The Immediate Effect of Kinesio Tape on Hamstring Muscle Length in Female Students of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University

Abstract

Background: The hamstring muscle is an important muscle that affects the performance of almost all activities of daily living. Since this muscle is a large one that crosses two major joints (the hip and knee joint), it is more susceptible to losing its extensibility. Individuals who spend a long time in a sitting position, such as students or desk office workers, are predisposed to develop tightness in the hamstring muscle. There is no agreement on a standard protocol for the treatment of hamstring tightness. Kinesio taping is one of the options for treatment of the hamstring muscle and is considered a safe, passive, and non-painful intervention. If proven to be effective, it may help individuals with hamstring tightness, especially those with poor compliance and poor tolerance of painful stretching exercises. The purpose of the study: The objectives of the present study are to investigate the immediate effects of Kinesio taping on hamstring muscle extensibility and quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength. Procedure and methodology: Ninety-six students with hamstring tightness were recruited from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University to participate in this prospective experimental study. All participants were assigned randomly to either a Kinesio tape group, sham tape group, or control group. The hamstring muscle length measurement was done by using the active knee extension test, and the strength measurement for the hamstring and quadriceps muscles was done using a handheld dynamometer. The outcome measurements were taken at baseline and 15 minutes after the intervention. Result: A significant effect of Kinesio tape on hamstring muscle extensibility in Kinesio tape group (p= 0.001) and the sham tape group (p=0.004). A significant difference in hamstring extensibility was found in the Kinesio tape group compared with the sham tape group and control group in favor of Kinesio tape. No significant effect on hamstring or quadriceps muscle strength in all groups. Conclusion: There is an immediate significant improvement in hamstring muscle extensibility after Kinesio tape application, which is considered of clinical importance in the treatment of hamstring muscle tightness.