The Analgesic Efficacy of Kinesiology Taping in Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

Abstract

Aims and scope: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) develops after intense physical activity and its mechanisms are due to inflammation. Kinesiology Taping (KT) improves microcirculation, supports myofascial functions and relieves the tissue. The aim of this study was to verify whether KT has an analgesic action in the DOMS and whether somatotype is associated with this action. Materials and Methods: There were 20 healthy subjects aged 27.7 ±6.4 years with moderate or high physical activity included into the study. The training with emphasis on eccentric muscle work was performed. Somatotype of respondents was assessed by Heath-Carter method. While DOMS occurred, KT muscle application on one of the limbs was done. For the next five days subjects filled out questionnaires in which they served intensity of pain on the basis of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results and conclusions: In the limb where KT application was used a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the intensity of DOMS compared to the limb without application was observed. It was found that the somatotype has no effect on the reduction of DOMS (p > 0.05). Conclusions: KT exhibits analgesic properties in DOMS. Somatotype has no relation to the effectiveness of KT analgesic efficacy in DOMS.

Full text

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Vol. 13, No. 1/2016
Central European Journal of Sport Sciences and Medicine | Vol. 13, No. 1/2016: 73–79 | DOI: 10.18276/cej.2016.1-07
THE ANALGESIC EFFICACY OF KINESIOLOGY TAPING
IN DELAYED ONSET MUSCLE SORENESS (DOMS)
Julia Kruszyniewicz,1, A, B, D Karolina Skonieczna-Żydecka,1, A, C, D
Radosław Sroka,2, A, D Grażyna Adler1, D, E
1 D epartment of Gero ntobiology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
2 Faculty of Physic al Culture and Health Promotion, University of Szczecin, Poland
A Study Design; B Data Co llection; C Statistical Analysis; D Manuscript Preparation; E Funds Collection
Address for correspondence:
Karolina Skonieczna-Żydecka
Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
Email: karzyd@pum.edu.pl
Abstract. Aims and scope: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) develops after intense physical activity and its mechanisms
are due to inflammation. Kinesiology Taping (KT) improves microcirculation, supports myofascial functions and relieves the tissue.
The aim of this study was to verify whether KT has an analgesic action in the DOMS and whether somatotype is associated with this
action. Materials and Methods: There were 20 healthy subjects aged 27.7 ±6.4 years with moderate or high physical activity included
into the study. The training with emphasis on eccentric muscle work was performed. Somatotype of respondents was assessed by
Heath-Carter method. While DOMS occurred, KT muscle application on one of the limbs was done. For the next five days subjects filled
out questionnaires in which they served intensity of pain on the basis of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results and conclusions: In the
limb where KT application was used a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the intensity of DOMS compared to the limb without application
was observed. It was found that the somatotype has no effect on the reduction of DOMS (p > 0.05). Conclusions: KT exhibits analgesic
properties in DOMS. Somatotype has no relation to the effectiveness of KT analgesic efficacy in DOMS.
Key words: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Kinesiology Taping, analgesic efficacy
Introduction
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is an example of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD)
first described in 1902 by Hough. DOMS arises in 6 to 12 hours after physical activity and lasts 5 to 7 days.
The characteristic symptoms include pain, tenderness and stiffness of muscles. The strongest pain is felt 24 and up
to 72 hours after exercise, which correlates with the highest levels of markers of muscle damage in serum (Gomes
et al., 2014; Hough, 1902; Kanda et al., 2013). The symptoms are of diverse nature ranging from slight muscle
stiffness to severe, debilitating pain, limiting the possibility of movement. Tenderness is usually observed in distal
muscle, within 24 to 48 hours after exercise spreads to the proximal parts. It was suggested that this is due to
the accumulation of a number of nociceptors at the point where the muscle passes into tendon. In addition, the

