The Kinesio Taping® does not affect vascular function and morphology in healthy subjects

A pilot study

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this pilot study is to describe the use of the Kinesio Taping® (KT) method for the upper extremity on vascular function and morphology in healthy subjects. Methods. Experimental trial in six participants. Vascular measurements were performed by high-resolution plethysmography (arterial compliance, arterial elastic, beta index, pulse wave, arterial systolic and diastolic diameter, systolic and diastolic flow, systole/diastole index, resistance and pulsatility index) in the upper extremity, baseline and post-exercise with and without KT. Results. The average age of participants was 21.11 ± 1.02 years (range 18 to 23 years). Changes were observed with statistical significance in diastolic flow, systole/diastole, index resistance and pulsatility index in the upper extremity with KT between the baseline values and post exercise, p < 0.01. Also in the upper extremity control, between the baseline values and post exercise without KT, in the systolic/diastolic index, index resistance and diastolic flow p < 0.01. There were no differences in the others components. Conclusion. The findings of this study indicate that KT does not affect vascular system in healthy subjects. The timing or intensity between the physiological processes that determine the vascular morphology and physiology are altered by other mechanisms.