Abstract
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this literature review was to evaluate the effectiveness of kinesio taping on pain, muscle strength, balance, and functional outcomes across different populations and injury types. Kinesio taping is widely used in sports medicine and rehabilitation, but its overall effectiveness is still unclear. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and ScienceDirect databases. Fifteen peer-reviewed studies published between 2008 and 2019 met the inclusion criteria. Studies included participants of varying populations and examined outcomes such as pain, muscle strength, balance, and functional performance following kinesio taping interventions. RESULTS: Findings across the 15 studies were mixed. Several studies reported short-term improvements in pain reduction and joint awareness. Some studies also found improvements in balance and functional movement. However, most studies showed no significant improvement in muscle strength or athletic performance compared to control groups. CONCLUSION: Kinesio taping may provide short-term benefits, particularly for reducing pain and improving joint awareness. However, current evidence does not strongly support its effectiveness for improving muscle strength or long-term functional outcomes. More high-quality research is needed to better understand its role in injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Recommended Citation
Miranda, Aidan
(2026)
"The Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in the Treatment and Prevention of Sports Injuries: A Literature Review,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 15:
Iss.
8, Article 8.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol15/iss8/8