title: Kinesiologic taping and muscular activity: a myofascial hypothesis and a randomised, blinded trial on healthy individuals.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  During recent years scientific research has demonstrated a growing interest in elastic and anaelastics adhesive taping techniques. However, only a few studies investigating the principles behind the effects of taping. At present, the action mechanisms of kinesiology taping remain speculative.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effects of taping application on the tone of the pectoralis major muscle at rest, in absence of any relevant pathologies.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study involved a prospective, randomised and blinded clinical trial on healthy individuals and a repeated measures study design. Two different taping techniques (facilitatory and inhibitory) were applied over the pectoralis major of 24 healthy volunteers. The outcome measure was passive range of motion of external rotation of the glenohumeral joint.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Facilitatory taping significatively enhanced the activity of the underlying muscle. Results showed a negative correlation between facilitatory taping application and the contralateral pectoralis major length, indicating a possible effect on the muscle tone of areas outside the site of direct application. The inhibitory taping application did not produce significant results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  effects on ipsilateral and contralateral muscle physiology could be interpreted through the initial hypothesis of taping inducing changes in fascial stiffness. These could be transmitted along the continuing system. Further studies are needed to inform the possible uses of taping in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Padua University, Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gusella
authors.affiliation: ASSFER Formazione e Ricerca, Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: Marcello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bettuolo
authors.affiliation: British School of Osteopathy, London, UK. Electronic address: fracontie@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Contiero
authors.affiliation: Padua University, Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Volpe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055052:Athletic Tape; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009142:Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; D010369:Pectoralis Muscles; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Fascia; Kinesiology taping; Muscle activity; Muscle tone; Myofascia; Tape; Taping