Category: Kinesiology

According to the most recent figures from the Office de la protection du consommateur, Quebec has no less than 727 fitness centers on its territory.

They have thousands of subscribers, overbook and fuel the obsession with thinness and the perfect physique. But fitness centers offer- do they really have a healthy approach?

At certain times of the year, especially in early January and the day after Labor Day, fitness centers are taken over by well-intentioned people looking to get back in shape, lose weight or gain mass muscular. However, several observers say: persistence is not always there, and ‘the dropout rate is approaching 50% after the first six months of a fitness program,’ notes Yvan Campbell, kinesiologist and specialist in chronic pain.

According to the most recent figures from the Office de la protection du consommateur, Quebec has no less than 727 fitness centers on its territory; the vast majority belong to independent owners, sometimes offer very specialized services, while others are linked to well-known chains, such as Éconofitness (nearly 60 branches), Nautilus Plus (39), Énergie Cardio (33), or World Gym (6).

What drives hundreds of people, year after year, to adhere to a formula that is not necessarily suitable for those who wish to return to a healthy lifestyle? An effective marketing strategy does not explain everything, because flexible hours (some are open 24 hours a day), competitive prices, and geographic proximity help attract followers … and keep them loyal.

This is the case of Eric Bédard, a history professor at TELUQ, a loyal subscriber to a center located close to his work since 2013, whom he visits up to three times a week. ‘I have no goal, he says, and my motivation is to move because my job is sedentary. I always do the same routine, I have no coaching, no coach, but I consider sport as a necessity, just like eating, because who can say that he never has time to eat? And it is definitely not a social club: people are in their bubble, me too! ‘

Long live overbooking

According to experts in Physical Activity Sciences, some companies adhered to the health model of fitness centers, while other establishments are mainly aimed at making money, and selling derivatives, such as supplements. Several gyms practice overbooking. If their capacity is 300 people, they will subscribe to 500, because the statistics prove it: the attendance decreases from the month of February, but the profits return anyway because people subscribe for one year.

In this logic, several clients are quickly left to their own devices, with little or no supervision – even if some are looking for just that, as evidenced by the growing popularity of ‘low cost’ centers like Éconofitness. For Yvan Campbell, this trend marks the return of the ‘arm gym’ that prevailed until the 1990s, while other strategies remain timeless ‘including, for 30 years, the famous Before / After for weight loss, because people are very sensitive to aesthetics and appearance issues. ”

Someone who trains a lot, or badly, without worrying about their diet will never have good results

This obsession with thinness, several centers know how to cultivate it, but for Pierre-Alexandre Boyer Leclerc and Laurent Goulet, co-owners of the Kinesiology clinic Gestion Santé K5S, who also run a blog on preventive health (lekinesiologue.com), we would have wrong to overwhelm them with all evils. ‘Influencers, social networks, in short, the surrounding culture, all this promotes disinformation,’ deplores Pierre-Alexandre. No wonder customers are forced to buy supplements or omega-3s, wanting results quickly. And many have very specific ideas in mind. For example, I have a wedding in three weeks and I want to go in my suit! Nothing bad, but health cannot be assessed in the short term. Unfortunately, some centers sell a product, not a process. ‘

And this process can be demanding because it takes determination, persistence, and a lot of understanding. It’s the kinesiologist’s responsibility to educate the client that the change they want will not happen in two weeks. The client must be the agent of his change in the same way as the healthcare professional. And you should avoid pre-chewed solutions, or compare yourself to people who have transformed their bodies dramatically. It is dangerous to take them as models. Another person with the same social, economic and psychological background can achieve completely different results.

Real or pseudo-trainers

Kinesiologists from K5S Health Management, Laurent Goulet (left) and Pierre-Alexandre Boyer Leclerc (right). ‘Some centers sell a product, not a process,’ says Boyer Leclerc.

These kinesiologists of course plead for their parish, that of a profession still little known, but which is becoming more and more essential in the centers, which was not always the case. Pierre-Alexandre regrets that ‘the Federation of Kinesiologists of Quebec is not recognized as a professional order’, a recognition that would ‘raise the standards, and prevent anyone from becoming a coach,’ deplores Laurent Goulet. Responsible for training them, and supervising the internships of his students who are destined for kinesiology, Pierre Sercia notes an interest of the big chains to hire more kinesiologists but also recognizes that several graduates prefer to found their own center and to target clienteles specific: hockey players during the summer season, the elderly, children with posture problems, women after childbirth, etc.

As with restaurants, there is something for everyone, and for all budgets. But we can also decide to cook at home! This is a bit like the philosophy of Pierre-Hugues Geoffroy, owner of the Umanovo center in Quebec, a kinesiologist who worked for five years as a trainer in a center affiliated with a chain before founding his own establishment.

‘The gym is a solution if you like it, and it might work. On the other hand, if it’s a chore … ‘He recognizes that the promotion around weight loss’ is well articulated, a mirage not specific to gyms, but to a whole industry: that of slimming, protein diets, race programs ”, etc.

