Kinesio taping and manual pressure release: Short-term effects in subjects with myofasical trigger point
School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
Abstract
Study design: Randomized controlled trial. Introduction: Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) and fascia tenderness. Purpose of the study: We investigated the effects of manual pressure release (MPR) alone or in combination with taping (MPR/MKT) in subjects with MTrPs. Methods: Fifteen and 16 subjects received MPR and MPR/MKT respectively. Outcomes including Pressure pain threshold, muscle stiffness, mechanomyography were assessed at baseline, post-intervention and 7-days later. Results: Pressure pain threshold improved significantly (d ¼ 1.79, p < 0.005) in both groups. Significant improvement in muscle stiffness in the MPR/MKTgroup (0.27e0.49 mm) as compared to the MPR group ( 0.02e0.23 mm). Mechanomyography amplitude in the MPR/MKT group was significantly higher than that of the MPR group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: MPR and MPR/MKT are effective in reducing pain in these subjects. MPR/MKT has a greater effect on muscle stiffness and contraction amplitude. Level of evidence: IV.
