Date of Award

5-2010

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Human Performance and Health Education

First Advisor

Dr. Michael Miller

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

This research tested the effectiveness of a relatively new therapeutic product called Kinesio tape. One of Kinesio tape's therapeutic claims is increased blood flow to the taped area and thus expediting the body's healing process (Fu et aI., 2007). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Kinesio tape versus athletic tape on blood flow in the upper arm during rest and immediately following submaximal exercise. Certified athletic trainers (ATC) often use regular athletic tape to limit the range of motion and stabilize a joint as opposed to providing therapeutic benefits such as increasing blood flow.

Research on this topic is very limited, which made it imperative to conduct this study and provide scientific evidence to allied health professionals. Kinesio tape has thus far gained popularity through mainstream events such as the Olympics and college basketball and not on empirical evidence. An example of Kinesio tape's growing popularity on an experimental basis is its use as a therapeutic treatment in lymphedema patients following breast cancer (Williams, 2006). The research I conducted will help provide scientific evidence in the support or nullification of Kinesio tape's uses, specifically for increasing blood flow.

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