The sport will seek fear to dominate it, fatigue to overcome it, and difficulty to overcome it

Like Pierre-Alexandre, who questions the insistence of certain customers to display prominent abs – the famous six packs (‘Apart from the aesthetic side, what can it be used for?’) – Pierre-Hugues Geoffroy does feel free to explore the deep motivations of those who want to take charge of their health. ‘In front of someone who says they are 20 pounds overweight, you have to find the reasons for the imbalance that has occurred in their life and have the right approach, because each person is different. I even decided to teach mindful meditation to a totally stressed entrepreneur: his body could not have responded to any training. Easy to do at home, and inexpensive.

This is another aspect that Pierre-Hugues Geoffroy insists on, as do several of his colleagues: health is not just about exercises and dumbbells. ‘I know 70-year-old women who are a healthy weight and have never been to a gym in their life: they walk every day and eat well. We overestimate training when at 80%, it is the diet that makes all the difference. Someone who trains a lot, or badly, without worrying about their diet will never have good results. Let the Muscle gentlemen of this world take it for granted.

The Piriformis muscle is a pyramidal shape muscle that lies in the gluteal region. The main function of the piriformis muscle is it helps lateral rotation of the hip, and in hip abduction when the hip is flexed, it maintains the stability of the head of the femur in the acetabulum1.

Piriformis syndrome is a non-discogenic cause of sciatica from compression of the sciatic nerve through or around the piriformis muscle2. Most experts agree that previous gluteal trauma and posttraumatic scarring are important causes of Piriformis syndrome3. In posttraumatic Piriformis syndrome is due to the formation of a hematoma between the sciatic nerve and external rotators. 4 The FAIR position maximizes vertical adduction and internal rotation of the flexed thigh. This position is important in treating piriformis syndrome as well5.

Pathophysiology and etiology of piriformis syndrome, two components somatic and neuropathic add to clinical presentation. The somatic component is a myofascial pain syndrome of the Piriformis muscle. Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome can also occur from small external rotators of the hip and hamstring muscles through activation of the trigger point. As the neuropathic component sciatic nerve passes through infra piriformis foramen it gets compressed and irritated along with neighboring nerves and vessels.

Kinesiological Taping:-

It is a time-tested therapeutic taping method that makes use of uniquely designed elastic tape that Enhances muscular, joint, and circulatory function. It is cotton-based cloth tape with acrylic glue that allows for ventilation, and good adhesion with minimal negative skin reactions. It can be applied for 24 hrs a day and 3-5 days. It is based on the science of kinesiology with belief that body muscles are responsible for the movement of and in the body as well as being in control of other elements such as circulation of blood and body temperature. It has the potential skin-lifting effect of kinesiological tape Creates convulsions, Sub dermal vacuum, Tissue decomposition and Promotes fluid flow 6.

Soft Tissue Mobilization:

Soft tissue mobilization is useful to break down adhesions, improve the range of motion, lengthen muscles and tendons, reduce swelling and edema reduce pain to restore muscle functions. Various techniques such as direct oscillations and friction massage can be used.

Hot Water Fomentation:-On basis of the principle of thermodynamics heat is transferred from one area to the other area. It vasodilates the area, which subsides the metabolites that in turn reduce spasm which in turn reduces pain and increases the flexibility of the muscle fibers.8

Weight cuffs are used for resistance training. Strength training is associated with the production of lactate which limits exercise performance. Regular endurance exercise leads to adaptation in muscles which prevents lactate levels from rising during strength training9. All the above-mentioned treatments are used for piriformis syndrome.

This study was conducted to compare the effect of kinesiological taping and soft tissue mobilization and conventional physiotherapy in piriformis syndrome.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 30 individuals with Piriformis syndrome. 30 patients with piriformis syndrome from the department of orthopedics at Pravara Rural Hospital and Orthopedics physiotherapy Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam college of physiotherapy were undertaken for the study.

They were grouped into two groups, group 1 (n=15) and group 2 (n=15) by Simple Random Sampling.

Group 1 was given kinesiological taping and soft tissue mobilization for 4 days/week for 2 weeks. Group 2 was given conventional physiotherapy including. The range of motion of the hip is seen to be restricted in piriformis syndrome. Range of motion was assessed by a universal goniometer for flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation of the hip joint. Piriformis muscle has the chief action of the external rotator along with hip flexion and abduction. Thus the effect can be measured on these three ranges of the hip.11 Pain intensity was measured by Numerical Pain Rating Scale. It is a subjective type of pain assessment with 10 point scale demonstrating endpoints are of no pain and pain as bad or worst as it could be. The NPRS was graphically and verbally delivered.10

Medically stable Patient’s with piriformis syndrome between the ages of 30 to 50 years were included. Both male and female patients who are willing to participate were considered. Patients having Low back pain with any neurological, surgical, or congenital history were excluded. Also, patients having Low back pain with pathological diseases, and muscular and bony atrophy were excluded.

FAIR test and hip range of motion were assessed for both groups prior to starting the treatment. For group 1 the intervention was kinesiological taping along with soft tissue mobilization kinesiological taping was given for 4 days each week and the tape was changed after 48 hours and simultaneously the new tape was applied along with that soft tissue mobilization was given for 4 days with follow upto 2 weeks the same protocol was given. For group 2 the intervention was conventional physiotherapy which included a hot pack, piriformis stretching, and strengthing with the help of a weight cuff. The total duration was with follow-up of 2 weeks

Previous studies done for taping on shoulder range of motion and pain have shown that there is a significant improvement in pain intensity.12 Taping works by offering constant proprioceptive feedback or providing alignment correction during movements. In their study, however, pain intensity improvement was significantly different between the two groups immediately after Kinesiological Taping without a concurrent significant difference in change in shoulder active ROM. Similar proprioceptive feedback changes may have occurred in the present study.

