REVIEW STUDY ON THE EFFICIENCY OF THE USE OF KINESIOLOGICTAPE IN PERFORMANCE ATHLETES

Abstract

Introduction. In Asia, in the early 1970s, a new concept was developed -kinesiological tape.Physiotherapists use the kinesiological band in both performance or amateur athletes and patients who are in a kinetic recovery program. The exact mechanisms by which the kinesiological band acts on the body have not yet been fully elucidated .Aim. The aim of the study was to identify in the literature the information about the potential positive or negative effects offered by the use of kinesiological tape inperformance athletes that had suffered injuries and also to identify potential prophylactic effects inhealthy athletes.Material and method. The selection of articles was made using the Google Scholar search engine, where 98 studies were found in the databasesof ResearchGate, PubMed, MinervaMedica, Journal of Athletic Training, Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy. Only studies on groups of performance athletes were included.Results. Of the 28 selected articles, 12 studies showed results in which there were increases in performance and improvements in some parameters, in 12 studies it was concluded that there were no beneficial or significant effects, and in 4 articles the results of applying the bands kinesiological and placebo effect had relatively similar positive effects.Conclusions.Kinesiology tapes do not seem to bringmajor benefits in terms of the performance inhealthy athletes. Regarding the potential prophylactic effect of kinesiological bands, several complex and longer studies need tobe performed. But the kinesiological bands could be considered as an adjuvant method in rehabilitation.