74 Central European Journal of Sport Sciences and Medicine
Julia Kruszyniewicz, Karolina Skonieczna-.
Zydecka, Radosław Sroka, Gra.
zyna Adler
cross-arrangement of the muscle fibers in this area reduces its resistance to high tensile strength, making it more
susceptible to microinjuries in comparison to other muscle regions (Garrett, 1996; Gulick, Kimura, 1996).
Delayed onset muscle soren ess occ urs du e to overloading the muscle, in pa r ticular a large amount of ecc entric
contractions. When the external load exceeds the capacity of the muscle, its stretches and active tension occurs
thus increasing the risk of damaging the musculoskeletal connection (Armstrong, Warren, 1993; Stauber, 1989).
Although ultimately EIMD supports the regeneration process and increases the strength of tissue during
the active phase of EIMD it increases the risk of injury associated with impaired proprioception, mobility of joints
and muscle strength. In women increased muscle stiffness and further reduction in the flexibility of ligaments was
observed. These disorders and especially pain develop to protect the tissue from additional damage (Cheung et al.,
2003; Dutto, Braun, 2004; Hedayatpour, Falla, 2014; Lee et al., 2013; Serinken et al., 2013).
Kinesiology Taping (KT) is a method of physiotherapy, which aims to restore the body functions using
sensory-motor system communication rules. Through the application of flexible Kinesio Tex patch (K-Active Tape),
the therapy effects on the skin surface receptors and Ruffini corpuscles, responsible for the degree of tension and
stretch of the skin. These receptors are related to A-α motor neurons and sarkomeres, which allows achieving the
therapeutic effects (Kase, 2000; Mikołajewska, 2011).
Kinesiology Taping method has local and systemic effects on the human body without showing any
invasiveness. These factors determine the attractiveness of methods and its application in the states accompanied
by pain. KT effectiveness was confirmed in athletes experiencing pain after spinal-stress training (Garczyński et al.,
2013; Merino-Marban et al., 2013). It was also shown that KT helps to reduce chronic lumbar-sacral pain (Bae et
al., 2013; Castro-Sánchez et al., 2012; Lemos et al., 2014; Paolini et al., 2011) and Czyżewski et al. found that KT
decreases pain in the case of rib fractures and exhibits an anti-swelling properties (Czyżewski et al., 2012).
The literature suggests that somatotype (structural features) is related to body’s homeostasis and exercise
capacity (Chaouachi et al., 2005; Lewandowska et al., 2011; Özkan et al., 2012). Many authors draw attention to
the relationship between athletes sport efficacy and their somatotype (Brocherie et al., 2014; Carvajal et al., 2009;
Fidelix et al., 2014; Purenović-Ivanović, Popović, 2014).
There has been increased interest in healthy lifestyle and fitness for several years. Many people starting
intensive training experience DOMS being the reason for discontinuation of activity. The aim of this study was to
evaluate the analgesic efficacy of Kinesiology Taping in DOMS and to determine whether somatotype is related to
the analgesic effectiveness of the method.
Materials and Methods
Participants
The study group consisted of 20 people, aged 27.7 ±6.4 years, with a moderate or high level of physical
activity. All participants declared their state of health as good. People taking part in the survey were familiar with
its purpose and course and gave written consent which was prepared in compliance with the ethical principles
formulated by Kruk (2013). The project was positively evaluated by the Bioethics Commission of the Pomeranian
Medical University in Szczecin (Resolution No. KB-0012/35/15).

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Methods
In order to assess the degree of physical activity the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
short version was applied. People with at least moderate level of physical activity were included into the study
group. Somatotype was evaluated by Heath-Carter method. In case of ecto and mesomorphic types 7-point scale
Sheldon assessment was expanded to 9 and in case of endomorphic to 12 degrees. The subjects underwent
training concentrated on arms or legs, once. The training was conducted with an emphasis on eccentric muscle
work using free weights. The physical activity was tailored to the individual capabilities of each of the respondents.
The power used in the training ranged from 60 to 90% of the maximum possible load.
While DOMS occurred, in each of the participants, we applied K-Active Tape (Nitto Denko, Japan), in the
specified muscle area, where the highest pain was expressed. Then participants were asked to fill in two identical
surveys including the visual-analogue scale (VAS), which evaluated the pain in limbs with and without the application
of KT. The evaluation was carried out for five days, one time a day at the same time time, starting 5 hours after the
KT application.
To determine whether the method exhibits analgesic activity in DOMS we analyzed the intensity of pain each
day. The average values reflecting the intensity of pain each day were compared between the two limbs (with
and without application) using the following designations: the difference in the first measurement of Δ1, by next
measurement Δn etc. Additionally, we analyzed the difference in the intensity of pain (scale 1–10) between limbs on
the first (5 hours after application) and on the last day, ΔVAS.
In addition, the influence of participants somatotype on KT analgesic effectiveness was analyzed. In order to
do this we compared the somatotype with ΔVAS separately for the area with and without KT application.
Statistical analyses
Continuous variables were characterized by the average value (M) and standard deviation (SD). In the case of
qualitative variables there was amount (n), also expressed in the percentage (%) given. To assess the association of
somatotype with analgesic efficacy of KT, ANOVA test was used. All the analyses were performed using Stat View
Package Version 5.0 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
In 18 (90%) of the 20 participants, the physical activity level was assessed as high. There were 2 (10%)
subjects with moderate level of physical activity. Using anthropometric measurements we identified four types of
somatotype: ectomorphic (n = 3; 15%) endomorphic (n = 4; 20%), mesomorphic (n = 8; 40%) and mixed (n = 5; 25%).
After strength training we applied KT and one respondent received one application. KT were applied to the
following muscles: gastrocnemius (n = 3; 15%) quadriceps femoris (n = 8; 40%), biceps femoris (n = 3; 15%) gluteus
maximus (n = 2; 10%), biceps brachii (n = 2; 10%), pectoralis major (n = 1; 5%) and deltoid (n = 1; 5).
Comparing the intensity of pain perception between the area with and without KT we observed smaller,
statistically significant (p < 0.05) sensation of pain in case of KT application, since the first day until the end of the
study. The results are given in Table 1. There was no effect of participants somatotype on analgesic efficacy of
KT (p > 0.05). The results are shown in Figures 1 and 2.