More skillfully applied Kinesio Tape may promote a greater proprioceptive effect, joint mechanical correction, and enhancement of muscle function. Moreover, the four taping techniques were applied in a study done to assess the clinical effectiveness of kinesiological taping on pain and pain‐free shoulder range of motion in shoulder impingement syndrome. The study suggests that to provide facilitation of the lower trapezius muscle, inhibition of the deltoid and upper trapezius muscles, and mechanical correction affecting the subacromial space12. Kinesiological taping, irrespective of type, shows reduced pain and disability with sustained short-term effects after the treatment. Also, a study done with Kinesio taping on chronic non-specific low back pain, suggested that Kinesio Tape ensures reduction in pain and disability, irrespective of technique, with sustainable effects in short term at the end and after the treatment13. Studies have shown that elastic tape positively changes scapular motion and the performance of muscles, suggesting the therapeutic use of Kinesio taping. Also prophylactically it can assist in rehabilitation clinic as well as on field14

In another study comparing Kinesio taping and physical therapy modalities on shoulder impingement, it has been suggested that increased space is believed to reduce pressure by lifting the skin. By technique of lymphatic correction, Kinesio Tape decreases pressure under the Kinesio Tape strip which acts as a channel to direct exudates to the nearest lymph duct. Kinesio taping can improve musculoskeletal conditions such as strengthening of weakened muscles, controlling joint instability, assisting the postural alignment, and relaxing overused muscles. Kinesiological Tape is more elastic as compared with conventional tape forms. Kinesiological Tape provides an immediate effect on the limitation of the active ROM. The sensorimotor and proprioceptive feedback mechanisms help to get the effect of taping. The immediate effect of taping is characterized as sensorimotor feedback and patients often report symptom relief, improved comfort level, or stability of the involved joint. The elasticity of Kinesio Taping conforms to the body and allows free movement. Taping is an adjunct treatment option of the rehabilitation program and helps to improve functional recovery.

Some studies proposed that the immediate effect of Kinesio Tape may be considered a very important advantage as compared with local physical therapy modalities. This is also a favorable result that may increase performance during exercise. Kinesio Tape may be preferred as an alternative treatment option when an immediate effect by shorter application durations is needed15.

The result obtained in the current study may be due to proprioceptive feedback offered by kinesiological taping. Also, it provides correct alignment during the movement o the hip joint. Kinesiological taping may increase space and may reduce pressure by lifting skin14. Similarly, sudden effects may have been potentially due to Kinesio tape, which reduces mechanical irritation of involved soft tissue structures and reorients hip movements. In various studies, kinesiological taping has been shown to improve weak musculature control joint instability and postural correction.

Hence combined effects may be seen in our study as a result of proprioceptive and sensorimotor feedback systems and improvement of the muscular system along with the postural correction. The piriformis syndrome may have increased soft tissue irritation and limited ranges of the hip joint. Kinesiological tape may assist in reducing mechanical irritation of muscles, thereby reducing pain.

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common foot condition treated by healthcare professionals accounting for 15% of foot disorders with more than 10% of the population affected by it over their lifetime 1,2,3,4. It accounts for 7-14% of all sporting injuries 5 and is especially prevalent in sports requiring a posterior depression of the pelvis6.

Current literature suggests that plantar fasciitis is caused by collagen degeneration at the origin of the plantar fascia at the medial calcaneal tubercle so, PF is termed fasciosis because of the chronicity of the disease and the evidence of degeneration rather than inflammation9.

The most common presenting symptom of PF is a sharp pain of insidious onset with maximal tenderness at the anterior medial border of the calcaneus 3,4,6. The pain is worst on the first few steps in the morning 3,4 and with initial steps after prolonged sitting or inactivity 4.

Predominantly, PF is treated conservatively. Conservative management employs many different techniques including rest 6, cryotherapy 11, therapeutic ultrasound 12, stretching and strengthening 13, Manipulation 14, orthotics 13, strapping 15, and night splints6 all of which have been shown to be beneficial along with operative treatment.

There are different ways of strapping available -Low dye taping and Elastic taping. Several authors agree that Low-Dyetaping of the foot is effective in the treatment of PF 14,15. Immobilization by Low-Dye taping shortens the distance between the origin and insertion of the plantar musculature and fascia relieving the strain and tensile forces on weight bearing. In this way the strapping aims to allow healing to occur naturally 8,15.

Kinesio tape is a thin elastic tape invented by Kase in the1970s. It is widely used to prevent injuries in athletes and it has a number of proposed beneficial properties. Studies in 2010 showed that taping with Kinesio tape, in addition to traditional therapy, was more effective in the treatment of PF than traditional therapy alone as it corrects muscle function by strengthening weakened muscles, improves circulation of blood and lymph by eliminating tissue fluid (edema) and bleeding beneath the skin, therefore, decreasing swelling, decreases pain through neurological suppression, repositions subluxated joints by relieving abnormal muscle tension, helping to return the function of fascia and muscle.

