to miss at this year's Olympic Games: Strips of brightly colored tape adorning the arms, legs, and torsos of many top athletes. Many athletes believe it has medical benefits. But does it give a big help to Athletes, or just a fashion trend?
The Kinesio tape is one kind of textile and fabric product similar to gauze and bandage. It was invented by Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase in the 1970s. The U.K. web site for Kinesio tape claims it can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, relax muscles, enhance performance, and help with rehabilitation as well as supporting muscles during a sporting event.
-Evidence Lacking
There has not been conclusive scientific or medical evidence to confirm the effectiveness of the tape. A review of evidence from 10 research papers for Kinesio tape to treat and prevent sports injuries was published in the journal Sports Medicine in February.
No clinically important results were found to support the tape's use for pain relief.
There were inconsistent range-of-motion results.
Seven outcomes relating to strength were beneficial.
The tape had some substantial effects on muscle activity, but it was not clear whether these changes were beneficial or harmful.
The study concluded there was little quality evidence to support the use of Kinesio tape over other types of elastic taping to manage or prevent sports injuries.
Some experts have suggested there may be a placebo effect in using the tape, with athletes believing it will be helpful.
-Experts Skeptical
"The jury is still out on the hard and fast science of it," says John Brewer, head of sport and exercise sciences and director of sport at the University of Bedfordshire in the U.K.
He finds it difficult to understand how the tape can help: "When we
Student Name: Yung Sze Pak
Student ID: 14024623D
Institute of Textiles and Clothing
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
14024623D@connect.polyu.hk
Introduction
They've been hard to miss at this year's Olympic Games: Strips of brightly colored tape adorning the arms, legs, and torsos of many top athletes. Many athletes believe it has medical benefits. But does it give a big help to Athletes, or just a fashion trend?
The Kinesio tape is one kind of textile and fabric product similar to gauze and bandage. It was invented by Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase in the 1970s. The U.K. web site for Kinesio tape claims it can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, relax muscles, enhance performance, and help with rehabilitation as well as supporting muscles during a sporting event.
-Evidence Lacking
There has not been conclusive scientific or medical evidence to confirm the effectiveness of the tape. A review of evidence from 10 research papers for Kinesio tape to treat and prevent sports injuries was published in the journal Sports Medicine in February.
No clinically important results were found to support the tape's use for pain relief.
There were inconsistent range-of-motion results.
Seven outcomes relating to strength were beneficial.
The tape had some substantial effects on muscle activity, but it was not clear whether these changes were beneficial or harmful.
The study concluded there was little quality evidence to support the use of Kinesio tape over other types of elastic taping to manage or prevent sports injuries.
Some experts have suggested there may be a placebo effect in using the tape, with athletes believing it will be helpful.
-Experts Skeptical
"The jury is still out on the hard and fast science of it," says John Brewer, head of sport and exercise sciences and director of sport at the University of Bedfordshire in the U.K.
He finds it difficult to understand how the tape can help: "When we