76 Central European Journal of Sport Sciences and Medicine
Julia Kruszyniewicz, Karolina Skonieczna-.
Zydecka, Radosław Sroka, Gra.
zyna Adler
Table 1. The differences in the intensity of DOMS
Area without KT application Area with KT application p
M ± SD min. max. M ± SD min. max.
VAS 1 6.75 ±1.94 210 6.20 ±1.90 18 0.0020
VAS 2 6.70 ±1.89 29 5.55 ±1.95 18 0.0001
VAS 3 5.70 ±1.75 28 4.35 ±1.92 17 <0.0001
VAS 4 4.25 ±1.91 18 2.90 ±1.71 0 6 0.0002
VAS 5 2.75 ±1.99 0 8 1.45 ±1.53 0 5 0.0001
ΔVAS 4.00 ±2.20 –1 8 4.75 ±2.15 0 8 0.0039
Figure 1. The somatotype in relations to DOMS reduction in limbs without KT application (p > 0.05).
Bars indicate standard errors
Figure 2. The somatotype in relations to DOMS reduction in limbs with KT application (p > 0.05).
Bars indicate standard errors

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Discussion
In 2010 Tiffert (2010) described that KT application results in tissue relief, increased blood flow and lymph
circulation thus accelerating the healing process and pain reduction. In present study we observed a reduction
of pain since the first day of KT application and a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was maintained
throughout the whole study period. The results of our study are therefore consistent with the findings of tests carried
out by Nosaka and Clarkson. They induced DOMS in upper limbs in a group of untrained students by using strength
eccentric exercises in two sessions, two weeks apart. The subjects were divided into two groups, during the first
series of exercises KT wasapplied in the first group, while the second session in the second group. The results
obtained by the researchers confirmed the effectiveness of KT in removing pain, reducing muscle stiffness and
increasing range of motion and strength (Nosaka, Clarkson, 1990).
Other researchers analyzed the effectiveness of KT in DOMS only in the study group. The control group
consisted of people who carried out observations of DOMS regression without any therapeutic method. The intensity
of pain was assessed using VAS scale; before KT application and in 24, 48 and 72 hours after the treatment. It was
found that KT accelerates the pain and has a positive effect on the muscle strength. Moreover, it was proved that
thickened, as a result of DOMS, muscles return to proper morphology faster when applying KT patch (Lee et al.,
2015). Bae et al. also confirmed the effectivenes of KT in abolishing pain as well as in supporting the correct
perception of temperature (Bae et al., 2014a, 2014b). Nevertheless, there is also a body of evidence indicating no
positive effect of KT in DOMS. Among many works on the analgesic efficacy there are also ones which have not
confirmed the positive effect of KT in DOMS. Ozmen et al. studied a group of female students with low physical
activity and reported no statistically significant efficacy of KT in case of DOMS. The authors noted, however, that
48 hours after the application muscle flexibility increased (Ozmen et al., 2015).
Pain is a subjective sensation thus the opinion of the authors of this study states that the difference can be
shown only in the same sample, when all other modifiable factors are eliminated. Moreover, in case of works by
Nosaka and Clarkson (1990) and Ozmen et al. (2015) too short period of time between the training sessions could
influence the results. In recent years it was shown that muscle tissue affected by DOMS returns completely to its
homeostasis within 6 weeks (Hyldahl, Hubal, 2014). We therefore assume that performing experiments in people
previously adapted to a more intensive effort could interfere with the results obtained by the researchers.
According to the literature, one’s metabolism depends on individual somatotype (Harmon, 2010). In 2010,
Harmon found that people of endomorphic and then mesomorphic somatotype are most likely to develop DOMS.
In contrast, ectomorphic people show the greatest resistance to pain (Harmon, 2010). In our studies, we confirmed
no impact of the somatotype on the analgesic efficacy of KT. This may be due to small sample size and the fact that
25% of the study group (n = 5) presented a mixed somatotype.
The present study confirms that KT exhibits an analgesic effect in DOMS. According to the literature KT
also contributes to an increase in range of muscle motion and strength, improve surface tension and reduction in
muscle tone. These phenomena suggest that KT in DOMS acts not only mechanically but also affects physiological
processes involved in the regeneration of damaged muscle tissue (Bae et al., 2014a, 2014b; Nosaka, Clarkson,
1990; Lee et al., 2015; Ozmen et al., 2015).

78 Central European Journal of Sport Sciences and Medicine
Julia Kruszyniewicz, Karolina Skonieczna-.
Zydecka, Radosław Sroka, Gra.
zyna Adler
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Cite this article as: Kruszyniewicz, J., Skonieczna-Żydecka, K., Sroka, R., Adler, G. (2016). The Analgesic Efficacy of Kinesiology
Taping in Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Central European Journal of Sport Sciences and Medicine, 13 (1), 73–79. DOI:
10.18276/c ej. 2016.1 - 07.