The study was approved by RRC and IEC from the Indian spinal injuries center in New Delhi. We recruited 45 subjects from Safdarjung hospital New Delhi, PtDeendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for physically handicapped New Delhi, and the Indian spinal injuries center New Delhi. Subjects diagnosed with plantar fasciitis were included in this study.

Criteria for inclusion were both male and female subjects of age 25 to 50 years, positive windlass test, negative tarsal tunnel test complaining of unilateral involvement of plantar fasciitis from 6 weeks to 3 months 19.

Prior to the treatment, the patients were educated about the protocol and after the treatment, the subjects were assessed for any increase in pain. If no adverse reaction, open wound/skin allergy in the area to be taped was reported further sessions were carried out. 3 sessions of conventional treatment over a period of 1 week.

Within-group analysis, significant improvement was found in all the outcome variables, NPRS, VAS, and RFFI for each group(p=0.00). One-way ANOVA for between-group comparison was done for three groups of which VAS for first-step pain showed a significant difference( F=3.8, p=0.031).

The statistical analysis of the VAS showed that there was a significant time effect for both groups (p < 0.001) which means that both treatment groups were effective at reducing the mean VAS over the course of the study period. There was a statistically significant treatment effect showing that the Kinesio group improved better than the Low-Dye group. The Kinesio group showed a faster rate of decrease than the Low-Dye group.

First-step pain is the most characteristic pain of PF, worst on the first few steps in the morning13. It is the result of stretching the contracted and damaged plantar fascia causing pain. The pain improves with further ambulation.

The Kinesio tape group decreased morning pain overall. This may be a result of the tape being worn for up to three days over which time the tape could act on correcting intrinsic muscle imbalances in the foot, aiding the correct functioning of the fascia itself, reducing edema and inflammation by stimulating blood circulation and neurologically stimulating the proprioceptive nerve fibers and reducing pain.

The Kinesio group may have been able to more effectively reduce the VAS of participants due to its stimulating effect on proprioceptive A-beta fibers which decrease the effect of nociceptive C fibers, as proven by studies done by Illes in 2009. The Low-Dye tape also reduced mean VAS readings in participants, although less effectively and less effectively. This may have been accomplished by shortening the distance between the origin and insertion of the plantar musculature and fascia which relieved the strain and tensile forces on weight bearing. In this way, the strapping allowed healing to occur naturally with the healing of the plantar fascia also being less painful8.

There was a significant time effect (p < 0.001) indicating that both groups decreased the total FFI score over time within groups.

These findings suggest that both treatments may be effective in reducing the total FFI score because neither one was statistically superior to the other. The overall decrease in the FFI Total score for the Kinesio tape group may be a result of the reduction in edema and inflammation due to the tape lifting the skin. The tape may have also aided the correct functioning of the plantar fascia and intrinsic foot muscles and neurologically suppressed the pain of the PF.

The statistical analysis of the Low-Dye group showed there was also a significant improvement in the participant’s FFI Total score. The reason for this improvement may have been due to the Low- Dye tape immobilizing the plantar fascia and allowing healing.

The Kinesio tape group decreased morning pain overall. This may be a result of the tape being worn for up to three days over which time the tape could act on correcting intrinsic muscle imbalances in the foot, aiding the correct functioning of the fascia itself, reducing edema and inflammation by stimulating blood circulation and neurologically stimulating the proprioceptive nerve fibers and reducing pain.

In this study, all three groups received photopheresis as a part of conventional treatment for plantar fasciitis. A study by Cagnie concluded that phonophoresis given as treatment for plantar fasciitis helps in the reduction of pain45.

We also included both weight-bearing Achilles tendon stretching and plantar fascia-specific stretching in the conventional physiotherapy regimen which was received by the subjects. This could have brought this significant result in all the groups19.

“To what extent is Kinesio tape effective in preventing and treating patients with a musculoskeletal injury during rehabilitation compared to clinical standardized treatment?’

Evidence Selection

The study conducted by Montalvo, Cara, and Myer (2014) is a “systematic literature review and meta-analysis” which aims toward the evaluation the efficacy of Kinesio tape in pain management among people suffering from musculoskeletal injuries. This qualitative article is selected because it lies in the first position in the evidence hierarchy and is considered the highest level of evidence (Paul, 2018). Moreover, the article was published in 2014 which indicates this research was conducted recently. In addition, this article has compared and contrasted the efficacy of Kinesio tape in pain reduction by considering the efficacy of other traditional treatment methods (Montalvo et al., 2014).

In comparison, the research conducted by Parreira et al. (2014) is a systematic literature review and the objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Kinesio tape for musculoskeletal conditions. This quantitative article is selected because it also has the highest level of evidence according to the evidence hierarchy (Paul, 2018). This article was published in 2014 which shows that it is a valid recent study and it clearly focuses on musculoskeletal conditions and Kinesio tape which is the focused intervention in the topic. Moreover, the study compared Kinesio tape effects with other interventions of clinical standardized treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.

