title: Comparison of the mechanical properties of therapeutic elastic tapes used in sports and clinical practice.
abstract: METHODS
  Cross-sectional laboratory study.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of different therapeutic elastic tapes used in sports and clinical practice.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Therapeutic tapes have been used since around the 1800s. They are composed of cotton, elastic filaments and adhesive glue that provides an effect of tactile and mechanical stimulation. However, as taping has evolved, manufacturers have implemented new materials and claim that the tensile properties and adhesion of tapes contribute more significantly in the rehabilitation process.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty samples of elastic tapes (5 different manufacturers; 10 samples from each manufacturer) were submitted to longitudinal traction until rupture as well as surface adherence assays. Information was recorded on maximum deformation, maximum load, maximum tension and relative stiffness.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In tensile testing the bandages brand Kinesio Tex Gold - FP®showed higher rates, 3 in 4 properties. During surface adherence tests on the therapeutic elastic tapes the brand Premium Kinesiology 3 NS Tex®showed higher rates, 3 in 4 properties analyzed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tapes from different manufacturers exhibit different characteristics regarding traction and adherence mechanics. Knowledge of these characteristics is fundamental for the optimized use of each tape based on specific therapeutic needs.
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil; Sciences and Technology in Health PhD Program, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil. Electronic address: jpcmatheus@unb.br.
authors.forename: Joao Paulo Chieregato
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Matheus
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil. Electronic address: rafaelzile@msn.com.
authors.forename: Rafael Ribeiro
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Zille
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil. Electronic address: lianagomide@unb.br.
authors.forename: Liana Barbaresco
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Gomide Matheus
authors.affiliation: Sciences and Technology in Health PhD Program, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil. Electronic address: tvlemos@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Thiago Vilela
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Lemos
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil. Electronic address: rodrigocarregaro@unb.br.
authors.forename: Rodrigo Luiz
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Carregaro
authors.affiliation: University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: ashimano@fmrp.usp.br.
authors.forename: Antônio Carlos
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Shimano
mesh_terms: D055052:Athletic Tape; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D013178:Sports Medicine; D013718:Tensile Strength
keywords: Athletic tape; Mechanical processes