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Neuromuscular taping: Do all the different tapes have similar mechanical properties?

Abstract:

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess the mechanical characteristics of different types of tape utilized in neuromuscular taping (Kinesio Taping) during stress-strain tests, and find out whether the different brands and colours available in the market show different mechanical characteristics. A secondary purpose was to provide information related to the tape strain during the taping preparation, to optimize the taping effect. Methods: Thirty-centimeter pieces of tape [Cure Tape (black, blue, red and pink), Sports Tex (black, blue and red), Kinsiotape (blue and red) and Kinesiology Tape (blue and red)] were cut and fixed. Then, progressive loads until the point of rupture were applied to calculate the stress-strain relationship for each tape. Results: The different colours and brands explored showed different mechanical behaviours. The greatest elongation before rupture ranged between 77% and 106% of the resting length in the tapes tested. Maximum stress before rupture ranged between 4.57 and 8.06. MPa. Average Young's modulus in the exponential parts of the stress-strain curves were from 0.0526 and 0.0966. MPa. Finally, the tape thicknesses ranged from 0.44 to 0.55. mm. Conclusions: The large variability found in the mechanical behaviour of the different tapes leads us to recommend the utilization of the same brand and colour for a given purpose. This will allow the physiotherapist to achieve an optimum tension level of the tape with a protocolized tape elongation. © 2009 Consell Català de l'Esport. Generalitat de Catalunya.