The study conducted by Kachanathu, Alenazi, Seif, Hafez, and Alroumim (2014) is a randomized controlled trial that aims towards comparing the effects of Kinesio tape and traditional physical therapy for “non-specific low back pain” treatment. Contrastingly, this study lies on the second level in the evidence hierarchy and was published in 2014 which indicates that it is also a recent study. Moreover, the study combines qualitative and quantitative measures and is found relevant to address the topic because it is focused on Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) whose prognosis can be determined from musculoskeletal injuries, and has compared two major interventions, Kinesio tape and physical therapy which is the main focus of the current topic (Kachanathu et al., 2014).

Evidence Summary

Introduction

In this evidence summary, the results of the retrieved articles will be discussed, and findings will be compared and contrasted to deduce a definitive conclusion. Moreover, a brief discussion will be conducted in the context of the current topic and the strength of the evidence.

Summarization of results

Montalvo et al. (2014), state that Kinesio tape helps in the reduction of pain among individuals suffering from orthopedic injuries for physical activities. The combined results of the 11 articles in this systematic review suggest that Kinesio tape has limited efficacy in the reduction of pain in musculoskeletal injuries (Montalvo et al., 2014). In contrast, Parreira et al. (2014) state that the Kinesio tape effects are not significant on musculoskeletal conditions when compared to other interventions such as sham taping. Also, in some studies, positive effects of Kinesio tape are observed but the size of the effects is very limited in those studies (Parreira et al., 2014). Moreover, Kachanathu et al. (2014) postulated that Kinesio tape is an effective intervention for the treatment of NSLBP but there is a difference in the pain, trunk flexion, and range of motions when it is conjugated with physical therapy only.

Compare and contrast

The study recommends that Kinesio tape can be used for pain reduction in musculoskeletal injuries only when it is used in conjugation with other traditional therapies for injuries (Montalvo et al., 2014). However, Parreira et al. (2014) argue that Kinesio tape has minimal to no effects on musculoskeletal conditions even if used with other traditional methods. Thus, the intervention is not entirely recommended for all pain associated with chronic musculoskeletal injuries, for instance, grade 3 muscle tears and rotator cuff displacement (Parreira et al., 2014). The study conducted by Kachanathu et al. (2014) supports the recommendations of the review conducted and states that Kinesio tape can be an effective intervention in NSLBP when conjugated with traditional physical therapy.

Discussion of results in the context of the original question

In the context of the original question based on determining the degree of Kinesio tape that can be effective in preventing and treating musculoskeletal injuries, it has been found from various studies that Kinesio tape does not have any significant impact on musculoskeletal injuries but only acts as a tool for support. This intervention is required to conjugate with other clinical standardized treatment methods to increase its efficacy (Wu, Hong & Chou, 2015)

Discussion of results in the context of the strength of evidence

According to Berkman et al. (2015), systemic review with meta-analysis and randomized control trials both are high strength evidence that is considered relevant for making recommendations in nursing practice. The findings of all the studies were considered to be consistent and applicable to the targeted subject and, it is recommended that other methods be implemented in order to use Kinesio tape as an intervention. This will also encourage a highly effective strategy to treat and avoid musculoskeletal injuries.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it can be concluded that Kinesio tape is not an effective intervention in musculoskeletal injury prevention and treatment. More robust research is required to evaluate its efficacy as evident from current results, with claims strongly suggesting this intervention to be used in conjugation with other clinical standardized treatments.

Reference List

1. Berkman, N. D., Lohr, K. N., Ansari, M. T., Balk, E. M., Kane, R., McDonagh, M., … & Gartlehner, G. (2015). Grading the strength of a body of evidence when assessing health care interventions: An EPC update. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 68(11), 1312-1324.
2. Kachanathu, S. J., Alenazi, A. M., Seif, H. E., Hafez, A. R., & Alroumim, A. M. (2014). Comparison between Kinesio taping and a traditional physical therapy program in the treatment of nonspecific low back pain. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 26(8), 1185-1188.
3. Montalvo, A. M., Cara, E. L., & Myer, G. D. (2014). Effect of kinesiology taping on pain in individuals with musculoskeletal injuries: Systematic review and meta-analysis. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 42(2), 48–57.
4. Parreira, P. do C. S., Costa, L. da C. M., Hespanhol Junior, L. C., Lopes, A. D., & Costa, L. O. P. (2014). Current evidence does not support the use of Kinesio Taping in clinical practice: A systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy, 60(1), 31–39.
5. Paul, M. (2018). The evidence hierarchy. Cham: Springer.
6. Wu, W. T., Hong, C. Z., & Chou, L. W. (2015). The Kinesio taping method for myofascial pain control. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015,1-10.

Abstract

In this research paper, I wanted to know what method between Kinesio Taping and Patellar Bracing is better for treating Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome effectively. I found many research articles that had a therapeutic study on treating PFPS with Kinesio Taping and a few articles that had a therapeutic study on treating PFPS with patellar bracing. The articles that had to deal with Kinesio Taping said that it had some effect in treating the pain but had more of an effect in improving muscle strength. Patellar Bracing improved gait and extension of the legs. Patellar Bracing in PFPS may vary in how effective they are due to how the brace is designed and Kinesio Taping only improves muscle strength and flexion and only a little evidence is said to show that it reduces pain in PFPS After researching both treatments I have found that Kinesio Taping has a more consistent treatment in PFPS than in patellar bracing making Kinesio Taping a better method because there is more research about Kinesio taping than there is in bracing and bracing can vary due to the design of the brace.

