The Effect Of Kinesio Taping On Postural Balance In The Elderly

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the effect of kinesio taping about postural balance in the elderly and to explore its mechanism.Methods: 30 healthy elderly were recruited for this study,aged 65-75 years old.The participants were under each tape condition(kinesio taping,placebo taping and no taping)to test the sensory organization test(SOT),limits of stability(LOS),adaptation test(ADT)by using dynamic balance equipment(NeuroCom International,Inc.,Clackamas,OR,USA.).The order of three tape conditions was carried out at random,with a one-week interval between each tape condition.All participants received 4 strips of I-shaped kinesio taping.2 strips of kinesio taping were on both sides of the navel without tension,the “anchor” was located in the line between two sides of the anterior superior iliac spine,participant was with trunk flexion.2 kinesio taping were on the back without tension,the“anchor” was located in the line between two sides of the spina iliaca posterior superior,participant was with trunk extension.The balance tests were tested after taping kinesio taping immediately.Placebo taping had the same color and width as kinesio taping,but was inelastic.The tape method of placebo taping was the same as kinesio taping.The effects of kinesio taping on the postural balance ability of the elderly were verified by the changes of the equilibrium score,strategy(ankle strategy,hip strategy)score,movement velocity,maximum excursion,directional control and sway energy.Repeated measures one-way ANOVA was used for data analysis(SPSS 20.0).Results: Equilibrium scores in the SOT 3(eyes open,moving visual environment and fixed platform)were observed significant statistical difference in that kinesio taping compared with no taping(p<0.05).Equilibrium scores in the SOT6(eyes open,moving visual environment and mobile platform)were observed significant statistical difference in that kinesio taping compared with no taping(p<0.05).There was no significant statistical difference in other conditions(SOT1,SOT2,SOT4,SOT5)(P>0.05).Under three taping conditions,there was no significant statistical difference in equilibrium strategy score(P>0.05)?Under three tape conditions,there was no significant statistical difference in movement velocity(P>0.05).Under three taping conditions,there was significant statistical difference in maximum excursion(P<0.05)?Maximum excursion of moving forward was observed significant statistical difference in that kinesio taping compared with no taping(p<0.05).Maximum excursion of moving back was observed significant statistical difference in that kinesio taping compared with no taping(p<0.05).Underthree tape conditions,there was no significant statistical difference in maximum excursion of moving right and left(P>0.05)?Under three tape conditions,there was no significant statistical difference in directional control(P>0.05)?Under three taping conditions,there was significant statistical difference in the toes-up test(P<0.05).There was observed significant statistical difference in that kinesio taping compared with no taping(p<0.05).There was observed significant statistical difference in that kinesio taping compared with placebo taping and no taping(p<0.05).Under three taping conditions,there was no significant statistical difference in the toes-down test(P>0.05)Conclusion: In the condition of visual disturbance,kinesio taping can improve the postural balance ability of the elderly.In the condition of visual disturbance and proprioception disturbance,kinesio taping can improve the postural balance ability of the elderly.About limits of stability,kinesio taping can increase the maximum distance between the forward and back direction.About adaptation test,in the case of disturbance of balance,the kinesio taping can improve the posture stability of the elderly when the ankle was moved toes-up.