Effects of Kinesio Tape on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Kinesio tape (KT) may be useful for the treatment of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), but there has been no systematic review assessing their efficacy. OBJECTIVES: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of KT on DOMS. METHODS: We searched seven databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and crossover randomized trials of KT in DOMS, from the earliest date available to December 31, 2019. The primary outcome was muscle soreness. The secondary outcome was muscle strength and serum creatine kinase (CK) level. The risk of bias was evaluated based on the Cochrane criteria. Data were analyzed using RevMan version 5.3.0 software. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Systematic review registration number is CRD42020157052. RESULTS: Eight trials (six RCTs and two crossover randomized trials) with 289 participants were included. KT use significantly reduced muscle soreness at 48 h (mean difference (MD): -0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.10 to 0.24, P = 0.002) and 72 h postexercise (MD: -0.81, 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.17, P = 0.01) but not at 24 h. KT use improved muscle strength at 72 h postexercise (standardized mean difference: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.69, P = 0.04) but not at 24 or 48 h. However, the serum CK level at 24, 48, and 72 h postexercise was not better in the KT group relative to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests that KT might help to alleviate DOMS after strenuous exercise to improve muscle strength. Thus, using KT on the skin for more than 48 hours postexercise, but not for 24 h, appears more effective at relieving pain and improving muscle strength.