Introduction

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) or just Patellofemoral Syndrome also known as “runner’s knee” is usually characterized as anterior knee pain and the patella sometimes gets stuck in the trochlear groove (Aguilar & Marbán, 2015). It is a condition of patellar maltracking and malalignment (Petersen et al. 2014) and is quite common but mostly in runners. Besides runners, the patient population of this condition consists of females and young adults (Arazpour, 2013). It is a condition where you feel pain under and around your patella otherwise known as your kneecap due to the cartilage of the patella starting to break down (Dixit et al, 2007). This pain occurs Possible causes for PFPS may include the overuse of the knee, trauma, cartilage damage, muscular flexibility, and vascular disturbance. (Lankhorst et al 2012). It is also caused by muscle imbalances/weakness. Pain is felt when you are walking up or down the stairs, bending your knee, kneeling, squatting, and/or running (Campbell & Valier,2016). Athletic and unathletic people could get this although females are most likely to get this condition (Arazpour et al.2013). Accurate diagnosis for PFPS is still unknown at this point in time for most of the studies display some kind of bias (Cook et al. 2011) though that is not to say that there is no good or at least decent diagnosis to determine PFPS. Some Special Tests that diagnose PFPS are patellar grind tests, patellar tilt tests, positive theater signs, and the step-down test (Gallagher, 2012). PFPS affects daily life as you will feel pain every time you do something. In some people, PFPS can be a chronic problem if not treated properly. In some cases, the backside of the patella cartilage breaks down and softens in a condition called chondromalacia patella (Dixit et al 2007).

PFPS is significant in the medical field because it is one of the most common overuse injuries (Chang et al. 2015) and it’s hard to manage this pain. It is hard to get over and recover from this pain properly. This pain can become chronic and can interfere with your everyday life. PFPS can also be caused if you sit for too long on the computer like office workers who rarely get out of their chairs. There are multiple treatments to help reduce pain Although there is no true cure for this. One way to do this is to use Kinesio Taping. Kinesio Taping was made by Dr. Kenzo Kase in Japan back in the 1970s. Kinesio tape was made to help speed up the process of healing and to help support the muscles and joints with very few limits to the range of motion to the body. Kinesio Taping in PFPS is somewhat unknown but it does help decrease pain just by a bit. In many of the scholarly articles I have found the research on Kinesio taping found that it does not help reduce pain (Günay et al. 2017) and does not seem to be that effective as a treatment for PFPS. Another way to help treat PFPS is knee bracing. There is a very limited amount of research articles and the only meta-analysis article says that there was limited evidence to show the efficiency of a brace on PFPS (Warden et al, 2008), but the ones I have found have said that bracing can be effective in reducing pain depending on how the brace is designed. What I am trying to find out is which method of treating PFPS works better and more efficiently Kinesio taping or knee bracing. This is relevant because we need to know what method works best in helping treat PFPS. We need to see which method is better and faster to help treat or cure PFPS.

Bracing is effective depending on the brace in treating PFPS

Bracing in PFPS can be quite effective in improving flexion and reducing pain with certain types of braces. In one study, researchers studied the effects of a vacuum brace on patients with PFPS. The researchers found the vacuum brace was able to make a distraction in the joint that reduces the pain PFPS was causing (Roostayi et al. 2008) the brace was used for only one week. In one week, pain reduced from 4.84 to 2.69. In the second article, one type of brace was used on patients and decreased pain and increased walking and running (Arazpour et al. 2013). The patients in this study had their brace on for six weeks and experienced pain reduction by 59.6%. In the last article, the Patella Pro Study, researchers found 156 patients separated into three groups, in the first group, the patients did not have a brace on but were put in an exercise program that helped the treatment of patellofemoral pain in the span of six weeks. The second group received the patella brace in addition to the program to help with the treatment of PFPS, the patella brace was required to be on for six hours every day in the span of six weeks. The researchers studied both groups during the year and patients reported the changes in six weeks then 3 months then one more time in one year. The researchers found the methods of group two was more effective than the method of group one due to the use of the brace in the patients (Petersen et al. 2014). Bracing in PFPS can vary in the effectiveness of reducing pain depending on the design of the brace and how long the patients have the brace on.

Kinesio Taping does not seem to have an effect in reducing pain PFPS depending on where its taped

Kinesio Taping has very little effect in reducing pain in PFPS but it does improve strength. In one article the researchers used a double-blind study where the patients were to put apply the Kinesio tape on the affected area for forty-five minutes and the results found no significant change other than the strength of the quadriceps (Aytar et al, 2011). In a better article that compares and contrasts Kinesio Taping with McConnell taping, the researchers found Kinesio Taping to decrease some pain but it can’t align the patella (Chang et al, 2015). In a systematic review, it was found that the effect of Kinesio Taping on pain had been moderate but it has an increased effect in helping the activity of the muscle (Aguilar & Marbán, 2015). In many reports, Kinesio taping in PFPS has improved strength and flexibility in certain muscles but does not reduce the pain of PFPS. Kinesio tape has reduced pain when the tape has been applied to the quad muscles when the tape is shaped into the letter Y (Chang et al. 2015). This application of the tape has reduced effectiveness. This could be proven in another article where the tape was applied normally and studied in the patients wearing them and found that the Kinesio tape had little to no effect at all in decreasing pain (Ayatar et al. 2011).

