The effects of kinesio taping on the color intensity of superficial skin hematomas: A pilot study. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vercelli, Stefano; Colombo, Claudio; Tolosa, Francesca; Moriondo, Andrea; Bravini, Elisabetta; Ferriero, Giorgio; Francesco, Sartorio
• Is Part Of: Physical therapy in sport. Volume 23(2017)
• Page Start: 156
• Page End: 161
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: Physical therapy -- Bruise -- Tape -- Hematoma; Sports physical therapy -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- diagnosis -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- therapy -- Periodicals; Physical Therapy -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; 615.82088796
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2016.06.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-853X

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To analyze the effects of kinesio taping (KT) -applied with three different strains that induced or not the formation of skin creases (called convolutions)- on color intensity of post-surgical superficial hematomas. Design: Single-blind paired study. Setting: Rehabilitation clinic. Participants: A convenience sample of 13 inpatients with post-surgical superficial hematomas. Interventions: The tape was applied for 24 consecutive hours. Three tails of KT were randomly applied with different degrees of strain: none (SN); light (SL); and full longitudinal stretch (SF). We expected to obtain correct formation of convolutions with SL, some convolutions with SN, and no convolutions with SF. Main outcome measures: The change in color intensity of hematomas, measured by means of polar coordinates CIE L*a*b* using a validated and standardized digital images system. Results: Applying KT to hematomas did not significantly change the color intensity in the central area under the tape (p > 0.05). There was a significant treatment effect (p < 0.05) under the edges of the tape, independently of the formation of convolutions (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The changes observed along the edges of the tape could be related to the formation of a pressure gradient between the KT and the adjacent area, but were not dependent on the formation of skin convolutions. Highlights: Effects of KT on color intensity of superficial hematomas were analyzed. A significant color improvement along the edges of the tape was observed. The effects were not dependent on the formation of skin convolutions caused by the KT.