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


METHODS
Single-blind paired study.


METHODS
Rehabilitation clinic.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 13 inpatients with post-surgical superficial hematomas.


METHODS
The 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.


METHODS
The change in color intensity of hematomas, measured by means of polar coordinates CIE L*a*b* using a validated and standardized digital images system.


RESULTS
Applying 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).


CONCLUSIONS
The 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.
Unit of Occupational Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation - IRCCS, Veruno (NO), Italy. Electronic address: stefano.vercelli@fsm.it.
Stefano
S
Vercelli
Private Practice, Verbania, Italy.
Claudio
C
Colombo
Private Practice, Oleggio (NO), Italy.
Francesca
F
Tolosa
Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
Andrea
A
Moriondo
School in Advanced Sciences and Technology in Rehabilitation Medicine and Sport, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.
Elisabetta
E
Bravini
Unit of Occupational Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation - IRCCS, Veruno (NO), Italy.
Giorgio
G
Ferriero
Unit of Occupational Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation - IRCCS, Veruno (NO), Italy.
Sartorio
S
Francesco
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D055052:Athletic Tape; D003116:Color; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011312:Pressure; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*
Bruise; Hematoma; Physical therapy; Tape