Kinesio Taping improves blood circulation in the patella

Kinesio Tape when applied right to the patella can improve blood circulation. Kinesio tape, when applied on some parts of the muscle, can cause tension force which will pull the muscles and the folds of the skin caused by tape pulling it apart will get the blood flowing which improves pain in PFPS (Chang et al. 2015). Due to this Kinesio tape can improve not only just the muscles and flexion but can also reduce the pain more efficiently.

Bracing improves the gait of people with PFPS

Patients given the patella brace have seen an improvement in walking with PFPS. Patients who have PFPS saw their walking speed increase after only six weeks of having the patella brace (Arazpour et al. 2013). The flexion increased on the affected knee of each patient. The VAS scores have been decreased by what the patients considered what was painful for the patients.

Kinesio Taping can improve muscle activity/function in Patella Pain

Kinesio Taping helps the muscles heal when taped right. Kinesio taping is put on to help stimulate the VMO, VL muscles, IT band, and hamstring muscles (Chang et al, 2015). When Kinesio tape is applied to certain muscles, some methods of Kinesio taping are just better than other methods of Kinesio taping. KT tape can strengthen muscles around the joints (Gunay et al 2016). Treatment of the muscles with Kinesio taping has also gone as far as being performed on the gluteal, IT band, and femur muscles had been studied (Gunay et al, 2016)

Conclusion

After finding a plentitude of research about the effects of Kinesio taping and patellar bracing on treating PFPS. I have concluded that Kinesio Taping is slightly more efficient in treating PFPS than patella bracing. Kinesio Taping had much more consistent evidence of research than patella bracing while patella bracing could vary depending on how the brace is made although both methods of treating PFPS are ineffective and physical therapy might have been a much more effective method of treating PFPS to write about. After looking at multiple articles on patellofemoral pain syndrome I learned that effective methods of certain injuries or conditions are just hard to track and the best research to find this information may only have a limited amount of research done for this. I learned PFPS is a common injury that could happen to almost anyone and the management of this pain is hard. Now I have learned that it is hard finding research on a topic you don’t know about especially when the topic is very scarce and there isn’t much information on this. If I were in the sports medicine field I would probably know more about this condition and why it is caused. PFPS in sports medicine is probably very common because athletes usually get knee injuries which is just probably referred to as anterior knee pain. PFPS is probably most commonly talked about in many sports such as soccer and track just something that has to do with the overuse of your knees. It is good to know about this condition now that I have the knowledge of PFPS I would know what causes this and what could be done to rehabilitate this condition. This has impacted me, for now, I know what works and what doesn’t for PFPS and if I ever get this condition (hopefully I don’t) I would know what to do when this problem is presented to me. An athletic trainer can use this information to which method is better for treating PFPS and why it is important. Now I know that not all studies and treatments can be super effective to write a paper about. Now because of this, this has prepared me for the future to have better research on the topic I am working on.

References

1. Petersen,W et al. (2008). The Patella Pro study — effect of a knee brace on patellofemoral pain syndrome: design of a randomized clinical trial (DRKS-ID: DRKS00003291). BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 15(200), 1-6. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-200
2. Arazpour,M et al. (2013). The effect of patellofemoral bracing on walking in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Prosthetics and Orthotics International 37(6) 465–470. DOI: 10.1177/0309364613476535
3. Roostayi, M et al. (2008). The effects of vacuuming bracing system on the patellofemoral articulation in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 15 (2009), 29-34. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2008.09.008
4. Campbell & Valier. (2016). The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Anterior Knee Pain Consistent With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Critically Appraised Topic. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 25(3), 288-293. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2014-0278
5. Aytar, A et al. (2011). Initial Effects of Kinesio Taping in Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A randomized, double-blind study. Isokinetics and Exercise Science, 19 (2011) 135–142. DOI 10.3233/IES-2011-0413
6. Günay,E et al. (2017). Effectiveness of kinesiotaping in the patellofemoral pain syndrome. Turk J Phys Med Rehab, 63(4), 299-306. DOI: 10.5606/tftrd.2017.711
7. Aguilar & Marbán. (2015). Kinesio Taping and Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Central European Journal of Sport Sciences and Medicine, 9(1), 47-54. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274952565_Kinesio_Taping_and_Patellofemoral_Pain_Syndrome_A_Systematic_Review
8. Chang,W et al. (2015). Effects of Kinesio Taping versus McConnell Taping for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, 1-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/471208

Other Sources

1. Cook, C et al. (2011). Best tests/clinical findings for screening and diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review. Physiotherapy, 98(2), 93-100. DOI::10.1016/j.physio.2011.09.001
2. Dixit, S et al. (2007). Management of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Am Fam Physician, 75(2), 194-202,204. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0115/p194.html
3. Gallagher, S. (2012). Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. http://www.performingartspt.com/Diagnosis/PAPT_Dx-_Patellofemoral_Pain_Syndrome_LAMPE[1].pdf
4. Lankhorst, N et al. (2012) Factors associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 1-12. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2011-090369
5. Warden,S et al. (2008). Patellar Taping and Bracing for the Treatment of Chronic Knee Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Main Online Journal Name, 59(1), 73. DOI 10.1002/art.23242

Introduction

As Merriam-Webster puts it, kinesiology is the study of the principles of mechanics and anatomy in relation to human movement. It is a field of study that allows the assessment of biomedical processes in aiding human health.

