Immediate and short-term effects of 35% tension Kinesio taping on handgrip strength in healthy females

Introduction. Kinesio taping is one of the commonly used treatment modalities in rehabilitation. When applied appropriately, it may improve muscle strength and performance. This study aimed to determine the immediate and short-term effect of 35% tension Kinesio taping on handgrip strength in healthy females. Methods. Overall, 60 healthy female subjects aged 19-30 years were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the tension Kinesio taping group, who received taping with 35% tension, and the control group, who received the same taping technique but with no tension. A hand-held dynamometer was used to measure handgrip strength in all participants. The measurements were taken before taping, as well as at 30 minutes and 24 and 48 hours of taping. Results. Handgrip strength significantly improved in both groups after taping (p < 0.05). Comparing with the control group, the tension Kinesio taping group demonstrated more significant results at 30 minutes and 24 and 48 hours (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Taping with 35% tension produces an immediate and short-term increase in handgrip strength in healthy females.