By extension, kinesiology employs exercises and other related physical activities in helping patients recover their motion functions and, therefore, lead healthy life. The idea of kinesiology works based on the fact that healthy movement of about 30 to 40 minutes daily can help aged or elderly patients grow or, at least, strengthen the weakening cognitive tissues in their brains.

Again, daily and active movement strengthens muscular development, thereby, enhancing coordination and balance, improves bone and skeletal rigidity, and also slashes the possibility of fatal cardiovascular problems by improving the heart condition.

Kinesiology, according to this article, is asserted to have started majorly through the work of Dr. George Goodheart in 1964. Applied Kinesiology and Behavioral Kinesiology are also described to have come from Dr. Alan Beardall, and Dr. John Diamond respectively.

As it turns out, these research activities found the link between physical stimuli and the weakening or strengthening of indicator muscles. It forms the rooms

Areas of Application

The field of kinesiology is employed mostly in the aspects of health and wellness, sports and coaching, and exercise and fitness.

Kinesiology Career Roles

There are a growing number of career roles for specialists in the field of kinesiology. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics mentions that demand for athletic trainers is projected to reach 16% between 2019 and 2029 and that the average salary of a fitness instructor in 2019 was $40,390, while that of a sports manager was $73,740.

Among the many kinesiology career roles, there are:

• Exercise Psychologist:

These specialists direct recuperating patients on performing helpful fitness and exercise routines.

• Health or Gym Club Manager:

As a health or gym club manager, you will need to combine management skills and a knowledge of kinesiology to run or operate a gym or club where people can access such services.

• Certified Athletic Trainer:

A certified athletic trainer works alongside a sports physician in developing and improving one’s fitness.

• Community Health Worker:

The idea of a community health worker may point to people who perform blood pressure tests, physical examinations, and other minor health care services. However, these specialists also offer advice and direction on movement routines that could maintain or improve a person’s health.

• Public Health Educator:

The work of a public health educator is as simple as it sounds. They educate the public on health and related matters including the benefits of daily and active movements.

Public health educators give lectures and seminars in schools, organizations, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.

• Strength and Conditioning Coach:

A strength and conditioning coach works majorly with athletes or other sports people and develops exercises to improve whole or targeted strength and conditions in the body.

Conclusion

The field of kinesiology is being used extensively for recuperating patients and sports athletes but it also offers a whole lot of prospects. The job

What is the great sports myth?

What is the three-step process for validation of the great sports myth? And how does the great sports myth relate to you in this major? In other words, did the great sports myth have an effect on your major choice? Or a future career? If so how? If not how come? Finally, are our sports inherently pure and good? Examples.

Sport is essentially pure & good, and its purity and goodness are transferred to anyone who plays, consumes, or sponsors sports; therefore, there is no need to study and evaluate sports for the purpose of transforming or making them better because they are already what they should be. The three-step process for validation of the great sports myth is the purity of sports, purity transfers to athletes and fans, and it leads to individual and community development. In other words, sport is good and pure and it will make everyone who interacts with it pure and good as well as the community around it.

The great sports myth relates to me in the major of kinesiology because sports and body movement are the kinesiologies. My concentration of pedagogy is to teach students activities of daily living while incorporating fun games and activities to also teach psychological and social factors as well. This can help students with their motor, cognitive, and social abilities. With sports, we are able to learn these things; however, we can learn these things without sports as well.

I was put into sports because of the sports myth. My parents thought that if I was in sports, then I would stay out of trouble. Throughout my life, I have played tennis, volleyball, swimming, basketball, track and field, and karate. Since I had played all of these sports, sports became a huge part of my life and I didn’t focus on other fields or careers. If my parents wouldn’t think that, then I wouldn’t have played so many sports and chosen my field. I chose my field because I loved sports and I wanted to teach kids how to play sports and other activities. Without my parents believing in the sports myth, I wouldn’t have chosen this field.

Like life, sports are neither inherently pure nor impure. At a young age, sports help build self-esteem, confidence, discipline, and motivation, but the older one gets things to change; however, playing sports will not stop you from using drugs, drinking alcohol, or making life choices. When playing different sports, I realized that there were some people that weren’t making good decisions. On teams, I usually hung out with people like me and we were comfortable staying out of trouble but some kids were not. A lot of the girls would ditch school to be with their boyfriends, play against the rules during games, and would even bully other teammates. Also when I was coaching, I would see specific girls getting into trouble because they wanted to impress their friends and peers. This goes to show that sport does not keep people out of trouble. Sport has many good aspects about it but it does not mean that it keeps you out of trouble and is inherently good.

What I noticed and learned is that being pure and good is due to the upbringing and how the parents and family raise the child. If the parents raise their child with ethics, encouragement, honesty, and respect the child may stay out of trouble and be a better person. However, if the parents raise the child in more of a troubled state such as abuse, being too strict, not being there for him or her, and having no ethics then the child might get into more trouble. The basis of being pure and good has nothing to do with sports, but it has to do with the child’s parents and upbringing.